6 min read
How to export audio from a video project for editing, mixing, or delivery
A bad export can undo a clean edit. Here is how to export audio from your video project for editing, mixing, or final delivery without losing quality.
Exporting audio sounds simple until the mixer asks for stems, the client asks for MP3, and the archive needs WAV. Every video project needs at least two exports: one for the final deliverable and one for safe archiving. Knowing the right settings saves time and prevents re-renders.
Export a stereo mix for review
For most reviews and uploads, a stereo WAV or AAC is enough. Use WAV 48 kHz, 24 bit when quality matters, or AAC 320 kbps when file size matters. Match the sample rate to your project timeline to avoid sample-rate conversion artifacts.
Export stems for a sound mixer
A mixer usually wants separate files for dialogue, music, sound effects, and ambience. Route each group to its own track pair, mute the others, and export one stereo file per group. Label them clearly: T01_Dialogue.wav, T02_Music.wav, T03_SFX.wav.
Export mono stems from a poly source
If your project was cut from a poly WAV, the mixer may want each original channel as a separate mono file. Use a poly WAV splitter to break the original file into named mono stems before handing them over. This preserves the source quality and metadata.
Check your export settings
- Match sample rate to the project, usually 48 kHz.
- Use 24 bit for editing and 16 bit only if the spec requires it.
- Keep interleaved stereo for deliverables, split mono for some broadcast specs.
- Always export a safety copy before any destructive step.