Trim

Trim is a very useful mode that can be used in conjunction with any other automation mode. Trim allows you to add or subtract from an existing automation event, effectively shifting the automation line up or down.

For example, Trim would be used if you have already automated the level of a vocal or dialog track and now wish to increase its level overall without affecting all the moves previously written. (See Figure 15.17.)

Figure 15.17 Volume automation with Trim value added.

In order to trim, simply engage the Trim button on either the Automation Panel or by the pull-down menu in the project window. All faders will snap to a middle position, indicating a zero deviation from existing values. As you move the fader up or down, a corresponding value will be added or subtracted from the existing automation line. This will be reflected visually in the lane. Note that values for the fader are now positive or negative dBs, reflecting the value that will be added or subtracted from the current automation.