Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Toggle writing Mute Automation in Write Mode

This is not found in the help files, the iBook version of the manuals, or the PDF version of the manual. I have found interesting discussions about the topic for Reaper, Nuendo, ProTools, and a forum thread where someone was complaining about mute automation not working properly in “Touch” mode.

In the first case every time I get near “write” automation the warning signals flash about the destruction of all existing automation when in “Write” mode.

It never occurred to me that I could automate the mute button to silence a track while playing. My first resort would be to simply turn that part of the track into a region which I would then just remove. I can always get it back. It is visibly clear in the arrangement. Another way would be to create the region and set the region gain to minus infinity.

I guess I should try working a mixing session with things stemmed properly, put all the AUX tracks into “write” automation mode, and press play. Move the faders, change the panning push the mute button, etc.

It is certainly clear that if I did create mute automation, and it was not showing, I would wonder why some sound simply disappeared.

Automation overview — Logic Pro X:

Automation refers to recording, editing, and playing back the movements of faders, knobs, and switches. Using automation, you can create changes over time to volume, pan, and other settings. You can add automation to all track types.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Command    Key Touch Bar


- Global Commands


Toggle Current Track Automation Write/Read


Toggle Current Track Automation Write Relative Mode


Toggle writing Volume Automation in Write Mode


Toggle writing Pan Automation in Write Mode


Toggle writing Mute Automation in Write Mode


Toggle writing Send Levels Automation in Write Mode


Toggle writing Plug-in parameters Automation in Write Mode


Toggle writing Solo Automation in Write Mode

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Toggle Current Track Automation Off/Read    ⌃⌘O    ⌃:three:

The weird looking :three: is the symbol for touch bar button number three.

Changes the automation for the track. If you start with automation off like I do this is a handy way to turn it on for the current channel. There is also a keyboard command for toggling Latch/Read — ⌃⌘A

Choose automation modes — Logic Pro X:

Automation modes determine how automation tracks are treated. Automation is either being read or being written. You can independently set the automation mode for each track. You can also trim automation values and record relative automation data.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Region Automation: Control Change 25

Set the region automation to CC25. With automation being displayed (press ‘A’ on the keyboard) you will typically see “Track” automation. Click on the “Track” button to change to region. There is also an on/off control button as well.

I am not sure of what “Region Automation” is all about. Ahh. Now it makes sense. Sound in space over time. A remarkably complex programming space. I simply need to re-think my programming methods. Parallel programs with function calls tied to time points as opposed to simply being interrupt driven. I need to meditate.

Show automation curves — Logic Pro X:

Before you can add automation points to a track’s automation curves, you need to show the automation curves. Automation curves are displayed as colored curves and points on top of audio and MIDI regions across the track, running the length of the project. You can choose whether to view and edit automation across the track (track-based automation) or only within the track’s regions (region-based automation).

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Set All Tracks to Automation Off    ⌃⇧⌘O

Along with the ability to set all tracks O(ff) you can use R(ead), T(ouch), L(atch), and Write (this one is not mapped).

When it comes to automation volume/level I am far more likely to use region gain to adjust levels before I automate. That’s part of the skill/art that I need to work on. We get past the mechanics of doing the automation (and how it works) and concentrate on why it might be artful.

Many things come to mind. Time to post and continue.

Automation overview — Logic Pro X:

Automation refers to recording, editing, and playing back the movements of faders, knobs, and switches. Using automation, you can create changes over time to volume, pan, and other settings. You can add automation to all track types.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Set Automation Curve Tool

It appears that the ‘W’ key selects the Automation Curve Tool. It is highly unlikely that I will use key commands. I have set the right mouse button to show both tools and menu commands. Lots of visual reinforcement.

Show automation curves — Logic Pro X:

Before you can add automation points to a track’s automation curves, you need to show the automation curves. Automation curves are displayed as colored curves and points on top of audio and MIDI regions across the track, running the length of the project. You can choose whether to view and edit automation across the track (track-based automation) or only within the track’s regions (region-based automation).

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND