Workflows 4 min read
Fix Abrupt Audio Starts and Endings with Fades
A track that jumps from silence to full volume feels like a slam; one that cuts mid-note feels broken. Fades draw a volume ramp over a few seconds — cheap to add, huge difference.
How long
Video scoring: 1-2 s fade-in, 3-5 s fade-out. Podcasts: 2-3 s. Crossfading medleys: 4-8 s. Short material takes short fades.
Which curve
Linear (tri) is the safe default. Sine curves (qsin/hsin) sound smoother for short fades. Logarithmic (log) drops fast then lingers — the most professional-sounding fade-out.
Three common mistakes
Fade-in too long (listeners think volume is broken); fading out but not in; applying fades over already-clipped audio — fix levels first.