Video Editing Cheat Sheet: Mixing Levels

Sean Hannity

2 min read

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09-11-2024

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Video editing is a multifaceted process that requires a keen understanding of various aspects, including audio mixing. Mixing levels is crucial for achieving a balanced sound that enhances the viewer's experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate mixing levels in your video projects.

Understanding Mixing Levels

Mixing levels refers to adjusting the volume of different audio tracks in a video to ensure clarity, balance, and harmony. The goal is to make sure that no single audio element overpowers another, allowing dialogue, music, and sound effects to coexist seamlessly.

Key Audio Elements to Balance

1. Dialogue

   • Level: Generally, dialogue should be the most prominent audio in your video, typically peaking between -12dB to -6dB.
   • Tip: Use compression to maintain a consistent level throughout the dialogue.

2. Music

   • Level: Background music should complement, not overpower, the dialogue. Aim for levels peaking around -18dB to -12dB.
   • Tip: Utilize EQ to carve out space in the frequency spectrum, ensuring that the music does not compete with voice frequencies.

3. Sound Effects

   • Level: Sound effects can vary widely, but should typically peak around -18dB to -12dB, depending on their significance in the scene.
   • Tip: Use automation to increase or decrease sound effect levels dynamically during key moments.

Mixing Techniques

1. Use of Metering

• Visual Feedback: Always monitor levels using a meter. This provides a visual representation of audio levels, helping to avoid clipping.
• LUFS: Utilize Loudness Units Full Scale (LUFS) for overall loudness measurement, especially important for platforms with specific loudness standards.

2. Panning

• Distribution: Panning can create a sense of space in the audio mix. Place dialogue centrally while distributing music and effects across the stereo field.
• Create Depth: Utilize stereo panning to give depth to the mix, ensuring that different audio elements feel spatially distinct.

3. Automation

• Dynamic Control: Automate levels to allow for natural rises and falls in volume, such as lowering background music during important dialogue moments.
• Gradual Changes: Use automation curves for smoother transitions in volume changes.

4. Equalization (EQ)

• Frequency Clarity: Apply EQ to remove unwanted frequencies and enhance clarity. For instance, cutting low frequencies from vocals can prevent muddiness.
• Space for Each Element: Tailor the frequency ranges of music and sound effects to ensure they don’t mask the dialogue.

Finalizing Your Mix

1. Reference Tracks

• Comparative Listening: Listen to professionally mixed tracks in the same genre to understand level balancing and dynamics.
• Evaluate: Make adjustments based on the reference to ensure your mix meets industry standards.

2. Final Checks

• Multiple Playback Systems: Test your mix on various speakers and headphones to ensure it translates well across devices.
• Adjustments: Be prepared to make final tweaks based on playback tests to achieve the best mix.

Conclusion

Mixing levels is a critical aspect of video editing that significantly affects the overall quality of your project. By understanding the appropriate levels for dialogue, music, and sound effects, as well as employing effective mixing techniques, you can create a polished and professional audio experience that enhances your video storytelling.

Remember, practice makes perfect—keep refining your skills to develop your unique audio mixing style!