One of the great features in Pro Tools® is the ability to automate plug-in parameters — not just for easier and more efficient mixing but for the creative possibilities too. By choosing which plug-in parameters to display in the "track view selector" drop-down menu, you can create your own customized list of parameters to automate. Here’s how.

Open Pro Tools and bring up a plug-in on an audio or instrument track. At the top of the plug-in window, click the “auto” button (short for automation) to open the Plug-in Automation window, which lists all of the plug-in's parameters. Select a parameter you want to automate and click "Add." Repeat for any others, click OK when done, and then close the plug-in window. In the Edit window, click the "track view selector" drop-down menu for the track on which you inserted the plug-in; you’ll see the name of the plug-in along with a submenu containing the parameters you added. Choose one of the parameters and let the games begin!

There are countless uses for automating a plug-in’s parameters. A great way to start experimenting is by automating a plug-in's bypass button. Try inserting a delay plug-in on a vocal or instrument track, and set an 8th or 16th note delay. Then add the plug-in's "master bypass" parameter to your plug-in automation list, and automate the delay to engage whenever you want certain parts of the track to stand out more (see figure 5). This works well for adding a quick in-tempo delay to punch up the end of a vocal phrase or instrument line.

But don't stop there! Experiment with automating filter sweeps, reverb amounts, LFO rates, and other parameters to breathe some life into your mixes and songs.