Are you struggling to enhance the audio quality of your videos? If so, it’s time to dive into the world of DaVinci Resolve and explore the hidden depths of microphone settings. These settings can empower you to transform ordinary audio into pristine clarity, allowing your message to resonate with your audience with unparalleled impact. Let’s embark on a journey into the realms of DaVinci Resolve’s microphone settings and unlock the secrets to producing crystal-clear audio that will captivate your viewers.
In DaVinci Resolve, microphone settings reside within the Audio Inspector panel. This is your hub for meticulously crafting the sound of your audio, from adjusting levels to applying plugins. When you add a new audio track to your timeline, the Audio Inspector magically appears, ready to guide you through the customization process. Here, you can tweak the microphone input gain, mute or solo specific channels, and engage phantom power if your microphone requires it. Furthermore, you can fine-tune the EQ and add noise reduction to further refine your audio.
However, microphone settings in DaVinci Resolve extend beyond the Audio Inspector. Hidden within the Project Settings lies the Audio Hardware tab, a treasure trove of options that empower you to configure your audio interface and optimize your recording environment. Here, you can adjust sample rates, buffer sizes, and even choose the input and output devices for your microphone. By taking the time to explore these settings, you can ensure that your microphone is properly integrated with DaVinci Resolve, allowing you to capture the highest quality audio possible. Whether you’re a seasoned audio engineer or just starting your journey, understanding the microphone settings in DaVinci Resolve is crucial for elevating your audio game and delivering productions that will leave a lasting impression.
Adjusting Input Volume
The input volume setting controls the level of the audio signal coming from your microphone. It’s important to adjust this setting so that your voice is loud enough to be heard clearly, but not so loud that it’s distorted.
To adjust the input volume, follow these steps:
- Open the Audio Mixer by clicking on the “Audio” tab in the top menu bar.
- In the Audio Mixer, find the track that corresponds to your microphone.
- Click on the “Input Volume” slider and drag it to the desired level.
Here are some tips for adjusting the input volume:
- Start by setting the input volume to a low level and then gradually increase it until your voice is loud enough to be heard clearly.
- If your voice is too loud, it will be distorted and difficult to understand.
- If your voice is too quiet, it will be difficult to hear over other sounds in the background.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Low | The input volume is set to a low level. Your voice will be difficult to hear over other sounds in the background. |
| Medium | The input volume is set to a medium level. Your voice will be loud enough to be heard clearly, but not so loud that it’s distorted. |
| High | The input volume is set to a high level. Your voice will be loud and clear, but it may be distorted if you speak too loudly. |
Setting the Threshold
The threshold level determines when Resolve will start reducing the gain of the audio signal. By default, the threshold is set to -30 dB, which means that any audio signal below -30 dB will be reduced in gain. You can adjust the threshold level to suit your needs. For example, if you find that the audio is too quiet, you can lower the threshold level to -40 dB or even -50 dB. Conversely, if you find that the audio is too loud, you can raise the threshold level to -20 dB or even -10 dB.
Decibels in a Table
The following table provides some examples of decibel levels and their corresponding loudness:
| Decibels (dB) | Loudness |
|---|---|
| 0 | Threshold of hearing |
| 20 | Whisper |
| 40 | Normal conversation |
| 60 | Busy street |
| 80 | Vacuum cleaner |
| 100 | Rock concert |
| 120 | Jet engine |
| 140 | Pain threshold |
Enabling Noise Reduction
Noise reduction algorithms analyze the incoming audio signal and attempt to identify and remove unwanted noise, such as background hum or hiss. DaVinci Resolve offers two built-in noise reduction tools: the Basic noise reduction filter and the Hum removal filter.
To enable noise reduction on a clip:
- Select the clip in the timeline.
- Open the Audio Inspector (Edit > Audio Inspector).
- In the Effects Library, select the Basic Noise Reduction filter or the Hum Removal filter.
- Drag and drop the filter onto the clip.
- Adjust the filter settings to remove unwanted noise.
