What It Does
Universal Audio solves a specific problem: keeping audio reference available when working deep inside nested compositions. Instead of copying audio layers manually or jumping between comps to check timing, this script pushes a single audio source throughout your entire project structure. The reference audio automatically compensates for time remapping, stretch, and other timing adjustments, keeping markers and waveforms aligned no matter how many levels deep you are.
Key Features
Single-click universalization. Select an audio layer and click the Universalize button. The script creates a reference comp and distributes it into every nested composition in your project, maintaining exact timing alignment. The reference layers are set as guides so they never render.
Automatic timing compensation. When comp layers have been time-remapped or stretched, the script applies inverse adjustments to the reference audio, canceling out any timing offsets. This means your audio waveform and markers always match the actual timing you’re hearing.
Single comp mode. Enable this option and the script works differently: it only places audio in the currently open composition, working backward through parent comps to find the source audio. Useful when you don’t need audio everywhere.
Multiple audio trees. Hold ALT while universalizing and you can add multiple audio sources without removing existing ones. Each gets its own name (editable in the project panel) and color, letting you work with separate music tracks and voiceover simultaneously.
KBar integration. All main functions (universalize, refresh, remove, options, view source) can be added as KBar buttons, with included icons.
Visual reference layer. Beyond just audio, you can include a visual layer showing the waveform or animatic throughout your nested comps. Positioning and scale are adjustable.
View source navigation. The View Source button jumps to the comp containing your original audio. With multiple audio sources, clicking cycles through each source. Hold ALT and it steps backward one comp at a time, highlighting the layer path.
Exclusion keywords. Define keywords in the options panel and any comp containing those keywords in its name won’t receive the audio reference. Useful for skipping controller comps or specific utility compositions.
Who It’s For
This is for editors and animators working with deeply nested compositions where timing to audio matters. If you’re animating dialogue, syncing motion to music beats, or editing to voiceover across multiple levels of pre-comps, this removes the friction of keeping audio available. Particularly useful for projects with complex structures where you’re constantly jumping between composition levels.
Pricing
Paid script at $9.99 for a single-user license. Trial version available.