How to import DV 12 bit audio

Question

How to import DV 12 bit audio

I received a miniDV tape of an event recorded in 12 bit audio mode. Other tapes from the same event are 16 bit.

The FCP 5.1 User Manual states on page 321: "Note: If the sample rate of the audio on your tape does not match your capture preset, Final Cut Pro performs a high-quality, real-time sample rate conversion. However, you should avoid mismatching your tape and capture preset sample rate whenever possible. "

I attempted to change my capture preset to match but I could only find 32Khz 16bit, not 32khz 12 bit. Has this process changed from FCP 4.5? I seem to remember 12 bit being there (although it could be a dream).

Can I trust the sample rate conversion FCP does if I leave it at 48Khz 16bit? What is the recommended procedure for handling 12 bit audio?

Thanks

PowerMac G4 Dual 1.25GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.8), FW800, 4 internal HD - 870GB

Posted on Feb 16, 2007 7:34 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 16, 2007 9:53 PM in response to Thomas Emmerich

I think I have answered my own question:

1. When I kept the capture preset at 48kHz, 16 bit, I got an error (after the capture was finished) that there was an audio mismatch and I may have sync issues.

2. I set the capture preset to 32kHz, 16 bit and recaptured and received no error. I suspect this was the correct way to do it. However, I don't understand why its labeled as 32kHz, 16 bit when 32kHz audio is 12 bit. Are they trying to show its getting converted to 16 bit?

And what about that note in the manual...

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Answer 2

Feb 16, 2007 9:55 PM in response to Thomas Emmerich

I didn't intend to mark my question as answered since I'm still not sure I did things right. I'm pretty sure the not-answered radio button was selected. oh well.

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