Lightworks can record audio straight onto the timeline with the Voice Over panel - ideal for voiceover, scratch narration, or guide tracks. You set an input, position the playhead, and record while watching your sequence play.
Opening the Voice Over panel
Open the Voice Over panel from the timeline toolbar's voiceover button, or press Alt+V. The panel needs a sequence with audio tracks open as the destination.
In the panel, choose your input device - an internal microphone, an external microphone, or another connected input - and watch its level as you speak.
Note: Lightworks can only use a microphone that is enabled at the operating-system level. If your mic doesn't appear, check your system's sound settings and privacy permissions first.
Recording into a sequence
- Open your sequence and move the playhead to where the recording should start.
- Select the audio track the recording should land on - the panel's Track shows the destination, and Lightworks will prompt you if no audio track is selected.
- Set the input Level (dB) so your voice reads healthily without hitting the top.
- Set a Preroll (secs) if you want a run-up - Lightworks backs up and plays into the record point so you can time your delivery.
- Click Record. The status runs through Initialising and Prerolling, then shows Recording - perform.
- Click End to stop. Your recording appears on the selected track.
The voiceover workflow
For narration over a cut:
- Put the voiceover on its own audio track so you can balance it independently.
- Use the preroll to give yourself a run-up - the sequence plays into the record point so you start on cue.
- Mute the other audio tracks if they distract you while recording (or monitor them on headphones to time your delivery).
- Record the line, then trim and position it like any other audio clip (see Editing audio in the timeline).
- Record in short takes - a line or paragraph at a time - so a fluff only costs you one take.
Tip: Use headphones when recording over existing audio. They let you hear your timing against the cut without the microphone picking up the playback.
Monitoring while recording
Watch the meters as you record to keep your level healthy - strong and clear, but never hitting the top of the scale where it distorts. Headphones let you monitor your own voice and the sequence without causing feedback through speakers.
Fixing recording problems
- No input / silent recording - the device isn't selected or isn't enabled at the OS level. Check the device choice and system sound settings.
- "Please select the track" message - no audio track is selected on the destination sequence. Select the track the recording should land on.
- Recording too quiet or distorted - adjust the panel's Level (dB) (or the input level at the operating system or interface), aiming for a healthy meter reading.
- Echo or feedback - you're monitoring through speakers; switch to headphones.
- Latency (recording lands late) - check your audio device and buffer settings; nudge the recorded clip into place if a small offset remains.