Last year Audio Design Desk 1.9 was awarded Best Software of CES 2022 by us here at Videomaker. And at NAB last week, Audio Design Desk announced the updated Audio Design Desk 2.0. So, what’s new?
What is Audio Design Desk 2.0?
One thing to state from the outset is that Audio Design Desk 2.0 is Mac only. Sorry Windows users, this program isn’t for you. Version 2.0 is a digital audio workstation (DAW) plugin that you can use to improve the audio of your video. You can also add sound effects and music quickly and accurately. In addition, version 2.0 comes with an enormous royalty-free library with over 70,000 royalty-free sounds, including over 5000 music cues.
Direct integration
In the past, Audio Design Desk was a standalone program. However, with version 2.0, it now has direct integrations with Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Media Composer, and Final Cut Pro. This means the program will sync with the editing timelines of those programs to exchange data in real time. As a result, you refine and mix your audio in without having to leave your video editing software.
Audio tools
You can mix and clean up the audio from your video automatically. The software will also give you a balanced audio mix. For example, the AutoMix tool will instantly create a rough mix. In addition, the AI-powered Isolator tool can clean up your audio to remove background noise. The company claims it can even remove an element, such as the vocals or drums, from a piece of music.
Sound effects
Audio Design Desk allows you to quickly and easily add sound effects to your videos. You can assign sound effects to keys on your keyboard. Then, while playing back your video, you simply hit the keys in time to the action to sync the sound effects. In addition, each sound effect comes with an embedded sync point so sounds land on the timeline in the right spot. You can also instantly swap out effects for alternatives while maintaining sync.
What we think
Audio Design Desk 2.0 is a powerful sound design tool that makes the process of adding Foley to your video much easier. That’s why it’s already being used by companies such as Netflix, Prime Video and HBO Max. If the vast array of included sound effects isn’t enough, you can also import your own sounds with the automated import tools. There’s even a 30-day free trial of the software so you can see if it fits your workflow before you commit to a subscription. The only shame is that Windows users don’t get the opportunity to work with Audio Design Desk 2.0.
Pricing and availability
Audio Design Desk is available via a monthly or annual subscription with three levels. The Basic subscription costs $9 per month or $89 per year, while Personal is $15 per month or $149 per year. The top-level Professional subscription is $29.99 per month or $299 per year. You can also buy a perpetual license which costs $299 for the Personal or $599 for the Professional option.
