9 Automation Mistakes You’re Probably Making—and How to Fix Them Fast

Automation in Logic Pro can turn a boring mix into a world-class production.

Or it can absolutely wreck your track.

Most producers make at least a few of these mistakes without even realizing it. The good news? They’re easy to fix once you know what to watch for.

Let's go ahead and get right into it.

1. Using Only Volume Automation

If the only thing you ever automate is volume, you’re leaving half your mix on the table.

For example, try automating the cutoff filter on your synth pads, the mix level on your reverb bus, or the attack time on a compressor.

To get started, pick one effect parameter per track that changes over time. Build the movement in small waves—push the filter open during the chorus, then roll it back down during the verse.

Small moves. Big difference.

2. Ignoring Region Automation

Track automation is great. But if you’re moving a region and the automation doesn’t follow it, you’re setting yourself up for chaos.

Here’s what to do next: Switch simple moves (like fades or quick filter sweeps) to region automation. That way, when you move the audio region, the automation comes along without any extra clicks.

Saving you time—and your sanity.

3. Drawing Too Many Automation Points

It’s tempting to get click-happy. Before you know it, your curve looks like a stock market crash.

Keep it clean. Only create points where you’re actually changing something.

A good rule: if you’ve added more than 5 points within 4 bars, step back and ask, "Can I do this in fewer moves?"

Your CPU (and your future self) will thank you.

4. Forgetting to Snap Automation to the Grid

If your automation points are just slightly off the beat, your mix can feel "off" without you knowing why.

Here are three steps to get started:

1. Set your Snap Automation value to ¼ notes or ½ notes, depending on your track’s groove.
2. Reposition points so they lock onto the grid.
3. Listen back—you’ll hear your transitions "click" into place.

Locked automation = tighter, more professional mixes.

5. Over-Automating Every Track

Not every instrument needs to "move" all the time.

Think of automation like seasoning. A little pepper makes the dish better. Dumping the whole jar into the pot is a disaster.

Pick 3-5 focal points in your arrangement to automate heavily—vocals, main synths, key transitions—and leave supporting tracks steady.

This way, your mix breathes instead of suffocating.

6. Choosing the Wrong Automation Mode

If you're writing automation in Latch or Write mode without knowing exactly why, you’re playing with fire.

Here’s a smarter way:

• Use Touch when you want to return to the original value after letting go.
• Use Latch when you want your new move to "stick".

And skip Write mode unless you enjoy erasing everything by accident.

7. Leaving Orphaned Automation Behind

You move a region but forget to delete the old automation.

Result? Ghost moves that mess with your mix later and make you question your life choices.

Here’s what to do next:

• Go to Mix > Delete Orphaned Automation after a big session move.
• Keep your session clean and your head clear.

8. Automating With No Plan

Randomly moving faders during playback is not a "creative approach."

Before you automate, ask:

• What emotion do I want here?
• What energy shift do I need?

Then automate deliberately—a slow fade to create suspense, a fast cut for shock, a swell to build hype.

Every move should have a reason.

9. Not Using Multiple Automation Lanes

Trying to cram volume, reverb mix, and EQ automation into a single lane turns your track into a confusing mess.

Open multiple automation lanes. Pick one parameter per lane. Zoom in. Stay sane.

It’s like switching from scribbling on a napkin to working on a clean whiteboard.

Final Word

Fix these nine mistakes and you’ll stop fighting your automation—and start making tracks that feel alive, dynamic, and professional.

Open a current project right now. Pick two mistakes from this list and clean them up.

You’ll hear the difference.

Fast.