Audio for Video Editors: Essential Terms

Learn the science behind some of the most essential digital audio terms and concepts you may encounter in the audio post-production process.

Introduction

• Essential audio terms video editors need to know

1. Digital Audio Fundamentals

• Understanding sound waves and frequencies
• Identifying frequencies
• Understanding sample rate
• Audio bit depth
• Standard settings for recording
• Standard settings for delivery

2. Audio Meters: A Visual Tool

• Understanding decibel
• What do the colors mean?
• Using your meters for a better mix

3. Perceived Loudness: Mixing with LKFS in Mind

• What is perceived loudness?
• Measuring perceived loudness in LKFS, part 1
• Measuring perceived loudness in LKFS, part 2
• Achieving the correct LKFS, part 1
• Achieving the correct LKFS, part 2
• Using non-real-time tools to quality control for LKFS

4. Signal Flow and Gain Stages

• What is gain vs. volume?
• Understanding signal flow, part 1
• Understanding signal flow, part 2
• Prefader vs. postfader
• Gain stages in recording: The gotchas

5. Sound Field, Track Layouts, and Deliverables

• Choose the right audio track type: Understanding sound fields
• Choose the right audio track type: Understanding clip behavior on tracks
• Common audio track layouts
• What audio assets do I need to deliver?

Conclusion

• Next steps