Which term describes the process of adding a final audio pass to prepare the master for release?

• A. Layback
• B. Gaffer
• C. Lavalier Mic
• D. Group Walla

Answer: (A)

Layback is the final transfer of the completed soundtrack onto the master deliverable, the last pass before release. After the dialogue, music, and effects are locked, an engineer performs this final pass to make sure everything lines up with picture, meets the required formats, and is correctly leveled and encoded for distribution. It’s essentially embedding the final mix into the master so it’s ready for theatrical, broadcast, or streaming release, including any required loudness and technical specifications.

The other terms aren’t about this process: a gaffer handles lighting on set, a lavalier mic is a small microphone worn by an actor, and group Walla refers to crowd/background chatter used as a texture and not a final mastering step.