I have a simple question and I'm not sure if this is the place to ask.
In general, do plugin developers often use smoothing (or ramping) on parameter changes even when they are automated?
I fully understand the need for per-frame parameter smoothing if accepting potentially sporadic MIDI CC messages, for instance, but for DAW host automation, as far as I can see smoothing shouldn't be necessary? Obviously this depends on the plugin API and DAW implementation, so for example, with VST3: https://steinbergmedia.github.io/vst3_d ... Queue.html
We can clearly see that for each block we have at a minimum end and start (from previous end) automation values for a parameter. A linear interpolation (as suggested by Steinberg), in the form f(A, t, B) = (1 - t)A + tB, where A is the start and B is the end, and t is the 0-1 position relative to A and B, will give us a smooth transition (if, for example, a volume fade). In such a case, there would be no point in smoothing/ramping, and in fact, smoothing/ramping would distort the automation, depending on the ramp time.
I hope this makes some sense in explaining my question. If there is a more appropriate sub forum for these kind of questions, please let me know! Thanks.
