User`s guide

Chapter 21: Automation 287
chapter 21
Automation
Pro Tools features dynamic automation of
volume, pan, and mute controls for audio
tracks, Sends, and MIDI tracks, as well as
real-time Plug-In parameters. In Pro Tools,
you can write automation moves in real
time during playback of your session. You
can also edit automation data with the
same techniques you use to edit audio and
MIDI data.
Using Control Surfaces
ProControl Digidesign’s ProControl sup-
ports all automation features in Pro Tools.
ProControl DigiFaders™ provide 10-bit ac-
curacy, or 1,024 steps of resolution.
Pro Tools interpolates this ProControl in-
put and provides 24-bit resolution of Vol-
ume and Send automation on playback.
☞ For details on using ProControl to create mix
automation, refer to the
ProControl User’s
Guide.
MIDI Controllers
Most MIDI control sur-
faces have 8-bit resolution, or 128 steps;
the Mackie HUI has 9-bit resolution, or 512
steps. Pro Tools interpolates this input to a
much higher resolution on playback, re-
sulting in fader automation that is smooth
enough to satisfy professional require-
ments.
Automation Playlists
Each Pro Tools track contains a single auto-
mation playlist for each automatable con-
trol.
On audio tracks, these controls include:
• Volume
• Pan
• Mute
• Send Volume, Pan, and Mute
• Plug-In parameters
On MIDI tracks, these controls include:
• Volume
• Pan
• Mute
You can display and edit each of these au-
tomatable parameters individually from
Pro Tools, even during playback.
In addition, you can display and edit other
continuous MIDI controller data (such as
Mod Wheel, Breath Controller, Foot Con-
troller, or Sustain) in a similar manner. For
more information on editing MIDI data,
see “Continuous Controller Events” on
page 207.