Choose automation modes

Automation modes determine how automation tracks are treated. Automation is either being read or being written. You can independently set the automation mode for each track. You can also trim automation values and record relative automation data.

Read: Plays back all automation that exists on the track. If volume data exists, for example, the Volume fader will move during playback, following the prerecorded automation on the track. You can’t change the value of the chosen automation parameter by moving controls when in Read mode.
Touch: Plays back automation in the same way as Read mode. You can modify the value of the chosen automation parameter by moving controls in Touch mode. After the fader or knob is released, the parameter follows existing automation on the track.
Latch: Works like Touch mode, but after the fader or knob is released, the new parameter value replaces existing automation on the track.
Write: Erases existing automation on the track as the playhead passes over it. Records the new control movement or deletes the existing data if you do nothing.
Trim: Offsets the value of the existing automation (Volume, Pan, Send levels) by adjusting it up or down by the amount you move the fader or control. Works in combination with Touch and Latch automation modes.
Relative: Adds a secondary automation curve that offsets the existing primary curve for the selected parameter (Volume, Pan, Send levels). Both the primary and secondary curves are visible, and can be edited. Works in combination with Touch, Latch, and Write automation modes.

Set the automation mode for a track

Show the track’s automation curves, then choose a mode from the Automation Mode pop-up menu in the track header or the track’s channel strip.

Set the same automation mode for selected tracks

Do one of the following:

Shift-click track headers to select them, then choose a mode from the Automation Mode pop-up menu in one of the track headers.
Shift-click channel strips in the Mixer to select them, then choose a mode from the Automation Mode pop-up menu in one of the selected channel strips.

Set the automation modes using key commands

You can set the automation mode using the following key commands:

Toggle Current Track Automation Off/Read
Set Current Track to Automation Read
Toggle Current Track Automation Touch/Read
Toggle Current Track Automation Latch/Read
Toggle Current Track Automation Write/Read
Set All Tracks to Automation Off
Set All Tracks to Automation Read
Set All Tracks to Automation Touch
Set All Tracks to Automation Latch
Set All Tracks to Automation Write

Use Trim Automation mode

Choose Touch or Latch from the Automation Mode pop-up menu in the track header or the track’s channel strip.
Choose Trim from the Automation Mode pop-up menu in the track header or the track’s channel strip.
Either T-Touch or T-Latch appears in the Automation Mode display. The Volume fader moves to a center position and the fader becomes transparent.

Now when you move the Volume fader during playback, it will not write completely new volume automation data but will adjust it proportionally to the existing data.

Use Relative Automation mode

Choose Touch, Latch, or Write from the Automation Mode pop-up menu in the track header or the track’s channel strip.
Choose Relative from the Automation Mode pop-up menu in the track header or the track’s channel strip.
Either R-Touch, R-Latch, or R-Write appears in the Automation Mode display. The Volume fader moves to a center position and the fader becomes transparent.