Automating volume via Gain plugin so the fader can be used for relative levels

[coyotekells]

When mixing, do you put a Gain plug in your chain and automate that, so you can get good relative volumes between elements (say in a track of backing vocals) and then you still have the fader free to easily change the "overall" level freely (since it's not automated, or if you do automate it, it's simpler, broader changes)

Basically, automate a Gain plugin for "corrective" levels (quite possibly pre-compressor) and possibly not automate the channel volume fader at all (although a second level of automation here can be really useful).


Does this seem like a good way to work, or am I missing out of better methods?

I'm using Logic 8 most of the time. PT LE occasionally.

[Darwin James]

Adding gain will increase the noise floor. First be sure and record at a decent level. Then I use my compressor gain to get it at the right overall loudness, and wait till I get the fader level in the proper zone before automating. Then just make adjustments to the fader automation. I like the gain from the compressor, since I use the SSL plugs. (You can always send the audio output 1-2 to an aux bus for fine adjustment post automation.)

[coyotekells]

Originally Posted by Darwin James

Adding gain will increase the noise floor. First be sure and record at a decent level. Then I use my compressor gain to get it at the right overall loudness, and wait till I get the fader level in the proper zone before automating. Then just make adjustments to the fader automation. I like the gain from the compressor, since I use the SSL plugs. (You can always send the audio output 1-2 to an aux bus for fine adjustment post automation.)

Sorry, you totally misunderstood the what I was saying.


I'm talking about mixing, not tracking.

For the purpose of control in volume automation.. The gain plugin is NOT used to add more gain (necessarily), it's used as a intermediate stage of volume automation, which might be pre-compressor (then you comp doesn't work as hard)
Furthermore, this is typically after one layer of light compression, from a hardware comp at tracking stage. I hope this helps clarify.

[Dean Roddey]

You can either us a fader type plug, or you can just automate the output level of the last plug in the chain if you want. It'll get you to the same place without an extra plugin to worry about. If you end up switching plugs around in order, just remember to reassign the automation to the new last plug in the chain.

[vo1k1]

To op - I think this is a great technique - FreeG is a good plug for this and you get nice metering options.

[Jack Ruston]

I use the main volume automation for rides, the volume trim for overall verse up/down etc, and then either a gain plug in automation or plug in level automation for de-essing. I'll use the plug in if I'm also eqing to de-ess.

[TonyBelmont]

Just use the fader and send the output to a buss for "relative levels".

[Dean Roddey]

I use the main volume automation for rides, the volume trim for overall verse up/down etc, and then either a gain plug in automation or plug in level automation for de-essing. I'll use the plug in if I'm also eqing to de-ess.[

Changing the trim into the track would (in most DAWs I think) change the gain into the plugs on that track, which probably isn't what most folks are trying to achieve, right?

[Jack Ruston]

Dean to clarify, in pt trim is a plug in that can be inserted anywhere like any other insert. In this case it would come at the end of the chain. The two levels of volume automation, volume and volume trim are applied to the fader, ie post inserts. The exception are the master faders which operate pre inserts.

Jack