How to Record Automation in Sonar

This article explains how to create an automation envelope in Sonar.

There are two ways to create an automation in Sonar. Each of these methods is described in the next sections:

1. Recording automation in realtime
2. Drawing automation in the arrange window
   

Recording Automation

1. Insert a VST plug-in. In this example we choose FM8.
2. Open the plug-in window and make sure that both the R (Read) and the W (Write) button in the upper right corner of the window are active.
   
3. Click the strip size button on the plug-in track (FM8 in our example) in order to show its automation options. Make sure the R and W buttons are active here as well.
   
4. Open the FM8 window and start recording. Move the parameters in FM8 you wish to automate.
5. Stop recording and begin playback.

You will see that the parameter movements have been recorded and are played back automatically.

Drawing Automation

1. Insert a VST plug-in. In this example we choose FM8.
2. Open the plug-in window and make sure the R (Read) button in the upper right corner of the window is active.
3. Click the strip size button on the plug-in track (FM8 in our example) in order to show its automation options. Make sure the R button is active here as well.
4.  Open the drop-down menu below the track name and select the plug-in parameter you wish to automate from the Automation menu.
   
5. The closed menu now reflects the parameter you selected. Select the Draw tool from the toolbar in Sonar's header
   
6. Draw the automation parameters into the track in the arrange window.