How can I get smooth sidechain ducking that keeps the kick clear?

[Aaron.J]

I'm working on a track where the kick drum keeps getting buried by a thick bass synth. I've been trying to use sidechain compression to duck the bass, but it's either too obvious and pumpy or I can't hear the effect at all. I think I'm missing something about the attack and release settings. How do you get that smooth, professional-sounding ducking that you feel more than you hear?