Problem
DaVinci Resolve Fairlight automation becomes misaligned after clips are moved across linked tracks.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Fairlight automation nodes record fader levels, EQ sweeps, and plugin parameters linked to specific track coordinates and global sequence timecode. When clips are moved across linked tracks or track routing is altered without linking automation curves, automation data remains pinned to the original track timeline. The moved audio clips no longer align with their volume envelopes, causing abrupt muting, volume drops, or unintended ducking.
Actionable Fix:
1. Enable 'Automation Follows Edits' in the Fairlight menu before ripple editing, cutting, or moving clips across timeline tracks.
2. Copy existing automation envelopes: select automation curves on the original track and paste them directly onto the destination track automation lane.
3. Play back the audio sequence with the Fairlight mixer automation mode set to 'Read' while watching channel faders to verify proper envelope execution.
Pro Tip:
Group related audio tracks into Fairlight Submix buses (Dialogue, SFX, Music) and apply master volume automation to the submix bus rather than individual clip tracks.
Fairlight automation nodes record fader levels, EQ sweeps, and plugin parameters linked to specific track coordinates and global sequence timecode. When clips are moved across linked tracks or track routing is altered without linking automation curves, automation data remains pinned to the original track timeline. The moved audio clips no longer align with their volume envelopes, causing abrupt muting, volume drops, or unintended ducking.
Actionable Fix:
1. Enable 'Automation Follows Edits' in the Fairlight menu before ripple editing, cutting, or moving clips across timeline tracks.
2. Copy existing automation envelopes: select automation curves on the original track and paste them directly onto the destination track automation lane.
3. Play back the audio sequence with the Fairlight mixer automation mode set to 'Read' while watching channel faders to verify proper envelope execution.
Pro Tip:
Group related audio tracks into Fairlight Submix buses (Dialogue, SFX, Music) and apply master volume automation to the submix bus rather than individual clip tracks.