I used to think of automation as such a tedious and daunting task, but now come to realize that the more you do it, the easier it becomes. And you get a feel for what needs to be automated and when. It really is the key ingredient to mixes that stand out. One tip... if you've done a bunch of volume automation, but then realize you need to bring up the overall level of the track, just use a trim plugin at the end of the plugin chain and add a half dB or whatever there. Makes it easier than having to go back to the automation lane and pull everything up.
As an electronic music producer I've always adopted a "mix as I go" ethos. I't's videos like this that remind me I should not be so lazy and dedicate a final session just to mixing. Great video, thanks!
You've provided so much good information. Not only in this video, but in other videos as well. I really feel as if you are discussing advanced topics in a way that those that aren't quite there can quickly grasp on and start implementing. You're advice is genre agnostic and applicable no matter the environment. Thanks so much for doing this for us.
Waw!!!!!I really have to thank you for this great video. I am a real amateur in the sense that i just do this for my own pleasure, not for any costumer, and I have never learned any of this. I just always did what I thought was right instinctively. But I have always done this exact level of automation in my mixes, setting a rough starting point and then doing each instrument/track at a time, one by one, adding automation all through the song, sometimes debating about microadjustments as little as 0.2 dB adjustments, trying to enhance different parts of the track to make it shine when it needs to, and as you said, attracting the listener's focus to where I want in some particular moments. And I am just amazed that you expressed exactly the same things that i have always done, thus validating what I was doing, when I really thought I was a real OCD freak... Thank you again.
Wonderful videos! Now that I’ve already produced twenty songs and I’m ready for more detailed coverage of certain topics, I’m rediscovering you and finding out that you’re pure gold! ❤❤❤
So we “goose” up a signal, but we “duck” it down. Didn’t know waterfowl factored so heavily in audio production. LOL! Seriously great and helpful content, though. Thank you!
Great video! I found that before I even knew how to use EQ/Comp/etc, I would only automate and listening back, my old mixes had an incredible feel. Just weren't mixed great. Now that I can EQ etc, I tend to ignore automation more than I should. And my mixes sound good sonically but feel a bit lifeless. For myself, I think I gotta resist that urge to throw plugins on until everything is automated.
EQ automation for different parts of a track sounds interesting. I have been thinking of EQ automation as a sound effect thing and using it for balancing a track was new to me. And also all the other automation tips mentioned in the video, those also sound interesting. I have mainly just been adjusting the volume levels for some tracks such as vocals.
@12:37 yeah.... I've apparently been automating without knowing it since I started making music, but I actually thought that was "the wrong way" to do stuff--"unnatural" or something--so I eventually started doing it the actual wrong way thinking a track should maintain the same level throughout and getting myself stuck in that up-down-back up trap. I think lately I've only really been automating to bring down bass notes that are blowing up the mix. Time to re-rewire my brain again
You are right, really good points. Spetially considering that everything sums energy in the master bus and mess with the clipping, therefore, the loudness
By the way, being mostly into acoustic instruments, I also use automation to get rid of some guitar squeaks very efficiently and naturally, instead of using a deesser or any other tool
I'd be really interested in a podcast episode going in-depth on gain riding, best ways to do it, etc. I've noticed you mention it a lot. I've used volume automation before but it honestly was just because I didn't understand how to set up a compressor. I can imagine how manual gain riding could impart a more natural feel, but I get the feeling that there's a bit more to it than just simply having your finger on the fader and turning it up/down when necessary.
Good advice I’ve achieved a lot of these things by cloning tracks and adjusting levels / effects differently on the different tracks Might try linking a parameter in my DAW to a knob on my midi keyboard, and record moving the knob as a pattern. Have had issues trying to use automation clips in FL Studio
MORE GREAT TIPS! I clip gain alot on vocs until every word is where I want it basically...but Im on Logic and the automation can get pretty narly and always seems late in some circumstances..wish I ad PT..
