how do you erase all automation parameters at once?

[BScout]

If it doesn't stay put, it means you've written automation somewhere in the track for that automation type. Even if it is equal (just a breakpoint.) If there is zero automation written for that type, then changing a fader setting will stick in read mode.

For mute, simplest is flip to mute automation lane visible and see if there is anything -- should be nothing other than at the very start of the session (which shows the current value -- in this case mute on or off.) If you flip the mute on/off on the track and you don't see the automation lane change when it is visible, you definitely have something written.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by chrismeraz

I guess I don't understand automation modes, or something has changed.

I used to always work with all tracks in "Read." I could toggle mute on or off at any time, and the mute button would stay put. Now it never stays put, unless I put all tracks in "Off" mode. Is this normal behaviour now? What was different before? I'm very confused.

In addition to BScout's advice, if you created session templates and/or track presets, you might have accidentally saved those with some automation included(something I've done a few times)