Mixing, Arranging & Automations in Logic Pro & GarageBand on iPad

William Hopson
Sep 18
2 min read

Mixing, arranging, and automation are three of the most powerful ways to bring a track to life. They’re also some of my favorite parts of the production process — the stage where ideas transform from raw recordings into something polished, dynamic, and release-ready.

In this post (and companion vlog), I’ll walk through how I approach these steps using Logic Pro and GarageBand on the iPad. From sub-mixing and effects chains to automation techniques, this is all about sharpening your workflow and making your music sound more professional.

Mixing in Logic Pro for iPad

Logic Pro offers a wide range of tools that make mixing on iPad surprisingly powerful. Here are some of the key techniques I use:

Lead Channel Mixing – Dialing in the main track so it sits properly in the mix.
Using a Gate – Controlling unwanted noise and tightening up recordings.
Reverb & Delay Order – Getting spatial effects in the right sequence for a clean mix.
Stereo Spreader – Widening the mix without muddying the center.

One of the biggest advantages of Logic Pro is how much flexibility it gives you in arranging effects. The right chain makes everything easier to balance later.

The Power of Sub-Mixing

Sub-mixing is a lifesaver — especially when dealing with multiple instruments.

Instead of tweaking every single track one by one, I group similar instruments (like drums, vocals, or guitars) into buses. This way, I can apply EQ, compression, or reverb to the entire group, saving time and keeping everything cohesive.

Making MIDI Instruments Sound Real

MIDI can sometimes sound flat or robotic. I’ll share techniques for making it feel more human, like adjusting velocity, layering sounds, and adding subtle variations in timing. It’s these small details that make MIDI tracks blend seamlessly with live instruments.

Automations in Logic Pro

Automation is where a static mix becomes dynamic. In Logic Pro, I use automation to:

Control volume swells and fades
Adjust effect levels across sections
Create movement and drama throughout the track

I’ll also show you when to use different automation modes like “read” vs. “touch” for the most control.

Mixing in GarageBand

GarageBand might look simpler, but it still has some excellent tools:

Visual EQ – Easy-to-use frequency shaping.
Multi-Band Compressor – Adding balance across low, mid, and high ranges.
Automations – Volume, pan, and effect adjustments that mirror Logic’s essentials.

GarageBand can’t match Logic’s depth, but it’s a solid foundation for iPad producers.

Arranging for Flow and Energy

Once the mix is solid, it’s time to shape the arrangement. This is where you keep the listener engaged — cutting sections, adding dynamics, and making sure the song feels like it’s moving forward.

Tips I cover include:

Editing down clutter to create space
Layering instruments strategically
Using automation to highlight transitions

Arrangement is often overlooked, but it’s what keeps a good mix from feeling repetitive.

TL;DR

Start in Logic Pro for deeper mixing tools, sub-mixing, and realistic MIDI shaping.
Use GarageBand for straightforward EQ, compression, and automation.
Always sub-mix groups of instruments to save time and keep cohesion.
Automations give your track movement and polish.
A well-thought-out arrangement keeps the listener hooked.