Get yourself a Reaper license, get into the community, and they have skins/ Settings, especially these automation settings, if you want a delay massive after a transient. Automation. You can do several amazing things. That with automated parallel effects (comp, reverb, delay, etc) makes this to the next level. That is the strength from this DAW. All the rest is a good ear and your imagination. And... use LFO's, these are amazing.
funny, my music is over automated so to say, but i still do not consider myself any hair of mixer engineer. It is all about patience, because mistakes in automation sucks, and you have to edit the details. In a huge mix it happens that you don´t know where is the problem after so much automation, so you have to learn your project very well. For me is kind of obvious that this is the nicest thing one can discover
I had to laugh when I saw the video title. I just mixed something for a friend. My first big mix and thought the automation that was actually needed was never going to end! But to make everything flow it seems you gotta tweek and tweek.
A shit tonne of vocal automation, pan automation, mix bus volume and side mid EQ automation, some things subtle, some things very apparent, drum fills up, the list is endless. I only ask myself one question during every second of a mix: is this keeping the attention of your average (non musician!) listener? If not, automation can help.
It’s true except for the last month. I started automating around .3 plus or minus across the whole song for movement that’s not completely audible just a feeling a movement . Automate to the flow of dynamics. To almost every track.almost. Also especially to vocals.
Please can you do a video on how to deal with vocal resonances? Justin your voice is quite sibilant, and there is a whistle on your S sounds. I have the same thing. When I record my voice it sounds terrible. Can you offer any insight on how to deal with it? I'm having to manually cut s sounds and put on another track and apply heavy EQ notching. This is very time consuming. Any ideas?
To keep the vocals relative to the backing music in all sections, could you mix all of the backing music to a bus then analyze that bus with a loudness plugin to create a volume automation envelope, and then use that envelope to adjust the vocal levels so they match the changes in the levels of the backing music?
Good stuff...how about the Snare vs Lead vocal correlation...I envision the snare on the Vocalist chin and the Kick in the chest but when I listen on smalls the snare is too loud. Ive tried EQ, Dyn EQ's, Multi Comps, Automation, side chain and ducking. The snare's "SUPPOSED" to pop.
Wondering if you ever do this ? I often go into the wave editor of the vocal and increase or reduce the gain of individual syllables manually. Like a really focused compressor, before it hits an actual compressor. You can do this through Melodyne or indeed the Time Flex function in Logic Audio. Do you do this and do you recommend it ?
Absolutely yes. I do this with the “clip gain” function in Pro Tools. I probably mention it somewhere in this episode. And it maybe in the gain staging episode as well. I will often find myself riding volume at the waveform level if needed when setting my initial balances. Or, I might discover I need to do it when setting my compressors later on, to make them more consistent or transparent. After all this is done, some instruments, particularly vocals, still benefit from another pass of automation at the fader level. Hope that helps! -Justin
What you fail to mention is that if you're hearing isn't developed enough you'll miss this entirely so doing this type of automation is dependent on having developed good enough hearing to identify what needs to be automated.
You are so right about that. But Humankind is truly lazy. I am not saying this. The Scientists does! That is why guys like Bill Putnam designed all of the Compressors we love today 1176s, LA2A's etc just to handle huge dynamics of a lead Vocal, drum tracks... That is why today even dynamic multiband eqs like Fab Filter Q3 has dynamic eqs in every band you select! Which makes Process a Childs play! What I am trying to say is people are lazy and always will be as the Technology develops further..
As soon as I saw the title of this vid I thought, "What a bunch of spoiled little bitches we've all become." Automation wasn't even a twinkle in some computer geek's eyes until about the mid 1970's: I'm old enough that I was around in those days. I use the tools of the day just like everyone else, but it's too bad all the iconic albums of the past sound so crappy.... If only they had automation. wink, wink.
I wish this video was supported visually as well, it's hard to stay focused for ADHD guys or temporary sick ppl like me. But even though this is not the case, this video needs to be with visuals, it's way too boring and more hard to understand everything said like this.
