Need some help understanding automation

[andrewnaut]

Hi all,

I'm trying out Reaper and a few other DAWs.

One of my main goals is to create ambient tracks with lots of automation; however, I'm finding the automation in Reaper to be a bit difficult to use for a few reasons:
1) When I click automation I get a GIANT interface listing what seems to be every possible thing... I know I can click "show last touched" to get another window to open where I then have to click on the control...

Feels a bit... clunky... is there a faster way (e.g. right-click) to automatically add/view the chosen parameter to an envelope?

Also,is there a way to move multiple control points for different parameters at the same time?

Thanks!

[elcalen]

At the top of the plugin UI window, there's a "Param" button. That menu will show you the last touched control, and there's a menu option to "Show track envelope", which will immediately add an automation envelope for that parameter.

There's also an action that does this, which could be set up as a custom keybinding or toolbar button, "FX: Show/hide track envelope for last touched FX parameter".

The main envelopes window naturally has to show all the available parameters on the track, because the DAW can't know which ones you might wish to automate. Note that there are search fields there that make it much easier to locate the parameter you need. In fact, I find it more intuitive and fast to use than some I've encountered in other DAWs...

[Coachz]

It has long been requested that the automation window show all of the plugins collapsed except for the first one. Makes sense to me and hopefully one day it will be an option

[andrewnaut]

Originally Posted by elcalen

At the top of the plugin UI window, there's a "Param" button. That menu will show you the last touched control, and there's a menu option to "Show track envelope", which will immediately add an automation envelope for that parameter.

Great! This'll do. I do wish we had a bit more control over the presentation / UI design, but I can manage.

Of note, though: I'm experimenting with automating ReaSurroundPan; I can only seem to get it to recognize Left/Right and Rear/Front... any idea how to get to recognize Low/High (Z)?

Also... any word on moving multiple control points from different parameters at the same time?

thanks

[pcp]

As well as mapping shortcuts to affect the last touched parameter (I have F1-F3 set to show parameter modulation, Track UI Controls and Envelope, for example) there are some slick third party scripts that will make it much more seamless and visual. Try out Birdbird's FX Inspector and Parameter History.