🚀 Mid/Side EQ Automation Techniques for Transitions
Automation makes your mix more dynamic and engaging, especially for buildups, drops, and transitions. Below are practical Mid/Side EQ automation techniques you can use in FL Studio for a more professional sound.
📌 1️⃣ Automating High-Pass Filter on the Sides (Smooth Build-Ups & Drops)
🎯 Goal: Gradually remove low-end from stereo elements before a drop, making the drop hit harder.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Insert FabFilter Pro-Q3 (or any Mid/Side EQ plugin) on the Synths, Pads, or Master Bus.
2️⃣ Select a High-Pass Filter (HPF) on the Sides at 80Hz – 200Hz.
3️⃣ Right-click the HPF Frequency Knob → Select Create Automation Clip.
4️⃣ In the Playlist, start with the filter OFF (at 30Hz or lower) and automate it to rise up to 150Hz – 200Hz right before the drop.
5️⃣ At the drop, reset it back to normal (OFF) to bring back the full mix.
🎚️ Before: The buildup sounds too muddy, no tension.
🎚️ After: The buildup becomes tighter and makes the drop feel bigger.
💡 Best used for: EDM, Trap, House, any drop-based music.
📌 2️⃣ Automating Mid/Side Stereo Width (Making Buildups Feel Bigger)
🎯 Goal: Make the mix feel narrower in the buildup and wider at the drop for contrast.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Insert Fruity Stereo Enhancer on the Master or Synth Bus.
2️⃣ Create an automation clip for the Stereo Width Knob.
3️⃣ During the buildup, automate the width to decrease (around -50%) to make it sound mono.
4️⃣ At the drop, automate the width to increase (above 100%) for an explosive stereo effect.
🎚️ Before: The drop sounds flat and predictable.
🎚️ After: The buildup creates tension, and the drop feels massive.
💡 Best used for: Electronic music, cinematic buildups, trap intros.
📌 3️⃣ Automating a Telephone/Lo-Fi Effect (For Transitions & Intros)
🎯 Goal: Use Mid/Side EQ to create a radio/telephone effect that opens up into the full mix.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Open FabFilter Pro-Q3 (or any EQ plugin) on the Vocals, Drums, or Full Mix.
2️⃣ Select a High-Pass Filter (HPF) at 400Hz (Mid & Side) → Removes bass.
3️⃣ Select a Low-Pass Filter (LPF) at 4kHz (Mid & Side) → Removes high-end sparkle.
4️⃣ Right-click both filters → Create Automation Clips.
5️⃣ Keep the telephone effect on at the start of the track.
6️⃣ Automate both filters to slowly open up over 4–8 bars into the full sound.
🎚️ Before: The intro sounds basic and uninteresting.
🎚️ After: The mix transitions smoothly, adding suspense before the drop.
💡 Best used for: Lo-fi beats, hip-hop intros, breakdowns.
📌 4️⃣ Automating Mid/Side EQ to Emphasize a Drop (Boosting Highs in Sides)
🎯 Goal: Make the drop feel wider & more exciting by boosting the highs on the sides.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Insert FabFilter Pro-Q3 on the Master Channel or Drop Lead Synth.
2️⃣ Add a High-Shelf Boost at 8kHz on the Sides.
3️⃣ Right-click the Gain Knob → Create Automation Clip.
4️⃣ Keep it neutral (-0dB) in the verse, slightly increase (+2dB to +4dB) during the buildup.
5️⃣ At the drop, boost the highs (+5dB or more) for more air & width.
🎚️ Before: The drop lacks energy and sounds flat.
🎚️ After: The drop sounds bigger, more open, and exciting.
💡 Best used for: Future bass, house, pop, EDM.
🚀 Try These Automation Tricks in Your Tracks!
These automation techniques help bring movement and energy to your mixes.
Would you like me to add FL Studio stock plugin alternatives for these effects?
