5 Quick Automation Mixing Tricks - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

➡️ ➡️ Before you start using automation, make sure you download this FREE Automation Tricks cheatsheet right now: bit.ly/2D0ax5O
Want to try these tricks on the song used in this tutorial? Get the multitracks here: bit.ly/2Fuv1sV
Automation is the secret to a truly great mix!
Simple volume automation of instruments can save the heartache of trying to replicate dynamics with complex compression techniques.
This video covers:
1. Volume Automate for Consistent Level
2. Make Choruses More Exciting with Automation
3. Automate Reverb Sends
4. Create Volume Swell Effects with Automation
5. Automating A Send to a Delay on Vocals
Automating plugins can give them multiple purposes adding both subtle ear candy and huge drama to your mixes!
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Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi friends! Automation is such a huge subject. It covers SO MUCH! Volume, panning, Plug In Settings, Aux/Bus Sends, muting, the list is MASSIVE! Here is just 5 I love using to make my mixes feel more exciting! Often simple volume automation takes the place of excessive compression, therefore keeping the mix more open sounding! Let me know any tips you may have! Thanks for being an amazing part of our community!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Thanks for all of these great 5 tips videos Warren

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

really appreciate how much time you spend creating free content for us all warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Darlene that's extremely kind of you!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Apple!!

[@AudioReplica2023]

that increase on the kicks at 17:40 ...I thought the same thing. jaja I was like ...hmm kicks need a tiny bump on the firsts hits . Awesome!

[@jimberry5714]

I absolutely love watching Warren do these things. You can see the pure joy, almost like a kid. He really does love his job.

[@Producelikeapro]

Jim Berry thanks ever so much my friend!! You Rock!

[@VicDemise]

I just love the look on your face when you're happy with some little move you've done, despite the fact that you seem to almost know exactly what you're going to hear (being SO in your element), you still look like a child on Christmas morning when you play it back.

[@marvinshenk]

I started out mixing on Neve's and similar big consoles, and automating sends meant multing to a spare track or sending busses to a spare track, and that was if you were lucky enough to have more than one Reverb unit. Most of the studios I worked at had about 5 or 6 Reverbs. Sounds like a lot, but you run out quick when you're in a creative zone, and good luck recalling all that stuff later. Once I started mixing in Pro Tools around 1999, the first things I got into heavily was all the aux send automation. Great video for all the younger mix engineers to see, Warren. With all the tips you share, people can take their money and buy gear and get going now instead of doing what I and so many did which is spend money on recording school that really gets you nothing except maybe a network of fellow engineers which you can get other ways now. Thanks again for the videos.

[@harmonystudios1182]

so well timed, need these tricks and...more, please warren...more! So many channels talk for ages about nothing and you give us tons of great info!

[@Producelikeapro]

You are very kind indeed Harmony! So glad to be able to help!!

[@JosueCuervo97]

"lovely big fat long.. lovely big fat long.. amount of decay ;)"

[@Producelikeapro]

Hahahahaha caught in a serious mess there!

[@TyRobertsmedia]

I wanted to ask... Are you acting as the producer here? These are great "producer ideas" vs engineering tricks. Then I looked at your Channel name... haha. I guess in today's world most of us gents have to wear so many hats: songwriter, musician, performer, recording engineer, and producer, then publicist and social media consultant! The list is ever growing, so thanks for the tips! Please keep them coming

[@TimOost]

Very nice indeed! I love watching you trying out stuff, seems like you're having a marvellous time figuring new ideas out yourself!

[@ProDoucher]

This has been the most entertaining 5 tips video to watch so far, its great to see you have fun mixing. You truly are having a marvellous time!

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks thanks ever so much!

[@tisbonus]

You're really leveling the playing field with these tips Warren. I hope people know and realize the knowledge you're bestowing! This advice is truly priceless! Good stuff as usual my friend!!👍

[@giovanniurso1]

man, i love you!!!! your tips are the best and your enthusiasm is enlightening! THANKS A LOT WARREN!!!!

[@lizziebirdsworth3726]

I love this channel so much. Buckets of inspiration and new ideas. Please never stop making these videos Warren!

