/audio-editing

name: audio-editing
description: "Master the essential audio post-production techniques—normalization, compression, EQ, and noise reduction—using the correct processing order to achieve professional-quality audio. Use when: Editing podcast episodes or video soundtracks; Cleaning up recorded voiceovers; Improving audio quality for marketing content; Preparing audio files for distribution; Troubleshooting common audio issues"
license: MIT
metadata:
  author: ClawFu
  version: 1.0.0
  mcp-server: "@clawfu/mcp-skills"

Audio Editing Fundamentals

> Master the essential audio post-production techniques—normalization, compression, EQ, and noise reduction—using the correct processing order to achieve professional-quality audio.

When to Use This Skill

• Editing podcast episodes or video soundtracks
• Cleaning up recorded voiceovers
• Improving audio quality for marketing content
• Preparing audio files for distribution
• Troubleshooting common audio issues
• Standardizing audio levels across a project

Methodology Foundation

**Source**: iZotope + Industry Best Practices

**Core Principle**: Audio processing must happen in the correct order—each step builds on the previous. "Noise reduction before compression prevents amplifying noise. Compression before EQ prevents undoing your level work." The goal is to serve the content, not showcase the processing.

**Why This Matters**: Poor audio editing is the most common reason otherwise good content sounds amateur. Understanding these fundamentals enables marketers to polish recordings themselves or effectively communicate with audio engineers.

What Claude Does vs What You Decide

| Claude Does | You Decide | |-------------|------------| | Structures production workflow | Final creative direction | | Suggests technical approaches | Equipment and tool choices | | Creates templates and checklists | Quality standards | | Identifies best practices | Brand/voice decisions | | Generates script outlines | Final script approval |

What This Skill Does

1. **Applies correct processing order** - Gain → Noise → Compression → EQ → Limiting 2. **Sets appropriate levels** - Normalization, loudness standards (LUFS), peak management 3. **Reduces noise intelligently** - Without introducing artifacts 4. **Balances dynamics** - Compression settings for voice and music 5. **Shapes tone** - EQ adjustments for clarity and warmth

How to Use

Fix Audio Problems

My audio has [describe problem: too quiet, noisy background, inconsistent levels, muddy sound].
Help me fix it using proper processing order.

Prepare Audio for Platform

Help me prepare this audio for [podcast/YouTube/Spotify/broadcast].
Current state: [describe audio]

Master Audio Workflow

Create an audio editing workflow for [content type].
Include settings for [software: Audacity/Audition/etc.]

Instructions

When editing audio, follow this methodology:

Step 1: The Processing Order

Always process in this sequence to avoid compounding problems.

## Correct Processing Order

1. GAIN STAGING
   ↓
2. NOISE REDUCTION
   ↓
3. COMPRESSION
   ↓
4. EQUALIZATION
   ↓
5. FINAL NORMALIZATION / LIMITING

Why this order:
- Noise reduction BEFORE compression: Prevents amplifying noise
- Compression BEFORE EQ: Prevents EQ changes affecting dynamics
- Limiting LAST: Sets final ceiling after all processing

---

Step 2: Gain Staging

Set initial levels before any processing.

## Gain Staging Guidelines

**Recording (target during capture)**:
- Peaks at -12 to -6 dB
- Leaves headroom for processing

**Initial Normalization (start of editing)**:
- Normalize peaks to -6 dB
- Creates consistent starting point

**Two Types of Normalization**:

1. **Peak Normalization**
   - Adjusts based on loudest point
   - Use for: Initial gain staging
   - Does NOT change dynamic range

2. **RMS/Loudness Normalization**
   - Adjusts based on average level
   - Use for: Final delivery
   - Better for perceived loudness matching

**Tool-Specific**: | Software | Normalize Function | |----------|-------------------| | Audacity | Effect → Normalize | | Audition | Effects → Amplitude → Normalize | | Logic Pro | Region → Normalize |

---

Step 3: Noise Reduction

Remove unwanted background sound without artifacts.

## Noise Reduction Approach

**When to use**:
- Consistent background hiss/hum
- Air conditioning, computer fan noise
- Not for variable noise (traffic, voices)

**Method 1: Spectral Noise Reduction**
1. Find 2-3 seconds of "silence" (noise only)
2. Use as noise profile
3. Apply reduction to full track
4. Use conservative settings

**Settings Guide** (Audacity example):
- Noise Reduction: 6-12 dB (start low)
- Sensitivity: 4-6 (higher = more aggressive)
- Frequency Smoothing: 3-6 bands

**Method 2: Noise Gate**
- Sets threshold; audio below is silenced
- Better for breaths between speech
- Doesn't affect audio during speech

**Warning Signs of Over-Processing**:
- "Underwater" or "robotic" sound
- Swirling artifacts
- Unnatural silence between words

**Rule**: If choosing between slight noise or artifacts, keep the noise.

---

Step 4: Compression

Even out dynamics—reduce loud parts, bring up quiet parts.

## Compression for Voice

**What It Does**:
- Reduces volume of sounds above threshold
- Results in more consistent, fuller sound

**Key Parameters**:

| Parameter | What It Does | Voice Setting |
|-----------|--------------|---------------|
| Threshold | Level where compression starts | -20 to -12 dB |
| Ratio | How much to reduce | 2:1 to 4:1 |
| Attack | How fast compression kicks in | 10-30 ms |
| Release | How fast compression stops | 100-300 ms |
| Makeup Gain | Boosts output after compression | To taste |

**Voice Compression Starting Point**:
- Threshold: -18 dB
- Ratio: 3:1
- Attack: 15 ms (fast enough for transients)
- Release: 150 ms
- Gain: +3-6 dB (compensate for reduction)

**Multi-Band Compression** (advanced):
- Di