A

AAF (Advanced Authoring Format)

A file format used to transfer audio timelines between editing software (such as Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve) and a digital audio workstation (such as Pro Tools). An AAF preserves clip names, track layout, and automation, reducing setup time in post-production.

Premiere AAF Guide · Resolve AAF Guide

ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)

A post-production process in which actors re-record dialogue in a controlled studio environment to replace or supplement production audio. ADR is used to improve audio quality, correct technical issues, or modify performances after principal photography. Also known as looping or dubbing.

ADR Recording at DAP

Audio Mixing

The process of combining and balancing multiple audio tracks — dialogue, sound effects, Foley, and music — into a cohesive final mix for broadcast, theatrical, or streaming delivery. Involves adjusting levels, equalization, spatial positioning, and dynamics processing.

Audio Mixing at DAP

Audio Post-Production

The stage of media production that follows principal photography or recording, involving the editing, mixing, and mastering of all audio elements — dialogue, sound effects, Foley, and music — to create the final soundtrack for a film, television show, commercial, or other media project.

Audiobook Production

The end-to-end process of creating an audiobook: casting and directing narrators, recording in a professional studio environment, editing for consistency, mixing and mastering to distribution specs (such as ACX or Findaway), and delivering final files for publication.

Audiobook Production at DAP

B

Breakout to Mono

The process of splitting a stereo or multi-channel audio clip into individual mono tracks. Essential when exporting AAFs to ensure each channel is independently editable in the mixing stage.

AAF Export Guide

D

Dialogue Editing

The process of cleaning, smoothing, and preparing recorded dialogue for the final mix. Includes removing unwanted noise, matching room tone, fixing sync issues, and ensuring consistency across takes and scenes.

Dolby Atmos

An immersive audio format developed by Dolby Laboratories that adds height channels to traditional surround sound, allowing sound to be placed and moved in three-dimensional space. Used in theatrical, streaming, and broadcast delivery.

Dolby-Certified Mix Stage

F

Foley

The reproduction of everyday sound effects added to film, video, and other media in post-production to enhance audio quality and realism. Named after sound-effects artist Jack Foley, the technique involves recording sounds such as footsteps, clothing movements, and object interactions in sync with the visual action.

H

Handles

Extra audio frames included before and after each clip in an AAF or OMF export. Handles give the mixing engineer room to create smooth crossfades between edits. Standard handle length is 5 to 10 seconds.

AAF Export Guide

L

LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

A dedicated channel in surround sound formats (5.1, 7.1, Atmos) reserved for low-frequency content, typically below 120 Hz. The ".1" in "5.1" refers to the LFE channel. Used for impact, rumble, and bass-heavy sound design elements.

Loop Group

A team of voice actors who record background dialogue, crowd reactions, and ambient vocal sounds (walla) for film and television. Loop group sessions are typically recorded with multiple performers working to picture in a large booth.

ADR & Loop Group at DAP

M

M&E (Music & Effects)

A version of a film or television mix that contains only music and sound effects, with all dialogue removed. M&E tracks are required for international distribution so dialogue can be replaced with foreign-language dubs.

O

Original Music Composition

The creation of original musical scores and compositions tailored to the creative and emotional requirements of a media project, including film, television, commercial, and sports productions.

Services & Rates

P

Playback to Picture

The process of synchronizing audio playback with video during a recording or mixing session. Used in voiceover, ADR, and mixing to ensure performance and timing align with the visual edit.

Pro Tools

The industry-standard digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Avid Technology, used in professional audio post-production for recording, editing, and mixing. All sessions at Dallas Audio Post are recorded and mixed in Pro Tools.

Punch-In Recording

A recording technique where the engineer drops into record mode at a specific point in the timeline, allowing the performer to re-record a section without starting from the beginning. Standard practice in ADR and voiceover sessions.

R

Re-Recording Mixing

The final stage of audio post-production where all premixed elements — dialogue, sound effects, Foley, and music — are combined into the finished soundtrack. The re-recording mixer makes creative and technical decisions about levels, panning, dynamics, and spatial positioning for the intended delivery format.

Audio Mixing at DAP

S

Session Engineering

The technical management of a recording session, including microphone setup, signal routing, recording, real-time editing, and file delivery. A session engineer ensures the technical workflow runs smoothly so directors and producers can focus on performance.

Remote Session Engineering

Sound Design

The creative and technical process of creating, acquiring, manipulating, and arranging audio elements for use in media productions. Encompasses original sound effects, ambient soundscapes, and the overall sonic identity of a production.

Source Connect

A professional peer-to-peer audio bridge developed by Source Elements that transmits broadcast-quality audio between studios over the internet in real time. Source Connect allows talent, engineers, and directors to work together from different locations with studio-grade audio quality.

Remote Sessions at DAP

Stems

Submixes of individual audio categories (dialogue stem, music stem, effects stem) exported as separate files. Stems allow downstream flexibility for re-versioning, foreign-language adaptation, and platform-specific deliverables.

Surround Sound (5.1 / 7.1)

Multi-channel audio formats that place speakers around the listener. 5.1 uses six channels (left, center, right, left surround, right surround, LFE). 7.1 adds two additional surround channels. Standard for theatrical, broadcast, and streaming delivery.

Surround Mixing at DAP

T

TPN (Trusted Partner Network)

An industry program administered by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) that certifies facilities meet content security best practices for handling pre-release and sensitive media. Dallas Audio Post holds TPN Gold Shield certification.

About Dallas Audio Post

V

Voiceover

A production technique where a voice that is not part of the narrative is used in a media production. Widely used in commercials, documentaries, animation, and corporate content. A directed voiceover session involves a producer or director guiding the voice talent in real time.

Voiceover Recording at DAP

W

Walla

Background vocal sounds created by a loop group or individual performers to simulate crowd noise, ambient conversation, or atmospheric vocal presence in a scene. Unlike specific dialogue, walla is intentionally unintelligible.

Audio Post-Production Glossary

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