diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc b/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
index cbbf137010..abd33f6cb6 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
@@ -755,7 +755,9 @@ GainMeterBase::meter_point_clicked (MeterPoint mp)
 void
 GainMeterBase::amp_start_touch (int state)
 {
-	if (state & Keyboard::UseSelectionModifier) {
+	assert (_route);
+
+	if (!_route->route_group() || !_route->route_group()->is_gain()) {
 		_touch_control_group.reset (new GainControlGroup ());
 		_touch_control_group->set_mode (ControlGroup::Relative);
 		_touch_control_group->fill_from_selection (_control->session().selection(), _control->parameter());