Tired of waiting for FCP X? Not enough money to pay for this super expensive pro app to boot? $300!? That’s crazy. Make your old version of FCP work “just like” FCP X. This 3 minute tutorial will show you how.

Syncing Dual System Audio in Final Cut Pro from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

The main problem with today’s HDSLR cameras is the poor quality audio they capture. This is a small obstacle to overcome with the super-affordable, high quality-audio-capturing Zoom H1
. The problem then becomes syncing the two sources in post production.

Assuming you’ve used a slate or hand clap to give a solid point to align the two audio waveforms, the method I describe here is basically broken into three parts:

1. Mark an In point on the precise subframe for both audio only and video by shift dragging and releasing the playhead to achieve subframe editing.
2. Align all video and audio In points in separate tracks in the Timeline then delete the unwanted audio tracks and link the remaining video and audio (Command-L or Modify > Link).
3. Drag the newly linked video and audio into an organized bin in the Browser to create a new master clip that will keep the linkage you’ve just defined.

I find it to be a relatively fast process -- as long as I’m not making a screencast about it while I’m doing it. ;-) Eventually I might find myself syncing dual system audio enough to justify the purchase of PluralEyes. As it is now, I kind of enjoy the marking, linking, and organizing process.

Tags: fcp, audio, Zoom H1, editing, screencast

Browser Basics - Final Cut Pro Screencast from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

The least exciting area of the Final Cut Pro interface is the lowly Browser. Everyone knows the basics, but did you know ⌘4 is the keyboard shortcut to make it the active window?

Did you know you can cycle through view options with ⇧H and you can copy a clip from one bin to another by Option-dragging or by using the keyboard shortcut ⌥D?More...

Tags: fcp, apple, software, screencast

I’m still trying to find the perfect workflow that fits the bulk of the editing I do on a regular basis. As unexciting as it is to admit, that editing job is simply taking footage from my Canon T2i and turning it into, well...a home movie.

A perfect workflow scenario for me would look something like this:More...

Tags: fcp, video, audio, apple

Here's a test in 3 versions, all recorded in what I would describe as a light to medium wind.

The first is with no windscreen. Results are poor as expected.

The second is with a homemade dead cat -- thanks to my neighbor for sewing it together for me! I think I'll keep my eyes peeled for different fake furs and see if I can find one that isn't so conspicuous. On second thought, the T2i with the H1 mounted on top may as well have a leopard print windscreen. It's not like I'm sneaking around anywhere with it.

The third is with a standard issue windscreen.

I know they also make a windscreen that's built specifically for the H1, but it doesn't look like it's anything too special and I don't really need the rest of the goods that come with the $25 accessory kit.

Zoom H1 Wind Noise Test from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

Tags: Zoom H1, audio, video

My kids are such good sports. I asked them to spend a couple seconds helping me compare the audio quality between the three sources:

The T2i built in audio - obviously not the preferred method of capturing audio, but it has to work in a pinch and I wanted to hear how it sounds next to the other two options.

The Zoom H1 mounted to the top of the camera - this picked up plenty of me talking and a little of Evan talking. Here we have a case where I think it would have sounded fine if an adult would have been talking louder from the same spot Evan was. In his defense, it is a little bizarre to have to tell your dad how old you are!

Audio Technica ATR3340 Lav Microphone - I mounted this to Aaron's shirt. His first instinct was to lift it up and stick it right next to his mouth to talk. He quickly learned to just let it pick up audio naturally and I think the result is fairly good. If you listen carefully about midway through his "interview" you can hear the classic sound of a cell phone (my iPhone in my pocket) causing hum.

Always remember to monitor your audio and turn your cell phone off so as not to ruin a real interview!

Also, I should note that I didn't get off to a good start with the ATR-3350. I took it out of the box, recorded this and proceeded to leave it turned on for the amount of time it took me to edit the video. Better buy some extra batteries to have on hand.

Audio Comparison: T2i - Zoom H1 - ATR3350 Lav from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

Thanks to www.cheesycam.com for the suggestion on the ATR3350.

My impressions of the Zoom H1: I like the size, but it does feel a little flimsy. It’s 100% plastic, which doesn’t bode well for its durability. I discuss that and more, with some audio samples included at the end. Visit the Vimeo page for more information. Overall impression: if you need a portable recorder, and you can take care of this, it’s probably the best bang for your buck. Go ahead and get it.

A Look at the Zoom H1 Recorder from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

Tags: T2i, Zoom H1, canon, hdslr, fcp, audio

We didn’t exactly build a treehouse or catch a fish, but me and the boys spent some time making a video this afternoon. Evan was a lot of help and came up with almost all the ideas for this video himself. He’s a Lego super fan. Aaron grabbed the Lego brick from in front of the train with poise and speed. Overall, it was a fine effort by both the Harrel boys. Thought you might enjoy it:

A Day in the Life of a Lego Brick from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

I was excited to pick up the Canon T2i over the summer. It immediately became a favorite toy and must-have item whenever I was out and about with the family.

Just before our family vacation, I ordered and received the LCDVF 3:2, a device touted by many HDSLR video shooters as the first accessory one should add to your camera to improve ease of focus.

I made a video giving some first impressions and offering some advice on how to get the perfect fit for the mounting frame. While I wait patiently for the Zoom H1 Handy Recorder -- my next must-have item (because, the must-have items never stop) -- I’ll post a link to the LCDVF video here, and plan to make one for the H1 when it comes in later this week.

First Thoughts on LCDVF for T2i from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

Tags: fcp, T2i, 550d, canon, LCDVF, vimeo

Come join me at the Missouri Music Educator’s Conference and Workshop Friday January 29th at 10:30am. The Lee’s Summit High School Symphonic Band will be premiering a new piece commissioned for this performance.

When I set out to write it, I knew there had to be a secret nod to Lee’s Summit High School. The first thought that occurred to me was to focus on their mascot, the tiger. Unfortunately, they rejected my first submission which Mr. Finch accurately called, “A sub-par arrangement of Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger.’”

I went back to the drawing board and created Spectrum, which is based on a vaguely “recognizable” harmonic foundation that is first established in the percussion section. Overall, the piece develops on two concepts: the blending of an unexpected idea with a pre-existing idea, and the modification of one or two subtle components as a phrase repeats.

There’s an incredible amount of “dissonance” in this piece that should sound unusually consonant, and there’s a driving rhythm that develops by blending accents of 6/8 and 3/4. I've really enjoyed hearing the Lee's Summit Symphonic Band play this piece and I hope you'll enjoy it as well.

Join me at MMEA for a great performance!