If you're the type of audio-file that just loves to tinker with audio tracks and recordings, then I've got to tell you that Final Cut Pro is the tool for you. Many creative types that I know have asked me - is there anything out there which can offer advice on audio editing on FCP for newbies? In a word, YES.
Final Cut Pro has been known for years to offer editors all the tools and applications that are necessary to put together just about any level of video or audio entertainment package. This can range from a down and dirty quick video that you want to get out on YouTube or Vimeo to a slick, polished piece ready to be aired on a national network.
I have personally worked on and witnessed numerous other professionals that have created absolutely outstanding results in the field of audio editing using just the tools available on Final Cut Pro.
Here's a myth which absolutely has to get busted. Your final audio mix has to go out to a post audio house or at very least an intense session using pro-tools. NOT TRUE my friends. You have everything you need within FCP.
OK, let's get started. You've just finished a man on the street or "streeter" interview and you're hustling it through your suite to get the finished product up on your website and local TV station promo channel to promote your latest upcoming documentary.
After reviewing your material you realize that there was a poor connection on your camera's microphone input. Every time you pulled the mic back towards yourself to ask your subject a question your microphone cacked-out leaving your words available only from your camera microphones soundtrack.
Rather than starting to panic - think solution.
First of all you really weren't that far off-mic. You were standing within 15" of the camera's built-in microphone. Your camera was a very high level pro-sumer model so once again - no need to worry.
First off, when you're within FCP push the audio level of your track to the limit, which is plus 12 db. Then have a listen. Not as bad as you thought it would be. Second - try the FCP equalization tools to bring a little bit of the top end hiss off the soundtrack. Better still, but you would still like a little more level and you've already maxed out the audio limits. Now all you have to do is copy and paste your audio track onto a 3rd audio track. You've now effectively added another 12 db of gain to your audio level.
You may now find that your audio is even higher than that of your subjects. You now need only simply reduce each of your 2 separate tracks by the same incremental amounts to bring your audio level in line with that of your subject.
As a final bit of polish you may want to add one of the many filters you will find within the final Cut Pro basket of audio effects that you have in your arsenal.
Your choice on the filter will in part depend on the background noise that was present while you were doing your interview.
Experiment a bit with all the choices that FCP offers you within the audio effects selection. You may even want to reach into the Apple bin for additional choices.
There you have it. You may have initially thought that your interview with a very good respondent on the street was now no more than an exercise in futility, but instead keeping the basic thought of Audio Editing on FCP for Newbies in the front of your mind you have successfully solve your audio woes.
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Rick Davis, an experienced Producer/Director, invites you to increase your knowledge of the television production business.
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