Easily Sync Audio & Video in Final Cut Pro!

[@tombuck]

If you want to level up your editing skills with Final Cut Pro, check out my video editing course "Rough Cut to Final Cut" where I'll share literally everything I know to help you become a true Final Cut Pro: learnfinalcutpro.com

[@vpcproduction7070]

I am trying to sync my audio track and video track but when i use sync function it used the audio timecode the timecode of the synced clip.. i want the video timecode.. how do i change this ?

[@IAmDavidWhipple]

2:44 This saved me big time. The double click on clip after syncing. I was having a helluva time with a podcast project syncing two clips. Worked on it for two days and almost gave up. I’ve synced A/V’s before but didn’t know they could be expanded afterwards. I wasn’t going to comment but then I see you actually respond to them. Which is especially nice to engage back.

[@betterbiblereading]

Came to the channel for the Final Cut tips, stayed for the Final Cut tips. You are a life saver yet again Tom. And congrats on taking the entrepreneur leap! I hope this channel continues to grow for you and your family

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much! It's been wonderful sop far and I really appreciate the kind words!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That jump cut tip is gold! I need to set up a second camera angle. Side note: your timeline is much cleaner than mine. Jump cuts every 2 seconds FTW!

[@tombuck]

Haha, it really helps! There’s nothing wrong with jump cuts, but there’s a certain satisfaction in covering them up 😁

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@tombuck My entire life is a jump cut.

[@mad0214]

What an awesome tip. I'm so used to audio editing from producing podcasts so I've always just tried to line up the audio by dragging it and it's a painstaking process. This will make things so much easier.

[@tombuck]

Sometimes it's hard to break those habits, but this REALLY makes things smother.

[@jasonyuan8553]

thank you for another excellent video. Simple and right to the point which is rare on KZbin now.

[@tombuck]

Thanks for the kind words! 👍

[@vardhanmahajan7135]

I just absolutely love your videos, just love them

[@tombuck]

Thank you so much! I absolutely love this comment 😁

[@RafaelLudwig]

The days before sync audio functions were not fun! Now, the same reason you like sync clip is why I like multicam - at any point I can jump to another angle quickly by pressing one key and I'm always in the main timeline. One big extra step to set up at the beginning though setting camera angles. As always a great thorough video Mr. Buck!

[@tombuck]

That’s the best way to look at it: a little more effort at the beginning can save a ton of time down the line. 👍

[@ylwmusicarchives]

Command+Shift+B is what I needed, thanks!

[@tombuck]

I added it as a hot key to "S" which makes things even simpler 👍

[@JamainFreeman]

Yes, I use the synchronize clips feature all the time. I was so glad when I discovered that it was there! It saves me soooo much time!!!!!

[@tombuck]

It makes the workflow so much smoother!

[@PrestonJensen]

This video is filled with great information!! Final Cut is AMAZING!

[@tombuck]

One of the best apps in the world, literally.

[@dominickcicero]

another awesome tutorial, why am I not surprised. Definitely a life saver when editing and sometimes the clips drift out of sync.

[@tombuck]

So frustrating when clips go out of sync!

[@TechManiac11]

Your broll is 🔥 amazing work tom

[@KaceyGreen]

Awesome, I use this all the time with Premiere, one less holdup if FCP comes to iPad or if I switch to Mac

[@tombuck]

It would be wild to see FCP on an iPad, that would be awesome.

[@haggiesm]

Nice to see and hear the Q9U in action.

[@tombuck]

It’s a great mic! Super fun to use.

[@PhillipBridgesReviews]

I wish Final Cut was for PC. Still watching the video for support.👍 I finally got fed up with Premier Pro and bought Davinci Resolve. I grabbed the Speed Editor package so I got Resolve for free. Such a game-changer.

[@tombuck]

Resolve is great. Final Cut for PC would be cool, but I doubt it’d ever be as quick and stable 😬

[@PhillipBridgesReviews]

@@tombuck lol. Probably.

[@GuilDormeus]

Great video! I love using synchronize saves so much time

[@tombuck]

It’s one of the beet ways to smooth out your workflow 👍

[@LokeyTavs]

Great video, Tom - My only observation is to turn the Audio Skimming off, so it doesn't compete with your voice-over clip!

[@tombuck]

That’s my bad, I didn’t realize I hadn’t turned it off until the video was fully recorded 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ScottBurnette]

Very good video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome! Hopefully it’s helpful.

[@GaryCantrell]

Very very helpful Tom! Thank you!!!

