Chapter 17 Automation - Posted on 2014-04-09 by Amanda Payne

Although the history of automation makes me hungry for pizza, I think I’ll stick to the amazing use of technology in these times.

Automation is the ability to make real-time adjustments/transitions automatically through Pro Tools. This can include volume, opening and closing of plugin signals, and so much more. MOST things in Pro Tools can be automated (almost everything). There are two options for creating automation. You may create it in real time OR by simply drawing in automation with your edit tools. Your edit tools may include lines, squares or even a pencil. The only big issue I have found with the pencil is that your lines will most likely not be straight and smooth, so I like to stick to plotting points and maneuvering the line in between those points so far in my limited use of automation.

The five modes of automation include off, read, touch, latch, and write. Off mode simply means automation is disabled. Read mode will ONLY distribute the written automation in playback. Touch mode reminds me of a heart monitor where you have the initial point followed by some jumps (up or down) and then back to the initial point where it all repeats. In this mode, automation will not begin until you move a parameter such as a fader. After you let go, it will return right back to the original starting point.  Latch mode is very similar to touch mode. The only difference in latch mode is that wherever the fader ends, it continues to write at the remaining spot. This causes automation to keep writing (holding on to the last spot) until playback stops. Finally, write mode will write overtop of whatever automation is already present erasing anything previously written.

There is so much that can be done with automation and so much that I notice in fully mastered songs. I am very excited to start messing around and adding all sorts of automation in my music!!