Sound Track: Putting Your Audio on the Right Track

Once upon a time, in a land before computers and editing software, video editors struggled to edit audio. Tracks were limited, and options were slim. Two channels of audio were a luxury. Only the most daring editor would attempt to mix narration, sound effects and music live onto one track. Most video editors focused their creative energy solely on the video; audio was merely a necessity.
Often with virtually unlimited tracks to work with, today's software-based editing programs have revolutionized the way video editors approach the sounds they record and edit. Freed from the restrictive past, the video editor has grown to embrace audio as another tool to use creatively. You could say that audio has finally stepped out of the shadow of video. Today's video editor never had it so good, and the future is looking even brighter.
Because of the flexibility inherent in editing software, audio editing is no longer a chore. It can be as much fun as video editing. And a well-edited soundtrack will certainly enhance the product. So put away the china markers and razorblades and get on track as we explore the joys of audio editing using your nonlinear editor.