Mix automation

Short description: Method to automate the process of post-production mixing of music recording

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In music recording, mix automation allows the mixing console to remember the mixing engineer's dynamic adjustment of faders during a musical piece in the post-production editing process. A timecode is necessary for the synchronization of automation. Modern mixing consoles and digital audio workstations use comprehensive mix automation.

The need for automated mixing originated from the late 1970s transition form 8-track to 16-track and then 24-track multitrack recording, as mixing could be laborious and require multiple people and hands, and the results could be almost impossible to reproduce. With 48-track recording - synchronized twin 24-track recorders (for a net 46 audio tracks, with one on each machine for SMPTE timecode) - came larger recording and mixing consoles with even more channel faders to manage during mixdown. Manufacturers, such as Neve Electronics (now AMS Neve) and Solid State Logic (SSL),[1][2] both English companies, developed systems that enabled one engineer to oversee every detail of a complex mix, although the computers required to power these desks remained a rarity into the late 1970s.[3]

According to record producer Roy Thomas Baker, Queen's 1975 single "Bohemian Rhapsody" was one of the first mixes to be done with automation.[4]

## Contents

* 1 Types
* 2 Modes
* 3 See also
* 4 References
* 5 External links

## Types

Voltage Controlled Automation
fader levels are regulated by voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCA). VCAs control the audio level and not the actual fader.
Moving Fader Automation
a motor is attached to the fader, which then can be controlled by the console, digital audio workstation (DAW), or user.
Software Controlled Automation
the software can be internal to the console, or external as part of a DAW. The virtual fader can be adjusted in the software by the user.
MIDI Automation
the communications protocol MIDI can be used to send messages to the console to control automation.

## Modes

Auto Write
used the first time automation is created or when writing over existing automation
Auto Touch
writes automation data only while a fader is touched/faders return to any previously automated position after release
Auto Latch
starts writing automation data when a fader is touched/stays in position after release
Auto Read
digital Audio Workstation performs the written automation
Auto Off
automation is temporarily disabled

All of these include the mute button. If mute is pressed during writing of automation, the audio track will be muted during playback of that automation. Depending on software, other parameters such as panning, sends, and plug-in controls can be automated as well. In some cases, automation can be written using a digital potentiometer instead of a fader.

## See also

* Collaborative real-time editor

## References

1. ↑ "The History of SSL: From Consoles to Creators - gearnews.com" (in en-GB). 2024-04-04. https://www.gearnews.com/the-history-of-ssl-from-consoles-to-creators/.
2. ↑ "SSL Oracle mixer review | SOUND ON SOUND". https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/solid-state-logic-oracle. "SSL were pioneers of computer‑based console automation. Other digital control systems may have existed, but their 4000 B console, released in 1976, was one of the earliest to have computer‑based automation built in, and the 4000 E that followed in 1979 took the concept much further; it was, I believe, the first desk to combine total parameter recall, level automation, tape transport control and comprehensive channel EQ and dynamics."
3. ↑ Inglis, Sam. "Creative Mix Automation In Your DAW". Sound on Sound. https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/creative-mix-automation-your-daw. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
4. ↑ Clark, Rick (1 April 1999). "Roy Thomas Baker: TAKING CHANCES AND MAKING HITS". http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_roy_thomas_baker/. Retrieved 28 August 2019.

* Stanley R. Alten. Audio in Media, sixth edition. Wadsworth, 2002.
* David Miles Huber and Robert Runstein. Modern Recording Techniques, sixth edition. Oxford: Focal Press, 2005.

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Music technology

Music technology|

* Mechanical
* Electrical
* Electronic and digital

Sound recording|

* Audio channel
* Mixing console
* Binaural recording
* Digital audio workstation (DAW)
* Effects unit
* Equalizer
* Headphones
* Microphone
* Microphone preamplifier
* Monitor speaker
* Multitrack recording
* Music production
* Music sequencer
* Outboard gear

Recording media|

* Phonograph record
* Magnetic tape
* Compact cassette
* Compact disc
* DAT
* Hard disk
* MiniDisc
* MP3
* Opus

Analog recording|

* 8-track cartridge
* Amplifier
* Cassette deck
* Comparison of analog and digital recording
* Experimental musical instrument
* Phonograph
* Player piano
* Reel-to-reel audio tape recording
* Tape recorder

Playback transducers|

* Loudspeaker
* Headphones
* Monitor speaker
* PA system
* Sound reinforcement system
* Speaker enclosure
* Subwoofer

Digital audio|

* Digital recording
* Digital signal processing

Live music|

* Mixing console
* Bass amplifier
* Effects unit
* Foldback
* Guitar amplifier
* Keyboard amplifier
* PA system
* Radio
* Reverberation
* Sound reinforcement system

Electronic music|

* Chiptune
* Circuit bending
* Drum machine
* Electronic drums
* Electronic musical instrument
* MIDI
* MIDI controller
* Music workstation
* Sampler
* Sequencer
* Sound module
* Synthesizer
* Theremin

Software|

* Digital audio editor
* Digital audio workstation
* GarageBand
* ProTools
* Scorewriter
* Software effect processor
* Software sampler
* Software synthesizer

Professions|

* Audio engineer
* DJ
* Guitar technician
* Mixing engineer
* Monitor engineer
* Piano tuner
* Record producer
* Re-recording mixer
* Sound designer
* Sound follower
* Sound operator
* Sound recording engineer
* Tape op

People and organizations|

* Audio Engineering Society
* Goji Electronics
* Institute of Broadcast Sound
* Lejaren Hiller
* IRCAM
* Max Mathews
* Musical Electronics Library
* Professional Lighting and Sound Association
* Robert Moog
* SMPTE
* STEIM

Related topics|

* Audiophile
* High fidelity
* Home audio
* Home cinema
* Music store
* Professional audio store
* New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME)
* Vehicle audio

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