Auto-panning or manual dynamic panning moves an audio signal across the stereo field between the left and right speakers over time. This motion can be controlled automatically or performed by hand using console pan pots and faders during the mix. Sweeping sounds back and forth alters the perceived physical space and injects movement into an arrangement.
How the songs in the archive use it
On All Along the Watchtower by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, console faders and pan pots were physically played to violently sweep the rhythmic wah guitar and drum fills across the stereo spectrum.
How to do it in Logic Pro
Automatically modulate an audio signal across the stereo field over time. Use this effect on rhythm guitars, synthesizer pads, or percussion to add movement and spatial interest to a mix.
Insert Tremolo on a stereo audio channel strip.
Set the stereo phase to create opposing movement between the left and right channels.
Adjust the modulation rate to match or groove with the project tempo.
Dial in the depth to control the perceived width of the stereo excursion.
Plug-in
Control
Value
Listen for
Tremolo
Preset
Slow Panning
gentle rhythmic sweep between speakers
Tremolo
Depth
75
wide stereo motion without hard gating
Tremolo
Smoothing
50
rounded, natural panning transition
A general method with Logic Pro's own plug-ins. Control names are checked against Apple's manual; the values are starting points, so adjust them by ear.
Songs that use it (1)
What each track sheet's analysis found, with the sheet's own score. Analysis, not verified credits.
All Along the Watchtower by The Jimi Hendrix ExperienceManual Stereo Panning: During the mixing phase, Kramer and Hendrix physically played the console faders and pan pots, violently sweeping the rhythmic wah guitar and drum fills across the stereo spectrum to create a disorienting, psychedelic effect.Sheet score 10/10 · Source given: [Eddie Kramer interviews] · Open the full track sheet
Want these sounds in your own mixes? Every song above has a full track sheet with its signal chains and a step-by-step recreation for your DAW. Open Track DiveAll techniques