About microphones and room noise, Connecting audio devices and configuring software – Apple Final Cut Pro 6 User Manual
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Connecting Audio Devices and Configuring Software
Setting up your computer to record voiceover involves several steps.
Step 1:
Install or connect an audio interface
An audio interface can be your computer’s built-in audio port, a PCI audio card, a USB
audio device, or a DV camcorder connected via FireWire. Regardless of which audio
interface you use, it must be compatible with Mac OS X. Once your recording device is
connected, the Voice Over tool automatically detects it and adds it to the list of devices
in the Source pop-up menu. (If you connect a USB audio device, it can take up to
10 seconds for Final Cut Pro to detect it.)
About Microphones and Room Noise
The quality of your sound recording is dependent on the quality of the microphone and
preamplifier used. A microphone converts (or transduces) sound to electricity, and the
preamplifier (or preamp) boosts the tiny microphone level to line level for recording.
Condenser microphones are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones and are
usually best for voice recordings. Condenser microphones require power to operate,
whereas dynamic microphones do not. Some condenser microphones can use
batteries to provide the necessary power, and most preamplifiers can also provide
“phantom power” to the microphone via an XLR connector and cable.
Preamps are often selected because of the way they “color” the sound of the
microphone, emphasizing some frequencies over others. Analog tube preamplifiers
are often used for their warm, full sound.
Condenser microphones are usually more expensive than dynamic microphones, but
they make a big difference in vocal recordings.
A good voiceover recording requires an extremely quiet acoustic environment. Air
conditioning, noise from outside, and room reverberation can all be potential
problems. Most voiceovers are recorded in a professional studio or voiceover booth
to minimize noise.
Microphone
Microphone
input
USB audio
interface
USB
Portable computer
Headphones
Headphone
out