Track automation

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Track automation or sometimes only automation refers to the recording or handling of time-based controlling data in time-based computer applications such as Digital Audio Workstations, Video editing software and Computer animation software software.

Some Examples[edit]

Multitrack audio software[edit]

In modern DAWs every parameter that exists can usually be automatised, be it settings for a track's volume, applied filters or a virtual instruments. Either the user turns some knobs/faders/etc on a physical controller connected to the computer or the user can set keyframes with the mouse, between which the computer interpolates, or the user can draw entire data curves.

Some examples:

  • The volume of a track can sometimes or constantly change (fade-in/out/over)
  • The paning of a sound might change
  • A filter sweep (more or less intensive filter, or the frequency limits might change)

Animation software[edit]

The user sets some keyframes for i.e. position/rotation/size of an object or the position/angle/focus of a camera, and this movement data can be altered over time.

Video editing software[edit]

Blending between 2 clips. The track automation curve affects how one image changes into the other, be it slow/fast with/without acceleration, maybe even back and forth if one uses a Sinus-like wave.

See also[edit]