[Unsolved] Is this normal for recording 'knob' automation ?

[RobPhoboS]

Using Fruity Loops 7, and lets say I've recorded down a little tune, and now yes I'd like to record the filter knob twisting.
Should I just be able to record the knob movements, hit playback and hear the result ?

The only way I've seemed to get it to work is if I assign the cuttoff (CC no40) to Fruity, and record that...then it plays back my cutting off stuff.
Seems a bit weird to me.