Descript’s lower audio of other layers effect—also known as ducking—automatically reduces the volume of other audio layers when sound plays on a selected track. It’s commonly used to keep speech clear over music, sound effects, or ambient audio.
This article covers:
- How lower audio of other layers works
- How to apply the effect
- Adjust the volume reduction
- Apply to multiple layers
- Limitations
How lower audio of other layers works
When you enable lower audio of other layers on a track, Descript reduces the volume of all other audio layers whenever a clip exists on that track. Other layers return to full volume only when there’s no clip present or during a gap clip.
This effect is based on clip presence—not audio content or transcription. Even background noise or breathing will keep other layers lowered as long as the clip exists on the timeline.
How to apply the effect
- Select a layer in the scene editor or timeline.
- Open the Properties panel.
- In the Audio Effects section, click the + icon.
- Select Dynamics, then choose Lower audio of other layers.
Adjust the volume reduction
Click the Effect settings icon next to the toggle to control how much other layers are reduced.
The percentage determines how quiet other layers become while the effect is active. Lower percentages apply stronger ducking.
Apply to multiple layers
You can enable lower audio of other layers on more than one track. When enabled on multiple tracks, they won’t reduce each other’s volume— only the volume of other layers.
If each layer uses a different volume reduction setting, Descript applies the strongest reduction.
Limitations
Layer-level only: Lower audio of other layers applies to the entire layer and can’t be limited to individual clips.
Not supported in the sequence editor: This effect isn’t available in the Sequence Editor. Apply it on the composition timeline instead.