Reference Guide

714
Automation
Automation Methods
The MIDI Envelope dialog box appears:
• In the Type field, choose what kind of MIDI event you want to control with your envelope.
• In the Value field, choose the name of the controller you want to edit.
•In the Channel field, choose the MIDI channel that you want the envelope to send data on, and
click OK.
SONAR creates the envelope you chose.
4. Move the cursor over the envelope until a vertical, double-ended arrow appears under it, and
right-click the envelope.
The Envelope Editing menu appears.
5. Choose Add Node from the menu.
A node (very small rectangle) appears on the envelope.
6. Move the cursor over the node until a cross appears under it, and drag the node in any direction
you want.
When you release the mouse, the envelope changes to follow the node’s new position.
7. Double-click the envelope to add another node.
8. Drag the new node in any direction you want and release the mouse.
9. Move the cursor over the segment of the envelope that lies between the two nodes until the
double-ended arrow appears, and right-click the envelope to open the Envelope Editing menu.
10.Choose one of the following shapes from the Envelope Editing menu:
• Jump. This choice causes the envelope to make a ninety degree jump when the envelope
reaches the second node. SONAR displays jumps with a dotted line, meaning that there is
automation data at the nodes where the dotted line begins and ends, but not where the line
itself is.
• Linear. This choice draws a straight line between the two nodes.
• Fast Curve. This choice draws a curve between the two nodes that changes value rapidly at
first, but more slowly toward the end of the curve.
• Slow Curve. This choice draws a curve between the two nodes that changes value slowly at
first, but more rapidly toward the end of the curve.
SONAR adds a shape between the nodes. You can drag any shape except a jump up or down
and it maintains its curve or angle. To edit a jump, drag the node that’s at either end of the jump.
Make sure the Automation Read button is enabled, play your track and listen to the results. You can
undo any step by using the Edit > Undo command (CTRL+Z) directly after that step. You can play
back your project with or without the automation data by clicking the Enable Automation Playback
button in the Automation toolbar.
Note: A shortcut to create a node is to double-click the envelope.