So far all our automation data has been written as Absolute data. In other words, when you put a control into write you are overwriting its absolute value.
Trim mode can be used to offset existing values. For example, you may have written some good fader moves for the chorus, and now you'd like to trim the moves up or down in level as you mix.
Trim works by offsetting the absolute data by a trim value. When you finish the pass, either by rolling back in time or pressing Finish Pass, the trim data is automatically combined with the original Play pass to create a new absolute Play pass. The diagrams below show the affect of an update to the Play pass when written in absolute, and when written in trim:

Note that Trim can be used to offset dB parameters such as fader level and EQ gain, or ranges such as Pan L/R. Other parameters, such as EQ frequency, cannot be trimmed and will always update in absolute.
Also note that Trim can be selected either globally across the console or selectively for specific controls or channels.

Global Trim

The simplest way to use Trim is to activate Trim as a global automation mode from the 'Manual Mode' buttons (on the VAP 2 side panel):

1. Select Trim to activate trim.
2. Select Abs to return to absolute.
Note that if both buttons are off (unlit), then some controls are selected for trim while others remain in absolute. See Selective Trim for details.
Note also that certain parameters, such as frequency, cannot be trimmed, and will always update in absolute regardless of the Abs/Trim mode

Trim Modes

Once Trim is enabled, you have the choice of two different Trim modes: Trim On the Fly or Trim Relative. Both modes can be used for any trimmable parameter, but to explain the modes, let's trim a fader.
In each case, trim is applied according to the Stepout mode, so check the status of these buttons before performing your update. For example:

To trim a control to the end of the mix, select Fill End.
To trim a section of the mix, you could use Step Out (steps out of write when you finish the pass), or Touch (steps out of write when you let go of the control).

Trim On the Fly

Trim On the Fly is great if you wish to keep a sense of the underlying Play pass from the physical fader positions, as the faders replay the Play pass, and only stop moving when you touch them.
1. Select Trim and On the Fly (from the VAP 2 side panel):

2. Select the Stepout mode, for example, Touch.
3. While automation is playing back, touch the fader to update its position.
The fader stops moving allowing you to change its position.
Any level changes are written as a trim offset; the amount of trim is shown in the Fader Label Display, temporarily replacing the Play pass level.
4. Let go of the fader to step out of write.
As soon as you let go, the fader returns to replay. Fader moves from the current Play pass are replayed and the Fader Label Display returns to the Play pass value.

By enabling Glide you can have your fader automatically glide back to the Play pass when you let go.
As an alternative to Touch you could use Step with Write R/W. Move the fader to step into write and apply your trim offset. Let go of the fader and moves replay from the Play pass. The fader remains in write until you finish the pass. This method of working means that you don't have to keep touching the fader for the duration of the trim update.

Trim Relative

Trim Relative is great if you wish to use the physical position of the fader to show the amount of trim offset.
1. Select Trim and deselect On the Fly (from the VAP 2 side panel):

As soon as you enter Trim Relative mode, all faders selected for trim move to a default position (0dB).
2. Select the Stepout mode, for example, Step Out.
3. Press PLAY to replay the Play Pass.
In Trim Relative, the faders do not move so use the Fader Label Displays to view any changes in level applied by the Play pass.
4. Touch the fader to step into write.
Any level changes are written as a trim offset; the amount of trim is shown in the Fader Label Display, temporarily replacing the Play pass level.
5. Because you selected the Step Out mode, you can let go of the fader and it remains in write (trim).
Note that as soon as you let go, the Fader Label Display returns to the automation values from the Play pass. The fader position represents the trim offset (from 0dB).
6. When you want to step out of write, finish the pass.
The fader returns to replay.

Selective Trim

To update some controls or channels in Trim and others in Absolute, then:

Define a channel User Button to select Trim or Absolute on a channel-by-channel basis. (This function must be programmed from the Custom Functions display, see Fader User Buttons, Channel Functions.)
Use Select Trim as described below.

Note that automation must be enabled (Automation On lit), and any selections you make are temporary. So, if you turn automation off and back on, all parameters are reset to Abs.

To select which parameters will write in trim:

1. Press Select Trim (on the VAP 1 side panel) - the button flashes to show it is active.
2. Make your selections in a similar manner to Select Auto, see Selecting Channels/Modules for Automation.
Note that not all controls can be trimmed. The Central Control Section select buttons light as follows:

SEL button lit = trim.
SEL button off = absolute.

Remember to use Multi, to apply selections to multiple channels, and refresh the fader SEL buttons if you are updating existing selections.

You can also use the Cluster function to select trim for a cluster of channels.

If you have selected a mixture of Abs and Trim statuses, then this is indicated on the 'Manual Mode' panel where you will see both Abs and Trim buttons are off (unlit):

To reset the selective trim states, press either the global Abs or Trim button.