[@tombuck]

Thanks Gary! Have fun in Vegas!

[@MelvinVarghesePhD]

So good (and the puns are a cut above the rest 😜)! This was so helpful for someone like me who’s just learning Final Cut Pro. Thanks, Tom.

[@tombuck]

I’m so glad to hear it! Final Cut is such an awesome program, and it’s got a million little features like this that help make things easier.

[@WhenLeeIsFree]

Super useful. My content isn’t at this level yet. But always great to know and learn. You never know when it’s gonna help.

[@tombuck]

Absolutely! Tricks like this can always come in handy down the line. Best wishes on your creative journey!

[@marcosleblanc9029]

Hydration Tip: Drink some water every time Tom makes a pun.

[@tombuck]

FYI, it is possible to die from water poisoning 😬

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not a fish and don't want to drown.

[@kavanoise1543]

Great info thank you. I am getting back to Into things after many years so useful. I wondered how would handle or approach shooting an interview on one c,era but with ext sound if you want to get alt angles whIch clearly wouldn’t be captured live thanks

[@tombuck]

Fortunately there are a few different ways to approach it and they're all pretty simple. 👍

[@kavanoise1543]

@@tombuck great thanks ..do you have any resource to suggest I check out please? Thanks

[@norbertutz7545]

Awesome you saved my day! Thank you so much!

[@tombuck]

Glad I could help!

[@peterandhiscat]

Such a great video, really useful, thanks.

[@ScoutsOut]

Thank you Sir, love your content!!!

[@tombuck]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@JamesMusicCo]

Lots of great tips here! I especially liked the alternatives to jump cuts and the shift-cmd-b shortcut. One tip I have: delete the audio file of unused clips using Control-Shift-S. This prevents “noise” or possible mistakes of lowering the gain. Are you capturing your audio from the Rode to your camera or directly into the Rodecaster?

[@tombuck]

Great tip! And I’m recording into the Rodecaster then syncing the clips like in the video 👍

[@JamesMusicCo]

@@tombuck Nice! I started recording externally using a Focusrite Scarlett into Logic Pro. I then have to bounce the track I record and import into Final Cut. Using the synchronize clips feature is very handy and it was great seeing your workflow for this! Thanks!

[@pablokbs]

Hey! Just wanted to say hello and sorry for not rating your puns lately. I’ve been busy. The heart-list pun was awesome

[@tombuck]

Haha, no worries. Great to see you here!

[@cordiscoscorner]

I use Camtasia for recording (audio and video capture) my podcasts and KZbin channel. What are your thoughts on Camtasia?

[@tombuck]

I haven't used Camtasia yet, but I've heard great things about it and it's been on my "to learn" list for a long time.

[@cordiscoscorner]

@@tombuck Thanks Tom for you reply. You're a tech guy...new issue. I upgraded to a Samsung S21 5G. I used TRRS cables I got from Rode to do interviews on my old cell through my Rodecaster Pro. TRRS on both ends. There is NO plug in on my new cell. Is there an adapter so I can still use my cell with the Rodecaster? Be well. CYA.

[@Max.X.BrainShaker]

Super helpful!

[@tombuck]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JusssMee]

Hey Tom, do you offer 1 on 1 lessons on Final Cut Pro and Rode pro caster 2? If so I would like to purchase some lessons

[@tombuck]

Hey! I don't have any 1-1 times available, but I do podcasting and FCP courses (not Rodecaster specific though): himynameistom.com/courses

[@chektek]

NSYNC... **gets up and walks away** ... shoot, I actually want to watch this video. **sits back down**

[@tombuck]

🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻

[@PATRICKCASTILLO]

It’s gets expensive to follow your channel. I know you get that a lot. You are trustworthy. You can sell anything you honestly like 👍 I got Final Cut now! Thanx! :) Rodecaster Pro on the way. We have similar setups. Yours are much better but I really like your way of thinking. Got ECamm, Atem Mini, Elgato Camlink 4K, the prompter, second screen, M1 Mac, I use the lighting that I already had for stage lighting. Studio Par Spotlights in every corner, RGB uplights for the background with dmx programing controlled by an app in the phone or tablet. ADJ Airstream DMX. I use first the things that I already owned before streaming came in to my life and a lot works fine. Like the Shure SM58:s, sounds great with the foam-cover! :) One thing that we need for this workflow is to learn how to make our own graphic overlays and the animated ones also. If you got clients that wants a production with their colors and profile/branding. What are the best options. Budget and no budget. This I think takes the productions to a higher level. Worth spending time on this.

