DigiDesign Pro Tools, Reference Manual, Page: 726 / 886

Pro Tools Reference Guide 712
Using Smooth and Thin Data After Pass
When this option is selected in the Mixing Pref-
erences page, Pro Tools automatically thins the
automation breakpoint data after each automa-
tion pass.
In the default settings for new sessions, the
Smooth and Thin Data After Pass option is se-
lected, with the “Some” setting chosen. In most
cases, this setting yields optimum performance
while providing an accurate reproduction of
your automation moves.
If you choose None, Pro Tools writes the maxi-
mum possible number of breakpoints. You can
still perform thinning at any time with the Thin
command. For more information on smoothing
automation data, see “Smoothing” on page 697.
Using the Thin Automation Command
The Thin Automation command lets you selec-
tively thin areas in a track where automation
data is too dense. You can use the Undo com-
mand to audition the results of thinning (com-
paring thinning and not thinning) before you
apply it permanently.
To use the Thin Automation command:
1
In the Edit window, click the Track View selec-
tor to display the automation type you want to
thin.
2
With the Selector tool, highlight the automa-
tion data you want to thin. To thin all automa-
tion of the selected type in the track, click with
the Selector tool in the track and choose the Se-
lect All command.
3
Choose Edit > Automation > Thin
(Pro Tools HD) or Edit > Thin Automation
(Pro Tools LE) to thin the selected automation
by the amount you have selected in the Mixing
Preferences page.
Drawing Automation
Use the Pencil tool to create automation events
for audio and MIDI tracks by drawing in any au-
tomation or MIDI controller playlist, including
Trim automation if it has not been coalesced.
The Pencil tool can be set to draw a series of au-
tomation events with the following shapes:
Free Hand
Draws freely according to the move-
ment of the mouse. In audio tracks, the shape
has the number of breakpoints needed to
smoothly interpolate and reproduce the auto-
mation shape. In MIDI tracks, the shape is re-
produced as a series of steps, according to the
resolution setting in the MIDI Preferences page.
Line
Draws a straight line. In audio tracks, the
line has a single breakpoint at either end. In
MIDI tracks, the controller value changes in
steps according to the resolution setting in the
MIDI Preferences page.
The Smooth and Thin Data After Pass Option
Choosing a Pencil tool shape
Pencil tool
shapes
available for
automation