Turning audio into a waveform in After Effects primarily involves using the "Audio Spectrum" effect. This effect analyzes the audio and visually represents its frequencies over time. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
Creating a Waveform Visual
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Import Your Audio: Drag your audio file into your After Effects project panel and then drag it onto a new composition to create an audio layer.
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Create a Solid Layer: Go to Layer > New > Solid. Choose a color; this solid layer will host the Audio Spectrum effect.
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Apply the Audio Spectrum Effect: Select the solid layer, then go to Effect > Audio > Audio Spectrum.
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Configure the Audio Spectrum: In the Effect Controls panel for the solid layer, you'll find the Audio Spectrum's settings:
- Audio Layer: Select the audio layer you imported earlier. This tells the effect which audio to analyze.
- Start Frequency & End Frequency: Define the frequency range to visualize. The default is typically a good starting point.
- Frequency Bands: Control the number of bars in the spectrum. Higher values create a more detailed waveform.
- Maximum Height: Adjust the peak height of the waveform.
- Audio Duration: Set the time window to display.
- Thickness: Adjust the bar thickness.
- Softness: Control the softness of the waveform's edges.
- Colors: Change the colors of the waveform.
- Side Options: Choose to display the waveform on one side (A or B), both sides (A and B), or to create a centered display.
- Display Options: The most common setting is "Digital," which shows a discrete bar representation. "Analog Lines" creates a smoother, line-based waveform.
Customization Options
- Color Adjustments: You can customize the color of the waveform to match your project's aesthetics.
- Height and Thickness: Adjust these parameters for the desired visual impact.
- Softness: Experiment with softness to blur the edges of the waveform.
- Maximum Height Adjustment: Customize the visual peak of your waveform.
Example
Imagine you have a song. After importing the song's audio into After Effects and creating a solid layer, you apply the Audio Spectrum effect. By adjusting parameters like Frequency Bands and Maximum Height, you can create a dynamic waveform that reacts to the music's beat, changing colors and shapes as the song progresses.
