Automation is one of the most important mixing tools.

It can even sometimes make or break a mix.

There are many ways you can use automation, adding a lot benefits to your mix

Here are 5 reasons to use automation in your next mix:

Maintain Volume Balance

Volume balance is perhaps the most important key of mixing.

Setting the right volume level for each track is crucial for a good mix, probably even more than EQ or compression. Another important key is to keep that volume balance throughout the entire song.

Every section of the song is slightly different, and require a slightly different volume balance.

The best and most simple way to maintain the volume balance is using volume automation. After you've set your static volume balance (preferably for the loudest section of the song), all you have to do is listen carefully to each section of the song, and tweak the volume balance with automation.

Whether you ride the faders in real time, or write the automation with your mouse, the goal is the same.

Making sure that every instrument is at the right level in every section of the song.

Control Loud And Soft Sections

Volume automation on the master fader can help control the overall volume of the song throughout the different sections.

It's a good way to ensure proper transitions between sections and to set the right volume levels for soft and loud parts.

Use it to create consistency between parts that need it, or to create contrast between sections that need to sound different.

Feature Cool Parts I'm sure that your song has some sweet guitar licks, great drum fills, or awesome bass lines.

Automation can help feature those cool moments that catch the listener's ear. If you find an awesome little part on a track, give it a small volume boost with automation to make it stick out of the mix. It's a subtle thing, but it adds up and can make the difference between a good song and a great song.

Keep The Mix Moving

Almost any use of automation will help keep your mix "moving", and make it less static.

Even if you made a great mix, it can get boring if it stays exactly the same for the entire song.

Automation can help your mix stay interesting and more "alive".

Keeping your mix dynamic, and making it "move" and change as the song progresses.

Control Effect Tracks One thing I personally like to do is to automate my reverb track.

Simply because different parts of the song call for different amounts of reverb or ambience.

The same goes for other effects.

For example, if you have a parallel compression track for your drums, it might be a good idea to automate it.

It's unlikely that the loudest section of the song will need the same amount of parallel compression as the softest part.

Another example is delay effects on vocals.

On some tracks where the vocals are very dominant, I like to automate the vocals delay, so certain words or lines will have more delay on them than others.

If you had a hard time with automation before, hopefully you understand it better now, and know more about why and when to use it.

Of course, you'll have to practice to gather real experience and get more familiar with automation.

So on your next mix, try out some automation moves, and see if you made your mix even better.

Do you use automation in your mixes?

Tell us about it in the comments!