According to the manual it should be possible, but I just can't seem to do it. I can't create an automation laneand can't record fader movements. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Did enable write automation?

Frostysnake


Did enable write automation?

Yes, and with other parameters it works fine.

gelybar

Frostysnake


Did enable write automation?

Yes, and with other parameters it works fine.

I always though that gain was not automatable by design so that you can raise or lower the entire track volume while keeping your relative volume automation changes.

I always though that gain was not automatable by design so that you can raise or lower the entire track volume while keeping your relative volume automation changes.

I'm referring to this page of the manual: http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation/default.aspx?Doc=SONAR%20X2&Lang=EN&Req=Automation.02.html

You can fully automate Gain, but you have to do so outside an Automation Lane. In either a Track or Take Lane, select Clip Gain, and you should see a Red envelope. That can be edited with the pencil tool, or, like I do, with precision dots. Unfortunately, I don't think you can automate Gain by the knob, which I don't care to.

I prefer Gain automation to Volume Automation, simply because I can get this right before beginning the mixing process, and never, EVER have to worry about automating volume afterward. If I need to bring up the level of a guitar for an entire mix, I just grab the fader and change it. Never needed Automation lanes for that.

Beware, though, that there are some very easily found cosmetic bugs in X2a for Clip Gain views in Take Lanes.  You may have to select between Clips and Clip Gain at times when the Take Lane doesn't display what the View calls for (i.e. Still see the Gain envelope when you shouldn't).

BY "GAIN"
 
are you talking about the input gain knob at the very top of each track in console?

If so, AFAIA, this is as it says for adusting the input signal,
it can also be used to adjust the  overall volume automation, to save you having to re-write a tracks whole automation, if say by the end of mixing it's getting lost a little, or is sticking out a bit too much.

Or talking about Clip gain? which is edited on a clip by clip basis

You need to enable the write mode on that track and it will record your fader movements. You also need to enable the envelope the volume envelope. 

The volume envelope automated the fader. The gain envelope doesn't! There 2 different envelopes and gain stages. 
CJ

Freex


BY "GAIN"
 
are you talking about the input gain knob at the very top of each track in console?

If so, AFAIA, this is as it says for adusting the input signal,
it can also be used to adjust the  overall volume automation, to save you having to re-write a tracks whole automation, if say by the end of mixing it's getting lost a little, or is sticking out a bit too much.

Or talking about Clip gain? which is edited on a clip by clip basis

The gain I'm referring to is Clip Gain (Editable Gain per clip). To my knowledge, the main difference is that Volume is Post-Effects (in most cases), whereas Gain is Pre-Effects. This plays a vital role if you're using Gain automation vs. Volume Automation on say, a Floor Tom with a Noise-Gate. If using Gain Automation here, it affects the Input of a Noise-Gate, or another effect. You have to keep an eye on your FX, not to overload them. But it certainly makes fader management SO MUCH easier to deal with!   

AFAIK In X2 you can only automate Clip Gain from inside takelanes, and thats manually.