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13. An introduction to mix automation and envelopes

1

Every parameter of every plugin and effect in Live can be automated, so that value changes can be recorded and played back over time, adding movement to the mix. Risers can build over four bars, filters can sweep, volume levels can rise or fall, all under precise control. First, open the control panel of the device you want to automate in the Device View.

2

We’re going to automate the Frequency of the AutoFilter at the end of this device chain. Locate the parameter you want to automate, then right-click the control knob and choose Show Automation. A dotted red line will appear on the track, to indicate that no automation moves have been recorded for that parameter yet.

3

You can input moves in various ways. One is to hit the B key to enter Draw mode, and use the pencil tool to draw in stepped curves at a resolution based on the current grid setting. This results in a jagged line resembling a cityscape. These lines or curves are known as Envelopes in Ableton-speak. The control knob displays a red dot to show that it’s been automated.

4

Hit B again to turn Draw mode off and edit the automation nodes within the envelope to reshape it. Click a node to delete it, or drag to move it around. Delete whole sections of the curve by selecting a range and hitting Backspace, or rightclick the control itself and choose Delete Automation. This removes all automation data for the selected parameter.

5

Alternatively, draw automation envelopes freehand using just the pointer tool. With Draw mode off, click anywhere on the red line to add a control point, then drag it wherever you want to shape the line. This is great for creating simple sweeps, rises and falls. The example shown here fades the AutoFilter Frequency up gradually over two bars.

6

Curves are often preferable to straight lines when drawing automation, as they allow more control over the onset speed of the parameter change. To create a curve from a straight line, hold down the Alt/Option key and drag near a straight line between two control points, pushing the line in the direction you want the curve to bend.

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Multiple parameters can be automated for the same device at once – just click the + button in an automation lane’s lower right corner to view additional lanes. You can then select the required device and parameter for each lane by selecting from the menus. This can quickly lead to some crazy effects, so watch your ears/speakers!

8

Lastly, if you have a hardware controller, assign a knob or fader to your target parameter and record the moves in as the track plays. To assign a control, click the MIDI button, top right, to enter MIDI Learn mode, click the desired knob onscreen, then move the control you want to assign to it on your controller.