Techniques of 408 5

This week we learned about detailed automation approaches. There are two ways to understand automation; through real time recording, or through graphic editing.

Real Time:

• Bring up automation window by apple, 4 (on keypad) or under automation, in the window tab.
• You can 'suspend' all automation if you want for all tracks.
• Click plug-in to automate plug in.
• When automation tab is red, it is enabled.

When looking at a track

• Go to write mode, put up volume level so you can hear what you are doing.
• Record and move fader to apply automation.
• Write mode overrides any previous automation points.
• Make sure selection is enabled in automation window.

There are 7 modes for automation

• 'Off' can be enabled to turn off any automation.
• 'Touch' mode only adds automation when you touch fader and then returns to what is already has been automated.
• Can be used to combine old automation with new adjustments.
• Under preferences, mixing, automated time (for setting up how slow/fast you want the touch mode to return to previous automation.)
• 'Latch' mode plays back automation that has been made, and once you move the fader, it stays in place and moves only when you adjust.
• 'Trim' function tweaks automation only slightly, creating a composite of both old and new automation.
• Trim can be enabled with the other functions as well.

Viewing and Editing Automation

• Use the grabber tool to create break points.
• Option, Click to erase break points.
• Apple, Click to add break points.
• The little arrow at the bottom left of each track can be used to show automation of specific automation. Click the '+' for other independent automation views to be opened.
• Double click to select entire track.
• Highlight section and Press Delete to get rid of all viewable automation.
• Use pencil tool to draw in automation.
• Select Wave type under pencil tool and select the resolution (bars and beats, and 1/8 or other appropriate beat type).
• Edit, Copy Special to send automation of volume, to pan as well, or whatever other automation you choose.
• Make sure to un-group to do automation for 1 track of group.
• Use selection tool to highlight and move automation.
• Hold Command key to fine tune automation.

Plug In automation

• Control, Option, Apple, Click pot button and select automation option.
• Go to latch mode with the plug in automation selected and edit in real time with the plug in.

Automation, things to keep in mind

• Write mode is destructive.
• Latch mode only applies to one automation.
• Use Escape key to scroll through edit menu tools.