Cubase Dynamics Control for Orchestral Music: Expression, Automation and Group Tracks

A composer who was new to Cubase asked me how he could add dynamics to passages of his orchestral music, so I gave him an overview of the ways Cubase lets you control volume and expression.

He had always made demos of his orchestral pieces in notation software, and he wanted to move to Cubase to get a more realistic result with his Spitfire Symphony Orchestra library. Partway through our session he asked how he could control passages of his music and bring some dynamics into them.

This was an overview session, where we looked at lots of different parts of Cubase, so we didn’t have time to sit with dynamics in depth. Instead I showed him that his new software has lots of options for this.

Simple volume controls within Cubase.
Expression MIDI data, assigned so he could control the expression with his modulation wheel.
Changing the volumes on Cubase’s MixConsole, for rough and ready volume mixing.
Automation, to control different sections.

I also showed him how to put sections of his orchestral performance, for example the woodwinds and the brass, into group tracks on the MixConsole, so he could control the volume of each section as a group.

By the end of the session he had Cubase working, his Spitfire library linked to Kontakt and his orchestral pieces playing in Cubase. He was very happy, and he now had an idea of the features that would be there for him as he carried on using the software. The other part of the same session, on choosing the right Spitfire patches in Cubase, is written up separately.

Book a session (£90)

Not sure it’s the same problem? Ask a question first

    
 
 
         
   Laura Forrest-Hay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul reinstalled all my lost sample libraries, streamlined the storage on my computer so it works faster and fixed my corrupted disk. it took us a couple of sessions and he was friendly and patient throughout. He never made me feel stupid and never over-explained stuff I already knew - in fact he boosted my confidence. Would highly recommend. I've put him on speed dial!
  
 
        
   MrMattkitt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was brilliant, listened to the issues I had on Cubase and my home studio, worked methodically through potential problems and  sorted everything. Amazing service, down to earth and explained everything so I
could understand. I am a very happy song writer once again thanks to Paul! Will be using Paul again in the future and highly recommend. Thanks Paul.
  
 
        
   Ciarán Hanna 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Honestly, if you're in any way stuck in a creative block because of the gear you have, you've more questions than answers about what the best setup should be for your flow, or even if you have very nuanced problems in your DAW/with your gear, the service Paul provides is second to none. Besides being an extremely nice guy, he knows his stuff and takes the time to understand what you want to get out of each session and makes sure all is good to go! Can't recommend him enough!
  
 
        
   Trudie Brogan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great service. Paul is so knowledgeable and I learned so much. Totally recommend.
  
 
        
   Cottin Ulysse 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was fantastic, he solved my problem in less than 30mn, and he is a lovely guy. I really recommend him.
  
 
        
   Justin Bikram 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul provided as stellar service, worth every penny. I came to him with a genuine issue that was affecting my Logic Pro 11 album project regarding drums and midi maps and he solved my problem most efficiently.  He was patient, courteous, quick thinking and highly knowledgeable. I will certainly consider using the service again and thoroughly recommend Audio Support -
Thank you Paul - you are a star :)
  
 
        
   josh fulford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working in Reaper.
Super knowledgeable, friendly, speaks in easy to understand terms.
Paul is helping us DAW newbies get in the game. Paul got my lost plugin files working again as well as showed me how to find missing wave files for projects that were loading incorrectly. Keep this man on speed dial.
  
 
        
   Richard Grant 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul fixed in around half an hour some midi keyboard/controller problems I have been trying to solve but have had to live with for around two years! He is very knowledgeable and patient and the Any Desk link worked perfectly. I wish I had found his website sooner and wouldn't hesitate to call on his services again.
Rick Grant
  
 
        
   Paul B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was excellent in helping me diagnose and resolve a problem I had on Logic Pro 12 file issues
  
 
        
   William Schrul 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul really helped get my Cubase up and running again.  He really knows his stuff, and I'll definitely look him up again when I'm stuck.  Thanks!!!
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 160 reviews

Related Case Studies

I've written a piano part in Kontakt for one of my songs, but it lacks guts and presence. Turning it up in the mix and trying plugins hasn't sounded right. What can I do?

Why does EZdrummer play wrong notes with Logic Drummer MIDI?

How can I get Suno AI to create the exact music I hear in my head?

I'm mixing my album and one vocal has a little click or swishing sound at the start of every line, just as the words come in. It's subtle, but it makes the track uncomfortable to listen to. What's causing it?