manual de-essing

1. Probably not, except if you have a number of clips to deal with, you'll need to insert separate clip gain envelopes on each - you can do it all with one volume envelope

2. You need the 4 automation nodes. HOWEVER, this is easily accomplished with a couple of mouse clicks once you've highlighted the time range

1. I prefer the gain automation, because i can use the volume fader more easily when it comes to mixing

2. Yes. Page 954 of the reference guide:

"To raise/lower an envelope across a time range
1. Set the track’s Edit Filter control to the desired automation parameter (Track Automation or
Clip Automation).
2. Drag in the time ruler to select the duration of the envelope that you want to raise/lower.
3. Do one of the following:
• With the Smart tool , position the pointer within the selection near the top center of the
track/clip, then drag up/down.
• With the Move tool , position the pointer within the selection, then drag up/down."


3. You can send the output to another bus. Not to a track.