Descript makes it easy to drag and drop media files into Compositions, but what about working with multitrack voice files that you want to keep in sync with each other? That's what Sequences are for.
What is a Sequence?
A Sequence is like a virtual container that allows you to group multiple files together (for example different speaker files from the same interview) for the purpose of editing narrative media in a unified script / timeline, as if they were all part of a single track.
When editing a Sequence clip in the main timeline, all of the underlying tracks retain their alignment - so everything stays in sync.
How does a Sequence differ from a traditional multitrack editor?
Since Descript's primary benefit is allowing users to edit narrative media by editing the text in the Script track, we expect that the majority of your multitrack editing will actually take place in the main Timeline Editor, Pin Track or Script Editor.
Sequences allow you to have more granular control over individual tracks of audio without sacrificing the simplicity of editing your content in the main Script Editor view. For example, Sequences allow you to adjust the volume or effects for individual tracks without affecting the other clips in the Script track. You can also remove unwanted background noises or cross-talk on a per-track basis while maintaining the original cadence of your recording.
When to use the Sequence Editor vs. the Main Timeline Editor
Descript was designed so that the majority of your content editing will take place in the main Timeline Editor. This includes:
- Transcript correction
- Arrangement of your content (cut / copy / paste and deleting clip media)
- Track-level mixing and effects across the entire Script Track / Pinned Track
- Multicam editing
The Sequence Editor on the other hand should be used primarily for:
- Lining up individual speaker's tracks from the same interview that may have different start times to assure the dialogue stays in sync while editing in the Timeline Editor
- Removing any cross-talk / unwanted background noise to improve clarity of the dialogue
- Individual track-level mixing and effects for the tracks contained within the Sequence (such as boosting/cutting the volume of a speaker's track to match the other tracks better)
Getting Started with Sequences
To learn more about creating and working with Sequences, check out the following articles: