what is relative automation?

[Jordn]

If I wanted to lower or raise a fader by 2 dB what happens to automation already plotted on the tracks?

Does the relative automation feature let you lower or raise a fader and adjust the automation accordingly, or do I have to use my automation select tool and raise or lower the volume from there? My instinct would like me to be able to control this with the channel fader in one move.

[des99]

Think of it like a second automation lane that overlays on top of the first, so the resultant parameter moves are the combination of both lanes. You're basically offsetting the first with the moves of the second.

In fact, the manual explains it thusly:

"Relative: Adds a secondary automation curve that offsets the existing primary curve for the selected parameter. There are three channel strip parameters for which you can create relative automation: Volume, Pan, and Send levels. When both relative and absolute automation exists for one of these parameters, both curves are visible and can be edited separately. Relative automation mode works in combination with Touch, Latch, and Write automation modes."

[Jordn]

Thanks. So I don't think that's what I'm looking for.

If you decide on a new level for faders, do you have to calculate the gain reduction and then manually attenuate your already plotted automation? Is it a two-step process or a way to do it in one move?

[des99]

No, you just overwrite, or trim your existing automation. Or if you want to leave the automation as is, and adjust the level, there are plenty of ways of doing that, including adding a gain plugin, or bussing to another fader and offsetting that, etc.

Edited Monday at 09:36 PM by des99

[Jordn]

@des99Thanks. Do you happen to know any good video tutorials on this subject that discusses what yu are describing?

[MikeRobinson]

I think that "relative automation" was intended to represent "the sort of things that you might want to adjust during a final mixdown, without otherwise affecting the source tracks themselves, which obviously you would not want to do." So, these adjustments can be safely applied "on top of" the source material without otherwise affecting it or requiring you to directly edit it. The limited selection of parameters helps to ensure that you don't  "affect it."

Edited Wednesday at 05:43 PM by MikeRobinson