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.
