audio-editing

The saved excerpt is a snapshot from when this skill was listed. The external source remains the complete and most current version.

---
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