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?

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.

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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.

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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.

^^ 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...

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Automation means programmed modulation.

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all this talk about modulating and automating lol!!

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

random LFO above all

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