Descript’s Lower audio of other layers effect—also known as ducking—automatically lowers the volume of all other layers when audio plays on a designated track. It helps ensure the primary audio is always prioritized.

This effect is most often used to keep speech clear over music, sound effects, or ambient audio. Use it to make sure narration or dialogue comes through cleanly—without needing to manually adjust volume levels.

This article covers:

• How lower audio of other layers works
• How to apply the effect
• Adjust the volume reduction
• Apply to multiple layers
• Limitations in Sequences

How it works

When you enable Lower audio of other layers on a speech track, Descript lowers the volume of all other audio layers anytime that track is active. When there's a pause (like a gap clip or silence) those additional layers return to their full volume.

The result? Your primary audio (usually speech) stays clear and easy to hear, while background audio plays more prominently during pauses.

How to apply the effect

1. Select a layer in your script, scene editor or timeline.
2. Open the Layer panel on the right.
3. In the Audio Effects section, click the + button to add an effect.
4. Select Dynamics and then Lower audio of other layers.

Click the Effect settings icon next to the toggle to adjust how much other layers are reduced when this effect is active. The percentage sets how much quieter other layers become when speech is playing. A lower percentage means a stronger suppression.

Apply to multiple layers

You can turn on Lower audio of other layers for more than one layer. For example, if you have background music and sound effects that you want to stay loud when no one is talking, turn the effect on for both of those layers.

When this effect is turned on for multiple layers, they won’t turn each other down—just the other layers.

What if each layer has a different volume setting?
Descript will use the one that lowers the volume the most.

Limitations in Sequences