Synch question – Is a broadcast monitor entirely necessary for synch?

[Tom Wolsky]

SOund sync should have nothing to do with the monitor. Either the computer or the video output should be in sync. The only problem might be if you’re mixing and matching, video out with computer monitor or vice versa.

All the best,

Tom

Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop” Class on Demand “Complete Training for FCP5” DVD

[Arnie Schlissel]

I don’t think you’ll be able to synch the soundsticks to your video monitor. You should connect a pair of analog speakers to the same source that your video monitor is connected to.

Arnie
https://www.arniepix.com

[Tom Wolsky]

There is an obscure little function in System Settings in the Playback Control panel that will let you set a frame offset for this purpose. It does work, but there can be some added latency in the keyboard control for forward, reverse, stop and so on.

All the best,

Tom

Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop” Class on Demand “Complete Training for FCP5” DVD

[Mark Raudonis]

The sync issues that most people encounter when using an NTSC monitor are due to using the Firewire output. Firewire will introduce latency compared to the computer screens.

If you’re using an AJA or Blackmagic internal card for I/O, you will NOT have these issues. These cards are tied directly to the internal bus and therefore don’t have the latency issues.

As Tom pointed out, you can adjust the audio to play “in sync” with the picture, but you can NOT eliminate the “lag” that occurs when you hit the keyboard. In my opinion, if you’re using an NTSC monitor, you should be using an internal card, not just a tap off of the firewire from a deck.

mark

[Kevin Monahan]

Futhermore: Soundsticks SUCK. They are the worst possible speakers you can use for FCP.

They only have a USB connector so you cannot hook them up to the deck for true 48 kHz output. Also, they are FAR from being giving you a subjective audio mix. Soundsticks are not flat response speakers. They overdrive the bass to crazy propotions.

To use them with a broadcast monitor, you’ll be forced to use a frame offset which makes your keyboard soooo sluggish.

You’ll be much better off with the following advice.
1. Trash the Soundsticks or give them to a friend NOT doing video post.
2. Hook up some flat response studio audio monitors to your audio mixer’s “Control Room” output. (No mixer? Get a cheap Y-Split adapter from Radio Shack).
3. Connect the Mac’s audio output to Ch. 1 and Ch. 2
4. Connect the deck’s audio output to Ch. 3. and Ch. 4

NOW you have yourself a proper audio post scenario my friend.

Sorry you have wasted money on the worst possible speakers. Get rid of ’em. R.I.P. Soundsticks – we hardly knew ya.

Kevin Monahan
Take My FCP Master’s Seminar!
fcpworld.com

[Robin]

So in theory I should be in synch between computer monitor and soundsticks?

Don’t worry about the soundsticks, they’re just a temporary measure.