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Trevor_Asq
Legend
January 10, 2017
Answered

Edit / balance dialogue (inc FCP7 FR)

  • January 10, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 1661 views

I edit (& mix) a LOT of dialogue.

Mostly interviewer/interviewee 2 x mics where I can do the edit/balance based on waveforms.

I'm using the pen tool a lot, and have to switch tools between pen (to mark keyframes) and selection tool (to adjust horizontal bar between those keyframes).

Q1. Is there a key I can use to override one tool with the other, rather than having to toggle between pen & selection?

When losing sections (e.g. remove interviewers mic during answer)I typically will mark in & out around the section, then toggle the correct track selection, then delete. Kind of clunky compared to Avid for track selection but works. (Also blade & delete at times)

In FCP7 there was a 'range selection tool' which was FANTASTIC for this kind of editing. Basically you could highlight a section of a clip (with in/out or mouse drag) and delete.

Q2. Am I missing any great PP tricks for this kind of editing/mixing?

Thanks

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Warren Heaton

    A1: If you're using the Mac version, use the Command key while the Selection Tool is selected to add a keyframe then drag to vertically adjust the connector line between keyframes.  On Windows, this should be the Control key (but, I'm not running the Windows version at the moment to verify this).

    A2a: Keyboard Shortcuts (Mac)!

    Command k = Add an edit at the head and/or tail of audio clip to be adjusted.

    Target the Track and the do one of the following:

    • ] =  Increase Clip Volume
    • Shift ] = Increase Clip Volume Many
    • [ = Decrease Clip Volume
    • Shift [ = Decrease Clip Volume Many

    One approach here it so place all of your keyframes first, then advance through the edit making adjustments between keyframes with the keyboard shortcuts as needed.

    A2b: Enable "Write Keyframes" in the Audio Clip Mixer or Audio Track Mixer (this tends to work best if you've locked picture) and adjust the Volume slider as needed.

    3 replies

    shooternz
    shooternz
    Legend
    January 10, 2017
    Q2. Am I missing any great PP tricks for this kind of editing/mixing?

    Sure you are!

    Why dont you use the Track Mixer with automation?

    Warren Heaton
    Community Expert
    Warren HeatonCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    January 10, 2017

    A1: If you're using the Mac version, use the Command key while the Selection Tool is selected to add a keyframe then drag to vertically adjust the connector line between keyframes.  On Windows, this should be the Control key (but, I'm not running the Windows version at the moment to verify this).

    A2a: Keyboard Shortcuts (Mac)!

    Command k = Add an edit at the head and/or tail of audio clip to be adjusted.

    Target the Track and the do one of the following:

    • ] =  Increase Clip Volume
    • Shift ] = Increase Clip Volume Many
    • [ = Decrease Clip Volume
    • Shift [ = Decrease Clip Volume Many

    One approach here it so place all of your keyframes first, then advance through the edit making adjustments between keyframes with the keyboard shortcuts as needed.

    A2b: Enable "Write Keyframes" in the Audio Clip Mixer or Audio Track Mixer (this tends to work best if you've locked picture) and adjust the Volume slider as needed.

      T
      Trevor_AsqAuthor
      Legend
      January 10, 2017

      Warren Heaton wrote:

      A1: If you're using the Mac version, use the Command key while the Selection Tool is selected to add a keyframe

      Perfect... thank you. With the big bonus that I can do it whilst playing back!

      I do use keyframe automation at times, but in a conversation it isn't easy to get right - combination of looking at waveforms and listening means quicker and more accurate to do with pen tool

      shooternz
      shooternz
      Legend
      January 10, 2017

      Why is there so much variation of levels in the conversations?

      E
      excited_Genie16B8
      Legend
      January 10, 2017

      I do similar work in a slightly different way.  Might be easier.

      Set the overall volume for the track.  Go though and cut out the parts you don't want using Cut and Delete.  If the parts you keep need further adjustments, you can move the whole line, no keyframes needed.

        T
        Trevor_AsqAuthor
        Legend
        January 10, 2017

        Thanks Jim, I do indeed do some cutting, but often it is conversational style, so neater to balance with keyframing.

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