[@tombuck]

Holy smokes! That's a very nice setup 😁 Photoshop and Illustrator are still at the top when it comes to design work. I primarily use Photoshop and Procreate (on the iPad), but I do wish there was an Adobe alternative. The Affinity software suite is supposed to be pretty great, but it's not quite at the same level of Adobe yet. And of course Canva is a great simple free/affordable option.

[@PATRICKCASTILLO]

@@tombuck Thanks 🙏 I got Photoshop. -Do I need Ilustrarator as well? I’m looking at Canva. Seems really nice! Easil is nice too! I did a few test making animated overlays in Keynote and it was amazing considering the program is not made for that. So many options, so little money and time! :(

[@yourfriendrich]

Hi Tom! Do you have a fancy workflow for importing your 4k footage from the multiple cameras? I am trying to find a workflow that is quicker than taking the memory card out of multiple cameras and then adding them into Final Cut independently. I have a Rodecaster Pro thats taking the input from my mics and running them into the Atem Mini Extreme Iso so I can quickly put content into final cut that's 1080p, however, if I want to transition the 1080p I have to take all memory cards out of my cameras and then switch them out on FCP. I am working with a Sony a7c and will be adding additional ones for 2-4 more angles. I would be ecstatic to hear how you do things on your end. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated! Also, I'd like to note that you are doing fantastic in the KZbin space and have a refreshing approach which makes your content stand out, Kudos!

[@tombuck]

Hey Rich! I don't really do anything fancy- I made a Final Cut workflow video a few months ago and everything is pretty much the same. My wife records everything through Ecamm, but I still use memory cards. Once I'm done I import all the footage to a folder (I usually clean up my studio and stuff while waiting for the import) and then add the clips to Final Cut. I create a new Library each month and a new Event for each project that month. Once I'm finished I delete the Event and also "delete the generated Library files" to save space. Everything gets moved to an archive drive and I'm ready to start again 👍

[@redpromediat.o.tstrongteam1679]

This was really helpful.

[@tombuck]

I'm really happy to hear that!

[@Gsta613]

You going to run the beta on the rodecaster, that allows you to use the sound pads, as camera switching controls? Cutting out the need to run an atem mini? It’s be really nice to see a more detailed beta video than what Rode produced.

[@tombuck]

I’ve got that video! I dove right in and made it the same day the update was released. It’s a little wonky, but it works 👍

[@rudyonthego]

Question: Which Rodecaster Pro audio file do you choose to use as your main audio being that when you use the Podcast Transfer Mode, do you use the main mic or stereo mix?

[@tombuck]

I usually do everything in stereo unless I'm recording with someone else or doing something where I know that I'll need multitrack down the line.

[@davidevans715]

Great video!

[@tombuck]

Thanks David!

[@nonam3party]

Thanks for this very informativ video. One question. Does this also handle issues with video footage that has variable frame rates and/ or different bitrate for audio then the extra audio recording? Or should I convert before editing to a constant frame rate and convert all the audio channels to the same bitrate of 48k?

[@tombuck]

It's always best to match things as closely as possible. There are too many variables for me to answer definitively, but it never hurts to give it a try! Put the different clips in and see if/how it syncs them 👍

[@09gpeters]

Great video, thanks Tom

[@Smesh_Pound_Podcast]

hey Tom, thanks for the video. I have a question for you. what's the best way to sinc audio from the rodecaster pro 2 to video from the atem mini pro? given that the footage file from the atem has no audio. Thanks in advanced

[@tombuck]

The easiest way would be to clap on camera when you start recording. Then you can match the visual of the clap with the audio spike in the waveform and you'll be all set 👍

[@MSladekPhoto]

Love one-click sync! Couple of questions: 1) does FCP work to keep that nested clip in sync automatically and continuously as you edit? Sounds like it does. And, 2) I'm thinking of jumping from Premiere Pro, especially if there's an M1(X?) in my future, and was wondering if you had any resources for quick tips on getting started in FCP? I started way back in the day with FCP, but never used FCPX.... Thanks!

[@tombuck]

*1.* Yes! (or at least I haven't had any issues thus far) *2.* The easiest way to make the leap from Premiere to FCP is to _not_ try and transplant your Premiere habits. Instead of thinking "it should be like this" because that's what you're used to, think of what makes the most sense and it'll likely be there. And of course Google/KZbin are the best teachers. There will be a learning curve, but it's not too bad and I'm sure you'll love it in the end. If you've ever used Resolve, a lot of the controls and shortcuts are the same, so that makes things easy too.

