Problem sending FCP X audio output over USB connection

Question

Problem sending FCP X audio output over USB connection

I have an Antelope Eclipse digital audio converter/monitor controller. It connects to my Mac Pro via USB.

I can play audio just fine out of Pro Tools HD Native at any sample rate.

However, I have just discovered that the audio from FCP X is distorted and "wobbly"......apparently there is a sample rate sync problem between FCP X and the Eclipse.

The audio in question is Linear PCM @ 48kHz.

Is there a problem with FCP X sending audio out through a USB 2.0 connection?

Do I need to change some FCP X settings?

Final Cut Pro X, Mac OS X (10.7.4), Mac Pro 2 x 2.4GHz Quad-Core Intel

Posted on Jun 6, 2012 2:22 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,816 points

Jun 6, 2012 2:47 PM in response to Michael Holmes1

There is no FCP setting to change. The application doesn't support audio output via USB.

Reply

Answer 2

Jun 6, 2012 3:06 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Man, what a pain. They are not in the modern world...............audio DAW's like Pro Tools have been interfacing with USB for some time.

So I will need a soundcard to output digital (probably Toslink)?

Any limitations on what FCP X will interface with?

Be nice to know before I buy. 🙂

Reply

Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,816 points

Jun 6, 2012 3:09 PM in response to Michael Holmes1

FCP doesn't interface with any audio card that I know of. It will interface with AJA, Black Magic Design, and Matrox devices.

Reply

Answer 4

Jun 6, 2012 3:27 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Well, I'll have to try to sort out the options. These products appear to be aimed at video output. I can already see the video on my monitor. I simply need a stereo audio interface that outputs digital in Toslink, XLR, or S/PDIF....much simpler than a video/audio interface. My monitor controller has high quality D/A converters to handle conversion to analog for monitoring.

Reply

Answer 5

Jun 6, 2012 3:49 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom,

You say FCP X doesn't interface with sound cards, but I was using the Pro Tools HD native card to output audio before I switched to USB, and it worked fine with FCP X. So, wouldn't FCP X work with any sound card that the Mac Pro supports? You simply select the sound card in Mac System Preferences and, as long as the Mac works with it, FCP X doesn't know the difference. Am I missing something?

Reply

Answer 6

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,816 points

Jun 6, 2012 3:52 PM in response to Michael Holmes1

I guess it does. Every one I've spoken to says FCP ignores the audio preference, but if it works, great.

Reply

Answer 7

Jun 6, 2012 3:59 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

How would the audio routing in the computer be determined if it ignores the Mac Pro Preferences?

I am certainly not an expert here........I just always thought this is where the routing choices are made.

Reply

Answer 8

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,816 points

Jun 6, 2012 4:13 PM in response to Michael Holmes1

In video applications normally audio follows video. If you're using the computer monitor for the video then the audio uses the speaker output. If you're using a detected video board, the audio follows the video there. Separating the two can lead to sync problems. FCP7 had preferences to offset the sync discrepancies. FCPX does not.

Reply

Answer 9

Jun 6, 2012 6:19 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Thanks for the input. Yes, I am aware of possible latency issues. I would stay with low latency sound cards like the Pro Tools card, which worked fine. There would be no D/A conversion, so latency is usually not an issue.

I have asked about compatibility with sound cards in a separate thread, just to be sure any sound card that the Mac Pro recognizes will work:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4008530

Reply

Answer 10

Jun 6, 2012 6:42 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Man, all this discussion...........and all I need to do is use the Mac Pro optical out to the monitor controller. Doh.

Reply