Modulation vs Automation? - TranceAddict Forums

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Posted by future_newbie on Apr-18-2011 10:18:

Modulation vs Automation?

Confused because I cannot understand the difference between "automation" and "modulation". Could you explain it to me?

For example: I want to create a pad which raises in volume in its final part, what should I do?

Posted by tehlord on Apr-18-2011 10:24:

Automation

Modulation is usually one control being effected by another, so for example an LFO would modulate a filter cutoff at a set, or changing rate. Dubstep wobble basses are a good example of a modulated filter, wheras a slowly rising pad would most likely be an automated volume or filter.

Posted by Prototrance on Apr-18-2011 11:38:

quote:
Originally posted by tehlord
Automation

Modulation is usually one control being effected by another, so for example an LFO would modulate a filter cutoff at a set, or changing rate. Dubstep wobble basses are a good example of a modulated filter, wheras a slowly rising pad would most likely be an automated volume or filter.

What he said

All I would add is that you can automate your modulations also. To build on Mr Lords example, you could automate your LFO rate at certain points to make your filter cutoff change in a different way.
Automation & modulation are critical aspects used to create interest in a track by changing sounds over time.

Posted by J.L. on Apr-18-2011 15:42:

Both are used to have the value of a certain parameter (ie. cutoff filter) move. The only difference is:

1) modulation is a periodic motion at a certain frequency (Low Frequency Oscillator)

2) automation is a one time motion

You can emulate 1) with 2) but not the other way around, but it's easier to work with 1)

Dubstep is pretty much 1) on the filters of a synth except they will change the frequency of the modulation very often which gives it a wobble at different speeds.

Posted by kitphillips on Apr-19-2011 08:34:

^^ Mm..? Well automation could be periodic, and a lot of people consider envelopes to be a modulation source, and they're not periodic, so I tend to disagree with you there...

Posted by pointPi on Apr-19-2011 10:05:

Automation means programmed modulation.

Posted by DJRYAN� on Apr-20-2011 06:37:

all this talk about modulating and automating lol!!

Posted by Evolve140 on Apr-20-2011 06:46:

An easy way to get the volume up on a pad is to turn up the sustain, try automating that.

Posted by runcmd on Apr-20-2011 18:42:

random LFO above all