Reference Manual

273 Clip Envelopes
of confusion. However, modulation envelopes differ from automation envelopes in one important
way: Whereas automation envelopes define the value of a control at any given point in time,
modulation envelopes can only influence this defined value. This difference allows the two types
of envelopes to work together in harmony when controlling the same parameter.
Imagine that you have recorded volume automation for an audio clip so that it gradually fades
out over four bars. What happens to your fade-out when you create a modulation envelope that
gradually increases the mixer volume over four bars? At first, your fade-out will become a cre-
scendo, as the modulation envelope gradually increases the volume within the range allowed by
the automation envelope. But, once the decreasing automated value meets with the increasing
modulation envelope value, the fade-out will begin, as automation forces the absolute control
value (and the operable range of the modulation envelope) down.
Modulation envelopes for the mixer and devices are hidden by default in the Clip Envelope
Control choosers, but can be shown by selecting the Show Modulation option available in
the [right-click](PC) / [CTRL-click](Mac) context menu on controls. Modulation envelopes are
always labelled with the word “Modulation” in the name, while automation envelopes are la-
belled only with the name of the parameter.
Both automation and modulation clip envelopes are available for clips in Session View, while
Arrangement View clips only have modulation envelopes.
20.3.1 Modulating Mixer Volumes and Sends
Notice that there are actually two modulation envelopes that affect volume: Clip Volume Modu-
lation and Track Volume Modulation. The latter is a modulation for the mixer’s gain stage and
therefore affects the post-effect signal. To prevent confusion, a small dot below the mixer’s vol-
ume slider thumb indicates the actual, modulated volume setting.
Modulating the Mixer Volume. The Little Dot Below the Volume Slider Thumb Represents the Modu-
lated Volume Setting.