During ducking, what happens to the audio level of the source being reduced?

Ducking is a dynamic processing technique used in audio production, primarily to ensure that one audio signal does not overpower another. This is commonly employed in broadcasting, where background music is lowered in volume when a voiceover occurs.

When ducking is applied, the audio level of the source being reduced is intentionally lowered temporarily. This adjustment allows the more critical audio—like a vocal track or important message—to be heard clearly above the background sounds. Once the primary audio finishes, the level of the background source returns to its original volume. This process maintains an effective balance in audio mixes, enabling listeners to focus on the essential information or content without distractions from other sounds.

The other options describe different audio effects that do not correlate with the primary function of ducking. For instance, keeping the audio level constant would negate the purpose of ducking, while amplification would increase the background sound instead of lowering it. Recording the audio pertains to capturing sound rather than adjusting its live levels. Hence, the adjustment made during ducking, which involves a temporary reduction of the audio level, is a crucial aspect of its functionality.