Can someone please explain this? Audio Waveforms in FCP - Rectified Audio

Apple decided that half the waveform (from the 0dB reference line, up) was enough and "it saves room" in the timeline/storyline.

I made this for a visual effect, but when simplified, is quite capable of assisting you with your editing needs:

https://fcpxtemplates.com/waveform-kit/

As far as I know, this is the only plugin like it in the FCP universe (so I *think* posting the link is forum legal in this case). If not, search for "waveform kit" on google (should show up in the top 5).

It takes considerably less time to set up than to actually have an audio source converted to a graphic waveform since the waveforms are already made in FCP, and it contains everything (and more) that you want. It tracks the playhead in real time while editing, and when you're done with it, just toggle the visibility off for the waveform image. (The videos will illustrate how to put everything together. BTW, the effects are built to be used for *more* than just this type of project.)

Be careful cropping the edges (according to directions) but if you miss it slightly, it's not difficult re-sync'ing animation with its Adjust Start and Adjust Sync End sliders.

The plugin will handle extreme aspect ratio images (greater than 20:1) so you can use as much of the screen width as you need to copy the waveforms. Keeping the audio clip lengths to to under two minutes will help with visualizing details.

HTH

Hi Gary. Rectified audio (above the zero crossing) is what you're seeing in FCP. Unfortunately I haven't found an option to disable that and show the full waveform. You can increase the lane height, dedicate more of it to audio and enable reference wave forms (Preferences->Editing->Show reference waveforms) to show more detail. Below I've increased the lane height, set the clip display to only show audio and enabled reference waveforms.

I agree there should be an option to show the entire waveform. Send feedback from within FCP: Final Cut Pro->Provide Final Cut Pro Feedback...