How to Record Automation in Cubase

This article describes how to automate a parameter in your Native Instruments plug-in in Cubase.

Recording Automation

Create a Cubase project and add an Instrument Track containing a plug-in. In this example we choose FM8.
Activate the W (Write) button in the track to enable automation writing. The R (Read) button will automatically switch on as well since it is required to play back automation.
Start playback and change a parameter in FM8. Since the Write button is active, the parameter movements will be recorded.
To show the recorded automation curves, right-click the FM8 track and choose Show All Used Automation from the menu. This will show separate sub-tracks for all recorded parameter changes.

Now When you play back the track, the plug-in parameters will follow the automation curves in the track.

Create a Cubase project and add an Instrument Track containing a plug-in. In this example we choose FM8.
Right-click the track and choose Show Automation from the menu. This will bring up a sub-track containing automation parameters.
Open the Volume menu and choose More.... In the window that opens, expand the plug-in folder (FM8 in this example) and select the parameter you want to automate. In our example we choose Easy Detune. Click OK to confirm.
In the automation track you will see that the menu contains the parameter you just added for automation. Select the Draw tool from the Cubase header and draw an automation into the track. Press the R (Read) button to engage playback of the automation curve.

Note: If cannot find the name of a parameter in the Add Parameter window, simply record an automation for this parameter as described in the first section of this article and then edit this curve using the Draw tool.