**Advanced Noise Reduction Options**
The Basic Noise Reduction filter offers several advanced options for controlling the noise reduction process:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduction | Overall amount of noise reduction to apply. |
| Threshold | Minimum level of noise to remove. Only noise above this threshold will be affected. |
| Attack | Speed at which noise reduction is applied to the incoming audio signal. A higher attack time results in a smoother effect. |
| Release | Speed at which noise reduction stops being applied when noise levels drop below the threshold. A higher release time results in a more natural effect. |
| Frequency | Center frequency of the noise to be removed. |
| Q | Bandwidth of the noise to be removed. |
These advanced options allow for fine-tuning the noise reduction process to achieve specific results. Experiment with different settings to find the combination that works best for your audio.
Adjusting Level
The “Level” knob adjusts the overall volume of the microphone input. It is important to set the level so that the microphone is not too loud or too soft. If the level is too low, the microphone will not be able to capture enough sound. If the level is too high, the microphone will distort the sound.
To adjust the level, listen to the microphone input and adjust the knob until the sound is clear and at a comfortable volume.
Adjusting Equalization
The “Equalization” section allows you to adjust the frequency response of the microphone input. This can be used to compensate for the natural frequency response of the microphone, or to create a specific sound.
The “Low” knob adjusts the frequency response below 100 Hz. This can be used to reduce low-frequency noise, such as wind noise or rumble.
The “Mid” knob adjusts the frequency response between 100 Hz and 1 kHz. This can be used to boost or cut the presence of certain sounds, such as vocals or instruments.
The “High” knob adjusts the frequency response above 1 kHz. This can be used to brighten or dull the sound, or to reduce sibilance.
Adjusting Compression
The “Compression” section allows you to compress the microphone input. Compression reduces the dynamic range of the signal, making it more consistent. This can be used to prevent the microphone from distorting when the sound is too loud, or to make the microphone sound more consistent in volume.
The “Threshold” knob sets the level at which the compression starts to work. The “Ratio” knob sets the amount of compression that is applied. The “Attack” knob sets the time it takes for the compression to start working. The “Release” knob sets the time it takes for the compression to stop working.
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Threshold | Sets the level at which the compression starts to work. |
| Ratio | Sets the amount of compression that is applied. |
| Attack | Sets the time it takes for the compression to start working. |
| Release | Sets the time it takes for the compression to stop working. |
Adjusting Noise Gate
The “Noise Gate” section allows you to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise from the microphone input. The “Threshold” knob sets the level at which the noise gate starts to work. The “Range” knob sets the amount of noise reduction that is applied. The “Attack” knob sets the time it takes for the noise gate to start working. The “Release” knob sets the time it takes for the noise gate to stop working.
Configuring EQ Settings
Equalization (EQ) allows you to adjust the frequency response of your microphone to compensate for room acoustics, microphone characteristics, or personal preferences. DaVinci Resolve provides a comprehensive EQ section with various tools to fine-tune your audio.
Low Shelf
The low shelf filter can be used to boost or cut the low frequencies below a specified cutoff frequency. This can be useful to reduce unwanted low-end rumble or add warmth to your audio.
High Shelf
Similarly, the high shelf filter allows you to adjust the high frequencies above a certain cutoff frequency. This can be helpful to reduce sibilance or enhance the clarity of high-pitched instruments.
Peaking
The peaking filter is a versatile EQ tool that can be used to boost or cut a specific frequency band. By adjusting the frequency, gain, and bandwidth parameters, you can create targeted tonal adjustments.
Notch
The notch filter can be used to remove specific frequencies that may be causing unwanted resonances or feedback. This is particularly useful for eliminating microphone feedback in live situations.
Configuring Gain and Q Values
For each EQ band, you can adjust the gain (boost/cut amount) and Q value (bandwidth). The Q value determines how narrow or wide the affected frequency band is. A low Q creates a broad curve, while a high Q creates a sharp peak or notch.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Gain | Amount of boost or cut |
| Q | Width of the affected frequency band |
Setting Equalizer Presets
To adjust the equalization settings for the microphone, follow these steps:
- Select the microphone clip in the timeline.
- Open the Audio Inspector by clicking on the “Inspector” tab and selecting “Audio” from the drop-down menu.
- In the “Equalizer” section, click on the “Presets” drop-down menu and select a preset.
- Optionally, you can adjust the individual frequency bands by clicking and dragging the sliders.
- Click on the “Apply” button to save your changes.
