a max msp 5 technical question

so for those who use max 5 i gots a question about modulating the signal right before it reaches the 2 dac~ imputs ....

first is there a simple way for panning the sound out before it reaches the dac;

secondly, i want to modulate the pan with the amplitude of the audio signal

finally what objects can i use to convert the audio signal in order to modulate the parameters

im sure this is possible but i dont have the patience for the long ass tutorials