Sound 101: Introduction to Sound Editing in Final Cut Studio

This two-day class guides you through editing audio files, repair field recordings, perform multitrack arranging and mixing, synchronize audio and video, analyze and fix common audio problems, and perform other creative sound design techniques. This course focuses on practical, professional techniques used to add professional music and sound effects to video and multimedia projects.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for those who want to learn the basics of audio content creation, editing, and mixing and who prefer hands-on, interactive instruction to best explore the audio functionality of Final Cut Studio.

What You Will Learn

• Creating, arranging and editing a multitrack sequence
• Sound design and ambience creation
• Using the waveform editor to enhance dialog and voiceover
• Using single and multitake recordings, editing audio files, repairing field recordings, and fixing common audio problems
• Working with reverb, compression, EQ and track bussing
• Understanding integration with other Final Cut Studio applications

Prerequisites

Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:

• Basic knowledge of the Macintosh OS
• Basic knowledge of audio terminology is recommended
• Basic knowledge of Final Cut Pro 7 is required. Level One Final Cut Pro End User certification is preferred. Ideally, students will have attended an FCP 101, FCP 102 or FCP 200 course.

Course Outline

Day 1

Understanding the Sound Editing Process, Cleaning Dialogue, Integrating Sound Effects and Adding Music

Offline Mixing, Online Mixing, Mixing in Soundtrack Pro, Sending to a STP Multitrack Project, Performing Basic Mixing Tasks, Adjusting and Automating Levels, Conforming and Returning to Final Cut Pro

Using the Frequency Spectrum View, Controlling the Spectrum, and Working with Frequency

Understanding Panes, Tabs and Window Layouts, Setting Project Properties, Controlling Playback, Navigating the Timeline and Exploring the Track Header

Sending to an STP Audio File Project, Exploring the File Editor Project View, Navigating the Waveform Display, Redrawing Waveforms, Analyzing an Audio File, Working with Actions, Noise Reduction, Returning to Final Cut Pro and Saving an Action as an AppleScript

Opening a Multitrack Project, Working with Tracks, Setting Up for Recording, Recording a Single Take, Collecting the Project and Using Punch Recording

Day 2

Using the Editing Tools, Arranging Clips, Basic Mixing, Using the Noise Reduction Process and Adding with Ambient Noise

Using the Multitake Editor, Adding a Guide Track, Organizing the Takes, Slipping Takes, Creating a Composite Take and Smoothing Transitions

Setting Up for Spotting, Exploring the Bin and the Browser, Using the the Multipoint Video HUD, Three-Point Edits, Using Fades and Using Envelopes to Create Fades

Setting Up for Music Production, the Search Tab, Adding Music Beds, Working with Loops and Using Markers

Exploring the Mixer, Using Submixes, Adding DSP Effects to Mixer Tracks, Automating the Mix, Using Busses, Using the Master Channel and Surround Sound Mixing

Students take an end user exam to earn Apple Certified Pro, Level One in Sound Editing status