Reference Guide

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Tutorial 7 – Mixing and adding effects
Using Automation
Another feature that is important to mixing is automation. Automation lets you record changes to
almost any parameter in SONAR, including track parameters, effects, synths and buses. SONAR
makes this very easy.
1. Click a track's Write Automation button to enable automation recording for that track.
2. Press Play to start playback.
3. During playback, simply make the changes to the parameters in realtime, using either your
mouse or a control surface.
4. To disable automation recording, stop playback and click the track's Write Automation button
again.
When you play back, the parameters will update automatically.
Automation allows you to make gradual or sudden changes to make your song more dynamic. For
example, in the tutorial project, you might find that Whiney Synth should become lower in volume at
measure 25, when the drums and bass change. Try it:
1. Click the Write Automation button on the Whiney Synth track.
2. Click Play or press SPACEBAR to start playback.
3. At measure 25, turn the track volume down to the desired level.
4. At measure 33, turn the track volume back up.
5. Press Stop to stop playback.
6. Disable Write Automation by clicking the button again.
7. Press Play and notice how the track volume changes automatically.
Repeat this process with any other automation you feel the project needs.
That concludes this tutorial. But don't stop here. Continue to experiment by adding different effects,
adding loops through the Media Browser view, etc.
Be creative and listen closely to the mix details in your favorite songs and albums. It's sure to
provide you with inspiration for your own projects. There are also many books available on the topic,
as well as thousands of add-on plug-ins that can expand your arsenal of FX. For more information,
visit www.cakewalk.com.
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