Equalizing stereo audio in DaVinci Resolve - a comprehensive guide

Do you have the issue that your audio in DaVinci Resolve, especially when using headphones, sounds quieter on one side than the other? If so, you've come to the right place! In this tutorial, I will show you how to easily solve this problem using the built-in Stereo Fixer in the Fairlight section of DaVinci Resolve. You only need headphones to fully utilize the potential of this technique and ensure that the sound from the right and left is optimally balanced.

Key Takeaways:

• Use the Stereo Fixer in the Fairlight section.
• Listen to the audio with headphones to properly perceive the difference.
• Save your settings as a preset for future projects.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Audio Clip

To start balancing the stereo audio, first load your audio clip into DaVinci Resolve. Make sure you are working in the Fairlight section, as this is where the necessary tools are available.

Switching to the Fairlight Section

To switch to the Fairlight section, click on the musical note at the bottom of the user interface. In this section, you can make all necessary adjustments to your audio.

Opening the Mixer

If the mixer is not displayed, you need to activate it. To do this, click on the plus sign "Effects" at the top of the mixer and select the Mixer under Tools.

Selecting the Stereo Fixer

Now, go to the Stereo Fixer in the mixer. This filter helps you balance the volume between the left and right channels.

Understanding the Controls

In the upper left corner of the Stereo Fixer window, you can turn the filter on and off to hear the differences. On the left side, you'll find the control for the left channel and on the right side for the right channel. Pushing the control to the positive range makes the corresponding channel louder, while lowering it to the negative range makes it quieter.

Resetting Controls

To reset the controls to their default position, simply double-click on each control, which will reset them to zero.

Swapping Channels

There is also the option to swap channels. Use the symbol that swaps the channels left and right. This allows you to quickly determine if the issue may be due to incorrect channel assignments.

Using the Mono Signal

The third symbol allows you to pass a mono signal. This can be helpful to hear how the sound is when both channels are the same.

Equalizing Volumes

If you want to equalize the volume of the two sides, you can choose the following symbol. This will adjust the volume of one channel to match the other.

Using the Time Tool

The last symbol allows you to compare the volume with a certain delay. In most cases, you won't need this function and it's better to focus on the other controls.

Activating Loop Filters

Now activate the loop filter so you can listen to the adjustments in a loop. This way, you can accurately hear how the changes affect the sound. Press the space bar to start playback.

Checking the Input and Output Displays

Now take a look at the input and output meters in the mixer. They show you how the audio sounds before and after your adjustments. Make sure the levels are as balanced as possible.

Manual Adjustment of the Sliders

If the volume between the two sides is still uneven, you can manually adjust the sliders by moving them so that the level peaks are equally high in both directions.

Save Preset

Have you achieved the desired settings? You can save your preset by clicking on the plus sign in the top left corner. Enter a name for your preset and click "OK". In the future, you can simply select your preset, saving yourself the repeated work.

Summary

In this tutorial, you have learned how to easily and precisely adjust your audio settings with the Stereo Fixer in DaVinci Resolve. By using headphones and working in the Fairlight area, you can ensure that your audio is optimally balanced. Remember to save your settings as a preset for quick access in the future.