Logic Pro #31 - Realtime Automation Modes, Controller Assignments, Automation Quick Access

In this video, I demonstrate the following:
1. What is realtime automation?
2. How to use the realtime automation modes.
3. How to use the controller assignments dialog to pair Logic parameters with a MIDI CC.
4. How to use Automation Quick Access.
Support the sponsor of this video, Boombox | bit.ly/boomboxsponsor
For mixing/mastering work, contact me at my website | carneymediagroup.com
Follow MusicTechHelpGuy on Instagram | / musictechhelpguy
Support the channel on Patreon | / musictechhelpguy
Demo project used in this video | www.logicproguide.com/downloads
#logicpro #logicprox #tutorial
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:15 Sponsor Segment
1:52 Realtime Automation Modes
2:57 Touch and Latch Modes
5:58 Write Mode
7:44 Plugin Automation
9:25 Controller Assignments
13:24 Automation Quick Access

[@hankjansen5544]

Finally! FINALLY someone explains the ins and outs of this incredibly powerful function in Logic in a complete and understandable way! You’re a valuable asset to the music-making community. Keep it up, man!

[@PoetryFilms]

This is the one I’ve been waiting for. Despite watching dozens of videos on (real-time) automation I’m having a really hard time getting it to work consistently so will be watching this repeatedly for clues. Great series. I can’t believe the amount of work you put it to this and other tutorials on your channel. A huge service to your fellow musicians and producers. Many thanks as always

[@cosmicslider1307]

To be honest, I'm happy as a child! I used to do something in Adobe Au, but now I'm immersed in Logic Pro. I was inspired by the logic of this program, but it was scary to start knowing almost nothing. Thank you for these incredibly helpful tutorials!

[@omarcoming183]

Man I’ve learned so much from this man. Thank you for all your help

[@andrewhertzberg6889]

Showing multiple simultaneous automations with a controller is a big deal and this is the only video I’ve seen that shows it. For simple applications, one at a time is fine. But being able to really play all the parameters of a plug-in during a track opens a door to a ton of creativity. While it would be possible to do that one at a time, it might be much harder - like moving a filter around without being able to move a resonance dial almost makes no sense. This is really cool and might deserve its own short video where that’s the only focus. Thanks. Really appreciate this.

[@charlespayne5826]

Just wow! I always wondered how people did this in their songs and now I know 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@hamachi21]

WOW. This video is like rain in the desert: Much needed! THANK YOU!

[@bassManDavis1953]

I just knew there had to be a way to do this? But I had absolutely no idea how. I have struggled and got nowhere and this has to be the best tuition EVER on how to use automation and with the previous video it’s priceless. Thank you so much Josh, I could of gone on for years trying to do this! Not any more thanks to you.

[@laskholt]

Thanks a lot, really helpful - that gods for the whole series!

[@user-hn4me3gq2r]

I've been using Logic for years but never got into the nuts and bolts. I can read the Logic manual and never get as much from that as I am from these how to lessons. In addition I am making notes in Apple's pages; shortcuts, screen grabs etc. as a quick reference. I recommend these videos to any newbie or even long time users.

[@AlastairLeeThatsMe]

Super helpful and clear as always. Thank you.

[@IliyanIrmanov]

Waw, this is so freaking cool!!!! Awesome tricks man!!!

[@petrusbeethoven9640]

Hey MusicTechHelpGuy, you are my hero! Your tutorials are simply the best on the net! Thanks so much!

[@kylejhazelton]

great tutorial, thanks!

[@TheMixClub]

Great video series. I find they are great to freshen up. I forget stuff if i dont use it every day.

[@maarsbarre]

Thank you for this one especially. I had no idea these functions worked the way they do. Yet again clear and concise explanations.

[@ProdByDzul]

yeah bro subbed. great tutorials

[@Mikejkcjla]

Surely one of the most useful vidéo you have done since I’m following you. Thanks a lot.

[@wes5898]

Recently started watching the series. Really great work! I appreciate all the examples and your style of teaching!

[@curt300s]

some of the best and comprehensive explanations ever! well done.

[@critical-thought]

I did not know about the auto cc select. That is a game changer for me. THANK YOU!