[@monkeyxx]

That was some truly inspiring mixing, Warren. I agree with you these ear candy moments are super important, especially in steady RMS rock songs. That thing you did with the big snare and muting the kick before the big come back was so cool!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much! I try to pack as much info into a video as possible my friend! I don't want to do those long rambling videos with only one technique in them! haha

[@monkeyxx]

Well your talent for packing it into a mix seems to translate well to video production also! Haha! I love your pace keep it up!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! You Rock my friend!

[@cameronpatrickscott]

Alvin stardust in the house, love you Warren, classic throwback today mate.

[@darlenesheffield9835]

more amazing information Warren !! thanks for all of these great 5 tips videos

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Darlene! You are extremely kind! I love being able to help!!

[@merenozukum4626]

These are the best tips that I've found very useful so far, "Ear Candies" indeed. Thank You Warren! Cheers from India!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Meren! I hope you're doing marvellously well in India!

[@denfranke4464]

This is by far one of the most valuable posts you ever on the topic of icing on the cake mr. Huart. Very thankful!

[@campaigner7272]

Amazingly useful tips, these automation ones are among the best you have shown us due to the fantastic ratio of outcome/simplicity!

[@EricGPLAP]

5 Quick tips is such an awesome series! So many tips, so many tricks, much to learn and master!

[@AdamZiokowski666]

This is the best video EVER! I am struggling with a new mix and I was wondering why of my first mixes in my career stand out. It was because of tons of automation to get more excitement! Thank you so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

That's great to hear Adam! So glad to be able to help! I wish you all the best in your mixes my friend!

[@JedWunderli]

Thanks again, Warren. I have rarely used automation but this video just gave me lots of ideas and inspiration to use some of these tricks on my next song. I really appreciate you sharing your expertise.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jed, fantastic! I am so glad to hear that you're experimenting with automation!!

[@noisesoundtonevibe]

You're obviously so right when you say it's a huge subject. My mixing game improved drastically when I started focusing most of my attention on automation. Thank you for doing this Warren it's priceless!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks noisesoundtonevibe! I really appreciate your amazing insight and support!

[@es355lucille4]

Very nice! Thanks Warren......automation allows the finest of details.

[@davidmeek9966]

Love your work! Especially as I have been doing a lot of these things for a while. They just make sense. Ear candy is FREE! Pop this up here, tuck this down there. Love your enthusiasm and non- condescending way of explaining things.

[@jaimejonsaldanha5289]

Hey Warren, thanks for all your brilliant contributions to the audio community. I was curious to which automation mode you prefer to use and why?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jaime, I am so glad to be able to help! Which mode? I automate in every way I can, there are no rules, whatever makes the most sense at the time! Ha

[@marcreynolds2429]

Fantastic tips Warren, I love the automation on the reverb, very inspiring

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Marc! You Rock!

[@ryanbarryaudio]

Hi Warren, just want to thank you for creating these videos and the tremendous amounts of other tutorial style videos that you've made over the years. I have learned an unbelievable amount from yourself with regards to recording and mixing so thank you ever so much for taking the time to make them. Much appreciated! Cheers. - Ryan / Tale

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Tale, wow, that is so very kind of you! It really means a lot to read this comment! Thank you ever so much!

[@douglasfreeman3229]

Thanks Warren. Helpful, well-presented video (as usual) and always a fab line in shirts. Cool hair too.

[@Erick_Valerin]

This was so good ! God bless Warren ! 🙏🏻

[@JoshuaDalviken]

Excellent video, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks every much Josh! You Rock!

[@MRorPA]

Great video on a very useful subject. I've learned to automate whatever I need, and it's brought many great things to my mixes and sound design. Recently, I've even used pitch automation as a subtle pitch correction since I'm not very good at using dedicated pitch correction VSTs.

[@Producelikeapro]

That's a great tip to automate pitch correction! Thanks very much!

[@marshallhawkins3754]

I loved automating the decay time on the snare hit. Sweet sweetener!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Marshall! Yes! Me too! Little tricks like this really help transform a dull mix!

