typing exact value - automation in arrange view

bluskreen · Post by **bluskreen** » Sat May 26, 2007 3:36 am

I'm working on adjusting automation envelopes in the arrange view & my issue is kind of hard to explain. I'll try my best...

- if i drag the envelope or a node in the timeline to change part of the curve, the change is saved in the timeline (the curve stays red).

- if i try to type an exact numerical value for a node or section, the "Back To Arrange" button lights up at the top of the screen & the curve dims, overriding the automation for the track.

When dragging the curve in the timeline, I can't get an exact value for the automation - it's always like 120.83 or something for example.

This has been a problem as well when trying to automate the master tempo, because I can't make it go from say, exactly 120bpm to 150bpm - when I try to type it in, it's overrided by the "Back To Arrange" button. it's still difficult even when holding command (mac) when dragging a node.

Basically, i need to type in exact values for parts of the curve, but it's always overrided & dragging is difficult.

I hope this makes sense - let me know if i'm missing something:)

thanks!

longjohns · Post by **longjohns** » Sat May 26, 2007 4:14 am

Q: How do I set exact tempos with a MIDI controller?

Generally speaking, a MIDI controller will output 128 values over it's range of travel, from 0-127. By assigning a tempo range spanning 128 values, you can have your tempo changes be in whole numbers. By dividing or multiplying this range by powers of two, you will get tempo changes in increments of .25, .5, 2, 4, etc.

Other methods of setting exact tempos:

Temporarily define the range of the Master Tempo Envelope so that either the maximum or minimum value is your target tempo. Then by dragging a breakpoint to the max or min, it will end up exactly at that value. Note that this will only work with breakpoints - a segment of the envelope can be dragged beyond the viewable range.

Use recording punch-ins and the tempo value box to set tempo points and values. When you are in record mode, a tempo entered into the field will result in a tempo change breakpoint on the Master Tempo Envelope at the moment you hit 'enter'. After you have the breakpoints you need, you can delete any extra points.

bluskreen · Post by **bluskreen** » Sat May 26, 2007 4:55 pm

thanks, longjohns - that definetly helps.

here's another example of the issue-

i have a track that has track volume automation at the end of the track only, as a fade down. i want to adjust the overall volume of the track, before it gets to the fade down. I can drag the line up & down to change the db, but if i try to type an the value in the track (or use the arrows on my computer keyboard to nudge), it overrides.

I suppose I could use a utility plugin to change the overall level of the track, but why not just change the curve?

it just seems too difficult to make fine adjustments to automation curves.

bluskreen · Post by **bluskreen** » Sat May 26, 2007 5:00 pm

here's a thread of someone having a simiar issue...

http://www.ableton.com/forum/viewtopic. ... djustments

sorry - posted twice...

bluskreen · Post by **bluskreen** » Sat May 26, 2007 5:00 pm

here's a thread of someone having a simiar issue...

http://www.ableton.com/forum/viewtopic. ... djustments

longjohns · Post by **longjohns** » Sat May 26, 2007 5:10 pm

It is a bit of a pain but it's not that difficult. You need to get the exact breakpoints onto your envelope. Probably the easiest way is to punch in with the rec button and type the volume into the box...

Then delete extra breakpoints which you don't need, if any