How to do curves in automation lanes | Club Cubase May 13th 2022

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating curves in automation lanes within Cubase. Understanding how to manipulate automation lanes can greatly enhance your music production workflow, allowing for more dynamic and expressive sound control.

Step 1: Access the Automation Lane

• Open your project in Cubase.
• Locate the track you wish to automate.
• Click on the track header to reveal additional options.
• Select “Show Automation” from the dropdown menu to open the automation lane for the selected track.

Step 2: Choose the Parameter to Automate

• In the automation lane, you will see a list of parameters that can be automated.
• Click on the dropdown menu in the automation lane to select the specific parameter you want to automate, such as volume, pan, or effects.

Step 3: Draw Automation Curves

• Use the pencil tool to draw your automation curve directly in the lane.
• Click to create points on the lane where you want the automation to change.
• Drag the points to shape your curve. You can create different shapes (e.g., linear, exponential) by adjusting the direction and position of the points.

Step 4: Adjust Automation Points

• Select an automation point to access additional options.
• Use the handles on the points to fine-tune the curve shape.
• Right-click on a point for options such as deleting, copying, or switching to another parameter.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Automation

• Play back your track to hear how the automation affects the sound.
• Adjust the curve as necessary to achieve the desired effect.
• Experiment with different curve shapes to see how they influence the audio dynamics.

Step 6: Manage Automation Data

• You can enable or disable automation by clicking the automation button in the track header.
• If you want to make adjustments without losing previous settings, consider duplicating the automation lane before making changes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid creating too many automation points, which can lead to a cluttered workflow.
• Ensure that the automation lane is visible and not hidden to prevent confusion.
• Regularly save your project to avoid losing any automation data after adjustments.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively create and manipulate curves in automation lanes in Cubase, enhancing your music production capabilities. Experiment with different parameters and shapes to discover unique soundscapes, and don't hesitate to revisit your automation settings as your project evolves. Happy producing!