Automation clips and the method of use

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MichaelMar 31, 2022

Hey Riley,
When you are using automation clips do you ever place them over (as in, cover over) the pattern on the track it is applicable to? I've seen it done in one or two you-tube clips and wondered was there a specific reason why it was being done that way. Maybe it was just to free up space? Or maybe the user moved over to FL from Ableton where it can be done within a pattern. I cant think of any other reason why it might be done. Can you shed some light on it please?

Thanks,
Mike.

Replies (2)

GratuiTousStaffApr 7, 2022

Hey good question man!

Yes, you can overlap an automation clip, if you'd like.

Personally, I like to have each item on it's own line (track) within the Playlist. I find that gives me the easiest visual while working in the arrangement and audio painting stages.

Here's a video I created for you:

To further clarify..

If you do overlap an audio clip, automation clip, or pattern clip on the same track within the FL Studio Playlist, there is an option in the top left of the Playlist to switch between audio / automation / pattern..

The FL Studio manual on the Playlist calls this the Clip Focus:

FL Studio Playlist - Overlap Automation Clip Focus

Personally, I think switching between this Clip Focus is an extra step, but there's NOTHING WRONG with overlapping the automation clip over a pattern!

Further, I do like to try and keep automation clips very close to the pattern/audio its pertaining to, for easy editing. (Typically just one track underneath the pattern, for example)..

Hope the video helped..

You can learn more in my Automation Clips Course in FL Studio.

MichaelApr 8, 2022

Thanks very much Riley.

Yes, that video really helped as well. Most of the time I am of the habit myself of putting the automation clip under the pattern/track it is linked to, and I collapse the auto track down a bit, giving it a dedicated colour.
I also remember watching your automation tutorial a good while back at the earlier stages and it was a real game changer for me. The stuff you can do with automation is endless and can put a real professional touch to your beat.

Thanks,
Mike.