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FCP X importing 5.1 audio as 2-channel stereo
I’ve had FCP X for a few days and been playing around with a recently purchased Panasonic TM900 camcorder to get a reasonable workflow for the (hobbyist) footage I shoot. The TM900 is on Apple’s approved list of camcorders for use with FCP X.
When I import the AVCHD files using the “Import from Camera” function everything seems to work OK, but if I look at the clips in the Inspector the audio stream is reported as being 2-channel stereo rather than the 5.1 audio that the camcorder records in. If I rewrap the files using ClipWrap (v2.4.2) prior to importing them to FCP X using the “Import Files” function the Inspector reports the clips as having 5.1 surround audio, but then when I play the clips the audio meters only report that 2 channels are active, with the other channels not having any sound content.
Am I doing something wrong? Is there an Import setting that I am using incorrectly? Or does FCP X have problems importing 5.1 audio from the Panasonic TM900?
Is anyone else experiencing this?
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12 Replies
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Are you positive you recorded in a 5.1 audio stream from the camera? Also with all respect you don’t want 5.1 in your camera originals. Good luck getting that audio to match from shot to shot.
Noah
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Noah, I’m reasonably sure that the camera recorded 5.1 channels (although wouldn’t bet my life on it). As far as I can tell the camera records all AVCHD clips with 5.1 audio, and when I look at the clips using VLC it says the audio stream is AC3 (which I think is 5.1 surround?).
Why wouldn’t I want to record 5.1 with the camera?
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Hi Rob,
AC3 just means Audio Codec 3 (Dolby Digital)
It could just as equally be formatted as 2.0, 3.1, 2.1. etc
So it could be stereo
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Rob,
Further to my post stating that the AC3 stream could just as easily b stereo…
I see this camera can record both 5.1 and stereo from he built in mics. As you probably know your camera setup more than I could possibly do I will assume you have it set for 5.1 recording.
I would be interested in obtaining a short sample clip from this camera if you are able / willing to share.
Regards
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Matt, my understanding is that the camera records the AVCHD and 1080p50 formats with 5.1 audio, and the iFrame format with 2-channel audio. The clips I’ve imported have either been AVCHD or 1080p50, which is why I was expecting to see 5.1 audio.
Very happy to let you have a sample clip. What format would you like, and what’s the best way to get it too you?
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Hi
On page 72 of the pdf manual it describes the Menu Setting for audio recording:
[Record Setup]>[Mic Setup]>SURROUND or ZOOM or FOCUS or STEREO.So there is the option of 5.1 or 2.0 AC3 recording in 1080 mode.
As you say only 2.0 is available in iFrame mode. -
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Still failing to get 5.1 audio from my Panasonic TM900 in to FCP X. No matter what I try only two audio channels are active when the video is imported in to FCP X. Is anyone else with this camcorder getting 5.1 audio when they import the files?
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I also have a similar issue, I tried to import from Panasonic SD900 into Final Cut Pro X, the files are 5.1 but they only show up as 2 channel stereo. I presume its a bug, which I hope will be fixed in a new update.
Anyone have suggestions how to solve??
Tim Golds
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Yes, I think I have now resolved my problem. I have been testing ClipWrap and when my AVCHD files are rewrapped FCPX reports that my clips are 5.1 audio channels, but only two channels (FL and FR) are active. So I emailed support @ the ClipWrap developers and they sent my a little utility which forces ClipWrap to rewrap using multichannel audio. This seems to work a treat. I can now see that all 5.1 channels recorded by my TM900 camcorder are active. It adds a step in to my workflow, but at least I can use the audio as recorded by the camera. Hopefully Apple will address this in a future revision of FCPX so files imported directly from the TM900 will include full multichannel audio.
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