Understand audio level

What you learned: Use the Audio Meters to monitor audio level

How audio level is measured

Audio level is usually measured in Decibels.

Audio level is 0dB at its loudest

0 decibels (dB) is the maximum level, and a quieter level is measured as a negative number such as -15dB.

The noise floor is effectively silence

Low-level background noise is referred to as the noise floor. Below a certain level, the audio signal is quieter than the noise floor, and is effectively silence.

One audio meter per channel

The Audio Meters display one meter for each audio channel in the clip or sequence currently playing.

Choose the range for the audio meters

• Right-click on the audio meters and choose an audio range for more precise or more dynamic responsiveness.

Selectively monitor one or more audio channels

• Click the Solo button for each channel you would like to monitor, muting other channels.

Display static peaks and valleys

• Right-click on the audio meters to enable static peaks or valleys – persistent marks revealing the highest and lowest level during the current playback.

Choose solid colors or a continuous gradient

• Right-click on the audio meters to choose your preference for continuous gradient color or solid colors for low, medium, and high level.

Tip: If your audio keeps reaching the red, high level in the audio meters, adjust your mix to reduce the level and avoid distortion.