Automation & Envelopes

Making a static mix move.

The single biggest difference between a demo and a record is that a record moves. Automation is how.

The basics

What automation is and what to automate first.

1. Automation lanes and how to read them
2. Volume automation comes first
3. Drawing automation, or recording it
4. Shaping changes so they sound natural

Automating for effect

Movement with intent.

1. Filter sweeps that do not sound cheap
2. Automating space and depth
3. Pan movement, used sparingly
4. Automating effect controls
5. Mutes and drops as arrangement tools
6. Automate a transition
7. Automation final