[@timflatus]

Definitely going to use all of those tricks. Most of my songs have 'proper' endings with hanging notes like that - I'm always looking for ways to give it a final flourish. Nice one!

[@harleensingh2531]

Damm that reverb swell technique is so simple yet so cool. Thanks for the grate video!

[@gagsmedia]

Brilliant Video again Warren. YOU REALLY INSPIRE CREATIVITY AMIGO! xxx

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! That's very kind of you!!

[@DjClimamusic]

Awesome! thank you so much for sharing such good mixing tricks knowledge, very useful thumbs up! 😊👍

[@heavymetalmixer91]

Great video, this 5 tips series is really killing it!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!! I am really glad you are enjoying these videos! They are A LOT of fun to make!!

[@FavioMagnoGuitarrista]

Amezing! Simple changes with incredible results. You Rock Warren !!! Gracias

[@MatthewDiamante]

Marvellous tips Warren! haha!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Matthew!!

[@LarryGreenMusic]

Best one yet warren. Taking automation to the max.

[@Producelikeapro]

Larry Green Music thanks ever so much! It’s a lot of fun to do this!!

[@jachinharder5958]

As always, thanks for sharing Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Jachin Harder you’re very welcome!

[@kosmilproduction9304]

I applause after that reverb end...you Sir are way too awesome to share this kinda tips.

[@Producelikeapro]

You're too kind my friend! Thanks very much!

[@miasampaoli7587]

super tips warren!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Mia!!

[@moz7130]

Great great Warren!!

[@osistalens]

I can't believe I'm learning all of these for free 🤯🤯

[@PeterBatah]

Thanks to you Warren, I'm not getting very much work done. Tisk! Tisk!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha I hope in the long term yo will get a lot done Peter!

[@MrKevh724]

This is just a Fantastic video. I have been watching Your video's all day. Thank You for putting the info You do on here. I don't have protools but I do have a DAW. Roland vs 2480 that I am diving into more and more right now. I'm navigating through it and hope to take all Your knowledge and get the best I can out of the 2480 . I have learned so much today just by listening and studying everything You are teaching. I for one REALLY appreciate every last bit of Your video's. And I will be back in the morning to watch more about record/pre production/gain staging/automation mixing/mastering . At least as much as I can compared to the protools setup any way. ( I guess You could say I have Amatuer tools with all the vs plugins). But I am going to squeez every bit I can out of it. I am so excited to learn more from Your video's. Your video's ROCK!!! THANKS!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks every much! That's extremely kind of you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Whatever Plug Ins you use I know you can create similar effects! As you can see I use the stock Avid plug ins a lot!!

[@AllanGildea]

You're fab Warren, thanks!

[@Racingheartrecords]

Yes! When you're having fun, it comes through.

[@Scream4vengeance]

Those tricks ROCK!

[@13thJ]

Love this video. 5 quick tips rulez!!!🤘

[@MartinLuxen]

This is awesome. I love the 5 quick tips that you're doing!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Martin!! I am very happy to be able to help!!

[@lucaminarelli3564]

A LOT of very interesting ideas!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Luca!

[@solo4227]

Old but gold

[@BadChizzle]

Thank you!

[@wearemicrocosms]

Splendid stuff

[@darrenross9168]

excellent tips , thank you warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever s much Darren!!

[@REALJIMMYJMUSIC]

Loved the verb trick on the snare when you cut out the first kicks! Very tasty!

[@Producelikeapro]

Jimmy J thanks very much my friend! I’m glad to be able to help!!

[@bpproducer6025]

Great Man

[@wasabifox]

Ingenious! Thanks, Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Steve!

[@morgandebeir8190]

Absolutely brilliant information.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Morgan!!

[@claudius3124]

This is one is by far my favorite! I'd like to hear & see more automation tricks for I'm sure you know a lot more... ;-) Thank you Warren, it's really appreciated... ;-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Claudius! I really appreciate it! I am so glad to be able to help with these videos!

