Understanding Envelopes and Automation

Okay, now we've already mixed quite a bit, and now we want to talk about envelopes. There are two types of envelopes to consider:

• Automation Envelopes
• Modulation Envelopes

Recording Automation

First, we'll record automation. For this process, make sure that the automation arm is turned on.

Preferences

• The setting under Preferences > Record Warp Launch determines how the recording session automation should be recorded:
  • Armed Tracks Only
  • All Tracks (by clicking again)

Let's proceed with automation on the desired track.

Automating Effects

1. Record the automation for how much we want to send into the delay:

   • Ensure the track is armed.
   • Click on the Session Record button.

2. Wait for the loop to start again. As soon as you start moving the mouse, a red LED appears in the corner indicating that it's automated.

3. If you change it manually, it turns gray, showing it has been overridden.

4. The button next to the automation arm will turn orange, allowing you to re-enable the automation, returning to the automated settings.

Viewing Automation

To view automation in session view:

• Double-click on the clip.
• In the envelopes box that appears at the bottom, you can turn it on and see:
  • Mixer Return B Delay (what has been recorded).

At the top, choose what you wish to automate from various mixer options, such as:

• Track panning
• Track volume
• Crossfade assignment
• Zen controls of return tracks

If there are no effects on this track, select a different track and clip to access additional settings, such as:

• Instrument rack
• Bass distortion

Editing Automation Envelopes

• The mixer envelopes are available only in session view. In arrangement view, they are written into the track.
• You can choose to automate device parameters or mixer parameters.

Showing Adjusted Envelopes

If you've automated a few settings, you can click on "Only show adjusted envelopes." If nothing turns up, it indicates that no automation exists on this track.

To add automation:

1. Select track panning (or desired parameter).
2. Hover over the line to create a pseudo breakpoint:
   • Click and drag to adjust the automation points at will.
3. To delete breakpoints, select them and click again, or highlight, right-click, and then delete.

Using Drawing Mode

To draw envelopes:

1. Click on B to enter drawing mode.
2. Create the desired envelope shape:
   • Drawing follows grid settings; you can adjust the grid size for smoother lines.

Deleting Envelopes

To clear an entire envelope:

• Right-click in the background of the envelope and select "Clear Envelope."

Linked Envelopes

The linked button allows you to unlink the envelope from the loop, enabling the creation of longer variations on short clips or fade-outs. For example:

• Set start and end points.
• Extend the loop to 16 bars, and adjust the drawing mode for varied panning.

MIDI Clips and Modulation

You can apply similar principles to MIDI clips.

Recording Pitch Bend

1. Arm the desired track.
2. Turn on session record and input your data.
3. If you're using a MIDI controller, remember:
   • Touch behavior: Stops recording on mouse release.
   • Latch behavior: Continues recording until the end of the loop.

Clip Modulation

Clip modulation will always be saved into the clip, and it functions the same across different views.

• MIDI Clips: You can adjust pitch bend, modulation, and sustain pedal settings.
• The MIDI keyboard attached can record pitch bend envelopes effectively.

Important Notes on Modulation

• Modulation settings may vary:
  • For audio clips, you can choose to show all envelopes first:
    • Volume
    • Transposition
    • Grain size
    • Flux
    • Sample offset

Remember, volume modulation is relative to the global settings. If both clip modulation and track automation are used for volume, it can be confusing.

Conclusion

Feel free to automate and modulate to your heart's content, and I'll see you in the next video!