To add an audio spectrum in After Effects, create a solid layer and apply the Audio Spectrum effect to it. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Create a New Solid Layer: Go to the top toolbar and select Layer > New > Solid. Click "OK" in the Solid Settings window.
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Apply the Audio Spectrum Effect: With your newly created solid layer selected, go to the Effects & Presets panel (Window > Effects & Presets if you don't see it). Search for "Audio Spectrum" and drag the effect onto your solid layer. Alternatively, go to Effect > Generate > Audio Spectrum.
Now you have the audio spectrum effect applied to your solid layer! You'll need to connect it to an audio layer to visualize the spectrum.
Connecting the Audio Spectrum to an Audio Layer:
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Import your Audio: Import your audio file into your After Effects project (File > Import > File). Drag the audio file from the Project panel to your timeline.
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Specify the Audio Layer: In the Effect Controls panel for your Audio Spectrum effect (select the solid layer in the timeline to see it), find the "Audio Layer" property. Click the dropdown menu and select the audio layer you just added.
Customizing the Audio Spectrum:
Once the audio is connected, you can customize the look and behavior of the audio spectrum using the various properties in the Effect Controls panel:
- Start Frequency & End Frequency: Determine the frequency range displayed.
- Frequency Bands: Adjust the number of bands in the spectrum. More bands create a more detailed visual.
- Maximum Height: Controls the maximum height of the spectrum bars.
- Audio Duration Time: Influences how the audio is sampled.
- Thickness: Changes the thickness of the lines or bars.
- Softness: Adjusts the softness of the edges.
- Colors: Customize the colors of the spectrum. You can use Gradient options to create dynamic color changes.
- Side Options: Determine whether the spectrum is displayed on one or both sides of the layer.
- Display Options: Switch between different display styles like A, B, and Analog Lines.
- Amplitude: Increases or Decreases the effect of audio waves
Experiment with these settings to create the perfect visual representation of your audio.
