10 Automation Tips to Level Up Your Mixes (Comment Below with Your Favorites)

Here are 10 things you can automate to take your beats and mixes to the next level. If you have any other techniques you'd like to share, drop them in the comments below!

Let's get into it!

1. Volume Automation

This is the most basic—and also one of the most powerful—types of automation. I use volume automation throughout my mix, whether on individual tracks, buses, or the main mix bus. It helps create impact and adds interest by dynamically changing levels. 

2. Pan Automation

Panning automation is great for creating separation and clarity. For example, if two vocals overlap between the verse and chorus, you can pan one to the left and the other to the right. It also works beautifully to add movement and keep things exciting, especially if your beat starts to sound too repetitive. 

3. Filter Automation

A classic move: filter automation. At the start of a song, I’ll often automate a high-pass or low-pass filter to gradually reveal the full frequency range. You can also automate filters during a verse, cutting out some highs or lows, then releasing them during the chorus for that extra punch without actually raising the volume. This creates a lift in perceived loudness when the drop hits.

Bonus Tip!

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4. Delay Automation

Got a sick line or punchline that needs emphasis? Automate a delay throw on specific words or phrases. I usually go for a quarter-note delay, but experiment with timings and different decay settings on the left and right channels for even more character. I love using Soundtoys' EchoBoy for this, adding a bit of saturation to make it pop.

5. Reverb Automation

Automating reverb can create tension and drama. For instance, during a rap verse where the drums drop out, try reducing the reverb to focus on the vocal. Or, crank up the reverb's decay time during a transition or the last word of the track for a long tail that fades into the void. It transforms the vibe.

6. Pitch Automation

Subtle pitch shifts can add texture, especially on background vocals. I'll often automate the wet/dry knob or pitch shift amount for some background tracks. It’s not something you’ll hear outright—more like something you’ll feel.

7. Compressor Automation

This one is all about density. For a more powerful chorus, automate the threshold and makeup gain on a compressor. This allows the verse to stay dynamic while giving the chorus that extra punch.

8. Special Effects Automation

Want to keep your listeners on their toes? Try automating effects like flangers, phasers, or choruses on specific tracks, like the lead vocals or drum bus. A little goes a long way—just enough to add interest without being overbearing. Check out below how it looks (and the video for audio examples)

9. Attack & Release Automation

Not strictly for mixing, but perfect for sound design. Automate the attack and release on synths to add movement and dynamics. You can also do this on compressors or reverbs to shape how sounds evolve over time. Here's an example of how it can transform a synth line.

10. Specialized Automation Plugins

The grand finale: specialized automation tools like LFOs, auto-panners, and more. These can completely transform your mix. My go-to is the Transit plugin by Baby Audio (not sponsored, just love it!). Whether you want smooth, subtle effects or huge, dramatic changes, these tools can take your tracks to a whole new level. Listen to this before and after example!

 And now, I want to hear from you:

👉 Which of these automation tricks are you using already?

👉 Do you have any other techniques to share?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below. And hey, if you’re looking for more, check out my 32 Tips to 10x Your Speed in Logic Pro and my playlist of advanced mixing tips. See you in the next one!

Peace. 👊

-Subphotic