wave file

[Jeff Carpenter]

You can. It’s best, however, to convert files to the same bit rate and sample rate as your sequence.

So, for example, if you have a bunch of 44.1 WAV files and you’re editing DV footage it would be smart to use Quicktime or iTunes to convert them all to 48.0 AIF (or WAV) files and then import those.

Final Cut will use the WAV files just fine, but if thne bit rate is different from the video you’ll be wasting processor power on converting it on-the-fly every time you play they video. Plus, it will have to be rendered before export. (This is a slight concern for a WAV file with a different sample rate…that’s not a big deal…it becomes a MUCH bigger concern if you’re using something like an MP3 file.)

Just convert everything up front and you avoid all those issues. Just because Final Cut CAN use something doesn’t mean it’s always the easiest way to do it.

[Michael Gissing]

Not only does FCP import wav files, the later versions of FCP (vers 5 onwards from memory) even recognise broadcast wav files and read the embedded timecode.

[Suzin Daly]

Oh dear, one says no problem
one says best to convert to 48. AIF
I do not have i tunes or quicktime for converting. But I did render the wav through Vegas from wav to AIF? Would that be equal to converting through i tunes or quicktime. I don’t own a Mac, I am learning on someone elses, learning the hard way

[Michael Gissing]

Everyone has said yes you can import wav to FCP. FCP works best when the sample rate is 48khz. When you have FCP then you have both quicktime and a mac.

When you export from Vegas you can export wav or aif and the sample rate should be 48khz. Simple. I am sure Vegas can convert if your files are not 48khz. Most likely is that they are 48khz. That is the standard for files in video editing.