Are you using overlapping audio cuts or crossfades in your edits? If not, you could be missing out on a powerful technique that pro editors have been using for years. Also referred to as L-cuts or J-cuts, overlapping audio either before or after a video cut can go a long way towards making a transition less jarring. It is not only a quick fix for small audio imbalances, but a powerful creative tool in your editing arsenal. HDFilmtools has the scoop, including specific instructions for FCP editors (though the overlap edit can be accomplished with any decent NLE software).

“In today’s world of whiz bang, high-tech, digital editing, the power of the lowly overlap cut has been all but lost in the tumult. I’m sure many of you have heard the term overlap, pre-lap or post-lap before, but you may not know exactly why one would use this technique when creating a sequence. Understanding this subtle, simple and effective tool, which editors pull from their bag of tricks every day, will make you a more seasoned and better editor.”