[@MSladekPhoto]

@@tombuck Thanks! As an Apple fanboy, I might be required to switch…

[@tombuck]

It’s really my favorite application of all time. Plus it’s a one time fee! I bought mine in 2012 and still get all the updates 👍

[@jomo167]

hey man, great video. i am trying to sync a mutli cam drum cover and having an absolute nightmare lining up audio wave forms. will this work method work for drum audio sync? thank you so much!

[@Samtagri]

Editing a multicam video without using a multicam clip for someone who knows how to make a multicam clip is pure madness.

[@MrCameraJunkie]

FCPX FTW Great video, see you later bro

[@isavkov]

I’m syncing and editing the exact same way ☺️☺️

[@tombuck]

Nice! 👏

[@JustinCountryman]

Hey Tom, I have a 90d cannon and thinking of getting podmic/rodecaster for audio. Will my 90d record audio well enough through internal mic on its own so when I sync with external audio final cut can sync effectively? Thanks!

[@tombuck]

Yes! The internal mic on the 90D is a great “scratch mic” for syncing audio 👍

[@mezzeandtapas]

Hi Tom - Boy - have I binged your FCP videos in the last couple of days. Just found you - Subscribed because your content and delivery is excellent! Learned a ton, and still have more to learn. Thanks for the great work. As for the synching -- did like you said to synch a single video file and single audio file, each about 27mins long. (FCP makes it easy -- seemingly). Picture perfect in the beginning -- start noticing them out of synch about the 9 min point. By the end of the video, probably a good 3 second diff between audio tracks. Looks like really bad lip sync. Video filmed at 30 FPS, Paid no attention to speed setting on audio (ZOOM Lav mic). Am I better to chop the video up into clips and synch shorter clips? Or its there something I should be doing in the recordings themselves? Oh -- and love Love LOVE the puns. Such a great touch and distinguishing feature!!

[@tombuck]

Thanks for all the kind words John! Audio drift is a common problem and usually has to do with a few audio settings and frame rates. I've found that recording audio at 48000kHz with a camera set to 24fps will usually stay perfectly in sync. There are a couple of ways to fix drift: 1. The Brute Force Method™: split your audio clip every few minutes and then nudge it over a few frames. Go through the entire project and then you'll be all set. Can be pretty tedious depending on video length though. 2. Slow down/speed up your audio by a small amount like 0.01%. This can help align everything and the change in speed is really too small to affect the pitch/tone. Hope that helps!

[@mezzeandtapas]

@@tombuck Hi Tom -- thank you for the reply. I tried Method 2 but it appears that the audio inspector just takes whole numbers -- when I enter 99.99, or 100.01, both round back to 100, and my audio is still out of synch. I've resorted to Method 1, which isn't that bad. The good news is this is a 'practice' video, and I'll be sure to check my record settings when I move to 'real' videos. I appreciate your help!

[@DarkPa1adin]

hey Tom, thanks for this tip! what happens if the audio from the video itself is not in sync in the first place?

[@tombuck]

At that point you usually just need to add the clip to the timeline and detach the audio. Then you can use the period and comma keys to nudge it until it syncs up.

[@osama_jason]

I noticed that the Final Cut sync feature isn't as precise as Adobe Premiere in milliseconds. Do you have any solution, please?

[@tombuck]

To be honest, I haven't had any issues with it 😬

[@SamuelPeiffer]

Can I synchronize after the cutting ?

[@tombuck]

This process is something to do in the Media Browser before cutting things on the timeline. But you cna always stick to the old school method of syncing things manually after the edit has started.

[@InstatechPRO]

What happens in any case you need to sync a new clip to your timeline ?Can FCPX allign it inside timeline???

[@tombuck]

You can sync additionally clips, but I honestly just add more manually using the period and comma keys to nudge it frame by frame until it syncs. 👍

[@InstatechPRO]

@@tombuck thank you very much!

[@mattwruff]

It a pet-peave of my it those Punch-In cuts “I HATE THEM” ok now that I got that out of the way I like your edit around jump cut! So you just mute the sound files. I delete them because I got burned more than one and had to go back in and fit it. What sound quality are you using out the RODECaster Pro? I have a MixPre 6 ii which is a great sound recorded and that what I take into FCPX. That said you sound and video looks great so whatever your doing it’s working.

