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 Investment in Sound Quality: Ranked List of Excellent, No-Cost and Full-Priced Podcast Editors

10 Best Free and Paid Podcast Editing Software Products

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Raw, unedited audio material you record for the next episode of your podcast has so much potential. Whether you are going to make the most of that potential depends on your creativity as much as it does on the editing software you’re using to create your podcasts. A simple audio effect , good selection of music or perfectly balanced volume can all contribute to the popularity of your show.

However, determining which podcast editing software is the best option on the market right now is impossible, because podcasters come from a broad range of backgrounds and they cover different topics in each new episode of their podcast. Your budget or the level of audio editing skills you have are just a few factors you should consider before selecting a software product you are going to use to edit your podcast.

We combed through the Internet and we selected the ten best free and paid podcast editing software products, with the aim of helping you discover the one that will assist you in making podcasts that attract attention.

10 Best Free Podcast Editing Software for Novice Podcasters

If you are thinking about starting a new podcast, but your budget is not as big as you would like it to be, you shouldn’t worry because there are several excellent podcast editing software products you can use for free. Let’s take a look at what some of the most popular free podcast editing software have to offer.

1. GarageBand

Compatibility: iOS , macOS

GarageBand’s audio recording capabilities exceed the demands of most newcomers to the world of podcasting, as the software features a versatile set of audio recording tools. Even so, the software’s interface is easy to get used to which makes it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to learn how to create podcasts effortlessly.

The audio editing tools GarageBand provides are as impressive as its audio recording options since the software enables its users to remove all mistakes they make during recording sessions or control audio peaks. The iOS-based version of GarageBand is also available, which enables all iPhone and iPad owners to record their podcasts with this app even if they don’t have access to their Mac computer.

Pros

Smooth podcast recording process on iOS and macOS devices
Produces high-resolution audio recordings
Equipped with a versatile set of audio editing tools
Allow users to share their audio recordings on social media

Cons

Uploading audio files to podcast hosting platforms directly from GarageBand is not an option
Doesn’t support MIDI output

2. Audacity

Compatibility: Linux, Windows, macOS

Many of the most influential podcasters today, recorded the first episodes of their podcasts with Audacity. Recording interviews, music or any other type of audio material through a mixer or a microphone with Audacity is a smooth and straightforward process that even inexperienced podcasters can complete effortlessly. However, the software’s audio editing tools are powerful enough to meet the demands of experienced professionals.

This cross-platform podcast editing software provides support for a variety of plugins which enables its users to apply audio effects to the recordings they make with Audacity. Each podcast you record with software can be captured in 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit quality so that you can select the option that best fits your needs.

Pros

Reliable audio editing software for both novice and seasoned podcasters
Excellent selection of audio effects
Offers batch processing tools
A great choice for anyone who wants to record a dialogue

Cons

Basic multitrack audio options
No external keyboard support

Want to edit podcast audio file with free audio editing software, check our picks of Free Audio Editors

Best Paid Podcast Editing Software for Experienced Podcasters

If you are looking for an audio recording software that can enable you to create professional-sounding podcasts on a constant basis, then it is better to consider one of the paid options, since all free podcast editing software products have their limitations. Here are some of the best paid podcast editing software products for seasoned podcasters.

3. Alitu

Price: $28 billed monthly or $280 billed annually

Compatibility: web-based

Podcasters who are looking for a way to save time on the postproduction of their podcasts should consider using this online podcast editing software. Alitu removes background noises from all the audio clips you import into the app and improves their overall quality. The software also merges the audio files automatically , which enables you to create a new episode quickly.

The platform features a theme music maker that can be used to create intros and outros for podcasts. Once the editing process is completed, you can export your podcasts directly to podcast hosting platforms like Buzzsprout, Speaker or Libsyn.

Pros

The quick drag-and-drop import process
Automatic audio editing
Allows users to add audio effects, music or ads
Exports audio files to all major podcast hosting platforms

Cons

Offers a limited range of output audio file formats
No multi-channel mixing options

4. Reaper

Price: $225 for a commercial license

Compatibility: macOS, Linux, Windows

This DAW is equipped with all the tools you are going to need to record audio from your Mac or PC computer. Besides multitrack and MIDI recording, mixing and mastering tools, Reaper also provides support for a variety of digital audio file formats, which enables you to edit all of your recordings regardless of the file format in which they were saved.

Furthermore, this podcast editing software enables its users to utilize a broad spectrum of external hardware during their audio recording sessions. Reaper is constantly evolving as new features become available regularly, which allows podcasters to extend the set of tools they are using to create new episodes of their podcasts.

Pros

Powerful track automation tools
Supports recording at almost any sample rate or bit depth
Grants its users access to advanced audio editing tools
Features hundreds of audio effects

Cons

Designed for music industry professionals
No file-sharing options

5. Fission

Price: Free trial available, pricing options start at $29

Compatibility: macOS

This podcast editing software is equipped with a versatile set of audio editing tools that simplify the audio editing process. Fission also integrates with Audio Hijack software you can use to record your podcasts and then edit them in Fission before uploading them to the hosting platform.

