scook

icontakt

Keith Albright [Cakewalk]
It's on so if you open an automation lane and draw in a change you'll hear it.  If it weren't enabled by default you wouldn't hear any change.

True. However, I find the current implementation (R button already enabled when the track is created) not helpful in my situation. I mean, how can you EASILY tell which tracks have written automation data in them and which tracks don't if ALL tracks' R buttons are enabled (lit in blue)? 

The R button is not an indicator of whether a track has automation or not.

 
I know, but I'm saying that it can be used as an indicator. If there's any other way I can easily identify tracks/buses that only contain clips and/or just automation for plugin parameters, I wouldn't use the R buttons as indicators. And I wouldn't have suggested the above suggestion. 

The only time you would ever need it to be "off" would be if you have automation but want to disable the automation. It is a happy "R".

icontakt
I know, but I'm saying that it can be used as an indicator.

You can use the button any way you wish but it is not the purpose of the indicator and suffers its own shortcomings. There is a limit to the amount of information a single button can convey.
 
 

stevesweat
The only time you would ever need it to be "off" would be if you have automation but want to disable the automation. It is a happy "R".

 
When I want to double-check all automation envelopes that I have created in the project, I don't need to scrutinize the Clips pane, because I can easily tell which tracks/buses contain automation data by just hitting F and Shift+Right Arrow key. I always try to establish the most efficient workflow.

scook

icontakt
I know, but I'm saying that it can be used as an indicator.

You can use the button any way you wish but it is not the purpose of the indicator and suffers its own shortcomings. There is a limit to the amount of information a single button can convey.

 
My suggestion was to have the track's R button to be automatically enabled when the user created automation data or lane. What negative impact would it have on the users who are happy with the current behavior? I'd like to know, because I might be missing something. 

icontakt
My suggestion was to have the track's R button to be automatically enabled when the user created automation data or lane.

+1, that´s how it should be.

I've been using automation from back in the Pro Audio days. I used the Studio Mix back then. I can't say the W and R buttons have been even a slight problem. Actually for me its been rather convenient having them.
I am unsure of a reason for this thread. If we look back at the OP it is my understanding that Dave didn't know what R was for. That was answered. Now its about something entirely different in that some few seem bothered that by default reading automation is on.  Really! Is that a real problem? 
 
BTW Dave could have avoided this thread if he had just read the manual. Now there is a constant help showing what everything does. Apparently Dave can't be bother to have that on either.
 
I have always thought of the automation in Sonar as being one of its strengths.    

I really appreciate all the help and knowledge here and thank you all…
I just don’t need automation (at this point) my recordings are level.
 
Thanks to all :)

John
I've been using automation from back in the Pro Audio days. I used the Studio Mix back then. I can't say the W and R buttons have been even a slight problem. Actually for me its been rather convenient having them.
I am unsure of a reason for this thread. If we look back at the OP it is my understanding that Dave didn't know what R was for. That was answered. Now its about something entirely different in that some few seem bothered that by default reading automation is on.  Really! Is that a real problem? 
 
BTW Dave could have avoided this thread if he had just read the manual. Now there is a constant help showing what everything does. Apparently Dave can't be bother to have that on either.
 
I have always thought of the automation in Sonar as being one of its strengths.    

That's kind of harsh ...

Well yes I guess it is. I don't think its inaccurate though. 2 pages about the R button. I think that is a little harsh on the forum.