External synths and automation
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 7:54 pm
I have a couple of synths that include VST plugins for editing and automation within a DAW, but I'm running into an issue in Ableton Live when recording automation. I don't have this problem in Logic Pro, so it seems to be specific to Live. I'm hoping someone has run into this before and can point me in the right direction.
When I record a clip and adjust parameters using the synth's encoders (either while recording or while overdubbing automation), Live records the automation, but everything before the point where I first move the control is written as a value of 0.
For example, if I start moving the filter cutoff 3 seconds into a clip, the automation from that point onward is recorded correctly. However, the entire automation lane from the start of the clip up to 3 seconds is set to 0 instead of the parameter's current value. If there are notes playing before I touch the encoder, the filter is effectively closed during that section, which obviously isn't what I want.
I would expect Live to assume the parameter's existing value until the first recorded automation point (for example, if the filter was halfway open before I touched it, the automation should remain at that value until I start moving the knob). Instead, it inserts a value of 0 from the beginning of the clip.
This happens regardless of which parameter I'm automating. As a workaround, I can delete the first automation point at 0, and then everything plays back correctly, but having to do that every time is a huge hassle. As I mentioned, Logic doesn't behave this way.
I've also tried different encoder/takeover modes on both the synth and in Ableton Live, but they don't affect the behavior.
Has anyone experienced this or found a solution?
When I record a clip and adjust parameters using the synth's encoders (either while recording or while overdubbing automation), Live records the automation, but everything before the point where I first move the control is written as a value of 0.
For example, if I start moving the filter cutoff 3 seconds into a clip, the automation from that point onward is recorded correctly. However, the entire automation lane from the start of the clip up to 3 seconds is set to 0 instead of the parameter's current value. If there are notes playing before I touch the encoder, the filter is effectively closed during that section, which obviously isn't what I want.
I would expect Live to assume the parameter's existing value until the first recorded automation point (for example, if the filter was halfway open before I touched it, the automation should remain at that value until I start moving the knob). Instead, it inserts a value of 0 from the beginning of the clip.
This happens regardless of which parameter I'm automating. As a workaround, I can delete the first automation point at 0, and then everything plays back correctly, but having to do that every time is a huge hassle. As I mentioned, Logic doesn't behave this way.
I've also tried different encoder/takeover modes on both the synth and in Ableton Live, but they don't affect the behavior.
Has anyone experienced this or found a solution?