concept structural ◆ established
Sound Turnover
also: audio turnover · sound handoff · audio post handoff
he formal handoff of the locked picture edit to the sound department for dialogue editing, sound design, Foley, music editing, and mixing. A sound turnover package typically includes: an AAF or OMF export of the timeline with embedded or linked audio, a picture reference with burned-in timecode and streamers/punches for music, a detailed track layout document showing what is on each track (production dialogue, temp music, temp SFX, guide tracks), EDLs, and any editorial notes about sound intent. The quality of the turnover directly affects the efficiency of the sound team. Tracks should be organized logically—dialogue separated from effects, temp elements clearly labeled, and handles included on every audio clip so the sound editor has room to create crossfades and smooth transitions. The modern standard for this process involves exporting an AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) file, which contains the timeline data, and providing the separated, original WAV source files for the sound team to work with.
notes
Integrated applications like DaVinci Resolve, with its built-in Fairlight audio page, challenge the necessity of a traditional sound turnover for every project. This integrated approach allows editors to perform more advanced audio work earlier in the process, potentially delivering a more complete package for final mixing or even handling the entire mix in-app for certain projects.
criteria
- Prepare a standardized interchange file, like an AAF, that references the original separated WAV source files, ensuring the sound mixer receives a clean and complete timeline.
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