Parameter automation

Adobe Audition 2.0 allows you to record changes to your mix parameters as you make them, using standard write, latch, and touch modes. Parameter changes are recorded as envelopes in the new automation lanes, which can then be edited to adjust the automation changes. Parameter automation can be recorded and adjusted in the mixer itself, or using the new automation lanes in the timeline.

There are four modes you can use to automate parameter changes you make in the mixer during playback. Write mode records settings at all times and will record over previous automation data, even if you are not making adjustments to the control. Latch mode doesn't start recording settings until you change a setting. Touch mode is similar to latch, except that it returns settings to their previous state whenever you stop adjusting during playback. Read mode plays back the changes you have made.

Try it: Automating parameters

1. In Multitrack View of the Partylife_Mix_Session.ses, isolate the Big Kick track by toggling its Solo button. Move the start time indicator (the yellow triangle) to the beginning of the clip.

2. In the Mixer Panel, use the track automation pull-down menu for the Big Kick track to select Write mode. Move the fader (the vertical slider next to the level meter) all the way to the bottom, at -oo dB.

3. Click the Play button in the Transport controls (or use the space bar), and move the slider up to 0 dB over the course of about 5 seconds, and then press stop. Verify that the pull-down menu has moved into Touch mode. Play the track and notice how it fades in reflecting the changes you just made.

4. Switch to Multitrack View and click the Show/Hide Automation Lanes arrow (to the left of the third pull-down menu in the track's controls) for the Big Kick track. You will see an automation lane appear directly beneath the clip, with an editable envelope that's been drawn to reflect the fade-in changes you made.

5. In the automation lane pull-down menu, click on the Show Additional Automation Lane button (shown in the screenshot below) and a new lane will appear. You can have multiple automation lanes for any given track to automate a series of parameter changes. The pull-down menu directly to the left of the open automation lane lets you choose what parameter the automation lane represents.

6. Try editing the envelope manually. Point and click anywhere along the green line and create two new automation points after the fade. Click on the new points and move them up or down to create more automation data. Replay the track and observe the changes you just made.

7. Hide the automation lane you just created by clicking the arrow next to the Track Automation Mode pull-down menu. For tracks you are not automating, you may wish to save room in your workspace by hiding the automation lanes.

8. If you are proceeding to Part 4, choose File > Exit and click No in the dialog box asking if you want to save changes.

Note: While any operation in Adobe Audition 2.0 can be controlled using the mouse and keyboard, sometimes
it's handy to use specialized controllers while you are mixing. If you prefer mixing parts of your session with external controllers, Adobe Audition 2.0 supports recordable parameter automation using hardware devices. Adobe Audition 2.0 ships with native support for the Mackie Control Universal and Red Rover, and there is an SDK available for developers who wish to add hardware support for their products.