autopan

AutoPan is an audio effect that automatically moves the stereo position of a sound over time. It is commonly implemented by modulating the pan control with an oscillator (an LFO) or an envelope, producing movement between the left and right channels. It can be applied to individual tracks, subgroups, or entire mixes.

Most AutoPan devices offer controls such as rate (speed of panning), depth (range of movement), and a waveform or shape (sine, triangle, square, or custom). Many plug-ins include tempo-synced rate, allowing the movement to track the project tempo, and some provide phase or start-position options to adjust where the pan movement begins.

In music production, subtle AutoPan adds width and motion to pads, keys, guitars, and vocal tracks, making a static signal feel more lively. More aggressive settings create rhythmic left-right pulses suitable for electronic drums, percussion, or sound design. It is often used in combination with other modulation effects to craft dynamic textures and evolving sounds.

When using AutoPan, producers should consider mono compatibility, as extreme panning can emphasize phase cancellation when the mix is collapsed to mono. It is common to automate the depth or rate for dynamic sections or to use sidechain strategies to maintain intelligibility of loud sources.

AutoPan is a standard feature across digital audio workstations and effect plugins and remains a basic tool for motion in the stereo field.