Track automation
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Track automation or sometimes only automation refers to the recording or handling of time-based controlling data in time-based computer applications such as digital audio workstations, video editing software and computer animation software.
Some Examples[edit]
Multitrack audio software[edit]
In modern DAWs every parameter that exists can usually be automatised, be it settings for a track's volume, applied filters or a virtual instruments. Either the user turns some knobs/faders/etc on a physical controller connected to the computer or the user can set keyframes with the mouse, between which the computer interpolates, or the user can draw entire data curves.
Some examples:
- The volume of a track can sometimes or constantly change (fade-in/out/over)
- The panning of a sound might change
- A filter sweep (more or less intensive filter, or the frequency limits might change)
Animation software[edit]
The user sets some keyframes for i.e. position/rotation/size of an object or the position/angle/focus of a camera, and this movement data can be altered over time.
Video editing software[edit]
Blending between 2 clips. The track automation curve affects how one image changes into the other, be it slow/fast with/without acceleration, maybe even back and forth if one uses a Sinus-like wave.