diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.cc b/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.cc
index 74f4470839..4e370b8b94 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.cc
@@ -480,7 +480,9 @@ AutomationTimeAxisView::clear_clicked ()
 	} else if (_view) {
 		_view->clear ();
 	}
-	set_automation_state ((AutoState) ARDOUR::Off);
+	if (!EventTypeMap::instance().type_is_midi (_control->parameter().type())) {
+		set_automation_state ((AutoState) ARDOUR::Off);
+	}
 	_editor.commit_reversible_command ();
 	_session->set_dirty ();
 }