How to copy timing/cuts from one audio clip to another in Final Cut Pro?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to copy timing/cuts from one audio clip to another in Final Cut Pro?

"I'm a longtime Premiere Pro user and I've recently started testing Final Cut Pro. I'm trying to achieve a specific workflow: I have two versions of the same song (a vocal version and an instrumental). In Premiere, I can simply double-click the audio clip, copy the timing/cuts from the In and Out points, and paste them onto the instrumental track like the example bellow:

https://youtu.be/R7hOZ71AbYs

How do I do something similar in FCP? I need to replicate the timing of one audio clip onto another. Any help would be appreciated!"

Posted on Sep 10, 2026 6:42 AM

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Answer 1

BenB

Level 6

13,854 points

Sep 10, 2026 7:29 AM in response to Tiagolago

I think in FCP you'd approach that project in a totally different way. Two audio tracks, one with vocal, one without, otherwise identical. Put them in a Compound Clip, disable one of them (V), edit. Then go back into the Parent Compound Clip, and switch which is enabled and which is disabled. That should change which audio track is hear, with the same edits. Someone else may have a better solution here.

Rule #1 of learning Final Cut Pro is; NEVER try to make FCP work like traditional NLEs, cause it just doesn't. Don't compare, learn it from scratch.

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Answer 2

Tiagolago Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 14, 2026 8:25 AM in response to BenB

Thank you, I'll try to do that!

I understand that FCP is not a traditional editor and I have been trying to get used to it and as I only download the instrumental versions when I realize that there is a need, I thought that some features would work in a more "traditional" way even if it was hidden in menus.

Knowing this, I already download both versions at once.

Thanks for your help!

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Answer 3

BenB

Level 6

13,854 points

Sep 14, 2026 9:02 AM in response to Tiagolago

I strongly suggest a good course in FCP to start with. I can assure you it will save you tons of time and headaches. Ripple Training is one of the best. There are others. All the best.

Both versions of what?

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Answer 4

terryb

Level 4

3,782 points

Sep 14, 2026 10:54 AM in response to Tiagolago

Several free tutorials to get you started:

Steve at Ripple Training’s 60 minute FCP tutorial overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqUP7Zgeuck
Final Cut Bro getting started https://youtu.be/L3bZ-ETKZ8U
Izzy Video tutorials. Older so the UI looks different but the basic concepts are still correct. https://youtu.be/_jvyrnQpR1E?list=PLp5SAgbM8S87n1qvv34-PAU2zMHLlXyfb

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