Studio 21.1.1
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AUDIO & DIALOGUE

How to sync external audio using waveforms

DaVinci Resolve Studio 21.1 · Original practical guide

Waveform synchronization compares sound shared by the camera and external recorder. It works best when both recordings contain a clear, overlapping reference.

Before you begin

Use headphones and a short section containing speech, silence, and any music.

ACTUAL RESOLVE INTERFACEView full size ↗
Automatically Sync Audio dialog; choose the required sync method
Automatically Sync Audio dialog; choose the required sync method Reference example from the DaVinci Resolve 21.1 manual, page 442. Software screenshot © Blackmagic Design. The demonstration media and selected settings may differ from your project.

Step by step

  1. Import the camera clip and external recording into the Media Pool. Preview them to confirm both contain the same event.
  2. Put the matching recordings in a dedicated bin, right-click the bin, and choose Auto Sync Audio. In Synchronize Using, select Waveform.
  3. Enable Retain embedded audio when you want the camera reference preserved alongside the synced recorder channels. Choose a useful analysis channel, then click Sync.
  4. Place the synced source in a timeline and inspect a clap or clear consonant near the beginning and end. Listen for echo from accidentally doubled audio.

Check your result

Picture and external sound align at multiple points, and only the intended microphone reaches the mix.

If it doesn’t work as expected

If there is little common sound, waveform matching may fail. Use a slate, timecode, or manual alignment instead of trusting an uncertain automatic result.

BUILD THE UNDERLYING SKILL

Fairlight: clear, intentional sound

Go deeper with the course’s explanations, exercises, and knowledge checks.

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Technical reference: DaVinci Resolve 21.1 Reference Manual, Blackmagic Design, September 2026. Screenshot page numbers refer to that manual. Independently written guidance; specific controls may vary by platform and build. Authorship & image credits.