[@FinnEcesMusic]

Another great tutorial

[@KeithAustin]

Wow… thank you for pointing this out. Never knew these tips about controller assignments 🙏🏻

[@randypiano11]

very helpful thanks!

[@garygimmestad4272]

This video is gold! I love being able to click on an object and spin a dial rather than dragging a mouse around. I have my trackpad set to light touch to select so it's zero stress on that hand. And accuracy is greatly improved with using a physical knob or fader instead of click-dragging a mouse. Thank you!!

[@yeserguitar]

THANK YOU FOR TEACHING THIS!

[@hmw8262]

Again - you are crazy, all to do this wonderful work for us for FREE. Better than almost everything on the marke. Especially thanks for you pronounced speech, so not a native speaker like me can follow very easily the deep and well explained content.

[@daniilstepinsax3767]

Thank you so much for your genius content!!! Now I feel power! 😅

[@dominofff]

wow! Thanks so much!

[@vewilli]

What a cool thing this is! 👍🏻💪🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@Hiderize]

great video

[@youngboodz]

You are a legend ❤

[@PoetryFilms]

Again, this is hugely helpful. (Not pressing Record is part of the solution to my issues with automation: so many other tutorials overlooked this point.) I’m still wondering about those Logic parameters (such as Expression) in the drop-down menu for some instruments (if I switch from Track to Region) but already you’ve given me a whole lot to be getting on with. Great tutorial from an invaluable series. Many thanks again.

[@user-vr4lu4gp4h]

감사합니다!!!

[@ScottSmithMusic]

Thank u!✊🏼✨

[@cameronpatrickscott]

Cor, going deeep, thanks again.

[@MusicTechHelpGuy]

In this video, I demonstrate the following: 1. What is realtime automation? 2. How to use the realtime automation modes. 3. How to use the controller assignments dialog to pair Logic parameters with a MIDI CC. 4. How to use Automation Quick Access. Support the sponsor of this video, Boombox | bit.ly/boomboxsponsor For mixing/mastering work, contact me at my website | carneymediagroup.com Follow MusicTechHelpGuy on Instagram | instagram.com/musictechhelpguy Support the channel on Patreon | patreon.com/musictechhelpguy Demo project used in this video | www.logicproguide.com/downloads Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:15 Sponsor Segment 1:52 Realtime Automation Modes 2:57 Touch and Latch Modes 5:58 Write Mode 7:44 Plugin Automation 9:25 Controller Assignments 13:24 Automation Quick Access

[@MsTessG]

Thank God somebody explained this #%^* in a way I understand. 😂❤️🏆

[@cosmicsimonmusic]

I was debating between Logic and Reaper because I am done with Pro Tools after 17 years, with this video and some of the other on this series I am definitely choosing Logic, even though the icons and some other things put me off, like the tiny meters in the Mix window. I really thing the automation workflow is amazing, special for electronic and mixes that have a lot of movement and effect landscapes.

[@Fiveash-Art]

Yes!

[@janjacobole7760]

logic: "slowly move the control you want to assign" MTHG: moving the big knob faster than the speed of light 🤣🤣🤣

[@coolmattmusic]

Music tech help guy! You’re so helpful man. Would you recommend some control surfaces for Logic? I had issues with the Faderport which really soured me on midi channel strips. Thanks!

[@YagoMann]

Amazing. Thank you for this! What is that controller you are using at the end?

[@yuginoty65]

Thank you for this. Since my purchase, last year, of a new MacBook Pro M1 MAX, Automap, part of my Novation 61sl mk2, doesn’t work. I have tried to approach this change from the view point of programming the SL MK2 in advanced mode. I do not know enough about MIDI control systems to do that now. Hopefully, I will in the future. Apple’s MainStage does not access Automap, yet MainStage has a very easy keyboard/controller assignment program within the app. The new Logic Pro x has the Live Loops addition that doesn’t seen accessible through MainStage. My iPad Pro does alright with Live Loops with the Logic Remote app. I see, from your video, there is ways, hopefully with or without automation, that I can Assign controls from my SL MK2, into Logic like as with MainStage. I’ve been approaching this process from the wrong direction. Thank you for steering me the right direction. Peace…Aria

[@thomashohlcomposermusician7488]

Hi! Nice and very informative video. One thing i wanted to ask regarding CC and automation. Is there a function that you know off that my automation lane can learn the shape of and audio sample? Or learn to follow the wave form of the audio sample. I know Ableton has such a feature.. Thanks for all the helpful content please keep it going... Regards Thomas

[@velanche]

This is a really good series, so far. A few days ago, I played around with real-time automation of a track. Sometimes they may not be shown as smooth, and they consists of loads of points. Any easy way t smooth them out to have far fewer points so that I can then have greater overall control using the Automation tools? Otherwise, all of those points, should I want to adjust the automation, looks pretty unwieldy. Thanks again, Josh!

