Is it really necessary to clone automation for a headphone mix? If the send is post-fader, won't it incorporate all the automation in the track? Personally, my cue mixes are always straight pre-fx sends, so I can't say from experience.

Thanks for all the replies.   I'll look into the grouping faders and send levels method and getting my project template refined. 

Is it really necessary to clone automation for a headphone mix? If the send is post-fader, won't it incorporate all the automation in the track? Personally, my cue mixes are always straight pre-fx sends, so I can't say from experience.

I didn't think of this.  I would like the monitor sends to be post volume envelope and pre fader, so as i'm recording other musicians I can adjust the control room mix without affecting their headphone mix.   

One thing to note - if you're sending Pre-fader then "Follow Track pan" will not work. At least not in 8.5.3., which makes sense as any changes to faders or pans come -after- the Send in Pre mode. Likely nothing new but I thought it worth a mention. Same goes with linking Control groups as linking the Fader to the Send won't help you in Pre-fader mode.