Automate dynamics to add emotion

Dynamics – the changes in level and intensity of musical parts, whether vocal or instrumental – are key to adding excitement and emotion to your music over time. A static song that stays at the same level, ‘density’ and intensity throughout is likely to have less impact than one that builds into choruses, drops down for verses and breakdowns, and generally changes over time.

But because many musicians don’t think enough about dynamics in their arrangements or their playing, and because programmed parts tend to lack dynamics, you may be faced with a mix situation in which the only way to create sufficient excitement is to alter those dynamics with automation.

You can globally change levels by automating the volume of the master bus. The changes should be subtle, as they would be in a dynamic arrangement played by musicians. A couple of dB up or down can make all the difference. You can also automate equally subtle EQ changes to add or subtract intensity, although these are usually better done on individual tracks. For example, adding a little brightness to the lead vocal on the chorus or bridge can bring it forward in the mix, thus adding intensity.