Visually fading and changing amplitude

Last updated on Dec 16, 2021

Learn how to apply fades and adjust amplitude visually in Adobe Audition to create smooth transitions and control audio levels with precision.

Though various effects can change amplitude or produce fades, visual fade and gain controls make the task quick and intuitive. As you drag these controls in the Editor panel, a preview helps you precisely adjust audio.

Visual controls in the Editor panel

A. Fade controls B. Gain control (heads-up display) 

Note

To quickly fade selected audio, choose Favorites > Fade In or Fade Out.

Visually fade in or out

Audition offers three types of visual fades:

  • Linear fades produce an even volume change that works well for much material. If this fade sounds too abrupt, however, try one of the other options.

  • Logarithmic fades change volume smoothly, slowly, and then rapidly, or vice versa.

  • Cosine fades are shaped like an S-curve, changing volume slowly at first, rapidly through the bulk of the fade, and slowly at the finish.

 

Note

In the Waveform Editor, fades permanently change audio data. To apply fades, you can readjust in the Multitrack Editor

Fade types

A. Linear B. Logarithmic C. Cosine 

In the upper left or right of the waveform, drag the Fade In  or Fade Out  handle inward, and do any of the following:

  • For a linear fade, drag perfectly horizontally.

  • For a logarithmic fade, drag up or down.

  • For a cosine (S-curve) fade, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS).

Note

To create cosine fades by default and hold the keys above to create linear or logarithmic fades, change the Default Fade setting in the General preferences.

Visually raise or lower amplitude

In the Editor panel, select specific audio, or select nothing to adjust the entire file.

In the gain control that floats above the panel, drag the knob or numbers.

The numbers indicate how new amplitude compares with existing amplitude. When you release the mouse button, the numbers return to 0 dB, so you can make further adjustments.

Changing the volume of selected area

Pin or hide the visual amplitude control

By default, the visual amplitude control appears in a heads-up display (HUD) that floats over all waveforms. If you find the HUD distracting, do any of the following:

  • To lock the HUD to a single location, click the Pin button .

  • To show the HUD only over highlighted selections, select Show HUD for selection ranges only in the General preferences.

  • To totally hide the HUD, deselect View > Show HUD.