- The following table provides a description of some of the available presets:
| Preset | Description |
|---|---|
| Vocals | Reduces harsh frequencies and boosts warmth. |
| Dialogue | Enhances clarity and intelligibility. |
| Music | Provides a balanced and neutral sound. |
| Custom | Allows you to create your own custom presets. |
Using a Metering Plugin
Many plugins can be downloaded for free or bought for Davinci. Here we will explain how to use a free plugin for Davinci that is very helpful for adjusting your microphone. After downloading the file for the plugin, import it into Davinci. You can then pull the plugin onto your audio clip. A dialogue box will open up with the plugin. In this case, we are going to be using “Loudness Meter 2”. This plugin allows you to make real-time adjustments by using the audio coming from your microphone.
Meter Settings
The first tab, called settings, has many different options for customizing how you want your audio to be measured. The first two are the Input Gain and Output Gain. The Input Gain will increase or decrease the audio coming into the plugin. The output gain will increase or decrease the audio leaving the plugin. The next options determine how you want your audio to be displayed. The next row of options is which you would use to put a ceiling on your audio. We pick -1dB True Peak here because we don’t want our audio to clip at all. In the last row of options, we pick ITU-R BS.1770-4 because this is the standard used by most streaming services.
Display Settings
The next tab is the Display Settings. This is where you can make adjustments to how the meters look. The first option is Background Color. Here you can pick the color behind the meters. The next few options allow you to make adjustments to the size and look of the meters. We keep most of these default but turn on the option for Level As Text. This will give us a digital readout of the levels.
Calibration
The last tab is the Calibration tab. This is where you can make adjustments to how the plugin measures the audio. The first option is the Reference Level. This is the level that the plugin will use as a reference for all other measurements. We set this to -23LUFS because this is the standard level for most streaming services. The next row of options allows you to make adjustments to the frequency response of the plugin. We keep these at default.
Optimizing the Mic Signal
1. Use a High-Quality Microphone
Invest in a microphone specifically designed for recording voices. These mics typically have a wide frequency response and a low noise floor.
2. Position the Microphone Correctly
Place the microphone about 6 inches from your mouth, slightly off-axis to reduce any harsh sibilance. Use a pop filter to minimize plosives.
3. Adjust the Input Gain
Set the input gain so that the loudest sounds peak around -12 dB to -6 dB. This provides headroom for louder moments without clipping.
4. Use Noise Reduction
Employ noise reduction tools to eliminate unwanted ambient noise and hum. However, be mindful not to over-process the audio, as it can degrade its quality.
5. Equalize the Audio
Use an equalizer to adjust the frequency response of the microphone. Boost the high frequencies to enhance clarity and cut out any unwanted low-end frequencies.
6. Use Compression
Apply gentle compression to tame any peaks in the audio. This helps to create a more consistent volume level and reduces the need for manual level adjustments.
7. Pan the Microphone
Pan the microphone slightly off-center to give the audio a sense of space and realism.
8. Advanced Mic Signal Optimization Techniques
- Use a condenser microphone: Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive and have better frequency response than dynamic microphones.
- Experiment with different polar patterns: Cardiod (directional) polar patterns focus on sounds directly in front of the microphone, reducing off-axis noise.
- Add a pre-amplifier: A pre-amplifier boosts the microphone’s signal, improving its overall quality and clarity.
- Use a sound isolation shield: A sound isolation shield can reduce unwanted noise from the environment, resulting in cleaner recordings.
- Employ equalization techniques: Advanced equalization techniques, such as parametric EQ and dynamic EQ, allow for precise control over the frequency response of the mic signal.
Enhancing Clarity
Clarity is key to achieving a professional-sounding microphone recording. Follow these steps to optimize your microphone settings for improved clarity.
1. Noise Reduction: Enable noise reduction to minimize background noise and unwanted sounds.
2. Reverb Reduction: Reduce reverb to eliminate echoes and reflections that can muddy the sound.
3. Equalization: Adjust the frequency response of the microphone to enhance certain frequencies and minimize others. Use a low-pass filter to remove excessive bass and a high-pass filter to reduce unwanted noise.
4. Compression: Use compression to reduce the dynamic range of the microphone, making loud sounds quieter and soft sounds louder. This can help balance the volume and improve intelligibility.
