What "Balance" is for?

[pouya]

I have been using Logic for many years but still I don't know what "Balance" automation parameter is for? Is it related to panning?

[David Nahmani]

Yes. Balance is the default form of panning on a stereo track. When you turn the "pan" knob on a stereo track (it's really a balance knob) to one side, you're simply lowering the level of the other side. For example when you balance a stereo track to the right, you're lowering the volume of the left channel while leaving the right at the same level.

 

You can Control-click the Balance knob to get a Stereo Panner instead.

[pouya]

Thank you very much for your response. I understand that the pan knob controls the level of left and right channels on a stereo channel strip. What I don't know is, what the "Balance" automation parameter is used for. You can use the "Pan" automation parameter to write automation for the pan knob whether your track is stereo or mono, even for the new "Stereo Pan" option. When I write automation for "Balance", it doesn't do anything. I am just wondering why it even exists!?

[David Nahmani]

What I don't know is, what the "Balance" automation parameter is used for.

I don't think it's used for anything at all.

 

Maybe they meant to map that parameter to the Balance control but in the end they chose to map it to call that one "Pan" instead. I remember that when Logic Pro X was released, the Balance knob was called Pan knob...  so there's always been a bit of confusion between Pan and Balance. Today, that confusion is here to stay, with the "Pan" automation parameter controlling the "Balance" knob. And the "Balance" automation parameter controlling.... apparently nothing at all.

[pouya]

Yes that's what I assumed. Thank you for your help.

[David Nahmani]

You're welcome!