How to Use the Control-Option-L Shortcut for Volume Adjustment in Final Cut Pro

Play video: How to Use the Control-Option-L Shortcut for Volume Adjustment in Final Cut Pro

What Control-Option-L Does

In Final Cut Pro, Control-Option-L runs Adjust Volume Absolute. It sets the audio volume of every selected clip to a specific dB value that you type in. It has nothing to do with your Mac's system volume; it changes the volume of clips in your project.

Absolute vs. Relative

Absolute means every selected clip ends up at the same level. If you type -12, every selected clip is set to -12 dB, no matter where each one started. Its partner, Adjust Volume Relative (Control-L), raises or lowers each clip by the same amount instead.

How to Use It

1. In the timeline, select the clips you want to set, such as all your sound effects or music beds.
2. Press Control-Option-L. A volume field appears in the dashboard at the top of the timeline.
3. Type the level you want, for example -12.
4. Press Return. Every selected clip's volume line moves to that value.

Tips

• It's a quick way to reset clips you've adjusted by hand back to a consistent starting level.
• Use it for music beds under dialogue so they all sit at the same level before you fine-tune.
• Volume keyframes on a clip affect how it changes, so check clips with keyframes after you adjust them.
• Watch the audio meters while you play back to confirm the new level works in the mix.