Changing volume levels of an audio layer

When you use footage containing audio, the audio level in the footage plays at 0 db, meaning that the level is unadjusted in After Effects. Setting a positive decibel level increases volume, and setting a negative decibel level decreases volume.

The VU meter in the Audio palette displays the volume range for the audio as it plays. The red blocks at the top of the meter represent the limit of what your system can handle. When the audio volume extends past the top of the meter, After Effects makes the speaker icons red as a warning that audio is clipping. If you don't lower the level, the audio playback may be distorted when rendered. Reset the warning signal to black by clicking the red speaker icon.

Adjust the audio level and set level keyframes by dragging the level sliders as you preview an audio layer.

To set the volume level of an audio layer in the Audio palette:

1. Select the layer in the Composition window or Timeline window.
2. If the Audio palette is not visible, choose Window > Audio. For greater precision in setting levels, drag the resize icon in the lower right corner of the Audio palette to increase its size.
3. In the Audio palette, adjust volume in one of the following ways:
• To set the level of the left and right channels together, drag the center slider up or down.
• To set the level of the left channel, drag the left slider up or down, or type a new value in the levels box at the bottom of the left slider.
• To set the level of the right channel, drag the right slider up or down, or type a new value in the levels box at the bottom of the right slider.