DJ.Studio features a powerful and detailed automation editor.
This lets you adjust mixer and effects parameters over time to change a track's arrangement and make more expressive transitions. You can even automate effects on sample tracks.
There are several ways to change the automation for each track.
DJ.Studio includes a lot of effects that you can apply to whole tracks or to parts of tracks and samples , like Echo, Reverb and Gater.
There is also a whole list of special effects that are included in the FX Pack.
If the integrated effects do not suit your needs, you can always use third-party plugins like VSTs or AU effect plugins.
You can find the Effects tab at Studio > Effects Tab.
There are 2 types of effects:
Effects that can be automated on the full track ( like Volume, Noise, Pitch and Filter
Effects that work via effect blocks. Those are effects that are usually applied for short parts of a track or sample.
How To Use and Edit Automation for a full track
Automation can be activated in a few different ways.
1. Firstly, you can display and edit the automation line for a parameter by clicking and moving the control. For example, change the position of the mid-EQ, or adjust the channel volume.
2. You will now see the automation line for the selected parameter.
3. Here, you can click on the line to make new automation points. These can then be moved around in time or in value to create the type of automation you want.
4. Click an existing point to delete it.
Automation Keyboard Shortcuts
Another quick method for creating automation values is by using keyboard shortcuts. (Or the right-click menu).
By pressing the relevant key, a new automation point will be created at the current playhead time for the chosen value. You can also access these operations by right-clicking the timeline.
To use this feature:
Click at the place on the timeline where you want to create an automation point.
Press the corresponding keyboard shortcut for the chosen value.
Use the mouse to adjust the value of the automation point.
The keyboard shortcuts are:
Automation Operation | Keyboard Shortcut |
Add Volume Marker | V |
Add Filter Marker | F |
Add High Marker | H |
Add Mid Marker | K |
Add Low Marker | L |
Reset Automation for the current track | Ctrl+Backspace |
Windows: You can hold CTRL+CLICK to move the automation points freely, to de-activate grid snapping.
Mac: You can hold Command+CLICK to move the automation points freely, to de-activate grid snapping.
Realtime Recording Automation
This is useful if you want to create more expressive mixes, with a human touch.
To record automation, simply:
Click the automation record button from the center bar
The mix will now play.
Move any parameters you wish to create automation for, including the EQ, filter, volume and more.
When you’re finished, click the record automation button again or spacebar to disable it.
You can now edit automation points in the timeline editor.
Drag the automation points to change the values, or highlight sections and press ‘Backspace’ to delete the automation.
For effect automations, an effect block will be created:
Check out this article to read more about the FX pack and effect blocks
Effects for the full track or sample
Click on an effect parameter to change its setting. These can also be automated in the timeline.
Open the Studio tab at the top of the screen
Select the effects tab at the bottom of the screen
Change an effect parameter like Volume, Noise, Pitch or Filter.
You will now see a line appear in the timeline based on the effect you changed.
Click on the line to create movable points to automate the effect.
Effect blocks
You can find the Effects tab at Studio > Effects Tab at the bottom > Categories > Effects and FX Pack. If you add one of these effects, the effect will be applied to the selected track, it is not an effect that works on the entire deck.
Effect blocks are small blocks that define one effect. You can drag the effect block around in your track or sample and make it longer or shorter by dragging the yellow start or end automation point.
How to add an effect block
Go to the Effects tab > Categories > Effects or Effects tab > Categories > FX Pack
Put the playhead in the track or sample where you want to add the effect. Make sure the track or sample title is highlighted in bright yellow to indicate that it is selected.
Select the effect you want to add
Use the XY pad and the Mix slider to try out the effect while playing.
Pause the playhead and click in the XY pad to create an effect block in the track.
Click the dotted line in the Studio to automate the effect parameters (1), and add your own automation points.
Or press 'Record' (2) and move the circle in the XY pad to record your automation.
Shorten or lengthen the effect block by dragging the yellow dots at the beginning and end of an automation.
Move the effect block by grabbing the yellow effect bar and dragging it.
You can add a maximum of 5 effects to one project.
Save effect as favorite
If you configured a effect block with settings that you want to reuse later, you can save your settings as a favorite or preset.
Right-click on the header of an effect block to save it as a preset.
You can also save a preset by pressing the Presets 'save' button.
Apply it instantly to other tracks with a single click in the presets area.
Layer Multiple Effects
You can try out different effects and layer multiple on top of each other to create rich and complex soundscapes.
Deleting automations in Effect Blocks
Follow these steps to delete the automations in Effect blocks:
Select the effect block:
Click on the effect block in the timeline.
Delete the effect using one of the following methods:
Right-click the selected effect block and choose Delete effect block.
Press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard.
To remove automation points that do not create an effect block, you can use the following methods:
Delete a single automation point:
Double-click the automation point to remove it.
Delete multiple automation points by merging them:
Drag one automation point over another to remove overlapping points.
As you move a point to the left or right, any automation points it overlaps will be automatically deleted.
To delete all automations in a track, right-click on the track and select ‘Reset All Track Automations’.
FX Pack and VSTs
DJ.Studio also features the FX Pack, a collection of over 30 effects designed to complement essential tools like Filters, Echo, and Reverb:
You can also add VST plugins via Effects tab > Categories > VSTs. Find out more about the DJ.Studio's VST integration here - VSTs in DJ.Studio User Manual
Frequently asked questions about effects
How can I remove an effect block?
You can remove an effect block
by selecting the block and press Delete
Right-click on the selected effect block and choose Delete effect block from the right-click menu
Can I use a MIDI controller to control my automations in DJ.Studio?
No, DJ.Studio does not currently support MIDI controllers for automation control. However, you can create and adjust automations using your mouse within the software.
Can you copy and paste the custom manual volume nodes?
At the moment, we don't have an option to copy manual volume automation points.