Learn the essential skill of syncing separately recorded audio and video in DaVinci Resolve. This guide covers the automatic sync feature to ensure your final product has professional, high-quality sound.
Open your project in DaVinci Resolve. Go to the Media Pool and import both your video clip(s) and the corresponding external audio file(s).
In the Media Pool, locate the video clip and the audio clip you want to sync. Select both clips by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and clicking on each file.
Right-click on either of the selected clips to open the context menu. Navigate to Auto Sync Audio.
From the sub-menu, select Based on Waveform. DaVinci Resolve will analyze the audio from both the camera and the external recorder to find a match and sync them automatically. You can also use 'Based on Timecode' if your clips have matching timecode.
Drag the video clip (which is now synced) onto your timeline. The original camera audio will be replaced by the high-quality external audio. Play the clip to confirm that the audio and video are perfectly aligned.
Tips for Perfect Audio Sync
Start your recordings with a sharp sound like a hand clap or a clapperboard. This creates a clear spike in the audio waveform, making it much easier for Resolve's auto-sync to find a match.
For professional workflows, using gear that records matching timecode is the most reliable syncing method. Choose 'Based on Timecode' for instant, frame-accurate results.
If auto-sync fails, you can sync manually. Place both clips on the timeline, zoom in, and visually align the audio waveforms. Use the audio spike from your clap to line them up.
After syncing, you can right-click the clip and go to 'Clip Attributes' > 'Audio' to see how the channels have been mapped and make any necessary adjustments.
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