QuickTime 5.1 Surround in FCP?

Question

Level 1

35 points

QuickTime 5.1 Surround in FCP?

Here is one I have been pondering.
I will capture 5.1 surround sound on set by using the Holophone surround sound microphone system. I would like to be able to sync the 5.1 audio with the video into a QuickTime file (I know how to do this) and import that QuickTime into FCP. When I add a clip to the timeline, will it place the 6 channels of audio there with it?

Option 2!
I have the option of embedding Dolby Pro Logic II files into a QuickTime. This encoded signal is stereo and then can be decode to 5.1 later during the sound design process.

Any tips out there?

PowerBookG4, Mac OS X (10.3.9), 2GB Ram

Posted on May 31, 2006 12:17 PM

Reply

Answer 1

illtrax Author

Level 1

35 points

Jun 1, 2006 2:20 AM in response to illtrax

Tried it when I got home last night, and yes, QuickTime with 6 channels of audio (5+1) when added to timeline has 6 audio tracks to go with it.
For discussion purposes, has anyone seen or heard about the Holophone H4 SuperMINI Surround Sound microphone system? Very cool system!! It has 6 microphones built in with 6 outputs. BUT, it also has a Dolby Pro Logic II out put so you can record a 2 channel encoded signal into the camera or DAT recorder forgoing and expensive multi-track onset recorder. In the computer you can decode the Pro Logic stream and then embed the audio back into the captured QuickTime. Bring it into FCP and edit with the 5.1 atmospheres.
As a sound engineer turned editor, this seems really cool to me!
Any comments?

Reply

Answer 2

Jun 1, 2006 6:53 AM in response to illtrax

illtrax,
Thank You so much for your effort! I thoght you could based on the literature but I can barely afford to buy the basics so and need to learn from others experience. Thank you for sharing yours!
What/how do I need to decode the Pro Logic stream? and What software are you using to master your 5.1 mix?

Also, I read about the microphone from NAB and it sounds really cool but I couldn't find a price. Do you know what it sells for?

G4 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Reply

Answer 3

illtrax Author

Level 1

35 points

Jun 5, 2006 5:30 AM in response to JediValdez

JediVaidez,
Sorry, for not getting back to right away. Spent the last few days on Black Sea. In Istanbul it was 35 degrees Celsius in the shade so some cool off time in the sea was needed.

You can read about the decoder on Dolby's website

http://www.dolby.com/professional/proaudio_engineering/products_mastering-DVDHD.html

The microphone site is...
http://www.holophone.com/

I just searched the prices and this is what I found.

H2-PRO 7.1 Surround Microphone
$5,670
Captures 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 surround sound.
Requires phantom power.
Includes cable with 8 XLR outs.

H3-D 5.1 Surround Microphone
$1,602 Captures 5.1 surround sound. Requires phantom power.
Includes 5m cable with 6 XLR outs.

H4 Super Mini 5.1 Surround Microphone
$2,358 Camera-mount mic.
Uses 4 AA batteries.
Outputs 2-ch.
Dolby Pro-Logic encoded audio or 6 outs via 3 stereo mini jacks.

I found these prices on Saved By Technology's website ( http://www.savedbytechnology.com/main/productsus.htm) They are in US dollars.

Then I get the gear I will post some examples and how-to details on the web.

I use Digital Performer to edit my final audio sequence and mix with a Tascam DM-24 digital mixer. You can mix with the program just fine but I like to push buttons and faders with my fingers, not a mouse. You could also use Sound Track Pro or even FCP. Use Compressor to encode your AC3 file for the DVD.

Hope this helps
Peace
illtrax

Reply