manual/include/gain-envelopes.html

<figure class=right>
<img src="/images/gain-envelope1.png" alt="Default gain envelope">
<figcaption class=center>A typical gain envelope (green line).</figcaption>
</figure>

<p>
  In Ardour, every <dfn>region</dfn> has a <dfn>gain envelope</dfn>, which is
  normally hidden. Clicking on the Draw tool will cause all the gain envelopes
  on all regions to show themselves; these will appear as green lines with
  square dots (<dfn>control points</dfn>) at the beginning and end of each
  region. The vertical axis represents gain, with the top of the region
  representing +6dB and the bottom representing approximately -170dB. By
  default, the line starts and ends at 0dB; the control points can be moved up
  and down to change the amount of gain at that point.
</p>

<p>
  Gain follows the line between control points continuously during playback,
  and adjusts the gain for that region accordingly. It is completely automatic,
  unlike channel <a href="@@automation">automation</a>.
</p>

<h2 style="clear: both">Manipulating Gain Envelopes</h2>

<p>
  The default gain curve, by itself, is not very useful; in order to have more
  control over the shape of the gain envelope it is necessary to add extra
  control points. To add a control point to the envelope, click anywhere in the
  region where there are no existing control points; it will appear <em>on the
  line</em> at the X-axis of the mouse's current position in the region.
</p>

<figure class=center>
<img src="/images/gain-envelope2.png" alt="Complex gain envelope">
<figcaption class=center>A more complex gain envelope.</figcaption>
</figure>

<p>
  Once added, a control point can be <kbd class=mouse>Left</kbd> clicked and
  dragged to the desired location. Hovering over a control point will show its
  current level in dB. To remove a control point, <kbd class=mouse>Left</kbd>
  click it and press <kbd>Delete</kbd>, or <kbd class=mod3n></kbd><kbd
  class=mouse>Right</kbd>-click on it.
</p>