Automation Nomenclature

An example of a fader automation lane (below) with its associated track (above).

Track automation occurs in one or more [lanes]{.dfn}. Each lane has a control that allows setting the amount or position of a certain [parameter]{.dfn} associated with the lane. Parameters are things that can be controlled on a track’s automation lane, such as volume, panning, muting, trim, etc. [Automation curves]{.dfn} typically consist of lines connected by [control points]{.dfn}, that live within the confines of a lane; these tell Ardour how to change a given parameter over time. [Automation modes]{.dfn} define how Ardour creates the values in between the control points of a given automation curve, either by connecting them with continuous lines or not. [Automation states]{.dfn} govern how a given automation lane will behave during playback.