Master Audio-Video Sync in Resolve 18
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Syncing Audio to Video in DaVinci Resolve
- Single Camera Syncing
- Syncing Camera and Audio Clips
- Confirming the Sync
- Multi-Cam Syncing
- Syncing Multiple Cameras and Audio
- Creating a Multi-Cam Clip
- Syncing Manually
- Dropping Clips into the Timeline
- Syncing Audio in the Edit Page
- Aligning Clips Based on Waveform
- Syncing Manually
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, we will Delve into the process of syncing audio to video within DaVinci Resolve or in DaVinci Resolve 18.1.2. We will discuss the steps for syncing audio and video clips from a single camera as well as from multiple cameras. Whether You have recorded with one camera and a separate audio recorder or conducted a multi-camera filming session, we will guide you through the syncing process using different methods in DaVinci Resolve.
Syncing Audio to Video in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software that offers a range of tools and features. One essential aspect of video editing is syncing audio to the corresponding video clips. Properly syncing audio ensures that the sound aligns perfectly with the visuals, creating a Cohesive and professional final product.
Single Camera Syncing
When dealing with footage captured using a single camera and a separate audio recorder, you need to sync the audio and video clips to ensure perfect alignment. DaVinci Resolve provides an easy-to-use method for achieving this.
Syncing Camera and Audio Clips
Start by selecting the camera clip and the corresponding audio clip in the media pool. Right-click on either of the selected clips and choose the "Auto Sync Audio" option. From the submenu, select "Based on Waveform." This action will sync the audio and video clips, aligning them accurately.
Confirming the Sync
To verify that the sync was successful, select the video clip and right-click. Choose the "Clip Attributes" option. If the sync was successful, the source Channel information will be displayed, indicating that the audio is no longer embedded. You can also play back the clip to ensure that the audio and video remain in sync.
Multi-Cam Syncing
In scenarios where you have recorded with multiple cameras and one audio file, DaVinci Resolve offers tools to sync all the clips into a multi-cam sequence. This simplifies the editing process and allows you to switch between different camera angles seamlessly.
Syncing Multiple Cameras and Audio
To Create a multi-cam clip, select all the camera clips and the corresponding audio file in the media pool. Right-click and choose the "Create New MultiCam Clip Using Selected Clips" option. Provide a name for the multi-cam clip and set the angle sync method to either "Sound" or "Marker," depending on your preferences.
Creating a Multi-Cam Clip
After naming the multi-cam clip and selecting the angle sync method, click "Create" to generate the multi-cam clip. The multi-cam clip will contain the audio and video clips from the different cameras, ready for editing.
Syncing Manually
In some cases, DaVinci Resolve may not be able to automatically sync the multi-cam clip due to file compatibility issues. If this happens, you can sync the clips manually using visual cues. Play through the clips and identify a sync point, such as a Clap or any distinct sound that appears in all the clips. Place markers on these sync points in each of the clips. Then, create a new multi-cam clip using the "Marker" option, which will Align the clips based on the markers.
Dropping Clips into the Timeline
After creating the multi-cam clip, navigate to the edit page. Drag and drop the multi-cam clip into the timeline. Allow the software a moment to generate the waveforms for the audio clips. You can also add the original audio file below the camera audio for reference.
Syncing Audio in the Edit Page
In the timeline, locate the sync points, which are marked on both the camera audio and the audio file. Ideally, you should be able to automatically align the clips by selecting them, right-clicking, and choosing "Auto Align Clips Based on Waveform." However, if this method fails, you can align the clips manually.
Aligning Clips Based on Waveform
Manually align the clips by visually matching the markers on each clip. Zoom in if necessary to ensure precise alignment. You can use the option key and scroll wheel to zoom in and out. Once the alignment is satisfactory, select all the clips, right-click, and choose the "Link Clips" option. This will ensure that all the clips move together as one unit.
Syncing Manually
In situations where the automatic alignment or marker-based alignment is not feasible, you can align the audio and video clips manually by visually lining them up. Use the visual cues within the clips, such as HAND movements or distinct sounds, to align the clips on the timeline. Zoom in for precision, if needed. Once the clips are aligned, link them together to maintain synchronization.
Conclusion
Syncing audio to video is a crucial step in the video editing process, and DaVinci Resolve offers various methods to achieve perfect synchronization. Whether you are syncing from a single camera or multiple cameras, understanding the syncing process ensures that your videos have high-quality audio that matches seamlessly with the visuals. Experiment with the different syncing methods explained in this article to find the one that works best for your specific project.