I would venture to guess that every DAW user dislikes at least one aspect of the mixing process (if not many depending on ones true agenda).  In my case, I hate automating tracks.  Honestly, the process itself is easy enough but I still despise having to do it.  I recently watched a tutorial on youtube (and yes, I know... with a grain of salt) and the "host" used a vocal rider to automate the volume in pro tools.  I thought to myself "yes!"  Then I realized that I am cheap and probably wont front the cash for another plug in for my Sonar Platinum.  But if SONAR graciously added one because I suggested it.......
 
Also, I have been making music for 20 years and recording, mixing, and sort of mastering for about 5 years.  I really wish I didn't have to learn everything about mixing through trial and error.  If there was just one legit video of someone recording, mixing, and mastering a song from scratch, start to finish; in SONAR I think it would improve my grasp on the basic approach to mixing.   Better yet, what if SONAR provided this video FREE with the platinum bundle!  Just thinking out loud.  The issue Im having is with the fact that after 5 years of trial by error I am still uncertain whether I am mixing right.  All is subjective and none is truth of course, but there has to be some universally accepted techniques out there. If so, Id like to know what they are and Id like to hear it from someone other than a teenager on youtube who downloaded fruity loops 2 weeks earlier and is now an "expert."
 
By the way, I really love the new platinum.  I am a SONAR fan for life.
 
Thanks,
 
Jake

WAVES offers Vocal Rider, I'm sure other companies have similar plugs ... if you need one, wait until one of them goes on sale and get it at a lower price ...
 
Be advised, though, that it's never a "be all, end all " solution ... I use the Vocal Rider mostly to record a first pass for the automation and then override manually to adjust where needed ... there are plenty of settings in these rider plugs but still they won't fit the whole track over a full song ...
 

Grizzlylip
 The issue Im having is with the fact that after 5 years of trial by error I am still uncertain whether I am mixing right.  All is subjective and none is truth of course, but there has to be some universally accepted techniques out there.

There's extremely good literature which you could invest in by the big names in the industry. Many software vendors have professionals explaining tools. While this is of course marketing, it still explains the "techniques" which hold across all plug ins and programs. YouTube can be a big waste of time if you don't know the source ...

Here's one that's on sale:http://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-autogain/ or for a little more http://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-autogain-pro/
 
Rocky

Thanks for the input FreeFlyBertl!  I will approach the vocal rider with caution.  If it sounds too good to be true....
 
I appreciate the links Rocky!  A 40 percent discount just might be the bargaining chip needed to convince my wife that I cant afford not to buy this plug in. 
 
I have always been reluctant to join an online community.  I finally took the plunge, and so far, Ive been impressed with the productive, forward thinking atmosphere.  I may just stick around awhile.  Thanks again!
 
Jake

Happy we can help. Welcome to the forums.
 
Rocky

Very nice and not to much expensive ($53), MAutoVolume by Melda Productions.
http://www.meldaproduction.com/plugins/product.php?id=MAutoVolume
 
 

Go to the main Cakewalk site and check out all the stuff there. There are tons of free videos on the site that explain different techniques.

On the front page of this forum there are a number of sticky threads (as they're called) offering links to a variety of useful resources. http://forum.cakewalk.com...Handbook-m3096132.aspx

Scroll to the bottom of the page and you'll see links to follow.