You can fade, cut ormerge multiple files without any risk of quality loss and you can even create chapters for your podcasts. All audio files you edit with Fission can be uploaded to SoundCloud directly from the software, which makes it a perfect choice for all podcasters who share their podcasts on this platform.

Pros

Quick conversion of audio files
Provides support for FLAC files
Allows users to set split points
No quality loss during the editing process

Cons

No built-in audio recording features
Adding plugins is not an option

6. TwistedWave

Price: $79.90 for macOS

Compatibility: macOS , iOS , web-based

TwistedWave is a simple podcast editing software that also features audio recording options, that allows you to record and edit all new episodes of your podcast. You just have to push a button in order to add markers to parts of the recording you would like to edit and reduce the amount of time you have to spend in postproduction.

Limiting or compression are only a few of the audio editing tools TwistedWave offers that can be used to improve the quality of your podcast. Besides the macOS version of the software, versions of TwistedWave can be used on iPhones or iPads, or through a web browser.

Pros:

Available on multiple platforms
Great batch processing features
Metadata support
Automatic silence detection

Cons

No audio effects library
Panning of multichannel files is completely automatic

7. WaveLab 10

Price: Pricing options start at $40

Compatibility: macOS, Windows

This is a mastering software designed to help professionals perform even the most demanding audio editing tasks. WaveLab 10 can be used to process recordings before they are published in the digital format or on vinyl.

The software allows users to apply real-time effects and provides restoration tools the can recover damaged or inaudible sections of a recording. WaveLab 10 grants you access to the audio editing tools that can be utilized in all stages of the professional audio production.

You can use WaveLab 10 to create stereo and multitrack recordings of your podcasts and utilize its professional mastering tools to polish each new recording you make with the audio editor.

Pros

High-end audio recording capabilities
Excellent sound design features
Powerful batch-processing tools
Offers industry-leading audio analysis options

Cons

Aimed only at audio industry professionals
More expensive than most of its competition

8. Hindenburg Journalist Pro

Price: $375

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

Hindenburg Journalist Pro lets you conduct interviews from the comfort of your home or at a remote location. The software doesn’t compress the files it records and it preserves their quality throughout the editing process.

Furthermore, journalists and podcasters can use this software to record interviews they conduct through Skype, FaceTime or Google Hangouts, while storytellers can record narration even at crowded locations.

Hindenburg Journalist Pro allows you to cut, insert or copy all the material you record with it and offers an easy way to organize all materials you process with the software. Its publishing tools enable you to upload your podcasts to SoundCloud, PRX and other hosting platforms.

Pros

Audio recording setup requires minimum effort
Well-equipped library of audio effects
Excellent noise reduction capabilities
Lets users add chapters, images, and links to podcasts

Cons

Lacks advanced audio editing tools
No file conversion options

9. Adobe Audition

Price: $20.99 per month

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

Seasoned podcasters don’t need a special introduction to this DAW, because Adobe Audition has set the industry standards for years. Adobe’s iconic audio recording and editing software has everything you are going to need while recording or editing a new episode of your podcast.

You can choose from a variety of podcast templates and set up multitrack recording sessions if you want to record several voices at the same time or access the software’s library of royalty-free sound effects that make your podcasts more entertaining.

The Essential Sound Panel lets you adjust audio levels with utmost precision, while you can also choose if you want to edit the recordings you make with Adobe Audition in Waveform or Multitrack editor.

Pros

Professional audio mixing and mastering tools
Excellent selection of royalty-free audio effects
Podcast templates that simplify the multitrack audio recording process
Effortless noise removal

Cons

The steep learning curve for novice audio engineers
More expensive than most podcast editing software products on the market

10. Pro Tools

Price: Pricing options start at $29,99 per month

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

Musicians, storytellers or podcasters can use Pro Tools equally effectively to record and edit virtually any type of sound. Moreover, Pro Tools supports collaborations in the cloud and enables you to include other Pro Tool users in your projects.

This DAW lets you add plugins you can use to apply audio effects, adjust EQs or create high-quality reverbs. You connect ProTools to a number of control surfaces that speed up the mixing process and even allow you to mix audio and video . However, the audio editing process in Pro Tools can be challenging for podcasters that don’t have a lot of previous sound engineering experience.

Pros

Supports 1024 MIDI tracks
Grants complete creative freedom over all projects to its users
Extensive plugin support
Provides a broad range of file-sharing options through Avid Link integration

Cons

Aimed only at professional users
Features more audio recording and editing tools than most podcasters need

Want to make a video and share it on social media platforms but don’t how to get started? Try Wondershare Filmora video editor. Filmor9 is easy to use yet powerful enough to merge audio and video together. Download the free trial version below to have a try.

Conclusion

The audio quality of the podcasts you share with your listeners can be one of the factors that contribute to their popularity. That’s why finding the podcast editing software that preserves the quality of the material you’re processing is an important step towards establishing yourself as a leader in the podcasting niche you selected.

Hopefully, our selection of the best free and paid podcast editing software products is going to help you find a DAW you want to use to record and edit all episodes of your podcasts. Which podcast editing software are you going to choose to record your podcasts? Leave a comment and let us know.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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