Fine Tuning The Alignment of External Audio

[bodhij]

Using P.E. 14, when I import my video, the audio is, of course, in sync. But I record external audio I can't figure out how to perfectly align the external audio track to the recorder's internal audio track.

1.  I use a clapper to generate a waveform alignment spike on both audio tracks (internal, external)

2.  I import the video with its internal audio track

3.  I import the external video track.

4.  In "expert mode", the external audio only seems to be able to be adjusted in increments of video frames. But unless I get supremely lucky, it's always a touch off.

There must be a way to adjust audio tracks in much finer increments, yes?  Thanks for the assist!

Bodhi

[Bill Sprague · Accepted solution]

The techniques in this video may help....

Syncing Audio with Video Premier Elements.mpg - YouTube

[bodhij]

Thanks, whsprague! That's very useful as a workaround, essentially requiring use of a separate audio program to align the external track before importing it. A free option like Audacity can work. I have a high end digital audio workstation which will be simple to use for this.

It's just bizarre to me that what seems (to me) to be a necessary core functionality of Elements is missing. Is not using external audio commonplace?

[Bill Sprague]

I agree that it would be nice to be able to better synchronize audio tracks.

Commonplace?  Probably for "professional" level software. 

Adobe makes it clear that Premier Elements is for home movie makers and other "amateurs".   For that level, I think it is loaded with features.   The "advanced" and more expensive Premiere Pro has some more capable audio syncing tools. 

[bodhij]

Yes, I get that it's probably more of a professional level need. Thanks for that input!