[@tombuck]

I used to dislike the punch ins, but at least for KZbin, I started liking them more for emphasizing points. I still prefer cutting do a different angle though. I import my Rodecaster files as WAV at 48000hz 👍

[@TheSeniorTec]

@@tombuck I forgot the Rodecaster output WAV files since I use it only for Podcast and output mp3. Old Age!

[@mannerundqvist1950]

Final Cut Squad! R U Here?

[@StephenStanforth]

What if you are recording 2 people and both have their own microphones. will this work the same way? ie I am doing a interview with me and 2 subjects, both are mic'd up and recording them in a separate file.

[@wmosleycr7]

Any tips on your scratch audio not available?

[@tombuck]

In that case you’ll have to use the old school method of trying to align things manually. You can use the period and comma keys to nudge tracks frame by frame until things sync up.

[@Thisisjessenotjessie]

Any Idea on why it will take longer than usual to sync it up? My FCP facing this problem often when I'm trying to sync my audio and video. Need help here.... Thanks

[@tombuck]

Hmm, that's tricky. It might have to do with your computer's processor or GPU, or it could be due to a big Final Cut library bogging things down. Those are just two possibilities, but there are a lot of variables that come up. Sometimes making a new library for each project will keep things running more smoothly.

[@Thisisjessenotjessie]

@@tombuck I’m using M1 Mac Mini. But I do have multiple libraries opening when I’m doing the synchronize. Will try to lesser down the library at a time. Thanks for that

[@tube-master]

Awesome but how/when do you remove te bad takes and pauses in your recording? Seems to be more complicated or am i missing something?

[@tombuck]

Once everything is synced, you can cut parts out however you'd like and it won't hurt anything.

[@tube-master]

@@tombuck thanks so much, i need to play with it a little bit to get around it and include it in my workflow

[@robinkirchhofer1991]

Ok, but you using the ATEM ISO and the roadcaster so actually you dont need to sync or?

[@tombuck]

I still record all my videos with memory cards and sync everything up. For streams and stuff I add 5 frames of audio delay in Ecamm live.

[@EliseoWay]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@adaldt]

Why when I use transitions my synced edit goes out of sync? How can I fix it? Thank you in advance.

[@tombuck]

Sometimes transitions can do strange things. I often like to detach the audio from the clips and then add the transition so it doesn't affect the audio at all.

[@ajlskate]

Is it possible to sync clips and audio files which have already been placed into the timeline?

[@tombuck]

This is a great question. As far as I know, there isn't an easy way- but I could totally be wrong and I would love to know if there is.

[@stillmrgphotography2867]

the best part of the video is at 2:21.

[@markhyena]

when i record a 2 hour podcast the audio syncs , then about an hour in it drifts. how do you fix that?

[@tombuck]

A lot of time it depends on your video frame rate. Generally speaking, 24fps video should stay in sync.

[@oliverwhite30]

Wish FCPX could sync clips using time code like DaVinci

[@tombuck]

You can definitely do that with FCP, I just don't personally do it that way.

[@luke_1234]

Just here to say hello Tom 👋

[@tombuck]

Hello! 😁

[@taair6270]

Hi I tried this but the result was all clips were “jumbled up” and FCP Just kept crashing! so I had no choice but to delete the clips to stop it happening so basically achieved nothing 😏

[@tombuck]

Interesting. I'm sorry that happened- it's not something I've ever experienced, but sounds frustrating.

[@taair6270]

@@tombuck Hi I’ve been told that the reason it won’t sync with audio is because the “bit rate” might not match? I m not sure how this works still fairly new to editing😏

[@dexgaming6394]

I want to try out Final Cut, but I would need an entirely new desktop because Apple likes putting their own software in their own ecosystem

[@tombuck]

The reason Final Cut works so well is because it’s in Apple’s ecosystem. If they had to port it over to different processors and operating systems, it’d be a lot less stable. If you haven’t tried Davinci Resolve, I highly recommend it. You can download the basic version for free and it has a very Final Cut approach to a lot of things.

[@DaivG]

There are dozens of services that'll let you pay a small monthly fee to access a virtual OS X desktop for a month. If you're really interested in Final Cut Pro but don't want to commit, you can do it that way instead of the ~$300 used Mac route I'd usually suggest for people looking to try out a Mac. However, I'd also recommend DaVinci Resolve if you intend to stay in your Windows ecosystem.

[@pd1jdw630]

So the punch line is to punch in the pun N’sync the sound with the pun.

[@tombuck]

Exactly 👊

[@jirkadolezal8127]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ac1320]

I'm still editing on my Galaxy S5. (Half kidding) (S20 Ultra)