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7. Automating delay throws

1 A delay throw is a popular effect that delays particular words or notes. You’d typically do it at the end of a line so there’s space for the repeats to be heard. Here’s how to do it using automation. First, insert a delay on an aux return track. 2 Get the delay set to the time you want (1/4 notes and 1/8 notes often work well), then set Feedback high enough to give you the number of repeats you want. As the delay is on an aux, make sure the plugin’s wet/dry level is set to 100% wet. 3 Next, configure a send from your vocal track to send that track’s signal to the aux return track hosting the delay plugin. Turn up the send amount to the return track, and your vocal signal will hit the delay, then echo into the mix. 4 With the vocal track’s automation set to Latch mode, play the section where you want the vocal throw, and automate the vocal track’s send level there. You may have to redo this until the timing sounds right. Adjust the delay plugin’s feedback value to tailor the amount of repeats.