Best/easiest method to adjust volume levels

[jparnold]

When creating movies from video taken I add both background music, narration and sometimes sound effects.

When using background music in particular I prefer to reduce the volume during narration so that the narration can easily be heard. I have been doing that using the 'rubber band' by trial and error - I reduce the volume by 'pulling' the 'rubber band' down a little and then preview that section of the video to check if the volume level is correct/to my satisfaction. I note that during the process of adjusting sound level with the 'rubber band' that there is a sound level 'meter' (in decibels) but I don't seem to be able to use it. Is this (adjusting the sound level in decibels) the method I should be using and if so how is it used?

What is the best method to use when adjusting sound levels in the middle of a sound 'clip'?

Thanks

[Ron P.]

John,

The best method is whatever works for you.. For some the rubber band is the best method, once you get used to it. For others they use the volume sliders in the Sound Mixer. To use the slider, you first must be in Project mode. Then while your clip is playing just drag the slider down, just like using a mixing console. You will see keyframes/nodes being applied to the audio on your clip, and the volume line/band moving. That's the way I've done it, rather than mess with the rubber bands. Well my exception is adjusting the fade-in/fade-out.

[jparnold]

Thanks Ron,

I was sure there was (or should be) an easier way that 'rubber banding' as it is so time consuming when you have a large project and lots of narration where you want the volume of the background music either lowered or muted for the length of the narration.

It would be great if there was a function like you see on sound consoles where there is a slider to adjust the volume (or is it 'gain') of the input (microphone)?. I have never used any other video editing software so don't know if any others have such a feature but maybe this could go into the wish list for the next version.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi John

I think Ron was describing how to do this, but you have to apply to one track at a time.

Switch to the Sound Mixer
To the left of the Mixer are 4 icons representing the tracks.
There are three vertical sliders………
The left vertical slider can be moved, when you do a keyframe is placed on the “rubber band” for that track.
When you release the mouse the slider will slowly drive back to zero

Choose another track and adjust again.

Have a play and experiment.

Right click a track and select Reset Volume to clear all keyframes.

For an overall change in volume use the 100% level from the Edit tab option

[jparnold]

Thanks Trevor
I had a 'play' with it. It took a couple of attempts to work out how to use it but it's ok and the adjustments are done in 'real time' so as to speak.
I have finished my current project(s) but will keep that in mind next time I do some editing. Not sure if it is as easy to use as manually rubber banding as it seems it could be difficult to return the volume to that which existed before the volume was adjusted.