Syncing Audio with Video

Question

Level 1

4 points

Syncing Audio with Video

When I record video with the Canon 6D I simultaneously record audio on a Zoom H4n. I'm recording the on 4 channels, 1 for ambient the another for a Lavalier. After being imported into Final Cut Pro X I synchronize the 3 clips. When I open the entire clip into the timeline I am able to modulate the audio from the camera and the 2 channels from the H4N to my liking. Now here is where I have the problem. If I edit a clip of the now synchronized clip (i.e. take a certain section of that clip) in the browser then drag that clip to the timeline the video and the audio: the resulting clip in the timeline is now compressed into just the video and only one audio signal, and I am unable to adjust the sound to my liking. Is there a step I'm missing, or do I have no choice but to edit the entire synchronized clip in the timeline.

Thanks,

Tom

Final Cut Pro X, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), Photographer

Posted on Sep 7, 2016 7:34 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Sep 7, 2016 7:54 AM in response to buzzsdad

You should be able to use the expand audio components function to do this.

Reply

Answer 2

buzzsdad Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2016 9:30 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Hi Tom,

Unfortunately that does not work. Once I edit the synchronized clip and insert that edit into the timeline it becomes a compound clip. And like a compound clip if I expand the audio components it does not give me the 3 (1 from the 6D the other 2 from the H4n) separate audio tracks to adjust....

Thanks,

Tom

Reply

Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Sep 7, 2016 9:36 AM in response to buzzsdad

What software version are you using? How are you syncing the clips? Sync clips should not be compounds.

Reply

Answer 4

buzzsdad Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2016 10:01 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Hi Tom,

The version I have is FCPx 10.2.3. After I imput the 3 clips into FCPx I highlight all 3 then click control synchronize clips, and that gives me the synchronized clip. I've attached a screen shots of the 2 steps I've made to synchronize the clips , perhaps there is something in these settings that need to be corrected.

Thanks,

Tom

Reply

Answer 5

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Sep 7, 2016 12:20 PM in response to buzzsdad

I would suggest building them into a multicam rather than syncing them. I think you'll have more control that way.

Reply

Answer 6

buzzsdad Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2016 12:49 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Hi Tom,

I have found a solution. It's hack, yet it seems to work. I make a synchronized clip and open it in the timeline. There I make the audio adjustments and trim off the unwanted video and audio . Once I'm happy with the edit in the timeline I make it into a compound clip. Then from the browser I can drop it into the timeline. It seems to work, yet I feel there must be a more sophisticated method... Thanks for your help.

Best,

Tom

Reply