Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 944)

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.
Setting Up Your Computer to Record Voiceover
You can set up your computer to use the Voice Over tool in a studio, or you can set up
a portable computer so you can record in the field. The process for setting up your
computer to record voiceover is described in the following sections.
• Stage 1: Installing or Connecting an Audio Interface
• Stage 2: Connecting a Microphone and Microphone Preamplifier
• Stage 3: Opening the Voice Over Tool and Choosing Audio Input Settings
• Stage 4: Choosing an Audio Track and Duration for Your Voiceover
• Stage 5: Determining the Offset of Your Audio Interface
• Stage 6: Plugging In Your Headphones
944 Chapter 58 Using the Voice Over Tool