Video:Final Cut Pro: How to Edit Audio Tracks

Transcript:Final Cut Pro: How to Edit Audio Tracks

Hi, I'm Nick and today for about.com, I'm going to teach you how to edit audio clips in Final Cut Pro X.

Audio Tracks on Final Cut Pro

Audio clips are added to the timeline using the same methods as with video clips. By selecting the ‘Audio Only' option, you will only insert audio clips into your timeline, even if there is video footage attached to the original file. To insert clips, click the insert button of your choosing, or use the keyboard shortcuts Q, W, E or D. Remember that these insert buttons all react in slightly different ways; appending adds a clip to the end of the timeline, whereas overwriting replaces any clip that is in the way.

Adding in Audio Tracks on Final Cut Pro

If you want to add a clip with both video and audio, you can isolate the audio from the clip by right-clicking and selecting ‘Detatch Audio'.

Located just above the timeline is a button that allows you to search your hard drive for audio files and add them to your project. Once you have found a suitable file, you can simply drag and drop into the timeline, or you can drop it into event library if you prefer.

Editing Audio Tracks on Final Cut Pro

By right-clicking on an audio file, you have several options available to you, including disabling and enabling the clip, making the clip solo, or isolating it from the rest of the timeline. This makes effects such as retiming much easier to control.

Audio Enhancements in Final Cut Pro

By opening the inspector, you have access to other audio options such as pan mode and audio enhancements such as equalization. You can also add further effects by clicking on the effects button and scrolling down to audio effects. There are plenty to choose from!

Audio Tools in Final Cut Pro

It's also possible to use the tools when editing audio files. The blade tool allows you to cut the clip at specified points. The trim tool allows you to move those edit points, as well as alter the in and out points of a selected clip. The position tool allows for precise clip movement, regardless of the positioning of surrounding clips. The zoom tool allows you to zoom into and out of the timeline and the hand tool makes searching the timeline much easier.

Each clip has a button in the top left that offers further options. By selecting audio enchancements, Final Cut Pro X can attempt to fix problems that it deems as unacceptable. If you prefer more precise control over such things, don't forget you can bring up a levels bar by clicking on the levels button in the dashboard.

Now you know how to do some basic audio editing. For more FCP tips and tricks, visit Compute.About.com.