Audio effects are powerful tools to change, enhance, and edit audio recordings. These are often found in editing software such as Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve. Moreover, some of these effects are accessible for free while some are locked behind a software’s paid version. In this blog post, I share my top 6 free audio effects in DaVinci Resolve.
Audio Effect #1: Delay Effect (Echo)
The delay effect simply repeats an incoming audio signal after an allotted time. It is used to add depth and dimensionality to an audio mix. This effect is great for adding atmosphere to voiceovers, enhancing vocals, or creating rhythmic effects.
In DaVinci Resolve, there are a few Echo presets available for free. These include Slow Crossover and Swirling Close, which both are some of my most used Echo effects. I used these to add a nice rewind reverb echoey sound to my mix.
To use this audio effect, go to the Effect Library > Delay > Fairlight FX > Echo.
Audio Effect #2: Distortion Effect
Distortion is another audio effect in the free version of DaVinci Resolve. It adds grit and character to your audio by adding distortion to the mix without sounding over the top. It is often used to make instruments sound more powerful, add texture to vocals, or make audio sound edgy.
In DaVinci Resolve, you can access this feature by going to the Effects Library > Distortion > Fairlight FX > Distortion. There are several controls you can manipulate. For example, if you add a lot of High Cuts, you’ll get a lot of bass distortion. On the other hand, if you increase the Low Cut, the high-end frequencies will be saturated.
The key here is to make subtle adjustments using distortion to avoid overpowering the clarity of the vocals while still achieving the distortion saturation you want.
Audio Effect #3: Chorus Effect
Chorus is another great free tool in DaVinci Resolve. It is often used to thicken and widen audio tracks to add modulation, fullness, and richness to a mix. This effect simulates multiple voices or instruments playing in unison by slightly varying the pitch and timing.
You can use this audio effect in DaVinci by going to the Effects Library > Modulation > Fairlight FX > Chorus. You can then add changes to your audio such as changing the pitch, frequency, and modulation. Make sure to listen to the changes to avoid making your project sound unnatural.
Audio Effect #4: Pitch Effect
The Pitch effect is an easy-to-use tool for shifting audio pitches up or down. This can be used to correct slight pitch imperfections, create a unique sound, or even adjust vocal pitch.
To access this effect in DaVinci Resolve, go to the Effects Library > Pitch Fairlight FX > Pitch. If you want to make your vocals sound deep, lower the Semitones. On the other hand, increasing the Semitones can help you achieve a Pixy-like voice. Moreover, if you want to retain the original voice plus the edited version, adjust the dry/wet controls.
Overall, the Pitch effect is a great way to play with your voice recording.
Audio Effect #5: Reverb
Reverb adds a sense of space and depth, emulating how sound behaves in physical spaces. This effect is ideal for vocals making them sound like they were recorded in a particular environment. For example, you can make your audio sound like it is recorded inside a cathedral or a small room.
In DaVinci, you can use this effect by going to the Effects Library > Reverb > Fairlight FX > Reverb. One of the first things you might want to do is to change the size of the room by manipulating the box on the top left side of the tab. You can then make a few more changes to the different dials to achieve the Reverb you want.
For example, you might want to manipulate the Reverb time to change how long the reverb effect lingers. Shorter decay times are ideal for smaller spaces while longer times can create the impression of vast spaces.
Overall, adding reverb enhances the realism of your audio. The subtle atmosphere of reverb can add an immersive quality to your cinematic audio.
Audio Effect #6: Noise Reduction
The final audio effect in the free version of DaVinci Resolve is Noise Reduction. This is a powerful tool that is perfect for cleaning up audio. This can be used to remove unwanted background noises like hiss, hum, or ambient sounds.
In DaVinci Resolve, this effect can be accessed by going to the Effects Library > Restoration > Fairlight FX > Noise Reduction. On the Noise Restoration tab, you’ll be presented with a lot of parameters that you can manipulate.
In most cases, you’ll need to adjust all parameters to ensure that audio noise is being removed without losing the quality of the recording. It is important to note though that although the tool can do so much, overusing it will reduce the quality of your audio project.
To learn more about the Noise Reduction tool, you can watch this YouTube video. It’s a video that shows how I remove unwanted noise from an audio recording using the free version of DaVinci Resolve.
DaVinci Resolve Audio Presets
Tired of countless hours of tweaking your recordings? Would you like to look at a simple one click solution instead? Then try our DaVinci Resolve Sound Better Presets. Loved by thousands of creators already!
Final Thoughts
DaVinci Resolve offers powerful audio effects that are accessible in its free version. Whether you’re cleaning up dialogue, enhancing music tracks, or adding creative flair to your projects, these effects provide you with a versatile toolkit that requires no extra investment.
Further Reading
- How To Master Noise Reduction Inside DaVinci Resolve For Free
- How To Make Your Audio Sound Better in DaVinci Resolve
- Audio Editing in DaVinci Resolve – A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- How To Remove Vocals From Any Song Using DaVinci Resolve
- How to Edit Audio in DaVinci Resolve: Cut & Trim Step By Step
