How to edit sound in DaVinci Resolve 18?

How to Edit Sound in DaVinci Resolve 18: A Comprehensive Guide

DaVinci Resolve 18 is a powerful video editing software that has been a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. One of the most exciting features of DaVinci Resolve 18 is its robust sound editing capabilities. With its advanced audio tools, you can create professional-grade soundtracks, edit audio separately from video, and even track and mix audio with video. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about editing sound in DaVinci Resolve 18.

Understanding the Audio Window in DaVinci Resolve 18

Before we dive into the editing process, let’s take a look at the audio window in DaVinci Resolve 18. The audio window is where you’ll find all your audio tracks, and it’s divided into several sections:

• loudspeaker : This is where you’ll see all your audio tracks in the timeline, with the audio levels displayed as a progress bar.
• Levels : This is where you’ll see all your audio levels, which can be adjusted to fine-tune the overall balance of your mix.
• Sidechain : This is where you’ll see all your audio tracks with their respective sidechains, which are used to control the audio levels of other tracks.
• Pot with e: This is where you’ll see your audio panning options, which can be used to control the audio’s position in the stereo field.

Creating and Importing New Audio Tracks

One of the most exciting features of DaVinci Resolve 18 is its ability to create and import new audio tracks. Here’s how:

• Drag and Drop Files into the Window: To create a new audio track, simply drag and drop a file into the audio window. You can choose from a variety of file formats, including WAV, AIFF, and ALAC.
• Use the Input Device: You can also import audio from other devices, such as your computer’s speakers or a mixer. To do this, right-click on the audio track in the timeline and select "Input Device".
• Use the EQ: DaVinci Resolve 18 includes a range of built-in EQ plugins, which can be used to adjust the tone and balance of your audio tracks.

Editing Audio Tracks

Now that you’ve created and imported your audio tracks, it’s time to start editing them. Here are some basic steps to follow:

• Select the Track: To select the track you want to edit, simply click on it in the timeline.
• Cut or Copy: To cut or copy a track, select the track and then use the "Cut" or "Copy" buttons in the Edit menu.
• Split or Blend: To split or blend tracks, select the track and then use the "Split" or "Blend" buttons in the Edit menu.
• Clone: To clone a track, select the track and then use the "Clone" button in the Edit menu.

Mixing and Blending Audio Tracks

Mixing and blending audio tracks is an essential part of audio editing in DaVinci Resolve 18. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use the Multiply and Sag Controls: The Multiply and Sag controls allow you to adjust the volume and panning of your audio tracks. Use these controls to fine-tune the overall balance of your mix.
• Use the Send Controls: The Send controls allow you to adjust the gain of your audio tracks. Use these controls to fine-tune the overall level of your mix.
• Use the EQ and Compression: The EQ and compression controls allow you to adjust the tone and balance of your audio tracks. Use these controls to fine-tune the overall balance of your mix.

Advanced Audio Editing Techniques

DaVinci Resolve 18 includes a range of advanced audio editing techniques that can help you create professional-grade soundtracks. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use the LFOs: LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) allow you to automate the level and panning of your audio tracks over time. Use these LFOs to create a sense of movement and tension in your mix.
• Use the Gain Stages: Gain stages allow you to adjust the gain of your audio tracks over time. Use these gain stages to create a sense of tension and release in your mix.
• Use the Stereo Widener: The stereo widener allows you to adjust the width and center image of your audio tracks. Use this tool to create a sense of depth and width in your mix.

Managing Audio Files

Managing audio files is an essential part of audio editing in DaVinci Resolve 18. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use the Lumocom Browser: The Lumocom browser allows you to browse and manage your audio files with ease. Use this tool to quickly locate and manage your audio files.
• Use the Audio Library: The audio library allows you to manage and organize your audio files in a centralized way. Use this tool to quickly locate and manage your audio files.
• Use the Preview Player: The preview player allows you to preview and edit your audio files with ease. Use this tool to quickly test and refine your audio.

Conclusion

Editing sound in DaVinci Resolve 18 is a powerful and intuitive process that requires some practice and experimentation to master. With its advanced audio tools and robust editing capabilities, DaVinci Resolve 18 is an ideal tool for creating professional-grade soundtracks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, DaVinci Resolve 18 is sure to inspire and educate you.

Table: Basic Audio Editing Operations

Operation	Description
Cut	To cut a track, select the track and then use the "Cut" button in the Edit menu.
Copy	To copy a track, select the track and then use the "Copy" button in the Edit menu.
Split	To split a track, select the track and then use the "Split" button in the Edit menu.
Blend	To blend tracks, select the tracks and then use the "Blend" button in the Edit menu.
Clone	To clone a track, select the track and then use the "Clone" button in the Edit menu.
Send	To adjust the gain of a track, select the track and then use the "Send" button in the Edit menu.

Table: Advanced Audio Editing Operations

Operation	Description
LFO	To automate the level and panning of a track, select the track and then use the LFO buttons in the Effect Controls panel.
Gain Stage	To adjust the gain of a track, select the track and then use the Gain Stage buttons in the Effect Controls panel.
Stereo Widener	To adjust the width and center image of a track, select the track and then use the Stereo Widener button in the Effect Controls panel.
Lumocom Browser	To browse and manage audio files, select the Lumocom browser button in the Project Browser panel.
Audio Library	To manage and organize audio files, select the Audio Library button in the Project Browser panel.
Preview Player	To preview and edit audio files, select the Preview Player button in the Project Browser panel.