Agenda

Using spectrogram editors in the world of dialogue editing can be a bit like finding patterns in the noise. There is both an art, and a science, to the language of information contained within. We will dive deep into the mysterious universal language underneath the words actors speak, to empower people at all levels of editing experience to be more efficient and effective in their craft.

Through video & audio demonstrations, using samples from well-known characters, as well as some surprise guest voices, we will highlight the differences between spectrogram behaviors and the tools available in different DAWs such as ProTools, Adobe Audition, iZotope RX, and others. Comparisons of the similarities, differences and nuances gained from waveforms vs. spectrogram views will highlight how visual editing and repair can be a powerful tool alongside classical auditory editing of dialogue to make the work more efficient.

Takeaway

Attendees will come away understanding the fundamental principles of what sound looks like on a visual 2D plane. How to identify different aspects of a spectrogram, how they translate to audible sound, the basic tools to cleanup/adjust/repair audio as well as some advanced tools and techniques.

Intended Audience

This talk accommodates everyone from those who have no prior experience with spectrograms to experienced dialogue designers. This includes VAs, engineers, editors and technical designers. We will take the audience through the very basics of understanding spectrograms through developing a deeper understanding of what sounds, words, and noises look like.