Moving the Faders: How Track and Region-Based Automation Can Transform Your Mixes
Automation: it’s not just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce behind some of the most immersive mixes you’ve ever heard.
In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the power of track and region-based automation, showing you how to breathe life, movement, and personality into your productions—without lifting a finger (well, maybe just a fader or two).
From subtle volume swells to dramatic panning shifts and time-based effect tweaks, automation allows you to sculpt emotion into your audio with pinpoint precision. Whether you’re building energy in a chorus, taming an unruly synth, or automating plugin parameters like reverb, EQ, or delay for added dimension, this episode is packed with practical tipsand creative workflows you can start using today.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between track-based and region-based automation—and when to use which
- How to control volume, panning, FX, and plugin settings for dynamic impact
- Creative automation tricks for space, clarity, and vibe
- Real-world examples of automation bringing a mix to life
As always, expect a little studio banter, a dash of nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds—because great gear and clever tips go hand in hand.
So whether you’re mixing in a pro studio or your bedroom setup, this episode will help you take full control of your sonic universe.
******************************
Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
******************************
If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com