Audio is a cornerstone of any video production, often holding equal or greater importance than the visuals. I have noticed more and more, that as video becomes more and more lifelike, that audio is the differentiator between good and great.
The ability to manipulate audio effectively, such as fading in and out, can significantly enhance the overall impact of your project. To quick and it’s abrupt, to slow and it breaks the illusion. I’ve noticed in my course of work that the key is to get it where no one notices it. Just like a good visual effect, the best compliment is if someone doesn’t even know it was changed. In this tutorial, we’ll delve into the art of fading out audio in Adobe Premiere Pro CC, ensuring a smooth transition in your soundscapes.
How to Fade Out Audio in Premiere Pro CC
Setting Up the Composition:
Before I begin, I like to ensure the sequence is set up with the audio track we want to work on, and the correct workflow. I set it to the “editing” workflow. After that we can import our audio file to begin editing.
Fast Automated Way to Fade Out Audio
I personally stick with the automatic way if the edit is a simple one. If we are just trying to get some music to fade near the end of an audio clip, this is a great and efficient way to make that happen. To do this we:
- Open the Effects Tab:
- Navigate to the effects tab in Premiere Pro. I personally keep this on the left side of the preview panel for quick access.
- Apply Constant Gain:
- Under Audio Transitions, choose CrossFade, then select Constant Gain.
- Drag Constant Gain to the end of the audio track. If there are two tracks, ensure it applies only to the end of the first.
- Adjust Duration:
- The audio will now fade out. For a longer fade, click the edge of the Constant Gain box and drag it backward.
- This method can also be used to fade in audio at the beginning of the footage.
Manual Way to Fade Out Audio
If I am dealing with something more advanced, like a fade in the middle of a clip, or a more custom ending, then I want to go manually.
- Click on the Audio Track:
- Select the audio track you want to fade.
- Expand the Audio Track:
- Expand the audio track to reveal the <- <> -> buttons on the left side.
- Add Keyframes:
- Go to the point where you want the fade to start, click the <> button to add a keyframe (or use ctrl/cmd + click).
- Move to the end of the track and add another keyframe.
- Adjust Volume:
- Click on the new keyframe at the end and drag it down to negative infinity.
- This technique can also be applied at the beginning of an audio track. Experiment with keyframes in the middle for dynamic sound “ducking.”
How does Adobe Fade In and Out Audio?
Adobe in their article uses only the audio transition to change fade the audio out. This is definitely the quickest way. However, for more customization, make sure you practice the manual way a few times. It will give you a lot more precision in your fades! I recommend always thinking about different ways you can utilize the tools given to you. Certain techniques work for certain cuts, while other techniques work for other cuts.
There you have it—two straightforward methods to fade out audio in Premiere Pro CC. With these techniques, you can seamlessly incorporate audio fades into your production, adding a professional touch to your videos. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them below or on the accompanying video!
If you have any questions or comments, leave them below, or on the video itself!