[@HarmonicInventions]

Love this! Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@robgracia509]

very nice

[@boytino2646]

Too helpful,,,,tnx greetings from Philippines sir!,,,

[@artist1303]

I really enjoy your tip videos and I've been trying to find something like this to cover automation for awhile. Do you have an automation tutorial tips/tricks in-depth one available?

[@Producelikeapro]

Great question! I have so many videos that cover different elements of automation! Both here on YT and also courses and of course Produce Like A Pro Academy!

[@acpllc3]

btw.... awesome tips -- especially the verb tricks in those special places to make things interesting!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!! I really appreciate it!! So glad to be able to help!

[@sad_is_fiction]

It's 3:15 am and I can't stop bingeing your vids haha who needs full sail when we got you xD

[@m2thef2thec]

Thanks again Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

m2thef2thec thanks very much! Glad to be able to help!

[@AMB666]

I love that quick tips series❤

[@AMB666]

Six years already!! Still loving that series! Thank you Warren!

[@sonnybrasco9735]

That reverb move with the gutair was dope warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Sonny!!

[@sonnybrasco9735]

Produce Like A Pro Warren how do I get on to your mixing website where i can submit some of my mixes and mix the stems u provide. I never mixed any live sounds beside vocals. Been studying u for a while I wanna give that a shot and be a big boy mixer

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Sonny, you can sign up at www.producelikeapro.com Many thanks!

[@sonnybrasco9735]

Produce Like A Pro my man

[@Producelikeapro]

You're welcome! I'll be happy to see you in there my friend!

[@zachj7078]

i dont really make this sort of music but these tips are very helpful!!

[@dhanushiyer1241]

Just commenting so that this vid gets more engagement Keep working Warren 💪👍

[@lahattec]

Great insights!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much! Glad to be able to help!

[@malmspet]

Great tricks Mr Warren ;) Thanks

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Claudio!! G;ad to be able to help!!

[@stixstudios3380]

Great stuff as usual Warren. I love your methodology of using automation lanes. I've only used them for pre-fader gain, track volume and panning. This video has certainly driven home a couple of important things for me. (1). I need to invest in some reasonable monitors instead of using headphones - because I couldn't really hear what was going on with the double-kick examples at the beginning of the video. (2). Invest in some good plug-ins - because my main effects are external hardware units, and I don't believe I can achieve the same results going OTB and back in again. I thought about buying some plugins today (black friday sales) but instead decided to invest that in a PLAP membership. Cheers, Steve.

[@timjonesguitar]

Great video just what I needed to see to make rock mixes more interesting. I like the song, are multitracks available to mix it?

[@salvam.4060]

Great

[@pineapplepunchy]

thaaaaaaaaanksss! good ideas :'D

[@Hanssone]

Automation is the most fun part of mixing but also the most important, this is where your mix become lively and not flat sounding like so many amatuer mixes i hear especially when doing EDM!! Take note.

[@Producelikeapro]

I agree 100% Michael! It is a lot of fun! All of these little details are incredible fun to do and can really make a mix and take it to the next level!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

A Mazing content!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Apple!!

[@conspiracyjournals8828]

They Showed us this video at an audio engineering program in Orlando FL, great VID

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! That’s wonderful to hear!!

[@thetacortex7959]

Yer the man. Thanks again

[@christiancanalita6487]

Thank you Warren! When do you do your automation? Towards the end of the final mix or in the middle? Or both?

[@FateVoices]

2 words: thank you!

[@NathanAFoxMusic]

Hey Warren. I’ve really been enjoying these. Thank you. I do have one question that may be stupid... If only trying to adjust volume of one track on one section like you did for the kick & snare tracks in the chorus, is there a reason not to just raise the clip gain for that section instead of automating volume? Thanks again!

[@petemusgrove7422]

Very tasty Warren! Thank you! Although I do automate effects on and off, to save CPU load, I'll usually print my reverbs - after that I can automate the volume on those FX tracks. A good way to get the right volume swell (or the opposite) is to cut the track at a zero crossing just before the change, then use the various curves at the start and end of the new, split item. I hope that makes sense :-)

[@metalion667]

Its amazing what a mute can do!

