Updated 2024 Approved The Secrets of Sound Regulation Mastering Audio Levels in DaVinci Resolve

The Secrets of Sound Regulation: Mastering Audio Levels in DaVinci Resolve

How To Normalize Audio In DaVinci Resolve

It happens a lot of times that we are not satisfied with several details our videos and audios contain, and we need to edit them. One of the most common problems we face is that our volumes are not normalized, and we need to take some extra time in order to achieve the best result for our audiences. Even with little or no knowledge about this very specific topic, we need to inform ourselves and find the solutions, make our videos more watch-able and our audios more listen-able, so to say.

There are several ways the audio normalization is achieved. One type is called peak normalization, helping adjust the recording based on the highest signal level present in the recording; the second is loudness normalization, adjusting the recording based on perceived loudness. RMS (Root-Mean-Square) changes the value of all the samples, where their average electrical volume overall is a specified level.

Mostly, there are two reasons why we should give audio normalization a try. You need to decide yourself, what is your reason and expected outcome when you use audio normalization. First is when your aim is to get the maximum volume, but the second boils down to matching different volumes with each other.

When it comes to normalizing audio, there are two reasons we refer to this tool. First is when we feel we need to get the maximum volume, and the second is when we need to match different volumes.

More concretely, in general, audio normalization is when a constant amount of gain is applied to the audio recording, bringing the amplitude to a desirable level, “the norm” for the project. It means that when this tool is applied to our volume, the whole recording has the same amount of gain across it, every piece affected the same way. Accordingly, when we normalize volume, the relative dynamics are not changed.

You can have the desired result using different kinds of software. Nowadays, a lot of programs offer you the tool which facilitates this process. So, one of them would be DaVinci Resolve, which we are going to discuss in this article.

What is DaVinci Resolve? The description goes: “DaVinci Resolve is the world’s only solution that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics and audio post production all in one software tool!” so, let’s discover what this software can do to help us balance the audio!

So, how to balance your audio in DaVinci Resolve? We are going to discuss everything step by step – how to set your target loudness level, how to monitor the loudness, and how you can use the automation feature.

Well, of course, have the program installed and opened. Then, add your video with the audio you want to edit or the audio separately, if that’s what you are aiming to do.

The first step you need to make is to set your target loudness level – for this, find the little settings button on the right bottom of the program and click on it. Now, go down to the Fairlight menu and change the Target Loudness Level. If you are doing the audio normalization for the Youtube content, then it is recommended to set it to -14 LUFS.

Next, you are going to head to the Fairlight page and make sure that your meters are open. the loudness meter is on the right top of the layout of the program, and it goes from +9 to -15 LUFS.

Here, zero represents exactly what our target loudness level is, in this case, as you remember, we set it to -14 LUFS. So, ensure that our loudness is as close as zero as possible on the meter, but you can also make it lower, such as -3. Whenever you play, you will be able to see that there are some numbers popping up to the right of the meter.

The first one, you’ll find, is Short – constantly changing, indicating how far above or below the target loudness level you are at a given time. Short Max tells you how far above or below your target loudness level the loudest point of your video is. Range is a measure of your quietest pick to your loudest peak, and the last one is Integrated – it gives you the overall loudness of your video in relation to your target loudness level. Integrated is the number we aim to keep around -3 or 0.

We can use our main slider (next to the sequence on the right) to make our video louder or quieter until we hit that target loudness level.

Also, there is an automation tool that can help you dial in your loudness. In order to access this feature, find a red icon, looking like a wave with kind of a key frames.

Next, open up your Index (on the far top panel, a little bit from the left), and make sure you are in the tracks menu in your editing index.

What you want to do is to make your main track visible on the timeline, so hit on the eyeball next to your main and go to your timeline, where you will expand your main track until you see your Loudness History options.

Here, you will need to check in the box next to Integrated and turn on the Loudness History. This will show the integrated loudness level, adjust your main track’s volume accordingly, so you are below the zero line. And, that’s actually it!

How to normalize audio in Wondershare Filmora X?

Even though doing this with the help of DaVinci Resolve is really helpful, and, let’s say, sophisticated, you might find it a little complicated, in case you were not so familiar with video/audio editing. So, we would like you to have some information about what alternative you can turn to, and in this case, it’s worth bringing up a software - Wondershare Filmora X . With it, you will find that the same task can be carried out wonderfully. It is also a video editor, but it is one of the easiest to use in the word, supported by Mac and Windows. Filmora offers a great, neat, user-friendly interface, and helps you understand the very basics of editing. Actually, it has not been long since Wondershare Filmora X introduced the feature to normalize the audio. So, you might want download the latest version of Filmora X and start following along the steps we are going to provide for you to understand how audio normalization works on Filmora X .

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

After having installed and opened a software, click and drag the video of which the audio you want to normalize. Now you can select the clip you have chosen – if there are multiple, select all of them, then right-click and choose Detach Audio.

