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controlling audio (only) input level
Ok, I’ve done this before with FCP 4.5 with no trouble but now I’m having trouble finding the right settings in FCP 5.0.4
i’m trying to capture audio only (Iwo Jima veteran interview). The signal path is: cassette tape > receiver/tuner > G4 built-in audio port.
I’ve selected built-in audio in my capture settings and “non controllable device” as I have in the past…and I’m getting a very strong signal with FCP level meters…SO, strong I actually would like to control the INPUT LEVEL…but I don’t see an option to do that. I tried going to my mac sound prefernces and changing there but every time I go back to FCP it raises it up to above peak level…
in the “clip settings” tab of the capture window the “Master Gain” slide lever is “greyed out” and I can’t control…I’m assuming this is where I’d be able to control the input level…
anyone know how i can make that slider active and actyually control the level?
thanks so much for any help.
Regards,
Tom Adams – Director/Owner
Reelife Documentary Productions
“cool digital video stuff…not boring or dumb”
in**@****************ns.com http://www.reelifeproductions.com
Williamsburg, MA, USA1.4Ghz DP mirrordoor G4
OS10.4.3, FCP 5.0.3
Panasonic DVX100a & EZ1 -
3 Replies
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You can’t adjust it inside FCP.
You should use a mixer between the cassette deck and the Mac’s input.
A mixer can be adjusted (the receiver’s input > tape output cannot).BTW, there is no need for the receiver to be used in this setup (except to allow you to hear the playback of the cassette, something that can be done using headphones connected to the cassette deck or by using some other method.
Also, make SURE you are not connected to a MIC-LEVEL input on the Mac (you might be). This will cause severe distortion and noise to be recorded (even if you CAN turn down the input level).
See if the Mac input can be set to LINE-LEVEL.If not, you need a Mic-level to Line-level attenuator placed before the Mac’s input.
Or you can use a device like the inexpensive Griffin iMic that will feed the audio in from a source to a USB port.
OR… just record the audio cassette to a DV tape and capture the tape
OR… use a camcorder (capable of such things) to “transcode” the audio directly in FCP via FW.
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All Thax said is true. Here’s another idea. Some receivers have a way to bypass its output amps and send a preamp level signal to an external power amp. Usually, these outputs are controlled by the receiver’s volume control. If your receiver has this kind of output, try that as a way of lowering the gain to the mac.
John
Dual 2.5 G5 4 gigs RAM OS 10.4.3 QT7.0.3
Dual Cinema 23 Radeon 9800
FCP Studio 5
Huge U-320R 1TB Raid 3 firmware ENG15.BIN
ATTO UL4D driver 3.50
AJA IO driver 2.1 firmware v23-28
SonicStudio HD DAW, Yamaha DM1000, Genelec Monitors -
thanks everyone… bummer we’re not able to control the gain inside fcp…especially since we were able to in the last version (altough it was hidden pretty deep in the settings)…now the level control is right up front and center but “greyed out”. hm.
Regards,
Tom Adams – Director/Owner
Reelife Documentary Productions
“cool digital video stuff…not boring or dumb”
info@reelifeproductions.com http://www.reelifeproductions.com
Williamsburg, MA, USA1.4Ghz DP mirrordoor G4
OS10.4.3, FCP 5.0.3
Panasonic DVX100a & EZ1
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