How to Sync Audio and Video in DaVinci Resolve

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

DaVinci ResolveAudio EditingVideo SynchronizationPost-ProductionSound DesignContent CreationVideo EditingWindowsMacLinux

Davinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software that offers a ton of features for filmmakers, editors, and anyone in the media industry. One common task that editors often need to do is sync audio and video. This is especially true when you're working with external audio that's recorded separately from the video footage. Fortunately, Davinci Resolve makes it relatively easy to sync audio and video. In this comprehensive guide, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process, explaining everything in a simple, easy-to-understand way. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to sync your audio and video tracks like a pro.

Understanding the basics of audio and video syncing

Syncing audio and video involves aligning the audio tracks with the corresponding video tracks so that the audio accurately matches the action taking place on screen. This is important for creating a professional-looking final product, as misaligned audio can be distracting and unprofessional.

Typically, video cameras have built-in microphones that record audio, but this audio is often not of the best quality. Therefore, it is common to record high-quality audio separately using devices such as digital audio recorders or smartphones. Later, this external audio is synced with the video footage during the editing process.

Ways to sync audio and video in Davinci Resolve

1. Manual syncing

Manual syncing involves visually and audibly aligning the audio waveforms with the visual footage. This approach requires precision, but it allows you to have full control over the syncing process.

1. Import your media: Start by importing your video and external audio clips into the DaVinci Resolve media pool.
2. Open the timeline: Drag your video clip to the timeline. Then, drag the audio clip you want to sync with the video to place it below the video track.
3. Align claps or similar peaks: If your video includes a visual cue like a clap or slam, use this as your alignment point. Otherwise, look for similar peaks in the audio waveforms of both the video and the external audio. Align these peaks to accurately sync the audio and video.
4. Fine-tune: Once the peaks are aligned, playback the footage and listen carefully. Adjust as needed by moving the audio clip slightly forward or backward until it matches the video perfectly.
5. Trim and adjust: Once synced, trim any excess audio or video at the beginning or end of the clip to clean up the timeline.

2. Automatic syncing

Automatic syncing is a time-saving method that uses Davinci Resolve's audio waveform analysis to align your audio and video. Here's how you can do it:

1. Import your media: As with manual syncing, start by importing your video and external audio files into the media pool.
2. Ctrl+Click or Command+Click: Select both the video and external audio files in the media pool at the same time by holding down the Ctrl or Command key and clicking each file.
3. Auto sync using waveform: Right-click after selecting both files and choose Auto Sync Audio > Based on Waveform. Davinci Resolve will analyze the audio waveform of both clips and try to align them automatically.
4. Review the sync: Drag the synced clip to the timeline and playback the clip to make sure the sync is correct. If there are any discrepancies, you may still need to make small manual adjustments.

Using timecode for syncing

If you're working on a professional production, you may have equipment that allows you to use timecode to sync audio and video. This method is less common for amateurs because of the additional equipment required, but it is highly accurate. To use timecode syncing:

1. Record using timecode: Make sure your audio recorder and camera are both set to the same timecode before recording.
2. Ensure the correct settings: Import your video and audio results into DaVinci Resolve, making sure the timecode settings in the application match the recorded timecode settings.
3. Choose Auto Sync: Select your files in the Media Pool, right-click, and choose Auto Sync Audio > Based on Timecode.
4. Preview: Place the synced clip in the timeline and preview it to verify synchronization.

Troubleshooting common sync issues

Despite best efforts and tools, you may encounter some problems while syncing audio and video. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Audio drift: This happens when the audio starts out synced but slowly gets out of sync. This can happen if the video and audio devices have different recording settings. Always make sure both devices are set to the same sample rate and frames per second.
• Selecting the wrong clip: Double-check that you've selected the correct audio and video clips before syncing. Mistakes in selection can lead to out-of-sync results.
• Waveform mismatch: If the waveforms don't align, try temporarily increasing the gain to see the waveforms better. Make sure you're looking at a clear sound, such as a clap or a door closing, for accurate syncing.

Finalize and export synced content

Once all of your clips are synced, the next step is to finalize your project. You can now proceed to edit your content, add effects, and color grade as desired. When you're ready to export, make sure your project's audio is balanced and that any audio edits, such as noise reduction or equalization, have been applied.

To export your project to DaVinci Resolve:

1. Switch to the Deliver tab: Click the 'Deliver' tab in the workspace.
2. Set export settings: Choose the export settings you want, such as format, codec, and resolution.
3. Export: Add the render job to the queue and click 'Start Render' to begin exporting your video.

Conclusion

Syncing audio and video in Davinci Resolve, while it may seem daunting at first, gets easier with practice. Whether you choose to do it manually, use automatic waveform syncing, or take advantage of timecode syncing, following these steps will help ensure that your audio is in perfect harmony with your video. With the right tools and techniques, syncing audio and video can turn your project into a professional, polished work.

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