Sound Track: Putting Your Audio on the Right Track (page 2)

Making the Most of Your Layers

Regardless of the system you're editing on, don't let yourself be limited. Search for ways to work around any restrictions. For example, you may not have the luxury of having 99 audio tracks. Don't worry, you can get the same results with as little as two, it just takes a few more steps.
Most editing systems have some method of combining audio tracks. You may have to render tracks together, or export tracks into one file. You can even output several layers of audio to tape, and then re-digitize that audio back into your program as a single source. Audio can usually withstand generation loss better than video, so sound quality isn't that great of a concern. Mix and edit your tracks exactly where you want them, however, because it can be tough to go back and re-edit that audio once the layers are mixed together.
While editing, listen to your audio critically. Is there any background noise in the interview with Grandma at the family reunion? Perhaps some music could be added to another layer to mask the noise. Isolate individual tracks when you're editing audio critical sequences. Go through all your audio tracks one by one and listen to each of them separately with your eyes closed. It may feel silly, but closing your eyes actually helps you concentrate on what you're hearing, instead of what you're seeing.
Listen to all the tracks together. Do the audio elements work in harmony, or do they clash? Again, by simply turning tracks off and on you can isolate any problems. Cross fades can help mask problems or audio glitches, and make for smoother audio transitions.
Explore the audio controls your editing software has. Some have very limited adjustments, some have full equalizers available. Experiment with different settings, and see if they enhance your project. Almost all editing programs have a left and right channel separation. You can use these pan controls to simulate stereo recording. Duplicate the audio clip, add it to a new layer, and vary the EQ and level settings slightly between the two clips. As long as you keep the channels separate when outputting your finished project, you will be able to create a subtle stereo effect.
You can achieve a variety of special effects when you use your audio tracks creatively. Audio phasing is fun and easy on a nonlinear editor. Simply copy the audio clip, paste it into a new layer, and offset the start of the clip by a few frames. By adjusting the levels and timing of the second clip, you can add room acoustics, or even fake an …