Applying audio effects in DaVinci Resolve

In this lesson, we’ll dive into customizing audio by applying effects directly on the edit page of DaVinci Resolve. I'll pull out my headphones to start. This process allows you easily adjust audio without transitioning to the Fairlight page.

Volume control adjustments

Once you select your clip, you'll find the audio tab illuminating in the inspector. Here you'll discover several audio controls. We'll begin by focusing on the volume control.

While listening to audio playbacks, you'll observe that audio levels are around negative 15 decibels. Ideally, you want it to start around negative 10 decibels. Adjust the volume slider up to boost the audio by five decibels. This slight increase will stabilize the audio level around negative ten.

Avoiding audio peaks with compressors

It's crucial to manage audio levels when voices spike loudly, as they can lead to unpleasant listening experiences and potential audio peaking. Enter the role of the compressor.

Navigate to the Fairlight tab, and on the right, you’ll locate the dynamics tab where the compressor resides. Activate the compressor to manage excess audio spikes, ensuring sound levels remain consistent. A standard compression ratio for voice-over is typically set to about four.

By adjusting the threshold to around negative 15 decibels, your audio remains more balanced, and even loud phrases won’t exceed your set limits.

Equalizer: Customizing audio frequency

Next, we focus on the equalizer, which is subjective and depends on your desired sound. If you double-click the EQ box, you’ll access the equalizer that applies changes across all clips, not just individual segments.

Here, you can adjust the volume of specific frequencies, tailoring the sound to fit your preferences. For instance, less pleasant nasally sounds often appear around the 1k frequency. Lowering these frequencies can provide a clearer and more professional audio output. Remember, you can always reset settings if adjustments go off track.

Applying a limiter for consistent audio levels

Finally, using a limiter can improve overall audio consistency by preventing spikes from exceeding your desired threshold. Reopen the dynamics tab and activate the limiter, setting it around negative four or five decibels. This application ensures that no audio peaks become overly pronounced, maintaining a steady volume throughout.

Putting it all together

By applying volume control, compression, equalization, and limiting techniques, you can significantly enhance audio quality in your screencasts or videos. Mastering these tools leads to a professional sound and a more engaging listening experience for your audience. Experiment with these features to find the optimal settings for your specific project.