Mastering Sound in FCP 3

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[dc] “is there anything i can do to master the sound, make it better than it already is”

Now THERE’S a broad question!
Let me just change a couple of words to demostrate the problem with responding:

“Is there anything I can do to make my cake taste better than it already does?”

You see, there is a bit of information MISSING.

Back to YOU, dc.

[Adam Schmidt]

If you have the time and $$$, an audio post house will do a much better job than you will ever accomplish with the tools in FCP 3. Like Thax said, there are too many questions. Tell us your specific problems with audio for a better answer.

Adam

[Dean Sensui]

You’ve at least taken the first step: recognizing how important sound is.

As others have mentioned, there’s no simple answer to your question.

However, here are some things to consider:

— You gotta know what “good” sound is to know what needs to be done to get it.

— “Good” sound starts in the field, just like “good” video.

— High quality microphones and associated systems tend to get rather costly. Sometimes renting is a good option. Knowing how to use them really well takes training or guidance from an experienced pro.

— Having an accurate system to monitor the sound is an essential part of the process, and such systems are never cheap. I use a pair of Tannoys. If I had to do it again I’d get a pair of Genelecs.

— Often overlooked is the room you’re working in. Good speakers won’t perform well in a bad room. Consider the room as an integral part of the equipment.

— Some controls to consider: compression for some voice tracks. Equalization. Mixdown levels.

— Lastly, never mix on headphones. Always use speakers. Headphones will give you a false audio image and you’ll end up with a weak or inaccurate mixdown.

Dean Sensui
http://www.HawaiiGoesFishing.com