SOFTLINK — SOUND DESIGN CHECKLIST
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Version 1.0 | Softlink Editorial Team
Free for personal and commercial use

PRE-EDIT ASSESSMENT
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□ Review all recorded audio - identify unusable takes
□ Note all audio issues (noise, reverb, handling noise)
□ Plan audio tracks: Dialogue, Music, SFX, Ambience

DIALOGUE TRACK
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□ Sync audio (if recorded separately)
□ Select cleanest takes for each section
□ Room tone or silence captured for gaps?
□ Clean all dialogue: noise reduction, EQ, compression
□ Levels consistent across takes
□ Gaps filled with room tone (prevents dead silence)
□ Final loudness: target -14 to -16 LUFS for online video

AMBIENCE AND ROOM TONE
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□ Exterior scenes: outdoor ambience appropriate to location/time of day
□ Interior scenes: room tone from that room (or matched room)
□ Natural sound from B-roll clips used where appropriate
□ Ambience loops crossfaded to eliminate loop points
□ Ambience level: -30 to -20 dBFS under dialogue

SOUND EFFECTS
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□ Hard SFX synced to visual action (door slam, footsteps, etc.)
□ SFX timing: effect peak 2-3 frames before visual peak
□ Each SFX appropriate in scale and weight
□ No overcrowded SFX (every effect has a purpose)
□ SFX level: -20 to -12 dBFS for sweeteners
□ Frequency content checked against dialogue (EQ if competing)

MUSIC
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□ Music licensed for intended use (verify terms before final delivery)
□ Music introduced at appropriate moment
□ Music level under dialogue: -25 to -20 dBFS
□ Music editing: smooth entry and exit points, no abrupt cuts
□ Ducking applied where music needs to drop under dialogue
□ Music fade-out: 2-4 seconds minimum for natural feel

FINAL MIX REVIEW
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□ Listen from start to finish without stopping
□ Dialogue intelligibility test: can you understand every word?
□ No clipping: check all tracks do not exceed 0 dBFS
□ Loudness target met
□ Mono compatibility check if broadcast delivery
□ Listen on: studio monitors, headphones, laptop speakers, phone

DELIVERY
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□ Export audio per delivery requirements
□ Stereo or 5.1 as required
□ Loudness normalized to target
□ Final check of exported file plays correctly

CREDITS: Softlink Editorial Team