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Voice Over tool
I am using the VO tool in FCP 6 on a Mac Intel and am getting really low levels on recording. I have the gain ALL the way up. I’m using a basic Sennheiser Dynamic Microphone with an XLR cable that has a 3/4 plug at the end and that is put into a mini adapter (it’s a one ring adapter so is not stereo) plugged directly in the Mac. I’m set at Line In from the source and am at 48K.
Can anyone tell me why my levels are ridiculously low?
Thanks.
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12 Replies
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[Kevin Gonzales] “I’m set at Line In from the source and am at 48K.”
Kevin,
That’s what usually happens when you input mic-level signal into a line-level input.
David
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los AngelesPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
A forum host of Creative COW’s Business & Marketing, and Indie Film & Documentary forums.
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you need a mic preamp to bring the dynamic mic level up to a line level. I have used the LightSnake before with excellent results. I think they sell them at Guitar Center. It’s basically a cable with an XLR on one end for a mic and a USB on the other end for the Mac input. FCP voice over tool will recognize the input.
Gary
Mac Pro 3Ghz Intel Dual Duo, 6GB RAM, 30″ ACD
MacBook Pro 17″
Sony XDCAM EX with a Sachtler Tripod System -
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if u go that route, make sure to get the one made for mics and not the one for guitars.
Microphone to USB Cable
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Along these lines – how does one record to picture in FCP 6? Just use that snakelight, turn off audio monitoring (volume) and record at in and out points?
Never done it, just curious…
Thanks
K -
dont use the light cable or what ever it’s called, what you want to use is a new product called the mic mate, it’s for XLR to USB and it has phantom power, we use it all the time it’s amazing. and only cost 80 bucks.
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Kevin,
I will give you facts instead of just an opinion like some dudes. You don’t want to buy/use a mic mate or whatever they call it. You’re wasting your money. If you want to step up and use a condenser mic with phantom power, then get a MicPort Pro. You did say you had a dynamic mic, though. Forget that mic mate junk. Lightnake costs less and records a clean signal. Use plugins after recording for compression/limit or whatever you desire. Save your money and get a LightSnake.
or-
MicPort Pro.
* 24-bit/96kHz performance
* 48V phantom power internally generated based on 5V of input so even condenser mics can be used with laptops
* Low-noise mic preamp with input level control knob
* High quality analog to digital (A/D) conversion
* Loud headphone amp with output level control knob
* USB bus powered ? no batteries or external power supply needed
* Rugged anodized aluminum construction
* 6′ (1.83m) USB cable includedhttps://www.centrance.com/products/mp/
It’s worth $125 for the better 24bit audio, zero latency, headphone out and better phantom supply. Watch the video clips at their site I justed posted above.
Gary
Mac Pro 3Ghz Intel Dual Duo, 6GB RAM, 30″ ACD
MacBook Pro 17″
Sony XDCAM EX with a Sachtler Tripod System -
Kent,
Check out the FCP Help/Manual and search for voiceover tool. It is very informative and easy to understand. It shows examples.
Best regards,
GaryMac Pro 3Ghz Intel Dual Duo, 6GB RAM, 30″ ACD
MacBook Pro 17″
Sony XDCAM EX with a Sachtler Tripod System -
Interesting link, Gary – so I have a Sennheiser ew 100 G2 wireless transmitter/receiver with XLR…I’d like to record straight to FCP VO tool “to picture” using in and out points (I still need to read how to do so)…but which device would be best for my scenario? Lightsnake or MicPort Pro?
Thanks
K
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Kent,
I would assume your receiver has a line level output. Most do. You can probably just plug your receiver output into the Mac line in. You might even have a cable that has the correct plugs instead of the XLR. Otherwise you need to adapt the XLR to Mini. Check with the manufacturer and Apple to always be sure. Select the correct input in the voiceover tool (line in).
Seems like a lot of extra work, level setting, added compression/expansion from the wireless setup. But, if it’s the only mic you have,,,
I would use a hard line mic if possible.
Gary
Mac Pro 3Ghz Intel Dual Duo, 6GB RAM, 30″ ACD
MacBook Pro 17″
Sony XDCAM EX with a Sachtler Tripod System
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