Now, you can see on the graphic that the noises are of different levels from each other. This makes us understand why we need to balance our audio files whenever we are aiming for a good listening experience for our audiences.

Select these files, right-click and choose Adjust Audio. New panel will be opened on left top and there, you will see Audio Normalization – check the box there.

Now, after clicking on it, you can just wait and the normalization will be completed soon.

When it happens, you will be able to see on the graphics that the volumes are almost on the same level, moreover, listening to it, your ears will “understand” that there is no longer apparent difference between how they sound. So, let’s hope you are happy with the result – in this case, you can save the file you just normalized!

So, in this article, we learned one or two things about normalizing volumes and its types, why and how it is done, and how do it in DaVinci Resolve as well as in Wondershare Filmora X. we hope the guidelines will serve you in the best way and from now on, you will be able to create great sounds!

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Select these files, right-click and choose Adjust Audio. New panel will be opened on left top and there, you will see Audio Normalization – check the box there.

Now, after clicking on it, you can just wait and the normalization will be completed soon.

The Ultimate List of Gratis Sound Effect Libraries Online

No matter what type of video you’re making – promotional, movie festival candidate, or just something for fun – you want to be certain that you have the right sound effects available for your use. Sound FX makes your video more attractive and can add some emotion to what is happening on-screen.

But, how can you find free sound FX? In this article, we’re going to provide you with the 8 best websites where you can download all the sound FX you may ever need, and all for free!

If you want to add sound effects to your videos in a minute, using an all-in-one video editor is the best choice because you can save a lot of time. Fortunately, Wondershare Filmora is one of the most versatile video editors globally, which has various types of built-in royalty-free background music, sound effects, music clips, etc. Choose the sound effects that suit your audio and create stunning audio/videos in no time.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

8 Best Free Sound FX Resources

1. freeSFX

With hundreds of different types of sound effects and music tracts in any category you can imagine, free SFX is an easy-to-use website that is very easy to navigate.

If you’re looking for humor, they have a number of “cartoony” sounds you can use. Need something more realistic or out in nature? They’ve got it too.

You can browse or search the site easily and find what you need in just a few minutes of searching around the website.

2. Partners In Rhyme

Partners in Rhyme put a special emphasis on providing free sound effects and royalty-free options, not only for FX but for music.

Almost all of the options on here have lifetime licensing agreements, so no matter how you wish to use the music or FX, you don’t have to worry about copyright issues coming up in the future.

Partners in Rhyme have recently started updating their website with new FX and plan on doing more well into the future.

3. PacDV

PacDV is one of the oldest free sound effects hubs on the internet; they’ve been providing FX royalty-free since 2001.

Their sounds have been used in various contexts, and they are always producing new movie-quality FX that you can easily add to anything that you may be putting together. They also provide other filmmaking resources to aspiring video makers.

4. MotionElements

If you’ve done any filmmaking, you’ve likely utilized MotionElements at some point in time. They have an unlimited download plan for $16.50 a month, but they also offer a number of free sound effects that you can use without a subscription. They are constantly updating their free sound FX page so that filmmakers like you have the access you need to great resources.

5. Sound Effects from YouTube

YouTube Studio, a part of the YouTube creation suite, offers a number of different free sound effects and free music that can be used in anything you post on the site.

Their entire library is pretty specific, including multiple types of gunfire, planes, vehicles, and more.

So, if you have something in your film that should have a particular sound effect, you can easily find it on YouTube Studio.

6. Flash Kit

While Flash Kit has been developed for Flash developers, anyone can use their resources in any sort of visual media that they produce.

With hundreds of loops and FX in 15 different categories, Flash Kit makes it simple for you to explore your options and find exactly what you’re looking for with just a couple of clicks. Their library isn’t as extensive as some of the others listed here, but there is still a lot for you to choose from.

7. SoundEffects+

The library with over 5000 different, free sound effects at SoundEffects+ makes it one of the most extensive libraries that you can search on the web.

Their license agreement is easy to understand, and they are always adding new sound effects to their library on a regular basis.

SoundEffects+ has dozens of categories with some of the most unique options you can find, or you can just browse to see what works for your purposes.

8. Airborne Sound

Airborne Sound has put together entire libraries of sound that you can utilize to find the perfect mix of music you want.

Not only that, but you can get the MP3, CD Quality, and Pro versions for absolutely free, no matter which package you choose. They do have paid versions of loops + Pro versions, but they’re only 99 cents, and they give you the best quality sound effects.

They also have other free sound FX that you can get individually if that’s what you prefer to do.

Conclusion

These sites can help you find the tools you need and ensure that you’ve got everything necessary to stay ahead of your sound effects needs. You’ve got all of the tools at your fingertips, you just want to be sure that you keep an eye out for them and use them effectively in your filmmaking.

Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora

An easy and powerful video editor.

Numerous effects to choose from.

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later