[@gianni1646]

Hi Velanche, If you scale your region wide open those points will be further apart so you can work on them or delete them. And I think (not sure) one of the automation tools is a “smooth” tool that adjusts curves. I’m sure Josh knows. Hope that helps and you enjoy Logic Pro. Gianni

[@milenyum17]

😍

[@birdsee3]

Great vid! 1 Question: When you automate (and zoom in closer to the curve) the curve usually become jagged, and not a smooth curve. How to solve this in real-time? Without having to to smooth it in post. Thanks!

[@raffaelebossard4708]

Hi Joshua, thank you very much for all your videos, efforts, teaching stuff, etc. ! excellent stuff! I have two questions regarding midi controller assignments: 1. I'm using the Fvde Midi CC controller. Following Problem occurs: I assign two parameters to two different faders. I want to record these two parameters on the same track. I record let's say Pan first. Works fine. When I want to record the second parameter in, it automatically overwrites the First Parameter as well (with whatever value the fader on the midi controller is). How can I stop one fader to send CC when using the other?? 2. I quick assign a fader to the volume of a track. I write in some automation. The problem is, that when playing back, it stutters, because I have other Midicontrollers as well, that are assigned to that parameter (NI S88 keyboard for instance, is auto assigned to track volumes). I want to be able to use both controllers, but they both send CC values, which results in the stuttering when playing back the track. Any solutions? Thank you very much!! Best Raffaele

[@RaspberryBibingka]

hey love your work. could you point me in a direction or possibly do a video on uad autotune and midi cc automation mapping? obviously in logic. im trying to make say a 6 song set and arrange the tempo changes (which I learned from you already and has really helped our live shows having the click automated) but more specifically automate the key signature changes for a live scenario with uad autotune. I saw my buddy do this in Ableton and he even has the automation of flex tune all the way up as a way to automate a "bypass" in between songs so he can talk to the crowd. its definitely something with midi studio inside audio/midi set up or maybe there's some other way? you're my guy! this is gotta be light work for an expert like you! thanks.

[@markthie4412]

Very Helpful! Thank you. Question: I have Addictive Drums on a inst. channel with volume automation. When I start at the beginging it follows. But when I stop it goes back to unity gain and when I restart the track or start anywhere else it does not follow until it hits a written change. Any help would be great! Thanks!

[@mr.jhingon]

Hey if i want to use automation to switch presets in an audio plugin (neural dsp) on a track, how to achieve that? Say to play live with a click/backing track, and not worry about changing presets to change guitar tones

[@harrisonfraud]

I have a couple of questions on automating CCs, i.e. region automation. Firstly, does AQA work with region automation too or is it only for track automation? Secondly can you only automate CCs on standard midi regions or can you also do this with pattern regions? Thanks

[@velanche]

Just got off the phone with Apple's Pro Support. The last portion of this video, starting at around 13:18, talks of Automation Quick Access, but also of "Autoselect Automation Parameter in Read Mode." The first part worked, but the second broke after I select one of the parameters in Smart Controls. But click on one of the parameters directly on the UI for the instrument oe effect, the switch happens and the control will move with that same physical control. I hope Apple will fix this, but really glad to otherwise get it working. Hope this helps somebody.

[@valeriomazzei8891]

There is the possibility to emulate the 'preview-capture' automation function of PT for EQ in Logic?

