Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin: Automating Audio Panning
Learn how to automate 3D audio movement using the Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin to create dynamic, immersive sound with position-based keyframe control.
Note: Automating audio panning may not be available in all DAWs.
Automated 3D Movement With Audio Panning
One of the key features of the Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin's audio panning is the ability to automate the movement of sound elements in 3D space. Automation adds dynamic motion to your audio, enhancing the immersive experience.
1. Open the Automation Dialog
Right-click on the Audio Element Plugin interface and select the Automation Dialog.
In the dialog box, choose the parameter you wish to automate. For instance, select the Y position (front-back movement) to automate depth.
Once you have selected the position to automate, add it to the automation list for the plugin. This makes the parameter available for automation in Pro Tools.
2. Set Up Automation
Right-click on the track and select the Track View Dropdown (by default "waveform" is selected) and select Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin --> Variable to display the automation lane for the variable. In this example we select Y for the Y-position.
A black line will appear representing the position of the variable over time.
3. Modify the Automation
Use the Grabber Tool (or any other editing tool) to add keyframes and adjust the variable position over time. For example:
Move the sound forward by setting the Y position to -50 at the beginning of the automation.
Move it backward by setting the Y position to +50 at the end of the automation.
Similarly other automation tools or recording hardware can be used to set the automation values. The use of these other tools is outside the scope of this document.
1. Add the parameter to the track envelope
Open the plug-in UI and in the top right corner select "Param"
Select "Show track envelope", then the position variable to be automated. In this example we select Y for the Y position
2. Add a keyframe to the envelope
Return to the track view, and you should see the envelope controls for the variable under the variables name. In this example, you should see "Y / Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin".
If the envelope controls are not visible, click on the variable dial and select "Show envelope"
Right click the automation track at the point you wish to add a keyframe and select "Insert point"
3. Adjust the parameter value
Click on the inserted point and drag it up or down to adjust the variable.
Add additional keyframes to specify the value at specific points or the rate of change of the variable.
You can also use the draw tool to manually add positional changes by holding the command key.
Similarly other automation tools or recording hardware can be used to set the automation values. The use of these other tools is outside the scope of this document.
Automated audio panning via the Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin is not officially supported for Adobe Premiere Pro.
Note that Adobe Premiere Pro does have support for parameter automation, but automating the Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin parameters can result in glitchy or lossy audio.
1. Enable Automation in Logic Pro
Select Mix --> Show Automation
2. Select the Parameter to Automate
On a track with an audio element, select the Eclipsa Audio Element plugin in the automation dropdown
Select the dimension to be automated
3. Change the automation parameter to "Touch" or "Write"
In the green dropdown, change the automation mode to a write mode such as Touch or Write
Select the track
Set the values of the parameter by modifying the tracks automation curve as desired using either touch or write mode
Automating Multiple Parameters
You can automate the Y (forward-backward), X (left-right) and Z (up-down) positions. This allows for complex movements, such as an audio object moving diagonally or spiralling within the 3D space.
The Roof feature in the Eclipsa Audio Element Plugin can be used to automatically adjust the Z position (up-down) of the panned audio when the Y position (front-back) or the X position (right-left) changes. This can simplify the creation of dynamic vertical movements such as a sound passing overhead. Alternatively, you can directly automate the Z position for precise height control.
Playback and Refinement
As you play the session, observe the sound moving forward and backward based on the automation. Depending on the DAW, movement can be refined by using additional keyframes or recording hardware.
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