Post-Production Guide

This guide covers how to work with your Capturly recordings in post-production, from syncing multiple tracks to exporting your final content.

Understanding Your Files

File Types

A desktop recording session produces two files:

Recording in the browser produces the MP4 only.

Which Files to Use

Audio podcast:

• Use *_audio.wav files
• Highest quality audio
• Import into DAW or audio editor

Video podcast:

• Use *_video.mp4 for video tracks
• Replace its embedded AAC with the matching *_audio.wav for final audio
• Align with the sync beep

Quick edit:

• Use *_video.mp4 on its own — audio is already synced inside it
• Less flexible, but fine for simple one-person edits

Syncing Multiple Tracks

The sync-beep method

Desktop and mobile recordings open with a half-second 1000 Hz sync beep. That’s your alignment reference.

Browser recordings don’t carry it — for those, use a clap, a verbal countdown, or the waveform itself.

Basic process:

1. Import all audio/video tracks
2. Find the beep in each track
3. Align the leading edges to the same point
4. Lock the alignment
5. Trim the head

Visual Alignment

In waveform view, the sync beep appears as a distinct spike:

Waveform: _____|█████|_____
                 ↑
              Sync beep

1. Zoom in on the beginning of each track
2. Locate the beep (sharp vertical spike)
3. Select the beep’s starting point precisely
4. Move tracks so beeps align
5. Zoom out and verify alignment

Multiple Participants

When syncing recordings from multiple people:

1. Choose a reference track (usually the host)
2. Align each participant to the reference
3. Verify by playback - voices should be in sync
4. Fine-tune if needed - sample-level precision
5. Group or lock tracks to prevent accidental movement

Software-Specific Workflows

Adobe Audition

For audio podcasts:

1. Create multitrack session

   • File > New > Multitrack Session
   • Set sample rate to match files (48kHz or 96kHz)

2. Import audio files

   • Drag WAV files to separate tracks
   • Name tracks by participant

3. Align using beeps

   • Zoom to beginning of each track
   • Use Time Selection tool
   • Snap beeps to same position

4. Edit and mix

   • Apply noise reduction if needed
   • Adjust levels for consistency
   • Add music/effects on separate tracks

5. Export

   • File > Export > Multitrack Mixdown
   • Choose format (MP3 for distribution, WAV for archive)

Adobe Premiere Pro

For video podcasts:

1. Create new project

   • Match sequence settings to your video

2. Import media

   • Import all video and audio files
   • Create bins for each participant

3. Create sequence

   • Add video tracks to timeline
   • Add audio tracks below

4. Sync audio and video

   • Place video files on video tracks
   • Place WAV files on audio tracks
   • Align using the sync beeps

5. Alternative: Merge Clips

   • Select video.mp4 and audio.wav
   • Right-click > Merge Clips
   • Choose “Audio” as sync point

6. Edit

   • Use multi-camera editing for switching views
   • Trim, cut, and arrange

7. Export

   • File > Export > Media
   • Choose appropriate preset

DaVinci Resolve

For video podcasts:

1. Create project

   • Set timeline resolution and frame rate

2. Import to Media Pool

   • Add all video and audio files

3. Create timeline

   • Drag files to create timeline
   • Separate tracks for each participant

4. Sync in Edit page

   • Zoom to beginning
   • Use blade tool to see waveforms
   • Align sync beeps manually

5. Color and mix

   • Use Color page for video
   • Use Fairlight page for audio

6. Deliver

   • Use Deliver page for export

Descript

For transcription-based editing:

1. Create new project

   • Import audio or video files

2. Automatic sync

   • Descript may auto-detect sync points
   • Fine-tune with the sync beep if needed

3. Transcription-based editing

   • Edit text to edit audio
   • Remove filler words automatically
   • Overdub for corrections

4. Export

   • Export audio, video, or transcript

Audacity

For free audio editing:

1. Import tracks

   • File > Import > Audio
   • Repeat for each file

2. Align tracks

   • Use Time Shift tool
   • Zoom in on sync beeps
   • Drag tracks to align

3. Edit

   • Select and delete unwanted sections
   • Apply effects as needed

4. Export

   • File > Export > Export as MP3/WAV

Reaper

For DAW-based editing:

1. Create new project

2. Import media

   • Insert > Media File
   • Each file on separate track

3. Align

   • Zoom to see beeps
   • Use mouse to move items
   • Enable snapping for precision

4. Edit and mix

   • Full DAW capabilities
   • Automation, effects, etc.

5. Render

   • File > Render

Editing Best Practices

Audio Cleanup

Noise reduction:

• Apply after aligning, before editing
• Use profile-based noise reduction
• Don’t over-process - keep it natural

Level normalization:

• Balance levels between participants
• Target -16 LUFS for podcasts
• Use compression sparingly

EQ and processing:

• High-pass filter at 80-100Hz
• Gentle presence boost if needed
• De-essing for harsh S sounds

Video Editing

Multi-cam workflow:

• Sync all cameras
• Switch between views
• Match colors/exposure

Audio priority:

• Always prioritize audio quality
• Use WAV files, not embedded video audio
• Sync precisely using the sync beep

Trimming the head

After syncing:

1. Select the beep region at the beginning
2. Delete from all tracks simultaneously
3. Verify tracks stay aligned
4. Add intro music/graphics as needed

Export Settings

Podcast Audio (MP3)

Podcast Audio (Archive)

Video (YouTube/Social)

Troubleshooting

Tracks Won’t Sync

• Verify all files are from the same session
• Check session IDs match in filenames
• Look for the beep at different positions
• Files may have been trimmed - check duration

Audio Drift

Over long recordings, tracks may drift slightly:

1. Check at multiple points throughout
2. Re-sync at intervals if needed
3. Time stretch to match length
4. Consider sample rate mismatch issues

Video/Audio Out of Sync

• Use the WAV file, not embedded MP4 audio
• Verify frame rate matches
• Check for dropped frames in video
• Re-sync using the sync beep

Quality Issues

Audio:

• Check you’re using WAV, not MP4 audio
• Verify sample rate matches project
• Check for accidental resampling

Video:

• Match sequence settings to source
• Avoid unnecessary transcoding
• Export at source quality or higher

Workflow Tips

Organization

• Consistent naming: Keep Capturly’s file naming
• Folder structure: Organize by session/date
• Backup: Keep raw files until project complete
• Archives: Store final exports separately

Efficiency

• Create templates: Save project templates for recurring shows
• Batch processing: Apply similar edits across episodes
• Keyboard shortcuts: Learn your editor’s shortcuts
• Proxies: Use proxy editing for 4K footage

Quality Control

• Listen on multiple devices: Headphones, speakers, phone
• Check levels: Use loudness meters
• Preview exports: Watch/listen before publishing
• Get feedback: Fresh ears catch issues

Next Steps

• Review file formats in detail
• Learn about the sync beep
• Check troubleshooting for common issues