It’s a podcast! :-) Walk around, do the dishes, now your lawn, clean your room and just listen. Podcast episodes aren’t really meant to be sat down with and just watched the whole way through. -Justin
@@SonicScoop oh, I didn't know this was meant for podcast. I came here from Conor Dalton's mixing advice book. He created an external links for you. Then if it's podcast, that's awesome I was also looking for something like this to listen on the road without having to watch! :) Thanks for explanation.
lol this is ridiculous automation has nothing to do with the way the mix will sound of course u need to automate things but that's not the reason people have shitty mixes.
How the mix feels > How the mix sounds. Yes, you should get your mix sounding great as it should overall. Then, you should go back and automate more. But in principle, a mix that feels better and makes you connect what the song more is far superior to one that merely “sounds” better. Hope that helps, Justin
@@SonicScoop i Agree wrote that comment before actually watching the video.. definitely automation is a big part of mixing in general but i thought you meant that automation is what people think there missing in there mixes I'm sure a lot of people lack automation which shouldn't be the case. But I also see people that are new to mixing boost nasally and boxy frequencies. I even see producers who are experienced do this for some reason. Idk if this is a new trend or something but have you seen any experienced engineers do this on purpose? Cancel Reply
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
Best explanation of automation that I’ve seen, you literally answered all the questions I had!
Awesome to hear!
-Justin
I used to think of automation as such a tedious and daunting task, but now come to realize that the more you do it, the easier it becomes. And you get a feel for what needs to be automated and when. It really is the key ingredient to mixes that stand out.
One tip... if you've done a bunch of volume automation, but then realize you need to bring up the overall level of the track, just use a trim plugin at the end of the plugin chain and add a half dB or whatever there. Makes it easier than having to go back to the automation lane and pull everything up.
As an electronic music producer I've always adopted a "mix as I go" ethos. I't's videos like this that remind me I should not be so lazy and dedicate a final session just to mixing. Great video, thanks!
You've provided so much good information. Not only in this video, but in other videos as well. I really feel as if you are discussing advanced topics in a way that those that aren't quite there can quickly grasp on and start implementing. You're advice is genre agnostic and applicable no matter the environment. Thanks so much for doing this for us.
Waw!!!!!I really have to thank you for this great video. I am a real amateur in the sense that i just do this for my own pleasure, not for any costumer, and I have never learned any of this. I just always did what I thought was right instinctively. But I have always done this exact level of automation in my mixes, setting a rough starting point and then doing each instrument/track at a time, one by one, adding automation all through the song, sometimes debating about microadjustments as little as 0.2 dB adjustments, trying to enhance different parts of the track to make it shine when it needs to, and as you said, attracting the listener's focus to where I want in some particular moments.
And I am just amazed that you expressed exactly the same things that i have always done, thus validating what I was doing, when I really thought I was a real OCD freak...
Thank you again.
Wonderful videos! Now that I’ve already produced twenty songs and I’m ready for more detailed coverage of certain topics, I’m rediscovering you and finding out that you’re pure gold! ❤❤❤
So we “goose” up a signal, but we “duck” it down. Didn’t know waterfowl factored so heavily in audio production. LOL! Seriously great and helpful content, though. Thank you!
Thank you, Justin.
This hit me on a personal level lol
Great video! I found that before I even knew how to use EQ/Comp/etc, I would only automate and listening back, my old mixes had an incredible feel. Just weren't mixed great. Now that I can EQ etc, I tend to ignore automation more than I should. And my mixes sound good sonically but feel a bit lifeless. For myself, I think I gotta resist that urge to throw plugins on until everything is automated.
one of the most satisfying things is to automate delay and reverb tails
"goose" is now my favourite verb. Thank you!
EQ automation for different parts of a track sounds interesting. I have been thinking of EQ automation as a sound effect thing and using it for balancing a track was new to me. And also all the other automation tips mentioned in the video, those also sound interesting. I have mainly just been adjusting the volume levels for some tracks such as vocals.
@12:37 yeah.... I've apparently been automating without knowing it since I started making music, but I actually thought that was "the wrong way" to do stuff--"unnatural" or something--so I eventually started doing it the actual wrong way thinking a track should maintain the same level throughout and getting myself stuck in that up-down-back up trap. I think lately I've only really been automating to bring down bass notes that are blowing up the mix. Time to re-rewire my brain again
Nice. Excellent points to consider. A really cool video about organic type mixing. Thank you.
