Adobe Audition: Apply an effects rack for audio polishing

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The Voice Over Blueprint™ with Mike Hathcote·Feb 2026

Demo summary

The user demonstrates running a multi-step effects chain including iZotope RX De-click, parametric EQ, dynamics processing, and normalization to achieve a professional sound.

Step-by-step

Run the iZotope RX De-clicker by pressing 'D' on the keyboard
Apply the full effects rack using a custom keyboard shortcut
Review the Parametric Equalizer to reduce low-end frequencies
Apply a light De-esser to remove high shrill frequencies
Use Dynamics Processing for light compression
Normalize the audio to -3 dB
Apply the NS1 plugin to address the noise floor

Options

Use the NS1 plugin from waves.com for additional noise floor reduction

Tips

Set up an effects rack as a single keyboard shortcut to apply multiple polishing steps instantly
Use a parametric equalizer to take the low end out if you have a deeper voice to avoid sounding too bassy
Normalize to -3 dB as it is the standard for audio normalization
Apply noise reduction even in quiet spaces to catch any remaining noise floor issues

Highlights

“I've set it up as a keyboard shortcut where I just hit one button and it applies all of the effects that I need to this file to polish it up”

All demos from “Adobe Audition Voiceover Tutorial | Setup to Final Export”

1:570:56Set up a new voiceover file in Adobe AuditionThe creator opens a new audio file using keyboard shortcuts and configures the sample rate to 48,000 Hz, mono channel, and 16-bit depth for a standard voiceover project.Adobe Audition· AI Audio Editor
3:401:43Record voiceover with mistake markersA live recording session in Adobe Audition where the narrator uses a physical clicker to create visible spikes in the waveform whenever a mistake is made for easier editing later.Adobe Audition· AI Audio Editor
5:233:41Edit audio using Spectral Frequency DisplayThe narrator demonstrates how to identify and remove mouth clicks, breaths, and mistakes by highlighting sections in the spectral view and using the 'Auto-Heal' favorite to clean up the track.Adobe Audition· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
9:171:58Apply an effects rack for audio polishingCurrentThe user demonstrates running a multi-step effects chain including iZotope RX De-click, parametric EQ, dynamics processing, and normalization to achieve a professional sound.Adobe Audition· AI Audio Editor
12:500:36Export final audio from Adobe AuditionThe final step of the workflow is shown, selecting the file format (WAV or MP3) and saving the processed voiceover to the local drive.Adobe Audition· AI Audio Editor
Watch “Adobe Audition Voiceover Tutorial | Setup to Final Export” →

AI Audio Editor

3:011:05Checking audio levels before recordingThe demo shows how to double-click the level meter to monitor real-time input levels and adjust gain to stay within the -18 to -6 dB range.Master Editor
4:081:47Recording audio in the Waveform EditorThe narrator initiates a new recording, configures sample rate and bit depth settings, and shows the waveform being drawn in real-time before stopping the capture.Master Editor
6:230:28Selecting and unselecting audio segmentsThe user demonstrates how to single-click to deselect and double-click to highlight the entire waveform in white.Master Editor
7:551:15Saving a raw audio file as WAVThe demo shows the process of using the Save dialog to name a file, create a new folder, and select the uncompressed WAV format.Master Editor
9:350:37Deleting audio and identifying unsaved changesThe narrator demonstrates selecting a portion of the waveform, hitting delete, and pointing out the asterisk symbol indicating unsaved changes.Master Editor
10:121:32Exporting edited audio to a separate folderThe instructor uses the Export File command to save a modified version of the audio into a new 'edited' folder without overwriting the original.Master Editor
15:150:49Navigating with the playhead and playback controlsThe demo shows how to move the red playhead by clicking the waveform and using the spacebar or UI buttons to start and stop playback.Master Editor
17:230:46Zooming the waveform viewThe narrator uses the zoom slider to expand the waveform horizontally for precise editing and then uses the 'Zoom Out Full' icon to reset the view.Master Editor
19:350:38Using Loop Playback for fine-tuningThe instructor activates the loop icon and demonstrates how a selected section of audio repeats continuously during playback.Master Editor
22:090:30Copying and pasting audio segmentsThe narrator demonstrates selecting a section, using keyboard shortcuts to copy, and pasting it at a different playhead position.Master Editor
25:171:28Configuring the Normalize effectThe instructor opens the Normalize effect from the Amplitude and Compression menu and explains how to set peak levels using decibels.Master Editor
27:431:14Analyzing peak levels with Amplitude StatisticsThe demo shows how to use the Amplitude Statistics window to scan audio and find the exact peak amplitude before and after normalization.Master Editor