[@gianni1646]

Hey Josh, Whenever I comment just assume I’m saying “best ever” video. So, a couple things: Would you say that realtime automation could be called “mastering”? And let’s say you’ve got a long, long region with automation and about three-quarters towards the end you decide to adjust a parameter or two. Could you use “Write” to clear that portion and then “punch in” new automation with either Touch or Latch? Or, would it be possible to just punch in over it without using Write? Also, will you be helping us with Dolby Atmos in the future? I’m pulling my hair out trying it. I follow their tut’s. and it almost works but not. Thanks, Gianni

[@MusicTechHelpGuy]

I would not call this mastering. Typically automation is the last step in the mixing process. At least it is for me. Then once the mix is finalized, you start adding plugins to the entire mix to enhance it further, shape the overall contour of the mix, and set the final loudness level with a limiter. That's mastering. For your second question -- you can overwrite a single automation parameter with touch or latch. So it's not necessary to use Write for that. But if you want to overwrite ALL parameters at a particular section, then yes, Write could be helpful. I don't plan on doing any Atmos stuff here on the YT, because it's such a niche thing, that I don't think many people would watch it. However, I do have an Atmos basics course over at MacProVideo.com, and I'm currently working on another Atmos mixing course for them.

[@Giannboy1]

@@MusicTechHelpGuy Thanks Josh!

[@austinmurphy3933]

Seems like automation humanises the recording. Appreciation for automation = appreciation for DJing? Maybe the best records will be those in which everything is moving all the time, like water, nothing static, every parameter alive.

[@JeremyShieldsMusic]

great video, but one question! I've been having a weird issue since I just updated to 10.7.9 from 10.6.3, where sometimes it seems to add volume fader automation that isn't visible, and just locks the fader in at a certain volume, and keeps snapping back if I try to change it. the only thing that visibly changes, is the "read" button becomes inverted making it more green, which looks to be an indication that automation is engaged. but no automation shows up anywhere and I am prevented from moving my fader unless I turn off the "read" button all together. anyone else have this issue? also would anyone happen to know why the "read" button would just be all green for no reason, even without any automation? (including the issue above)..now I'm noticing some are just green like as if I had automation on them but it doesn't thanks man!

[@hamachi21]

Question: When I’m drawing in real-time automation in Logic there is latency between what I’m seeing and hearing. Is this for the same reason there is any latency in input monitoring? I tried low latency mode, and lowering the buffer size. Still lags. Next I’ll try freezing tracks. Thanks in advance for any help.

[@henryfantoni3252]

Can Quick Access Automation be used with the mod wheel?

[@jackzheng1942]

hello mate, just wondering how to access midi modulation controller in real time? thanks

[@justincho6445]

Hi : Please heap! how to use controlle learn expression? I can learn the Volume,I can learn the pan. but expression can't work? Why?

[@velanche]

I tried that last example you gave with combining Automation Quick Access and Autoselect Parameter in Read Mode. I could change from Volume to a new parameter and test before use. But if I were to switch to another parameter right after I'm done with the previous, the mapping seems to no longer work and I'd have to remap it via Quick Access. Is this normal?

[@MusicTechHelpGuy]

You might have some controller assignments already mapped in the controller assignments dialog. Try clearing all of those, then go reset Automation Quick Access.

[@velanche]

@@MusicTechHelpGuy It's still not working out. I went into Controller Assigments, cleared out everything in "no zone" except for one that it's mapped to a different controller," and I tried again to use with the jog wheel on the NanoKONTROL Studio. Only works once with Volume, but switching over to one of the Smart Controls changes the parameter, but the value does not move when I turn the knob. I also tried using a custom fader inside of my LaunhcPad Pro, but it flat out does not move at all. I' m determined to make it work, but easy it is not!

[@manewry66tw]

After writing the fx automation on the track and switching back to READ mode I cannot control the volume of that track because it changes to its previous level with every playback. Is it because I'm using WRITE mode?

[@MusicTechHelpGuy]

When you write volume automation on a track it trumps any volume changes you make on the track from that point forward. So I typically will leave automation for the very end of a mix. If you need to adjust the volume after writing automation, I typically will add the GAIN plugin to the end of the channel strip, and trim the volume there. If you didn't write any volume automation, you might just need to clear the volume automation, go to volume and then just delete the visible automation on the track using the "mix" menu option.

[@manewry66tw]

@@MusicTechHelpGuy Many Thanks.

[@vk-music22]

learned a lot sirr🫶