Articles by Sam McGuire
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Audio Professionals
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sE Electronics' USB2200a and Reflexion Filter
Sam McGuire demonstrates the quality and effectiveness of two sE Electronics' products. The USB2200a is a USB/XLR hybrid microphone which is extremely low noise (I didn't believe it until I heard it.) The "Reflexion Filter" is an acoustics baffle used to create a studio environment in any room. For a combined price of under $600 this is a relatively affordable, portable, and high quality solution for all of your VO needs.
Review, Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple FCPX Techniques
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Controlling Final Cut X with an iPad
Need to make a quick edit while on the road or export a project from a remote location? Using an iPad, Skype, SoundFlower, LogMeIn.com, and your primary Final Cut station you can edit from anywhere you have network connection. While not the only way to complete this task, the described method provides stability, flexibility, and quality. This tutorial describes the setup and basic functionality of the involved tools.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple Garage Band
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Introduction to Composing in Garageband for Filmmakers
Garageband is an extremely affordable and powerful music creation tool. In this tutorial we explore the basics of working with movies, loops, exporting, and FCP X. Garageband provides filmmakers with scratch music tracks, royalty free music beds, and custom music tracks - all with no musical experience required (even though a little training can go a long way!) In this first tutorial Sam McGuire sets the stage for additional training which aims to empower filmmakers who need affordable music right away.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple FCPX Techniques
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FCPX - Using Match EQ in Final Cut Pro X
Match EQ is a welcome addition to the audio functionality in Final Cut Pro X. Adopted from Logic Pro, this tool is as easy to use as it is powerful. While Soundtrack Pro provided a similar function, this new implementation in FCPX has more options. If you aren't obtaining your desired results using the automated match, you can delve in deeper to get the custom results you are looking for.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple Soundtrack
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Dialogue Replacement using Soundtrack Pro
Even though most people don't associate Soundtrack Pro with ADR, it has a set of powerful tools designed to record and edit looped dialogue. In this Soundtrack Pro video tutorial Sam McGuire explains the process of replacing dialogue using STP's loop recording, multitake editor, and audio stretch tool. Other topical advice is also discussed.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple Soundtrack
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Soundtrack Pro Scripts
Soundtrack Pro offers the ability to save action lists as scripts which can subsequently be used in FCP and the OSX Finder. In this video tutorial learn how to use this powerful feature to process your audio using the actions you use most often. We also look at several short-comings of this feature to help you avoid making time-wasting mistakes.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple Soundtrack
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Music in Soundtrack Pro
Have you ever wondered what the GBs of audio files you installed with Final Cut Pro can do for you? Soundtrack Pro is an excellent music arrangement tool that can be used for temping tracks and also creating full scores for your project. It may not be the same as hiring a composer, but for the price and flexibility, and this video tutorial, you may find just what you are looking for!
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple Soundtrack
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Cell Phone Interference in Soundtrack Pro
In this Soundtrack tutorial, Sam McGuire looks at the infamous cell phone interference issue that can be a real nightmare for your audio. While several solutions are explored, the main point is emphasized that you'll need to make sure all phones are turned off while filming!
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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Apple Soundtrack
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Audio Noise Reduction in Soundtrack Pro
A "how to guide" for removing audio noise in Final Cut and Soundtrack Pro. In this video tutorial Sam McGuire demonstrates how to use many of the noise reduction tools found in FCP and Soundtrack.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial |
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