Set automation modes for Audio Clip Mixer

Last updated on Apr 2, 2026

Learn how to use Touch or Latch modes to control how volume and pan adjustments are recorded during playback in Adobe Premiere.

Automation modes in the Audio Clip Mixer determine how your volume and pan adjustments are recorded as keyframes during mixing.

Use automation modes when you need to record dynamic audio adjustments while playing back your sequence. These modes are available only in the Audio Clip Mixer and work with clips under the playhead. For track-level automation that affects entire audio tracks rather than individual clips, use the Audio Track Mixer instead.

The Audio Clip Mixer offers two keyframe automation modes that control how adjustments are captured and maintained during playback. Touch mode gives you precise control by reverting to previous settings when you release a control, while Latch mode maintains your new adjustment value until you stop playback.

Select an automation mode

Select Window > Audio Clip Mixer to open the Audio Clip Mixer panel.

Select the panel menu  icon to locate the automation mode menu of the Audio Clip Mixer.

Select either Keyframe Mode Latch or Keyframe Mode Touch from the menu.

Audio Clip Mixer panel menu showing Keyframe Mode options Latch and Touch for automation.
Select the desired keyframe automation mode from the Audio Clip Mixer panel menu.

After selecting an automation mode, adjust volume faders or pan controls during playback to record your changes as clip keyframes. The selected mode determines how these adjustments behave when you move or release the controls.

  • Keyframe Mode Latch begins recording automation when you start adjusting a control and maintains the new value throughout playback. The initial property settings come from the previous adjustment, and the new value continues until you stop playback or make another adjustment.
  • Keyframe Mode Touch records automation only while you actively adjust a control. When you release the control, its settings return to their previous state before the automated changes were recorded. The rate of return is determined by the automatch time audio preference.
Tip

Preview your automation changes by moving the playhead to the beginning of your adjustments and playing back the sequence. Keyframes created by the Audio Clip Mixer appear in the Timeline panel on their respective audio tracks.