GOLD as usual. Going to take the mixing class soon. SOLD!
Awesome to hear Barry! Hope you enjoy.
-Justin
Great tips here! Panning automation can also be pretty sweet in some mixes.
You are right, really good points. Spetially considering that everything sums energy in the master bus and mess with the clipping, therefore, the loudness
Thank you so much for sharing such great information.
Thank you for tuning in!
-Justin
By the way, being mostly into acoustic instruments, I also use automation to get rid of some guitar squeaks very efficiently and naturally, instead of using a deesser or any other tool
All of your videos bring so much value and give me so much thoughts to think about! Thank you so much Justin
I'd be really interested in a podcast episode going in-depth on gain riding, best ways to do it, etc. I've noticed you mention it a lot. I've used volume automation before but it honestly was just because I didn't understand how to set up a compressor. I can imagine how manual gain riding could impart a more natural feel, but I get the feeling that there's a bit more to it than just simply having your finger on the fader and turning it up/down when necessary.
Made me think of dynamic EQ before compressor or side chaining also to crew tree space
Good advice
I’ve achieved a lot of these things by cloning tracks and adjusting levels / effects differently on the different tracks
Might try linking a parameter in my DAW to a knob on my midi keyboard, and record moving the knob as a pattern.
Have had issues trying to use automation clips in FL Studio
Great video full of insights
This was a fantastic video, thank you!!!
MORE GREAT TIPS! I clip gain alot on vocs until every word is where I want it basically...but Im on Logic and the automation can get pretty narly and always seems late in some circumstances..wish I ad PT..
Get yourself a Reaper license, get into the community, and they have skins/ Settings, especially these automation settings, if you want a delay massive after a transient. Automation. You can do several amazing things. That with automated parallel effects (comp, reverb, delay, etc) makes this to the next level. That is the strength from this DAW. All the rest is a good ear and your imagination. And... use LFO's, these are amazing.
funny, my music is over automated so to say, but i still do not consider myself any hair of mixer engineer. It is all about patience, because mistakes in automation sucks, and you have to edit the details. In a huge mix it happens that you don´t know where is the problem after so much automation, so you have to learn your project very well. For me is kind of obvious that this is the nicest thing one can discover
Thanks
I had to laugh when I saw the video title. I just mixed something for a friend. My first big mix and thought the automation that was actually needed was never going to end! But to make everything flow it seems you gotta tweek and tweek.
Melodyne can help leveling quite a bit before comp and post automatization
A shit tonne of vocal automation, pan automation, mix bus volume and side mid EQ automation, some things subtle, some things very apparent, drum fills up, the list is endless. I only ask myself one question during every second of a mix: is this keeping the attention of your average (non musician!) listener? If not, automation can help.
It’s true except for the last month. I started automating around .3 plus or minus across the whole song for movement that’s not completely audible just a feeling a movement . Automate to the flow of dynamics. To almost every track.almost. Also especially to vocals.
I automate everything...and my phone still isn't ringing 😂
Just went through 5 different mix revisions with an artist and all I did was tweak her vocal automation 😂
Please can you do a video on how to deal with vocal resonances? Justin your voice is quite sibilant, and there is a whistle on your S sounds. I have the same thing. When I record my voice it sounds terrible. Can you offer any insight on how to deal with it?
I'm having to manually cut s sounds and put on another track and apply heavy EQ notching. This is very time consuming. Any ideas?
To keep the vocals relative to the backing music in all sections, could you mix all of the backing music to a bus then analyze that bus with a loudness plugin to create a volume automation envelope, and then use that envelope to adjust the vocal levels so they match the changes in the levels of the backing music?
Good stuff...how about the Snare vs Lead vocal correlation...I envision the snare on the Vocalist chin and the Kick in the chest but when I listen on smalls the snare is too loud. Ive tried EQ, Dyn EQ's, Multi Comps, Automation, side chain and ducking. The snare's "SUPPOSED" to pop.
