Increase & Decrease Audio Levels In Premiere Pro - 3 EASY Steps

How Do I Adjust Loudness In Premiere Pro?

Audio levels, also known as 'gain', in Premiere Pro offer a nuanced control over the audio dynamics of your project. They allow you to ensure that every sound byte is heard just as intended, neither overshadowing the visuals nor getting lost in them.

In This Article:

• The fundamentals of audio volume adjustments in Premiere Pro
• Step-by-step guide on reducing audio levels for subtlety
• Amplifying audio to make it stand out
• The art of using keyframes for dynamic volume transitions
• Tips and tricks to achieve the perfect audio balance for your project.
  

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How To Make Audio Quieter In Premiere Pro (Decreasing Gain)

First things first, let's get your audio clip into the timeline. Open Premiere Pro and locate the Project Panel on the lower left side of the screen. Right-click within this panel, select Import, and then choose your desired audio file. Once imported, drag the audio clip from the Project Panel to the timeline. Believe me, this is the foundation of everything we're about to do.

Selecting the Audio Clip

Now that your audio is in the timeline, you need to select it. Look at the timeline (usually at the bottom of the screen) and find your audio waveform – that's the visual representation of your sound. Click on it, and you'll notice it becomes highlighted. This means you've successfully selected it. No worries, it's a simple step, but crucial for what comes next.

Navigating to the "Effects Controls" Panel

With your audio clip selected, it's time to make some adjustments. On the top left side of the screen, you'll find the "Effects Controls" panel. If you don't see it, go to Window in the top menu and select "Effects Controls" from the dropdown. This panel is your control center for any modifications you wish to make to your clip. Seriously, it's a game-changer.

Adjusting the Volume

In the "Effects Controls" panel, you'll find a setting labeled "Volume." This is where the magic happens. To the right of the word "Volume," there's a slider. By dragging this slider to the left, you decrease the audio level, making it quieter. On the other hand, dragging it to the right will increase the volume. For precision, you can also input a specific value in the box next to the slider. In a nutshell, this is your main tool for controlling loudness.

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How Do I Make Audio Gradually Quieter In Premiere Pro?

Guess what? There's a way to make your volume adjustments more dynamic. Let's say you want the audio to start loud and then gradually become quieter. This is where keyframes come into play.

Next to the "Volume" setting in the "Effects Controls" panel, you'll see a small stopwatch icon. Clicking on this icon activates keyframes for the volume. Move the playhead (the vertical line that shows where you are in the timeline) to the point where you want the volume change to start. Adjust the volume slider to your desired starting level. Now, move the playhead to where you want the volume change to end and adjust the volume again. You've just set two keyframes! The audio will now smoothly transition between these two volume levels. It's like setting the start and end point of a journey, and Premiere Pro fills in the route for you.

Previewing Your Adjustments

All in all, after making these adjustments, you'll want to hear how it sounds. Simply press the spacebar to play the timeline from where the playhead is positioned. Listen closely. If something doesn't sound right, no doubt, you can always go back and tweak the settings. At the end of the day, it's all about achieving the perfect balance for your project.

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How To Make Audio Louder In Premiere Pro (Increasing Gain)

You're already familiar with the "Effects Controls" panel from our previous discussion. If it's not already open, locate it on the top left side of the screen. Remember, this is our primary workspace for audio adjustments. For sure, it's going to be your best friend in Premiere Pro.

Amplifying the Volume

In the "Effects Controls" panel, under the "Volume" setting, you'll find that trusty slider we discussed earlier. This time, instead of moving it to the left, you'll drag it to the right. As you do this, you'll notice the audio level increasing. If you need a precise volume boost, input a specific value in the box next to the slider. Frankly, it's that simple. But, always be cautious: pushing the volume too high can result in distortion, which can degrade the audio quality. So, always ensure you're amplifying within reasonable limits.

Using Keyframes for Dynamic Amplification

Now, let's say you want the audio to start at a lower volume and then gradually amplify. You bet, keyframes are the solution here too. If you recall, the small stopwatch icon next to the "Volume" setting activates keyframes. Set your starting and ending points just as we did when decreasing the volume. The process is identical, but this time you're guiding the audio on an upward journey. In my opinion, using keyframes for dynamic volume changes can add a professional touch to your edits.

Preview and Adjust

After amplifying, it's crucial to preview your adjustments. Press the spacebar to play the timeline. Listen intently. If the audio sounds too loud or distorted, dial it back a bit. On the other hand, if it's still too soft, feel free to give it another nudge. At the end of the day, your ears are the best judge.