Delete Silence at same points for multiple files

[johna53947426]

I'm editing a podcast and trying to streamline workflow a bit. Let's say I have two mono vocal tracks and I'd like to Delete Silence (using the Shorten Silence setting) for both tracks at the same points on the timeline. Is there a way to copy and paste the markers set in the Diagnostics window for one track into the other track, so all the shortened parts line up and the continuity of the conversation still makes sense?

Edit: I've found a couple different solutions --

If working with just two tracks, the easiest solution is to pan them each hard L and R, and bounce to a stereo file. Then Shorten Silence on the stereo file before splitting them back out to mono.

For 3+ tracks, a more tedious but workable solution is to create markers for the sections to be silenced in the Waveform view, then export those markers as a CSV file. Then import them into the Multitrack timeline, group your clips and edit them out from there.

Still, a simple way to apply Diagnostic settings across multiple tracks would be great appreciate in a future update.

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

Are you talking about Multitrack or Waveform view? There's an easy way to shorten two tracks in Multitrack, but to transfer a cue list from one actual file to another in Waveform view requires an app called CueListTool.

If I wanted to do this though, it would be in Multitrack and I wouldn't bother with mucking about with silence - I'd just shorten the clips by dragging the ends back.

[johna53947426]

Sorry, I think there's a misunderstanding. I don't just want to lose the silence at the end of the tracks; I wish to delete all the dear air in the conversation at the same points in multiple tracks.

Also, I looked at CueListTool and it looks like it's not available for Mac. 😞

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

I should have added a bit to the multitrack method, as you can use this to delete time anywhere in multiple tracks. The only thing you don't get is the cue information, as that's attached to individual files (unless you can duplicate it somehow), and not the same as the markers in multitrack.

This works for any number of files. All you have to do is align them synchronously in multitrack view, make a time selection anywhere you have silence you want to delete, right-click and select Ripple Delete>All tracks. You can do this in as many places as you want. If you still want to save the shortened version of each file, then you can use Export>Multitrack Mixdown>Entire Selection and in Mixdown Options you can change the settings so that it will export the edited version of each file separately.

It's a shame about CueListTool. I believe that there may be cue list editors available for Macs, but even if there are, they won't be as neat as CueListTool, which was designed specifically for this sort of purpose.

[Mike Russell]

The solution you've found for deleting silences in using a waveform with one guest on L and one on R can also work for 3+ tracks. Here's how you'd do it:

1) File > New > Audio File...

2) Select the Channels drop down and instead of Stereo, Mono or 5.1 click Custom...

3) Now you can create a Poly WAV with up to 32 channels!

Now paste each guest into different channels run your delete silences automation and drag the tracks all back into the multitrack.

 

 

[Mike Russell]

I think this is such a cool question that can certainly benefit other podcast editors so I created a video showing the delete silences process along with a cool way of eliminating mic bleed too. Hope this helps!

[johna53947426]

Thanks for your awesome responses Mike!