Mixer automation

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In sound engineering, the term mixer automation refers to the recording, storage and reproduction of control states of certain mixer parameters.

Initially it was only possible to save and play back the position of the channel fader . The automation data was saved in an external automation computer connected to the mixer . The mixing console manufacturers later integrated the automation computer directly into their mixing consoles.
In addition to the presence of a computer, a time code that specifies the song position and a component that transmits a control voltage (VCA or motorized fader) are important for mixer automation .

Automation systems

According to the technical functional principle, different automation systems are distinguished.

VCA automation is, so to speak, the archetype of channel fader automation. The audio signal does not pass through the fader, but rather a voltage-controlled amplifier VCA ( Voltage Controlled Amplifier ). This VCA determines the volume of the respective channel. The control voltage for the VCA is regulated by the channel fader and undergoes an analog / digital conversion so that it can then be saved in the computer. When reproducing the automation data, the channel fader has no effect on the audio signal. Its position does not represent the actual volume setting of the channel strip. Therefore, an optical display of the actual and the automated fader position by LED or monitor is desirable.

With motorized fader automation , the audio signal passes through an analog motorized fader. Here, too, a control voltage is tapped from the fader, which is converted to digital and stored in the computer.
When the automation data is called up, this control voltage is used to operate a motor in the fader module. The channel fader therefore always moves exactly to the actual position. Motorized faders are usually touch sensitive, which leads to an expansion of the automation modes.

In modern digital mixing consoles or in DAWs ( Digital Audio Workstations ), all changeable parameters can now be automated. This includes the position of the channel fader, the panorama, the sends, the switching status of the mute button and all plug-in control elements.
Mixers in the upper price range or hardware user interfaces for DAWs have multifunctional endless rotary encoders and touch-sensitive motorized faders. The audio signal does not pass through the fader. The controller voltage reproduced by the automation controls on the one hand the volume of the audio signal and on the other hand the motor of the channel fader.

Automation modes

Every automation system knows different operating modes. The range and names of these modes may vary from system to system. A selection of the most common automation modes is presented below:

  • Off: The automation of the channel strip is deactivated.
  • Write: All changes to the fader, button and rotary encoder positions are recorded. Any automation that already exists will be overwritten.
  • Update or Trim: In this mode, relative changes can be made to data. The existing automation curve is summed up proportionally with the new programming. The current position of the fader or rotary encoder is assumed to be the "0" point.
  • Touch or Auto-Return: The current automation curve is played back until a fader or rotary encoder is touched. From now on the automation of the selected parameter is written until the control element is released again. Then it jumps back to the old automation curve.
  • Latch or Touch-Write: This mode basically works like the touch mode. However, the position of the automated parameter remains in the last position of the newly written automation after releasing the control element.
  • Leave Write or Auto-Takeover: The current automation curve is played back until a fader or rotary encoder is touched. From now on the automation of the selected parameter is written. As soon as the new automation curve crosses the old curve, the read mode is activated.
  • Read: The automation is reproduced and controls the previously automated parameters.

literature

  • Hubert Henle: The recording studio manual. Practical introduction to professional recording technology. 5th, completely revised edition. Carstensen, Munich 2001, ISBN 3-910098-19-3 .
  • Jan-Friedrich Conrad : Music-Electronics-Pocket Lexicon. (Over 1,100 terms with explanations, illustrations, cross-references). = Pocket dictionary of music electronics. 4th edition. PPV, Presse Project Verlags-GmbH, Bergkirchen 2002, ISBN 3-980-21249-1 .