How to Fix Audio Sync Issues in DaVinci Resolve (Complete Guide)

Audio sync issues can ruin an otherwise perfect video edit. Whether your dialogue is out of sync or your sound effects don’t line up, DaVinci Resolve offers powerful tools to get everything aligned. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods to fix audio sync problems, no matter the cause.

By the end, you’ll know how to detect sync issues, realign audio quickly, and avoid sync problems in future projects. This guide is perfect whether you’re syncing external audio, correcting frame rate mismatches, or cleaning up imported timelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Audio Sync

1. Identify the Sync Issue Type

Scrub through your timeline and note if the audio leads or lags behind the video.
Use the waveform in the timeline to visually match sound peaks with visual events like claps or speech.

2. Check Project and Clip Frame Rates

Go to File > Project Settings > Master Settings.
Ensure the timeline frame rate matches the source footage.
Mismatched frame rates are a common cause of drifting sync.

3. Use the Waveform to Manually Align Audio

Zoom in on the timeline.
Drag the audio clip left or right to align the waveform with the visual cue (like a clap or mouth movement).

4. Slip Audio Within a Clip

Select the clip, then press Alt + , or Alt + . to slip the audio slightly left or right within the clip without moving the video.

5. Use Auto Sync Audio Feature

Select both the video and audio clips in the Media Pool.
Right-click and choose Auto Sync Audio > Based on Waveform (or Timecode if available).
Resolve will attempt to sync them automatically.

6. Use In and Out Points to Align

Mark In (I) and Out (O) points on both clips.
Drag the audio under the video in the timeline and align manually.

7. Reimport Footage with Correct Sync

Sometimes, footage imported incorrectly may cause sync issues.
Try re-importing using different settings or via the Media page for better accuracy.

8. Convert Variable Frame Rate Footage

Footage from phones or screen recordings may use variable frame rates.
Convert these files to constant frame rate using HandBrake or Shutter Encoder before importing.

Pro Tips & Workflow Improvements

Always clap at the start of a shoot if you’re recording audio separately. This gives a clear sync point.
Use linked clips to lock video and audio after syncing to prevent accidental drift.
Add a waveform overlay in the Edit page to visually monitor sync.
Use the Fairlight page for precise audio nudging and multi-track management.
Save sync presets for recurring projects using similar gear.

Advanced Use Case: Syncing Multi-Cam with External Audio

Load all camera angles and external audio into the Media Pool.
Select all, right-click, and choose Create New Multicam Clip Using Selected Clips.
Use Audio or Timecode as the sync method.
Open in a timeline and switch between angles while maintaining sync.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Issue: Audio drifts slowly over time.
- Fix: Check for variable frame rate footage and convert it to constant.
Issue: Auto sync fails.
- Fix: Use manual waveform alignment or ensure clean audio signals.
Issue: Audio seems correct but is still off slightly.
- Fix: Use the Slip shortcut or adjust by frame in the timeline.
Issue: Audio not linked after syncing.
- Fix: Select both clips, right-click, and choose Link Clips.
Issue: Imported file has sync but goes off after rendering.
- Fix: Match export frame rate and timeline settings exactly.

Conclusion

Fixing audio sync in DaVinci Resolve is all about understanding the root cause and using the right tools. Whether it’s a manual tweak or a full auto-sync workflow, you now have multiple ways to keep your sound in perfect lockstep with your visuals.

Keep practicing, and consider exploring the Fairlight page for even deeper audio control. Want to go further? Check out our guide on using audio ducking and dynamics in Resolve to polish your sound mix.