Applying automation
You can make effects and controls change over time. This is called automation. Automation allows you to have fine control over your instruments and effects. In the following example, we will look at applying automation in the mixer; however, it should be noted that automation can be applied to any effect plugin, the channel rack, the playlist, and any instrument plugin. This is a big deal, as you can have sounds evolving over time throughout a song.
Essentially, any time that you want to have a sound transition from one state to another, you use automation. Here are some examples of automation that you hear in music:
- Sounds gradually getting quieter or louder. Any time a sound fades in or out, it’s using automation.
- Any time in a film that you hear footsteps or a car sound appear to move from left to right, you’re hearing panning effect automation.
- Rising or falling effects can be created through the use of automation. A...