Ella Walter
Cubase is a digital audio workstation that allows users to record, edit, and mix audio. One of the features that Cubase offers is the ability to automate various mixer parameters, including panning. Panning is the process of adjusting the stereo positioning of a sound source, which can create the impression of width and depth in a mix. In Cubase, panning can be automated using the AutoPan plug-in, which offers a range of modulation waveforms and parameters to control the stereo panorama. This guide will cover the steps to automate panning in Cubase, including setting up the plug-in, selecting the desired waveform, and adjusting the parameters to achieve the desired panning effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cubase version | Cubase VST, Cubase SX, Cubase 9 |
| Panning effect | Works only on stereo tracks |
| Modulation waveform | Sine (smooth sweep), Triangle (ramp), Pulse (jump to full right, then left), Random One Shot, Random Continuous |
| Automation | Movements of all automatable parameters are recorded when the Write Enable button is active |
| Automation Events | Created to store automation actions, such as dragging a fader |
| Automation Sub-tracks | Displayed with data from the parent track in the background |
| VST Instrument Automation tracks | Organised into Sub-folders |
| Input and Output channels | Appropriate Automation tracks are added to the Track List when the Write Automation button is activated for the first time |
| Side-chaining | The Width parameter can be controlled from another signal source via the side-chain input |
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What You'll Learn
Using the AutoPan plugin
The AutoPan plugin in Cubase 10 is a useful tool for automating panning. To use it effectively, there are several steps and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that you are working with a stereo track, as the AutoPan plugin requires a stereo signal to function properly. If you are recording in mono, you can either place your mono recording on a stereo track or export it as a stereo track before importing it back into your project.
Once you have your stereo track, insert the AutoPan plugin on the desired channel. This will allow you to automate the panning movement within your stereo panorama. You can set the auto-pan speed, which determines the rate of the panning movement. If Sync is deactivated, the speed is measured in Hertz, whereas activating Sync allows you to set the speed in tempo values, synchronizing it with your project tempo.
The AutoPan plugin also provides control over the deflection, or the amount of left and right panning. You can adjust the intensity of the panning by setting the width parameter. Additionally, if you have multiple AutoPan plugins on different tracks, you can use different offset settings for each track to create a more organic overall sound.
Another creative feature of the AutoPan plugin is the ability to activate tempo sync. When activated, this feature modulates the left and right channels simultaneously, creating a chopping effect instead of traditional auto-panning. In this mode, the Width control becomes responsible for setting the intensity of the volume modulation. Experiment with these parameters to achieve the desired sound and movement in your mix.
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Stereo combined mode
When automating panning in Cubase 10, you may encounter the 'Stereo Combined Mode'. This mode is designed to keep the left and right pan controls linked, allowing them to move together while maintaining their relative distance. This means that if you adjust the pan for the left or right channel, the other channel will move accordingly, ensuring a coordinated pan effect.
To activate the stereo combined panner, open the context menu for a pan control and select "Stereo Combined Panner". This option is specifically for channels with a stereo input and output configuration. Once activated, you can set the pan positions independently for the left and right channels by holding down the "Alt" or "Option" key and dragging left or right. This gives you precise control over the panning for each channel while keeping them linked.
It's important to note that the stereo combined mode may have limitations in certain scenarios. For example, some users have reported that they were unable to make the stereo image of their entire track narrower in the pre-chorus and then widen it in the chorus while using this mode. This could be due to the linked nature of the left and right pan controls, which might restrict certain panning adjustments.
Additionally, the stereo combined mode is just one of the panning options available in Cubase. There is also a balanced panner and the ability to set the pan positions independently for mono and stereo sounds. The choice between these options depends on the specific panning requirements of your project. Converting between mono and stereo tracks is a common practice, and it can greatly impact the panning capabilities and overall sound of your production.
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Automation Sub-tracks
When working with a mixer, you may want to record the movements of various mixer parameters, and this is where Automation Sub-tracks shine. They enable you to record and play back the movements of mixer parameters, providing a distinct advantage over other mixing systems. This capability is not limited to hardware surfaces but also applies to pure software implementations.
Automation Events, similar to MIDI Events, are created to store automation actions such as dragging a fader. These Automation Events are recorded onto Automation Sub-tracks, which are housed within the actual track whose parameter is being automated. This design makes editing Automation Events more straightforward.
It's worth noting that Cubase automatically organises Automation tracks for different channels into separate folders. For example, the Automation track for a Group channel can be found in the Group Channels folder in the Track List. VST Instrument channels always have at least two Automation tracks: one for the instrument itself and additional tracks for each output, allowing for precise control over levels and output settings.
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VST Instrument Automation tracks
Now, let's go through the steps to automate a VST instrument parameter:
- Put the plugin in write enable mode. This allows you to make changes that will be recorded as automation data.
- Identify the parameter you want to automate within the plugin window. This could be any adjustable setting within the VST instrument, such as volume, pan, filter cutoff, or any other parameter you wish to control dynamically.
- Move the parameter to create automation data. Adjust the parameter as you want it to change over time. Cubase will record these movements, creating an automation lane that reflects the changes you make.
- View the automation lane. After making your adjustments, you can view the automation lane by selecting "Show all used automation" on the selected channel. This displays the automation data you just recorded.
- Edit the automation data (optional). Once the automation data appears in the lane, you can further refine it using Cubase's editing tools. This allows you to fine-tune the automation or make specific adjustments to ensure it matches your desired effect.
By following these steps, you can automate various parameters of VST instruments in Cubase 10, creating dynamic and expressive sounds that respond to your production's changing needs. Remember to experiment with different parameters and tools to discover new creative possibilities.
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Automating panning on two tracks
To do this, go to the "Project" window and locate the "Track List." Here, you will see all the channels available for automation, including Input and Output channels, Group channels, FX channels, Rewire channels, and VST Instrument channels.
For VST Instruments, Cubase automatically creates at least two Automation tracks: one for controlling the instrument's plug-in parameters and additional tracks for each output of the instrument. This allows you to adjust levels and output settings independently for each track.
When you are ready to record your automation, ensure that the Write Enable button is active on the track you want to automate. This will record the movements of all automatable parameters. You can then use the mixer built into Cubase to adjust the panning for both tracks simultaneously and record these movements.
Additionally, Cubase offers the AutoPan plug-in, which allows you to manually adjust the modulation waveform and create different panning effects. With this plug-in, you can set the deflection and intensity of the volume modulation and smooth the transition between steps of the panorama curve.
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