Set priorities scene by scene
Mark the sound that must be understood in each section. On-camera speech and narration usually take priority. Music can rise during visual passages and move behind words. Natural sound may lead when it carries the memory of an event. A written plan prevents random adjustments.
Begin with source consistency
Listen to each source alone. If narration segments vary because the microphone position changed, bring them into a consistent relationship before balancing against music. If camera clips jump dramatically in level, address the distracting boundaries. Avoid judging the entire mix while one source remains unpredictable.
Make gradual changes
Use fades at the beginning and end of music where they suit the scene. Lower a background layer before speech begins and restore it after the line ends. Leave enough timeline space for the change to feel intentional. An abrupt adjustment can sound like a fault even when the final level is correct.
Listen on ordinary playback
Headphones reveal clicks and fine details, but ordinary speakers show whether words remain clear in everyday viewing. Check at a modest playback setting. Do not solve a weak mix simply by raising the master level; the relationship between sources matters more.
Use separate review passes
- First pass: speech clarity and missing words.
- Second pass: music entrances, endings and changes.
- Third pass: natural sound and room-tone continuity.
- Fourth pass: the complete movie without interruption.
- Final pass: a short finished test outside the editing view.
If the arrangement feels crowded even after level changes, remove or shorten a competing element. Silence is a valid editorial choice. Return to the audio-track planning guide to clarify roles, or the music guide to reshape the musical arc.