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Track automation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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Multitrack audio software

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In modern DAWs every parameter that exists can usually be automatized, be it settings for a track's volume, applied filters or a virtual instruments.Either the user turns some knobs/faders on a physical controller connected to the computer or the user can set keyframes with the mouse,[1][failed verification] between which the computer interpolates, or the user can draw entire data curves.[2]

Some examples:

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  • 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

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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

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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.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "What is mouse?". www.techtarget.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ "Data Curve PDF" (PDF). the-curve.org.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)