Audio for Video Editors: Essential Terms

Course details

Learn the science behind some of the most essential digital audio terms that pop up in the post-production process. Join audio post-production engineer Cheryl Ottenritter as she dives into an array of key concepts, explaining how each one plays into the creation of high-quality audio. Learn how sample rates are used in digital audio, as well as what perceived loudness, or LKFS, is and how to mix with it in mind. Plus, learn how understanding sound fields can help you select the right audio track type, what the most common audio track layouts are, and more.

Learning objectives
Identifying audio frequencies
How sample rate is used in digital audio
Using audio meters for a better mix
Signal flow and gain stages
Mixing with perceived loudness (LKFS) in mind
Common audio deliverables

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Essential audio terms video editors need to know

1. Digital Audio Fundamentals

02 - Understanding sound waves and frequencies
03 - Identifying frequencies
04 - Understanding sample rate
05 - Audio bit depth
06 - Standard settings for recording
07 - Standard settings for delivery

2. Audio Meters - A Visual Tool

08 - Understanding decibel
09 - What do the colors mean
10 - Using your meters for a better mix

3. Perceived Loudness - Mixing with LKFS in Mind

11 - What is perceived loudness
12 - Measuring perceived loudness in LKFS, part 1
13 - Measuring perceived loudness in LKFS, part 2
14 - Achieving the correct LKFS, part 1
15 - Achieving the correct LKFS, part 2
16 - Using non-real-time tools to quality control for LKFS

4. Signal Flow and Gain Stages

17 - What is gain vs. volume
18 - Understanding signal flow, part 1
19 - Understanding signal flow, part 2
20 - Prefader vs. postfader
21 - Gain stages in recording - The gotchas

5. Sound Field, Track Layouts, and Deliverables

22 - Choose the right audio track type - Understanding sound fields
23 - Choose the right audio track type - Understanding clip behavior on tracks
24 - Common audio track layouts
25 - What audio assets do I need to deliver

Conclusion

26 - Next steps