Confessions of a Recovering Automation-Phobe

Let's be honest, folks – automation used to terrify me.  

The very idea of tweaking faders and knobs on some invisible timeline sent shivers down my spine. Visions of accidentally deleting hours of painstaking work or overwriting crucial edits haunted my dreams.  

But most of all, I just didn't understand the "why" behind automation.  

What workflows were these mysterious mixing masters using to achieve such sonic sorcery?

Well, fear not, because I'm here to tell you this: automation is not your enemy, it's your secret weapon.  

And by conquering those automation modes and mastering a few key workflows, you too can become a mixing machine.  

So, grab your headphones, crank up the faders, and let's dive in!

Demystifying the Automation Modes: Your Pro Tools Cheat Sheet

Before we start wrangling automation like a pro, let's get familiar with the battlefield – the Pro Tools automation modes.  

These little guys determine how your adjustments are recorded on the timeline, and understanding them is key to success.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Read:  This mode simply plays back any automation that's already been written on the track. Think of it as a playback-only setting. Great for reviewing your work or referencing previous edits.

• Touch:  This mode only writes automation when you're physically touching a fader or knob. Let go, and the automation stops recording. Useful for making quick, precise adjustments that revert back to their original settings when you're done.

• Latch: The opposite of Touch mode, Latch writes automation only when you first touch a parameter. Subsequent adjustments are ignored until you release the fader or knob, essentially "latching" in the final value. Ideal for setting automation points and letting the plugin settings take care of the rest.

• Touch/Latch: This mode combines the best of both worlds. Touch writes automation while you hold the parameter, and Latch captures the final value when you release. A versatile option for crafting smooth, controlled automation curves.

• Write:  The "go big or go home" mode, Write continuously records automation from the moment you hit play until you stop. Great for sweeping changes or automating entire sections, but be cautious – a misplaced click can overwrite existing automation!

• Trim (Pro Tools Ultimate only):  This mode allows you to fine-tune existing automation points without affecting the overall curve. A fantastic tool for tweaking those automation details with surgical precision.

Now, with these modes at your fingertips, which one should you actually be utilizing? Well, for me, I'm always in Touch/Latch mode.

Automation Workflows: Preview, Write, Repeat (and Conquer)

Alright, so you understand the automation modes. But how do you actually use them to achieve those mix magic tricks?  Let's explore a couple of my favorite automation workflows that have transformed my mixing process.

Perfecting EQ with Preview and Write to Selection

EQ automation is a game-changer for sculpting your sound, but it can also be time-consuming.  

Here's how I use Preview and Write to Selection to streamline the process:

• Step 1: Preview Mode is Your Friend: Activate Preview mode in your Automation Window (cmd + numpad 5). This allows you to loop playback of the selected audio clip while you experiment with different EQ settings.  Tweak the knobs and dials until you're happy with the sound.

• Step 2: Write to Selection – Target Your Edits:  Once you've landed on your perfect EQ settings, it's time to write the automation.  But here's the key – make sure you have a specific section of the timeline selected.  This is crucial!  Otherwise, you'll end up automating the entire EQ track, which, depending on what version of Pro Tools you're on, is undo-able. We don't want that for you.

• Step 3: Write It Down!  With your desired timeline selection highlighted, hit Write to Selection. This will write automation data only for the selected section, applying your EQ adjustments precisely where you need them.

This workflow allows you to experiment freely in Preview mode without fear of messing anything up. Then, when you've nailed the sound, you can write targeted automation to specific parts of the timeline.  

Simple, efficient, and perfect for achieving those smooth, transparent EQ moves.

Automation Workflows: Copying & Pasting EQ and Beyond

Remember that EQ we meticulously crafted in the previous section?  

Well, what if you need to apply the same EQ settings to another track or a different section of dialogue on the same track?  

Here's how to leverage the power of copying and pasting:

• Step 1: Copy Those Sweet Settings: With your perfectly dialed-in EQ plugin open, use the keyboard shortcut Command+Shift+C to copy the current plugin settings. This captures all the knob positions and filter adjustments you've made. I like to already be in preview mode as a safeguard.

• Step 2: Paste Perfection:  Navigate to the target track or section of dialogue where you want to apply the EQ. Open the EQ plugin and hit Command+Shift+V to paste the copied settings. Then write to selection. Voila! Instant EQ consistency across your project. 

Important Note:  Make sure the small square box in the top right corner of the plugin UI is red. This indicates that the plugin settings are enabled for copying and pasting.  If it's grayed out, the settings won't be captured.

This copy-paste trick isn't limited to EQ, either! Use it for panning automation, reverb settings (remember to extend the selection for the entire reverb tail!), or any other static parameter automation you want to replicate throughout your mix.

Automation on Autopilot – Customizing Your Workflow

As you dive deeper into automation, you'll find yourself constantly switching between Preview, Write to Selection, and other automation modes.  

Here's how to take your efficiency to the next level:

Option 1: Mapping Automation Modes on Your Console 

If you're using a mixing console like the Avid S3, you can map the automation modes directly to buttons on your console using the EuControl app.  

This puts them right at your fingertips for lightning-fast control. 

Option 2: Creating Custom Keyboard Shortcuts 

Pro Tools allows you to create custom keyboard shortcuts for any function, including automation modes. However this is a somewhat recent update. You'll need to be at the latest on 2022.3+. If not, you can use Soundflow or Keyboard Maestro to set up the macro for you.

If you can natively adjust your keyboard layout, then head over to Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts and get creative!  

For example, I personally have Preview mode mapped to Control + Numpad Divide (/), and Write to Selection to Control + Numpad Multiply (*).  

This keeps my workflow streamlined and keeps my eyes focused on the mix window, while also not having the ability to accidentally pressing the shortcut key. Would hate to be in preview mode the whole time while mixing!

Option 3: Taking it a Step Further

If you're a real automation aficionado, consider using software like Steermouse to map those custom shortcuts to a specific mouse button with the Control modifier held down.

This frees up your keyboard hand for even faster control, since your hand will have to be off your mouse in order to select the keyboard quick key. This is how I'm able to be a lightning-fast mixer without buttons slogging me down!

By implementing these automation workflows and customization options, you'll be streamlining your mixing process and achieving professional-sounding results in record time.  

Remember, automation is your friend, not your foe! Embrace it, experiment with it, and watch your mixes soar to new heights.