r/ableton • u/More-Rich-912 • 1d ago

[Question] Mixing workflow for volume balancing and automation

Hi all what is everyone’s preferred method of automating volume / mixing volume levels? I tend to use utility at the end of my device chain per track to set the levels and then use the track volume faders for automating volume in arrangement mode. Meaning I can go back to the utility to adjust the track level. I used to be a dubbing mixer using protools and that’s similar to how we did it at the studio I was at, using clip gain on audio regions to set volume balance first, then using track faders for all your volume automation for dipping music etc under voiceovers. With the fader starting at zero it is more precise this way when using a mixing desk as there is more physical throw per db (as scale is logarithmic). I have seen reference to others doing it the other way around and using the track faders in ableton for balancing levels and using the utility device to automate volumes instead. Just wanted everyone’s two pence as to their preferred way and why! Thanks!

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u/abletonlivenoob2024 1d ago

Never saw anyone not using an Utility for automation and the Track volume faders for mixing.

But, does it really matter? Most likely not. Therefore probably not something worth worrying too much about.

1

u/More-Rich-912 1d ago

Yeah not too worried about it just curious on people’s methods and why automation is done with utility gain in ableton! Cheers for quick response

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u/abletonlivenoob2024 1d ago

why automation is done with utility gain in ableton!

Because since one has to edit/change the gain in the automation envelope anyways, it doesn't matter that the utility is tucked away in the track chain. Keeping the more accessible Track volume fader for mixing seems more practical. But again: Use whatever floats your boat

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u/TheValley95 1d ago

Yup, I’m doing it the other way around.. makes more sense workflow-wise for me.

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u/solid-north 1d ago

Utility for automation, faders for mixing, and gain staging so 0dB on the fader is close to the sweet spot for the mix, is the classic way or at least how I do it. 

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