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Audio Recording & Editing Guide

How to Shape Audio Volume with an Envelope

An envelope uses control points to vary gain over time. It is useful when one phrase needs lifting and the next needs to stay where it is.

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Shape the envelope

  1. Open Tools → Clip Gain / Envelope.
  2. Double-click the waveform to add control points. Place points before and after the part you want to adjust.
  3. Drag the points up or down to change gain, then apply the envelope points.
  4. Play across the adjusted section and compare it with the surrounding audio.

Use fewer, better points

A point on each side of a phrase can create a gradual transition. Adding many closely spaced points can make the level change sound unnatural and harder to revise.

Keep room for loud syllables

Lifting a quiet phrase also lifts its background noise. Check its loudest syllable and reduce the adjustment if it distorts.

A simple fade may be enough

For a straight entrance or exit, Fade In or Fade Out is quicker. Use an envelope when the level needs several changes inside the clip.

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