[@AudioEcstasyProd]

I love adding these seasonings to a mix. Especially the verb/delay stuff. What's your opinion on automating panning? Like gts 75% out in verses and 100% in choruses? It's always gotten phasey for me. cheers!

[@timflatus]

Nice, useful even, to hear you mixing some heavy rock stuff. Gotta love those black metal drummers though - I've heard some bass drum patterns that were so fast they turn into low notes. And it often isn't as punchy or powerful as a single bass drum for exactly the reasons you state. Good to know there is a way of dealing with that in the mix.

[@marianochiappe2427]

Excellent video warren!!! Just what i was looking for. Question: What is that monitor hanging on the wall showing some sort of green MS-DOS style software?? I seen this in many videos on the backround. Thank you!

[@Elsteveador2]

Haha! 8:25, we call that drum fill “Flats in Dagenham!” Was using some very handy plug-in automation today in the studio! Look out for Richard Murray, his album is gonna be amazing!

[@Elsteveador2]

Thank you for the constant inspiration, and subtle reassurances, because as has become standard over the last few years, your work seems to help me underpin all i already know, with solid assurance that i’m ‘Producing like a Pro’! A million thank yous Warren. Some day i’ll thank you in person!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes! Flats in Dagenham!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks Steve! I am so glad you enjoy the videos! I try very hard to show as much as I can! So glad to be able to help!!

[@danialdevostmusic]

Some great ideas there! When you mix hybrid, do tend to do all your automation in the box or are you still using your SSL automation as well?

[@Producelikeapro]

These days I do most, not all, but most of my automation in the box!

[@cedricsimonakafrozenjazz]

Wow, excellent ideas... applicable with any basic plugin... a real eye (ear) opener :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you ever so much Cedric!

[@Hansipp]

Hi Warren, and greetings from Norway! I have a question you maybe can answer in the next FAQ. How do you think the recording industry looks in 20 years? Because people mixes so much at home in DAW's, and buying mics, gear and record by themself? Since youtube and recording tutorials and all that, what will happen to studios with a great drum room, and a big console? Love your videos btw! :)

[@drummerjeroensimons]

Hi Warren, its normal technical-wise when you go very fast (16 th notes 180 bpm and higher) to play softer...Closer to the head is more time to react = faster stroke...;) When drummers play very loud at very high tempos they tend to get injuries over time and the drumtone will be chocked too...And a grip to tightly on the sticks will dampened the sound also...The more relaxation the better...:) Kenny A knows what hes doing, due to his classical background: timpanies...etc... Classical background/marching band is all we drummers can benefit from...:)

[@drummerjeroensimons]

We want more Stravinsky and Bartok....:)

[@matiaslombardi31]

Great video warren! Could you recommend me some cheap but good quality monitors please???!!!

[@sean_shimmer]

some interesting mix tricks, automating plugins bypass to act like virtual pedals, automated multiple parameters simultaneously leads you to fx that you couldn't do with two hands and knobs : like delay feedback, time, mix with a rate and depth of a flanger all in the same moment. then automate a ring mod for 5 seconds of the peak part of solo, a pan sweep all at same moment. you'll get very unique fx moments. automate a fuzz on/off on the beat of a song in solo. tremolo-like fuzz . automated wah can give you phase like sounds on time and then take out of time for a more wah effect, but different than using just a wah or just a phaser on its own. using automated virtual pedals on vocals and drums. throwing vocals and drums threw amp sims and automate those parameters. automated a slow rise of fuzz on a drum kit t is really cool nasty effect. this is for me is one of the funnest parts of mixing possibilities are endless

[@sean_shimmer]

not to mention insane signal chains of these automated parameters, reverb into distortion into octave into wah into delay into another reverb, you get the picture, it can get pretty redicolus but at the click of mouse for re arrangeing theres nothing to really lose, can save presets as you in case you get too off track with it

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Sean, thanks for the great comment and the amazing tips! I really appreciate it!

[@ottam]

I liked when you cranked that schnizzle!

[@nvusaudio4553]

“Big Fat Long” gotta love that!