Filtering out high pitched sounds

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Level 1

0 points

Filtering out high pitched sounds

Hi, all,

I have a G5 quad and Final Cut Studio. I am fairly new to editing and have been doing some basic editing. I have never yet tried using Soundtrack but I have a small clip that has two high pitched squeals (possibly from a car) interfering with some dialog and I would like to try to remove the high squeals.

Could anybody tell me step by step how to get the clip to Soundtrack and remove these noises (if it is possible)? I saw a tutorial at an exhibition recently where the lady selected part of a clip, isolated the noise and told Soundtrack to remove all instances of this noise. I'm wondering if I could do the same trick here, but I don't remember the technique.

I'd appreciate any help. Thank you.

G5 quad, Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Posted on Feb 14, 2006 11:56 AM

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Answer 1

mlehmann

Level 4

3,206 points

Feb 14, 2006 8:42 PM in response to Marlaalram

With Channel EQ, you can try this:

Select the highest peak filter (third one from the right, after the lowpass filter and the high shelving). Use a thin Q (the highest the number, the thinnest the Q), boost the gain to +18db and move the frequency until you got the main frequency of the squeals. It helps to loop the squeals. Cut the gain to -12 to -18 and use your hears.

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Answer 2

Mar 26, 2006 7:04 PM in response to Marlaalram

For the next time you run into this, you can probably first try to do it in Final Cut Pro. Go to the Audio Filters and add the 'Low Pass Filter' to the offending clip. Then double click the clip to open it in the viewer and go the filters tab.

The Low Pass filter lets through all the lower frequencies and cuts off anything above the frequency you set. Cutting off everything above 5000 generally does not affect dialogue tones, so you might try that setting first. Try different values until you get rid of the squeal (if it's high enough) without affecting dialogue.

Jim

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Answer 3

Blearyeyes

Level 4

2,598 points

Feb 14, 2006 12:48 PM in response to Marlaalram

Might or might not be possible depending on the frequency of the squeel.
Sounds like you need to read the manual. Everything you ask is in there.
Except the 30 years of audio engineering experience that helps sometimes.
Good luck

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Answer 4

Marlaalram Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 15, 2006 4:33 PM in response to Blearyeyes

Hi, Bleary,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Unfortunately I don't have the time at the moment to really read the manual. I did skim through it and couldn't find the technique I saw at the seminar.

I have a lot of work at the moment that I need to get out so I guess the squeals will just have to stay unless I can figure it out quickly.

Thanks again anyhow.

Marla.

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Answer 5

Marlaalram Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 15, 2006 4:37 PM in response to mlehmann

Hi, Miehmann,

Thank you also for taking the time to respond to my question. Unfortunately your reply is too technical for a dimwit like me to follow. I'm not sure if Channel EQ is in FCP or in Soundtrack and honestly I don't think I could understand your suggestions enough to implement the technique.

However, thank you for trying anyway.

Marla.

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