5. Limiter: Add a limiter to prevent the microphone signal from clipping, which can cause distortion and ruin the recording.
6. Gain and Leveling: Adjust the microphone gain and levels to ensure the recorded audio is loud enough without being distorted. Use a gain staging technique to optimize the levels throughout the entire recording.
7. Microphone Positioning: Position the microphone properly to capture the desired sound. Experiment with different placements to find the best angle and distance.
8. Room Acoustics: Treat the recording space with acoustic panels or soundproofing materials to reduce unwanted reflections and improve the overall quality of the audio.
9. Advanced Techniques:
– De-Esser: Reduce sibilance (hissing sounds) by applying a de-esser plugin.
– Multiband Compression: Use multiband compression to apply compression selectively to different frequency bands, allowing for more precise control and clarity enhancement.
– Phase Alignment: Check for phase alignment issues between the microphone and other audio sources to avoid cancellation and improve sound quality.
Here’s a table summarizing the different microphone settings and their impact on clarity:
| Setting | Impact on Clarity |
|---|---|
| Noise Reduction | Reduces background noise and unwanted sounds |
| Reverb Reduction | Eliminates echoes and reflections that can muddy the sound |
| Equalization | Enhances or reduces certain frequencies, improving intelligibility |
Mic Input Settings
Under the Audio tab, you can configure the following settings:
- Mic Input: Select the microphone you want to use.
- Mic Level: Adjust the microphone’s volume.
- Mic Gain: Boosts the microphone’s signal.
- Mic EQ: Apply equalization to the microphone’s signal.
- Mic Compressor: Apply compression to the microphone’s signal.
Mic Monitoring Settings
Under the Monitoring tab, you can configure the following settings:
- Monitor Input: Enable or disable monitoring of the microphone’s signal.
- Monitor Level: Adjust the volume of the monitored signal.
- Monitor Mix: Mix the microphone’s signal with other audio sources.
- Monitor Pan: Pan the microphone’s signal in the stereo field.
Troubleshooting Common Mic Issues
- No audio from the microphone: Check the microphone’s cable, input settings, and monitoring settings.
- Microphone too quiet: Increase the microphone level and gain.
- Microphone too loud: Decrease the microphone level and gain.
- Microphone feedback: Move the microphone away from speakers or headphones.
- Microphone hiss: Apply noise reduction to the microphone’s signal.
- Microphone hum: Check for ground loop issues.
- Microphone pops: Use a pop filter.
- Microphone distortion: Decrease the microphone’s gain.
- Microphone interference: Move the microphone away from sources of electrical interference.
- Microphone not working: Try a different microphone or check the microphone’s manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tips.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No audio from the microphone | Check the cable, input settings, and monitoring settings |
| Microphone too quiet | Increase the microphone level and gain |
| Microphone too loud | Decrease the microphone level and gain |
How to Change Mic Settings on DaVinci Resolve
Follow these steps to change mic settings on DaVinci Resolve:
1. Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project.
2. Click on the “Audio” tab in the top menu bar.
3. In the “Audio Input” section, select your microphone from the dropdown menu.
4. Adjust the “Input Level” slider to set the volume of your microphone.
5. Click on the “Effects” tab in the top menu bar.
6. In the “Audio Effects” section, click on the “Equalizer” effect.
7. Adjust the sliders in the Equalizer to fine-tune the sound of your microphone.
8. Click on the “Export” tab in the top menu bar.
9. Select the desired export settings and click on the “Export” button.
People Also Ask About How to Change Mic Settings on DaVinci Resolve
How do I fix my microphone not working in DaVinci Resolve?
If your microphone is not working in DaVinci Resolve, try the following:
- Make sure that your microphone is properly connected to your computer.
- Check the audio settings in DaVinci Resolve to make sure that your microphone is selected as the input device.
- Try restarting DaVinci Resolve.
- If you are still having problems, try updating your audio drivers.
How do I change the mic level in DaVinci Resolve?
To change the mic level in DaVinci Resolve, follow these steps:
- Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project.
- Click on the “Audio” tab in the top menu bar.
- In the “Audio Input” section, select your microphone from the dropdown menu.
- Adjust the “Input Level” slider to set the volume of your microphone.
