30 Questions
What is the first step to view volume automation on a track?
Change to the Edit window
What happens when you click the Track View selector on a track?
It reveals the automation playlist
What is indicated by a checkmark in the Lane View selector?
The selected automation type
How can you add an automation lane to a track?
Click on the Add Lane button
What tool is recommended for drawing mix automation on a track?
Pencil tool
What happens when you release the mouse button while using the Pencil tool for automation?
New automation is written progressively
What does mix automation allow you to do in a session?
Change aspects of your mix over time and have those changes written to your session.
Why is automation considered one of the coolest things in mixing with a DAW?
It allows real-time control of multiple parameters as your session plays.
Where can you view a visual representation of the movements of your mix controls in Pro Tools?
Edit window
What type of data is recorded when working with automation?
Automation data
Why is it beneficial to learn the basic terminology related to automation?
To ensure clear communication using standard industry terms.
In which window should you go to view different mix automations according to the text?
Edit window
What is the shortcut to change a selected track's automation mode from Read to Off on a Mac?
Shift+Option
How can you suspend automation throughout a session?
Click the Suspend button in the Automation window
When automation is suspended, what color is the Suspend button?
Red
How do you re-enable the reading of automation after it has been suspended?
Change tracks from Off to Read
Which menu option allows you to access the Automation window?
Window
What is the default shortcut to show or hide the Automation window on Windows?
Ctrl+4 on the numeric keypad
What Pencil tool shape is recommended for a smooth transition from one parameter value to another, like a smooth increase in volume?
Line
In pan automation, what does the Grid value determine when using the Triangle, Square, or Random Pencil tool options?
Frequency of the automation changes
What tool is used to adjust automation proportionally by dragging the mouse up or down in a selected area?
Trim tool
What is the purpose of the Grabber tool in relation to automation breakpoints?
To create, modify, and delete automation breakpoints
Which action will result in a higher and lower triangle wave for extreme panning from left to right?
Dragging horizontally with the Pencil tool
What happens when you use the Trim tool to adjust volume automation?
A delta value shows the amount of change applied and automation breakpoints are created
What key do you hold down to delete an existing automation breakpoint?
Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows)
In which automation mode will automation neither be written nor played back?
Off
What happens when a parameter is touched in Touch mode?
New automation data will be written
Which automation mode will write automation regardless of whether the parameter is being touched?
Write
What is the purpose of Auto Read mode in Pro Tools?
To read written automation during playback
How can you suspend automation for multiple tracks?
Change any track's automation mode from Read to Off while holding Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows)
Study Notes
Mix Automation
- Mix automation refers to the ability to change aspects of a mix (e.g., volume) over time and have those changes written to a session.
- Once written, automation changes can be adjusted and played back automatically.
Viewing Automation in Pro Tools
- The Edit window is used to view automation, showing a visual representation of mix control movements.
- To view automation, select the desired view from the Track View selector (e.g., Volume).
- The automation playlist line will be displayed, showing the changes made to the mix parameter.
Automation Lanes
- Automation lanes allow viewing of multiple automation playlists simultaneously.
- To add an automation lane, click the Add Lane button (+ icon).
- To remove a lane, click the Remove Lane button (- icon).
- Automation lanes can be used to view MIDI data, send automation, and other parameters.
Creating, Editing, and Reading Automation
- By default, automation playlists begin as a straight line.
- The Pencil tool is used to draw mix automation, with various shapes available (e.g., Free Hand, Line, Triangle).
- The Pencil tool can be used to create smooth transitions or abrupt changes in automation.
- The Trim tool is used to raise or lower a section of automation, while maintaining the shape of the automation line.
- The Grabber tool is used to create, modify, and delete automation breakpoints.
Automation Modes
- Pro Tools has five automation modes: Read, Off, Touch, Latch, and Write.
- Read mode: Automation cannot be written, but previously written automation will be played back.
- Off mode: Automation will neither be written nor played back.
- Touch mode: Automation will be written when a parameter is touched, and will return to its previous value when released.
- Latch mode: Automation will be written when a parameter is touched, and will remain at the last value when released.
- Write mode: Automation will be written on all enabled parameters, regardless of whether the parameter is being touched.
Reading Automation
- Auto Read mode is the default mode on new tracks, allowing automation to be read during playback.
- In Auto Read mode, the fader will move according to the written automation.
- Automation can be suspended on a track-by-track basis by changing the automation mode to Off.
- Automation can be suspended globally by clicking the Suspend button in the Automation window.
Test your knowledge on different shapes and functions of the Pencil tool for audio automation changes, such as smooth transitions between parameter values and creating pan automation. Explore the various Pencil shapes and their uses in automation and mixdown processes.
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