demobook

DaVinci Resolve: Mix audio levels using the Mixer and Meters

DaVinci ResolveTry it →Watch full video →Justin Brown - Primal Video ·

Demo summary

The demo shows how to use the Audio Meters to monitor decibel levels and adjust volume for individual clips or entire tracks via the Mixer panel.

Step-by-step

  1. Enable the Mixer panel in the top interface bar.
  2. Click the three dots in the Mixer panel and select Meters to view real-time decibel levels.
  3. Play the timeline to identify if audio is hitting the red zone or maxing out at zero.
  4. Select an individual clip and use the volume slider in the Audio Inspector to adjust its specific level.
  5. Switch the panel view back to Mixer to access track-level controls.
  6. Adjust the volume fader for the entire track (e.g., Audio 1) to apply changes to all clips on that track simultaneously.

Options

  • Adjust volume on a clip-by-clip basis via the Inspector
  • Adjust volume for the entire track via the Mixer fader
  • Use a mix of both track-level and clip-level adjustments

Watch out for

  • Audio hitting zero decibels or flattening at the top of the waveform box indicates it is too loud and clipping.

Tips

  • Monitor the audio waveform visually; if it flattens at the top, it is a sign the audio is maxing out.
  • For clips recorded with the same microphone and settings, adjust the entire track level first rather than editing each clip manually.
  • Aim for audio levels that reach into the yellow and red without hitting the absolute top (zero) of the meter.

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