Newbie Problem with automation

[DirkO42]

Hi!
I just started to work with automation in Waveform 13 Free, but already stuck...
My test-setup: Midi track with built-in 4OSC instrument, a few notes on the midi track, playback works. Now when I add an automation track and link it to the default volume/pan plugin (volume channel), dragging the automation line correctly changes the output level of the track.
But as soon as I insert control points to the line to build a ramp, no more changes go to the output, the voume stays constant.
When I then enter the automation track properties and choose "delete all points from curve" to get back a flat line it works again.
I'm confused, did I miss something?
Thanks in advance!

[dysjoint]

Expand the control panel at the bottom and check that automation 'read' is enabled. There is also an option to enable automation write (record) which will capture your control changes, be aware of that one too.

[DirkO42]

Thank you for the quick answer.
Unfortunately I didn't find the options you mentioned, I tried the options for track, midi track, instrument, plugin und automation track.
But I found out that the same setup in a new project works. Strangely the actual project seems broken, no idea why.

[pough]

Unfortunately I didn't find the options you mentioned, I tried the options for track, midi track, instrument, plugin und automation track.

I think unfortunately dysjoint led you a bit astray in telling you that you need to enlarge the controls panel. You don't. The Automation Read button is always visible in the.. thing with the play and record and stop buttons (damn, I hate getting old*) It's green.

automation read.png

Pressing the letter H will toggle it, which might be what happened. People do that without knowing that you can ever turn automation read off and don't notice that the button changes.

* The simplest words often escape me. It's that section with the buttons. There's a word for it. It's the kind of word that when you remember it you can search for it but if you can't remember it, there are no search words that will help you find it.

[pough]

But as soon as I insert control points to the line to build a ramp, no more changes go to the output, the voume stays constant.

To be clear, you are talking about having tested actual automation during playback and not just moving points while playback is stopped, right? Because those are two very different things. Whether or not moving the lines/points with your mouse visibly changes the plugin parameters depends on where the cursor is. If the cursor is over an area that isn't changing from mouse movement then the plugin doesn't reflect the changes. Having no points means there is just the one line and so moving it will always move the plugin parameters.

[dysjoint]

Unfortunately I didn't find the options you mentioned, I tried the options for track, midi track, instrument, plugin und automation track.

I think unfortunately dysjoint led you a bit astray in telling you that you need to enlarge the controls panel. You don't. The Automation Read button is always visible in the.. thing with the play and record and stop buttons (damn, I hate getting old*) It's green.
automation read.png

Whoops, so it is. Shows how often I (don't) have it closed.

[pough]

Transport. That's the word I was trying to remember. It popped into my head while I was out driving, exactly when I didn't need it.

[DirkO42]

Thanks a lot!
The automation read mode button was the clue, I think I hit it (or H) by accident during my struggles
Porlbem solved!

[alex_rx]

I have problem with recording automation in Waveform 13.5 Free. I'm sorry, I found actual thread about it