Initially, the automation clip only has one (last) control point. However, I can now start to manipulate the clip. In the example above, I have not yet begun to place any pattern blocks and the automation clip therefore assumes the default length. See below:Īn automation clip created in this way spans the entire length of your playlist. Regardless whether you automate a native control or one on a VST plugin, the result is the same: An automation clip is created for the control in question (it is already linked to the control) in the upper part of the playlist view (where all clip tracks are placed).
See below for an example with the Nexus plugin: For controls on VST plugins you can first manually tweak the control you want to automate and then select Last tweaked parameter | Create automation clip from the Fruity Wrapper menu.
Note that this method can only be used for native FL Studio controls. See the below screenshot where I create an automation clip for the channel volume control (Trance lead channel): The easiest way is to right-click on the control you wish to automate and then choose ‘Create automation clip’. There are several ways to create automation clips. This will become more clear further down the article. Automation events on the other hand are bound to patterns and do not exist independently. Automation clip are specific type of generators and are loaded into channels (just like your instruments). This article will explain you the basics of automation (advanced topics will follow, I promise).įirst of all, in FL Studio we distinguish between automation clips and automation events. Simply put, the opposite of a boring, dull trance composition is a song with variety, variety, variety and automation is one way to achieve variety.
You may wonder why you would use such a feature. If this automation clip would be linked to the volume knob, the knob will turn corresponding to the automation clip (see point 1,2 and 3). The upper part is the automation clip which varies in time (check points 1,2 and 3). To understand the relation between an automation clip/event and a control, see the simple illustration below. It is like someone turns FL Studio’s knobs while you play your song. Automation is the automatic moving of controls in FL Studio – such as the channel volume knob - based on automation clips or automation events.