Automation breakpoints and trim.

[FordVan]

So, I have the trim plugin on a track, and I have the Gain in the automation dialog. I can set breakpoints and pull them down and up, etc...That is all good.

BUT

In Sonar, to create the breakpoints, you would double click on the line to create one. The reason for this was because if you just single click on the line between to break points, you could pull that line between them down.

So, say I am trying to lower the volume between vocal lines, between phrases, I could set 4 break points. The first would be at the very end of the phrase, the next point would be 10ms or so later, the next point would be 10ms or so before the start of the next phrase, and the last point would be right before the phrase starts. Then, by click on the line between the 2nd and 3rd break point, I would in effect create a fade out/fade in between phrases. Following me here?

So, I can do this in PT LE, but I have to switch tools to the Trim tool, and highlight the middle 2 break points. This is obviously much more time consuming.

Yes, I know I could drag the 2nd and 3rd break point down, but it is hard to get them to go down the same exact amount, and still this is slower than how Sonar does it. Double clicking on a line does nothing, so really, a possible function is being wasted here!

Any way to do what I am after efficiently? Basically, I want to be able to create a fade out and fade in between parts on the track, and have the ability to edit how low the volume goes down between those points, and adjust the fade times.

[FordVan]

26 views and no responses?

[Khatru]

Sounds like you don't need to highlight and trim in every case. Use the pencil tool and draw in what you want - click-hold-drag - without highlighting. I use the highlight/trim to span larger sections that I've already "shaped" to blend that shape into the mix. I find PT's automation process very quick and precise. Use your your pencil tool(alt+click turns it into an eraser). And when you find that you need to zoom in or zoom out of your view, click/drag the arrows on either end of the uhhm...zoom thingy....up on the top there....

[FordVan]

I had already tried out the pencil thingy. I am looking for more consistency than that. I also thing that it is going to bloat the session file with all the break points it puts in. VERY ineffecient. It just seems like Sonar had a MUCH better way of doing this.

I gotta admit, I am only working in PT because I need to stay compatible with another studio. So far, I am not really digging the software much.

[Khatru]

Yeah, there is a learning curve. I started w/ Cakewalk Home Sudio and when I made the switch to PT - it took a few days to get my head around it. Once that happened I was thrilled at how simple and efficient it seemed. I do miss a multiple automation view - that's for sure!

Dave

[Shan]

Originally Posted by Khatru

...I do miss a multiple automation view - that's for sure!

Dave

Automation lanes, or do you mean something else?

Shane

[Shan]

In PT, when you make a selection then move it with the trim tool, you'll find the "fade in & fade out" points are one sample in length. One could zoom in and move the beginning and the end, but I do understand the unnecessary long winded work flow to do such a procedure. On this topic, when I go to other DAWs like REAPER, I expect to see this same one sample fade-in/out, but there is the same work flow that you described in your first post which I cant get my head around coming from the PT world. Go figure.

Shane

[tonepad]

What we seem to have here is a failure to communicate.

PT offers a lot of powerful automation functions...HD more than LE but there is a bunch you can do with LE auto. I use some third party interfaces for auto writing...Faderport and a Nocturn, but also my trusty Kensington trackball. Of the many things PT is dissed for I've never felt automation should be one of them, and I've never struggled with a "lack of" function in that area. Like most things software it does take a bit of time, effort and patience to master certain aspects. Like I tell many of my converts and rescues...you'll have to unlearn your training of one soft to fully learn another...Grasshopper

[mano111]

I think you can select a range then trim using the trim tool. for the fade you can select a range then press x.

[lincol1]

Originally Posted by FordVan

So, I have the trim plugin on a track, and I have the Gain in the automation dialog. I can set breakpoints and pull them down and up, etc...That is all good.

BUT

In Sonar, to create the breakpoints, you would double click on the line to create one. The reason for this was because if you just single click on the line between to break points, you could pull that line between them down.

So, say I am trying to lower the volume between vocal lines, between phrases, I could set 4 break points. The first would be at the very end of the phrase, the next point would be 10ms or so later, the next point would be 10ms or so before the start of the next phrase, and the last point would be right before the phrase starts. Then, by click on the line between the 2nd and 3rd break point, I would in effect create a fade out/fade in between phrases. Following me here?

So, I can do this in PT LE, but I have to switch tools to the Trim tool, and highlight the middle 2 break points. This is obviously much more time consuming.

Yes, I know I could drag the 2nd and 3rd break point down, but it is hard to get them to go down the same exact amount, and still this is slower than how Sonar does it. Double clicking on a line does nothing, so really, a possible function is being wasted here!

Any way to do what I am after efficiently? Basically, I want to be able to create a fade out and fade in between parts on the track, and have the ability to edit how low the volume goes down between those points, and adjust the fade times.

With the smart tool activated, reveal the volume automation lane, hover over the volume, PT switches to Selection tool, make your selection, hover higher and tool changes to Trim, and just pull down. PT will create the breakpoints, then if you need to create a fade, hover over the breakpoint and the Pointer tool will appear, then just drag to create your fade.

Maybe I'm missing it Ford - sorry if so, but that to me is so fast and intuitive...