Record 32-bit Float Audio into Resolve 20.1

Written By Chadwick Shoults

DaVinci Resolve 20.1 now lets you record 32-bit float audio right onto your timeline, even with the new voiceover tool. This means you can really recover clipped audio details. This tutorial covers how to setup 32 bit float audio recording for resolve using a Sound Devices Mix-Pre6 II.

USB Audio Interface Setup

  • Connect Directly: Use a Thunderbolt or USB-C cable to connect your audio interface directly to your computer, avoiding hubs.

  • MixPre-6 Mark II Settings:

    • System Settings: Access the three-dot menu, navigate to the third page, and select "System." Ensure "USB-C" is set to "audio" and "USB audio" is set to "normal."

  • Record Menu Bit Depth: From the home menu, go to the second page.  Click the record button, then navigate to the second page of the record menu. Set "Bit depth" to "32-float."

Mac Computer Setup

  • System Settings (Sound):

  • Input: Open Mac's System Settings, go to "Sound," and verify your 32-bit float interface/microphone is selected as the input, with visible audio levels.

  • Output: Set your output device (e.g., MixPre-6) as desired.

  • Audio MIDI Setup:

    • Open the "Audio MIDI Setup” application.

    • Select your device/microphone.

    • In the input section, change the setting to "32-bit float" (often defaulted to "24 or 16 bit integer").

DaVinci Resolve 20.1

  • Preferences: Go to "Preferences" > "Video, Audio I/O" > "System."

  • Input Device: choose your 32-bit float interface (e.g., "MixPre-6 II")

  • Project Settings: Access "Project Settings" (Gear Cog icon or Shift-9).

    • Fairlight: Navigate to the "Fairlight" section and check "Use 32-bit float recording."

  • Edit page: select the new microphone button.

  • You can name the recording, assign it to a track, and ensure correct input before recording to your timeline.

  • Stereo Input: An option for stereo input captures channels 1 and 2 from a device like the MixPre 6; otherwise, only channel one is recorded.

  • Recording All Channels: This requires going to the Fairlight page.

  • Pre-selecting Bins: Pre-selecting the bin for saving audio files is recommended to improve organization.

24-bit Interface Gain Staging

  • Ensure gain levels on the meter hit yellow (around -18 or -20 decibels) and do not exceed this range.

Chadwick Shoults https://creativevideotips.com
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