Its true but I create heavy dynamics in the production process and my automation is mainly reverb and delay.
Wondering if you ever do this ?
I often go into the wave editor of the vocal and increase or reduce the gain of individual syllables manually. Like a really focused compressor, before it hits an actual compressor. You can do this through Melodyne or indeed the Time Flex function in Logic Audio.
Do you do this and do you recommend it ?
Absolutely yes. I do this with the “clip gain” function in Pro Tools.
I probably mention it somewhere in this episode. And it maybe in the gain staging episode as well.
I will often find myself riding volume at the waveform level if needed when setting my initial balances.
Or, I might discover I need to do it when setting my compressors later on, to make them more consistent or transparent.
After all this is done, some instruments, particularly vocals, still benefit from another pass of automation at the fader level.
Hope that helps!
-Justin
@@SonicScoop Definitely. Thanks. I am getting totally addicted to your channel. Thank you.
Lol when the ad in front of the video is by the same person that made the video 😂
Does using heaps of MIDI controllers and NRPNs to control parameters count?
Yes, thats automaton.
Yup, I know this is true for me.. but I never know what exactly to automate. I'm kinda scared to do it 😂
@Impromptu Thanks! I suppose I just have to do it and learn as I go
What you fail to mention is that if you're hearing isn't developed enough you'll miss this entirely so doing this type of automation is dependent on having developed good enough hearing to identify what needs to be automated.
Me: should I automate the autimation? 🤔🤔🎶🎶🎶
im not
You are so right about that. But Humankind is truly lazy. I am not saying this. The Scientists does! That is why guys like Bill Putnam designed all of the Compressors we love today 1176s, LA2A's etc just to handle huge dynamics of a lead Vocal, drum tracks... That is why today even dynamic multiband eqs like Fab Filter Q3 has dynamic eqs in every band you select! Which makes Process a Childs play! What I am trying to say is people are lazy and always will be as the Technology develops further..
Automation is really underrated
I automate the crap out of my mixes. Aaaaand they're still not amazing 😪
Justin you are my personal Jesus Christ :)
As soon as I saw the title of this vid I thought, "What a bunch of spoiled little bitches we've all become." Automation wasn't even a twinkle in some computer geek's eyes until about the mid 1970's: I'm old enough that I was around in those days. I use the tools of the day just like everyone else, but it's too bad all the iconic albums of the past sound so crappy.... If only they had automation. wink, wink.
They had what automation now provides before the 1970’s. It was an engineer riding a knob or fader during tracking or mixdown.
I wish this video was supported visually as well, it's hard to stay focused for ADHD guys or temporary sick ppl like me. But even though this is not the case, this video needs to be with visuals, it's way too boring and more hard to understand everything said like this.
Also your face triggers me when I look this much long so I closed the screen but it is still not working. lol
It’s a podcast! :-) Walk around, do the dishes, now your lawn, clean your room and just listen. Podcast episodes aren’t really meant to be sat down with and just watched the whole way through.
-Justin
@@SonicScoop oh, I didn't know this was meant for podcast. I came here from Conor Dalton's mixing advice book. He created an external links for you. Then if it's podcast, that's awesome I was also looking for something like this to listen on the road without having to watch! :) Thanks for explanation.
I think u r wrong there 😅
lol this is ridiculous automation has nothing to do with the way the mix will sound of course u need to automate things but that's not the reason people have shitty mixes.
How the mix feels > How the mix sounds.
Yes, you should get your mix sounding great as it should overall.
Then, you should go back and automate more.
But in principle, a mix that feels better and makes you connect what the song more is far superior to one that merely “sounds” better.
Hope that helps,
Justin
@@SonicScoop i Agree wrote that comment before actually watching the video.. definitely automation is a big part of mixing in general but i thought you meant that automation is what people think there missing in there mixes I'm sure a lot of people lack automation which shouldn't be the case. But I also see people that are new to mixing boost nasally and boxy frequencies. I even see producers who are experienced do this for some reason. Idk if this is a new trend or something but have you seen any experienced engineers do this on purpose?
Cancel
Reply