diff --git a/libs/ardour/plug_insert_base.cc b/libs/ardour/plug_insert_base.cc
index b813af9b8b..c14bcbf4f3 100644
--- a/libs/ardour/plug_insert_base.cc
+++ b/libs/ardour/plug_insert_base.cc
@@ -369,6 +369,8 @@ PlugInsertBase::PluginPropertyControl::PluginPropertyControl (Session&
 	: AutomationControl (s, param, desc, list)
 	, _pib (p)
 {
+	_value = _desc.normal;
+	AutomationControl::actually_set_value (_desc.normal, PBD::Controllable::NoGroup);
 }
 
 void