Fader resolution/precision? (0.1 vs 0.01)

[MogwaiBoy]

Rookie question...

If I have a fader that moves in 0.01dB increments, will it be "smoother" when automated (for example a very long fade out), than another fader that moves in larger 0.1dB increments? Would the 0.1dB increments be stepped?

Or would they both have the same "resolution" underneath or on rendered export, just displaying different values in realtime? Or does it depend entirely on the DAW or plugin?

[antic604]

Rookie question...

If I have a fader that moves in 0.01dB increments, will it be "smoother" when automated (for example a very long fade out), than another fader that moves in larger 0.1dB increments? Would the 0.1dB increments be stepped?

Or would they both have the same "resolution" underneath or on rendered export, just displaying different values in realtime? Or does it depend entirely on the DAW or plugin?

It depends on the DAW, so e.g. I'd expect it to work much better in Reaper than in Reason.

Having said that, in 95% of situations it doesn't matter, i.e. it doesn't make the song any better if it has smooth fadeouts, so I wouldn't loose sleep over it

[chk071]

I'd assume that even with such a more "rough" increment, some plugins might have some smoother resolution internally.

[Unaspected]

I'd assume that even with such a more "rough" increment, some plugins might have some smoother resolution internally.

Linear interpolation can be used to avoid "zipper noise" when moving gain controls that operate at lower control rates. Audio rate shouldn't require this unless you have stepped automation.