I've been following a recent online discussion about capturing MIDI CC data as region automation after recording your initial MIDI part. There seems to be a lot of confusion out there regarding how this works.
Once you've captured your primary performance, it's not uncommon to want to add some MIDI continuous controller message to enhance the part. Maybe it's via an expression pedal to add some CC 11 data for more refined dynamic movement. Perhaps you want to use some knobs or sliders on your keyboard controller to create some movement of one or more of the soft synth parameters you are triggering.
When recording, you can record region-based automation data into MIDI regions on software instrument tracks even if tracks are in Read mode. The ability to remain in Read mode is a huge time-saving asset, freeing you from switching back and forth from automation mode.
To do this as invisibly as possible, meaning with minimal action on your part dedicated to this task, start by enabling the "Record Automation with MIDI Regions" function. You will access this in the menu where you set the automation mode in the Track Header.
The other function that needs determining in advance is how you want the controller data captured. In other words, do you want it merged with the existing region? Do you like it in a separate overlapping region? Do you want to record multiple passes and decide later which one to use? Start by opening the Preferences window. Go to the Recording Tab. Choose your preferred behaviour separately for MIDI with and without cycle mode.
Thats' pretty much it. Once you choose your preferences, it will remain with these choices until you change them, if you want to change them, in the future. Save a template with the automation mode setting enabled, and you will never have to think about it again unless you want to change the behaviour. There is one small caveat to know. When Record Automation with MIDI Regions is active, Auto-Select Automation Parameter in Read Mode is disabled.
If you plan to work with a lot of MIDI CC automation, it is a good idea to record it on to a separate track assigned to the same instrument. Using a separate track set to the same instrument is a personal workflow choice. I prefer it, as it makes it simpler to see, edit, and manage multiple types of MIDI CC automation.
To create a new track assigned to the same channel strip, go to the global Track menu at the top of Logic Pro. There, in the Other submenu, choose "New Track With Same Instrument."
If you choose this technique, it is good to create a separate track for each MIDI CC data type. You can not only do all of this while in Read Mode, but you don't even have to be recording. If you are in Play mode and want to capture your moves, use the Capture As Recording key command or Control Bar Button.
I have recorded three takes of MIDI CC 11 data generated via my MIDI Expression pedal in the image below. I used cycle mode and a separate track and set my preference to create a take folder containing the three takes to choose later.
Hopefully, this will help you get the most out of an underused and powerful time-saving function in Logic Pro.