Hey Konrad,

When Write automation is enabled you cannot be in offset mode on the track that is write enabled.

In other words once you write enable a track to be automated, this takes it out of Offset mode for the track that is write enabled. this means that you will have some tracks in offset mode(the one that are not Write enabled) and some in automation mode.

I hope that helps clear things up a little. Once you get it you will see that it is a simple concept and yes it took me a while to really understand the benefits of having a Offset mode and Automation mode, So I really do understand the confusion


And to add, The Gain on tracks are never in offset mode, because you cannot write Gain automation (which is different than clip gain automation) on tracks, I think that Buss gain will be in Offset mode (because you can write Buss gain automation)

I hope I haven't confused you more, but once I figured out it was a lot simpler that I made it out to be when I first used it, I think it is a great feature and have a hard time mixing with out it.

Another benefit for offset mode, it once I have everything sounding great but I am pushing the master buss to hard, I can go into Offset and select all tracks, hold Ctrl and lower everything at once while maintaining my gain stage, If I did this with gain my FX would be affected by not receiving as much signal.

@Beepster glad I could help, nice to meet you too.

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask, I might have an answer or at least be able to B.S. enough so it sounds like I know what I am talking about .

Tom
 Edit: to add when in Offset mode, Faders/Pots will not  move.

John

g_randybrown


I'm still hoping someone will tell us all what the heck it's purpose is!

Its really very simple. Its to allow one to adjust parameters when you already have automation.  

Yes John, I read your answer and yes that is simply what it is.,   


But it is these simple things in a complex program that can seem difficult at times, I know for me I always think "it must do more than that??!!"


Nice to see you again, been out of the forum for a bit.

Tom

Saintom, Thanks very much.  That explains the part about Write enabling.

But then I am back to the main concept.  So...I have a track automated and I want to make the whole thing louder or quieter while keeping the fader moves--in other words, raise or lower all the fader moves.

I would take the track out of Write, go to Offset mode, and move the fader up or down a bit.  Then the automation would be increased or decrease a bit?  Is the offset in effect after I exit Offset mode?  If so, how do I get rid of the Offset if I don't want it?

For a simple concept, this sure is complicated.

If you're using a controller, you'll probably see the faders move as you go in and out of Offset mode, assuming there's a difference of course.   For example, if your current automation position has the volume fader at -10dB and you switch to Offset mode, the fader should jump up to 0dB.   Adjust that to -2dB and then switch back to Automation mode, and I believe your fader should still be at -10dB since that's where the volume envelope is.  The Offset is simply taking the entire thing and offsetting by some value...   a value that is *not* automated. 
 
I think Offset just applies to Volume and Pan, on both tracks and busses.  So you could potentially do the same thing with panning, where you have extensive moves but want to take the whole thing and shift just a little more in one direction or the other. 
 

so the fader on my console might say 0 DB but it is really at -2 or some other value because of the offset? How would I cancel out all the offsets?

konradh


so the fader on my console might say 0 DB but it is really at -2 or some other value because of the offset? How would I cancel out all the offsets?

I think you're thinking to much into this..  


Yes is the answer to question 1, in the scenario you set would mean you are looking at the console view in Automation mode, and in Offset mode your fader would be set to -2.

To make sure you have no Offsets Press "o" to enter Offset mode, make sure no tracks are write enabled. All faders and Pan pots, sends and send pans are all set to zero, and the pans are set to center. now there will be nothing "Offset"

And to keep on repeating what has been said, Offset mode is a quick way to lower or increase the signal when you have written automation on a track or buss it does nothing more than that.


I mix in Offset mode just because I want all of my faders in automation mode as close to zero as I can, for the sole purpose of when I do automate something I can make finer adjustments.


I feel your confusion as I was once just confused about the helpfulness of this feature.


I hope this helps


Tom