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How to Sound Edit in After Effects?

Published in Audio Editing 3 mins read

After Effects is primarily a visual effects and motion graphics software, but it also provides basic sound editing capabilities. Here's how to sound edit in After Effects:

1. Importing Audio

  • Import your audio file by dragging it into the project panel or using File > Import > File.
  • You can also import audio directly from other applications like Premiere Pro using File > Import > File from Premiere Pro.

2. Editing in the Timeline

  • After importing, the audio will appear in the timeline.
  • To edit the audio, select the layer in the timeline and use the following tools:
    • Razor Tool: To cut the audio clip.
    • Selection Tool: To select a portion of the audio.
    • Time Navigator: To navigate through the audio.
  • You can also use the "S" key to split the audio clip at the playhead position.

3. Basic Audio Effects

  • Gain: Adjust the overall volume of the audio.
  • Pan: Adjust the stereo balance of the audio.
  • Fade In/Out: Create smooth transitions at the beginning and end of the audio.
  • Audio Amplitude: Adjust the volume of specific parts of the audio.

4. Advanced Audio Effects

  • While After Effects provides basic audio effects, it's not a professional audio editor.
  • For more advanced effects like equalization, noise reduction, or reverb, you'll need to use dedicated audio editing software like Adobe Audition.
  • You can export your audio from After Effects and edit it in Audition, then import it back into After Effects.

5. Audio Mixing

  • You can mix multiple audio tracks in After Effects.
  • To create a new audio track, click the “+” button at the bottom of the timeline.
  • You can then drag and drop audio clips onto different tracks to mix them.

6. Audio Synchronization

  • To synchronize audio with video, you can use the “S” key to split the audio clip at the playhead position.
  • You can also use the “V” key to view the audio waveform in the timeline.

7. Exporting Audio

  • To export your audio, go to File > Export > Media.
  • In the export settings, select the audio format you want to use.

8. Limitations of After Effects for Sound Editing

  • After Effects is not a professional audio editor.
  • It lacks advanced audio effects and features found in dedicated audio software.
  • For more complex sound editing needs, consider using other software like Adobe Audition.

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