Change source audio channel mapping

Last updated on Jun 23, 2025

Learn how to change the source audio channel mapping for one or more clips containing audio in Adobe Premiere Pro.

Adjusting the channel mapping lets you control how audio is interpreted during editing. This is especially useful when working with multi-channel clips or footage recorded with external audio devices.

  1. Select one or more clips containing audio in the Project panel.

  2. Select Clip in the menu bar, and then select Modify > Audio Channels.

    Note:

    If you select more than one audio clip, ensure the track format is the same for all the selected clips. If your workflow relies on modifying the source clips using Modify Audio Channels, don’t use proxies in Premiere Pro. Doing so will result in unexpected behavior.

  3. You'll see a matrix in the Audio Channels dialog box with the clip channels on the left and the source channels at the top. Select the corresponding cell in the matrix to map a clip channel to a source channel. A checkmark indicates that the clip channel is mapped to that source channel.

    Audio Channels dialog showing clip channels mapped to left and right source channels.
    Select the audio output channel mapping for a stereo track.

  4. To preview the audio in a channel, select the source channel, select the Playback button, or use the slider.

    Preview Media Source Channel section with Left channel selected and playback slider visible.
    Use the options under the Preview Media Source Channel to specify previewing the source channel.

  5. Select OK.