Lesson11.Automating the Mix

Lesson 11. Automating the Mix

Lesson File	Advanced Logic 7_Song Files > Lesson 11 Project Files > 11_I Was Raised_Start.lso
Media	Advanced Logic 7_Song Files > Lesson 11 Project Files
Time	This lesson takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
Goals	Create offline automation Edit automation data Assign a MIDI keyboard control to access automation parameters Input real-time automation using a mouse and a MIDI hardware controller Write automation for an entire Group

A good mix is a performance of sorts. Like each instrument in an ensemble, each element of a mix speaks its part clearly and expressively, complementing the other elements. This is a dynamic process, frequently involving continuous adjustment of individual signals as the song progresses.

In this lesson you'll use automation to craft a mix, manually drawing in automation data as well as entering data in real time with a MIDI controller. You also learn various methods for editing automation data, including techniques to get the most from the data that is already entered.

To create a dynamic-sounding mix, you have to be able to control audio signals over time. Adjusting volume, panning, or even plug-in parameters through the course of a song is an important part of breathing life into a mix.

While the mouse is suitable for setting controls, you will quickly discover that it is not the ideal tool for performing common mixing "moves" (such as dragging sliders and faders). The ability to click only one thing at a time is a major hurdle you must overcome to effectively refine your mix.

Logic's comprehensive track-based automation system offers help, allowing you to change over time the settings of virtually all channel-related software controls. These control movements can be recorded offline with a mouse in nonreal time or in real time using a dedicated hardware MIDI control surface or a MIDI controller. Whichever entry method you use, the automation can easily be edited and manipulated after the initial input, giving you control over all the sonic elements in a composition.

In this lesson you will polish the song file you have been working on for the last few lessons by creating and editing the automation of several channel parameters.

You can start by opening the song file used in this lesson.

1.	Go to ~ > Music > Advanced Logic 7_Song Files > Lesson 11 Project Files and open 11_I Was Raised_Start.lso.
2.	Play the song if you need to familiarize yourself with the material you will be mixing.