Writing track automation data – Apple Logic Express 8 User Manual
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Chapter 26
Working With Automation
You’ll rarely need the Write mode when working with the track automation features of
Logic Express. It’s mainly there to complete the selection of automation modes. It’s
easier to erase automation data by choosing Options > Track Automation > Delete All
Automation Data of Current Track (or Delete All Automation Data of All Tracks,
respectively).
In earlier analog mix automation systems, Write mode was the only way to erase
automation data from tape when beginning a new project. The Options > Track
Automation > Write to End and Write to Right Locator commands are self explanatory.
One writes track automation data to the end of the project, and the other to the right
locator position.
Writing Track Automation Data
You have the following write options for track automation data:
 Move any fader or control of the selected channel strip with the automation mode
set to Touch, Latch, or Write. In real world usage, you’ll rarely (if ever) use the
destructive Write mode, which erases all automation data. The standard write modes
are Touch and Latch.
 Choose a parameter in the Arrange track list, and move the value slider to the right
of the track list, with one of the write modes turned on.
 Move the faders or knobs of a connected hardware controller, with one of the write
Writing Track Automation With External Controllers
 Use the Pointer or Pencil tool to draw your automation data.
When one of the write modes is active, you can record track automation data when
Logic Express is in record or play mode. The Arrange window track selection or audio
record ready status is irrelevant. Whatever you touch or move will be recorded, when a
channel strip is set to one of the write modes. The movement of Mixer controls (when
in a write mode) can be used to overwrite or edit existing automation data, in real time.
When Logic Express is in stop mode, the automation write modes are ignored, and no
data is written if the fader is moved. There is, however, one exception: If there are no
dynamic changes (no automation data), the current fader setting becomes valid for the
whole project. This is the default behavior for all mix parameters, when you start a fresh
project.