Automation... (You're in control) w/ Estelle Rubio
Course Contents
Introduction
Course Preview
Touch mode
Applying automation to a track
Which mode should I use?
Ideas for using automation
Guided Demonstration
Live Q & A
Q & A
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About This Course
Estelle Rubio discusses automation and shares some advanced techniques for applying automation to an electronic dance track.
You will learn:
- How to use automation in the DAW ‘Logic’
- What is the difference between touch, latch, write and draw automation
- Which automation mode to use and when
- Creative ways of applying automation
- How the pros use automation with guided examples
- How to create bigger build ups and better breakdowns
- How much automation to use in a dance track
Lessons:
1. Iintroduction
DJ, Producer and Logic tutor Estelle Rubio introduces herself and outlines the topics she will be covering in her lesson about using automation in the context of a dance track.
2. Touch Mode
Using touch mode to automate customisable parameters in a DAW. Estelle begins with the most commonly used automation mode - ‘touch automation’ - and demonstrates how to use it to automatically modify components with Logic, such as an instrument’s cutoff or oscillator. She shows you how to set up key commands in Logic to speed up your workflow.
- Touch mode automation
- Cutoff automation
- Key commands
- Automating oscillators
3. Applying Automation To A Track
How to use automation in breakdowns and build ups. Estelle teaches you how to link up analog hardware to control automation manually. She suggests tips for using automation to create bigger builds and create atmospheric breakdowns.
- Creating crescendos for breakdowns
- Assigning automation to hardware
- Volume automation to create a build up
- Automating the OneKnob Filter
4. Which Mode Should I Use?
Learn which mode of automation to use and when to apply each mode. Estelle explains how and when to use Logic Pro’s touch, latch, draw and write modes of automation.
- Touch mode vs Latch mode
- Draw mode automation
- Write mode automation
5. Ideas For Using Automation
Learn how a professional music producer applies automation in the context of a dance track. Estelle shares creative ways of using automation and demonstrates how she automates bass and vocals.
- Adding vocal delay - Replika XT
- Ideas for automating bass
- Region automation vs track automation
- Why to use touch automation
6. Guided Demonstration
Estelle provides a guided walkthrough of how to apply automation to a dance track. She discusses how much automation to apply and explains the difference between regional and track automation.
- Demonstration - applying automation
- How much automation should I apply?
- Panning automation
7. Live Q&A
Estelle Rubio answers your questions on using automation in a DAW. Questions include what are the best practices when using automation, how much is too much automation, and how much automation does she tend to apply to her tracks.
- If you are automating a couple of channels through a 16 bar loop, are there any obvious do’s and don’ts to prevent conflicting frequencies? I can get carried away sometimes…
- Is the gritty bass also acting as a sub bass? Or do you split it into a bass and a sub bass?
- Do you have anything on your mastering chain in order to make it sound fuller?
- Would you ever use all 64 channels in a track? If you did, would you automate them all - what is too much automation?
- How did you EQ the kick and bass in this song?

Meet Your Teacher
Estelle Rubio
Estelle Rubio is a DJ, producer, remixer and singer/songwriter. She is Apple’s only European female tech presenter, and will regularly demo Logic and software products for the company. As a music composer, her works have been published on Sky and ITV, whilst a collaboration with Basement Jaxx saw her playing at Glitterbox / Hi Ibiza.
In the world of dance music, her production credits are no less impressive, with EDM, Latin and House releases on a multitude of well respected labels, including Atlantic Jaxx, Saifam, Frontman and Looper.
She is also currently part of the rapidly growing B-side Project Remix Competition, presiding as a judge alongside La Roux, Clean Bandit and Roni Size.
Discussions
Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!
Discussions
Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!
About This Class
Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!
In this new class, Emma shares the framework that allowed her to overcome self-doubt and carve her own path as an author, broadcaster, and podcast host. The secret to her success? Fed up with feeling afraid—of failure, of not being good enough, even of success—Emma dug into the science behind self-sabotage and learned exactly how to get out of her own way.
Now, Emma is sharing what she’s learned so that you can do the same: unlock your creative potential while feeling energized and empowered!
Together with Emma, you will:
- Identify the patterns in your life, and let go of habits that don’t serve you
- Cut out comparison to figure out what you really want and need
- Silence your inner critic by talking back to negative beliefs and behaviors
- Own your success and vulnerability—both go hand-in-hand with creativity
Packed with insights and examples from Emma’s personal journey, this class is designed for every creative who needs a pep-talk or extra push to get started—and includes five exclusive downloadable worksheets to support you along the way.
Whether you’re looking to break through block, remove self-imposed pressure, or simply approach each new project with intention, this 45-minute class will unlock your confidence as a creative. Get started and celebrate taking the first step!
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All you need to follow along is a pen and paper. Download the worksheets to follow along with Emma’s exercises, or jot your thoughts in a notebook.
Resources
- Introduction
- Week one
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