How to incorporate VCA faders with automation | Club Cubase May 27th 2022

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of incorporating VCA faders with automation in Cubase. VCA faders (Voltage Controlled Amplifiers) are a powerful feature that allows you to control multiple tracks' volumes with a single fader, simplifying your mixing process. By following these steps, you will enhance your workflow and gain better control over your mixing sessions.

Step 1: Setting Up VCA Faders

1. Create Your Audio Tracks

   • Start by creating the audio tracks that you want to control with VCA faders.
   • Ensure that all the tracks are properly recorded and ready for mixing.

2. Add a VCA Fader

   • Open the MixConsole by selecting Devices > MixConsole.
   • Right-click in the fader area and choose Add VCA Fader. This will create a new VCA fader control.

3. Assign Tracks to the VCA Fader

   • Select all the tracks you want to control with the VCA fader.
   • Click on the VCA fader, then in the inspector, select the tracks and choose VCA Fader Assignment to connect them.

Step 2: Automating VCA Faders

1. Enable Automation

   • Click on the Automation Write button in the MixConsole to enable automation for the VCA fader.

2. Adjust Volume Levels

   • Move the VCA fader to set the desired volume level for the assigned tracks.

3. Record Automation

   • Play your project and adjust the VCA fader in real-time to record the automation.
   • Stop playback once you are satisfied with the adjustments.

4. Edit Automation Curves

   • Open the automation lane for the VCA fader to refine the curves.
   • Use the pencil tool to draw or adjust automation points for smooth transitions.

Step 3: Fine-tuning Your Mix

1. Monitor Levels

   • Keep an eye on the levels of your tracks as you make adjustments with the VCA fader.
   • Use the meters in the MixConsole to ensure no tracks are clipping.

2. Adjusting Automation

   • Go back to the automation lane to tweak any points that may need refinement.
   • You can select and move points to create more dynamic changes throughout your mix.

3. Test Your Mix

   • Play back your project to ensure that the VCA automation behaves as expected.
   • Make further adjustments to the VCA fader and automation points as necessary.

Conclusion

Incorporating VCA faders with automation in Cubase can significantly streamline your mixing workflow, allowing for greater control and efficiency. By following these steps, you can effectively manage multiple track levels with ease, ultimately leading to a more polished mix. Explore these features further and consider experimenting with different automation techniques to enhance your productions.