If you're working with dual system sound (very common in DSLR workflow) you'll need to marry the camera footage with an external audio recording.The easiest way to sync is to let Final Cut Pro X try to do it automatically. As long as you have sufficient levels in your reference audio, we find the process is successful most of the time. The process works best when you need to sync a singe video file to a single audio file. Here’s how:
1. Select both and audio clip and a video clip in the Event Browser.
You can select multiple clips by holding down the command key and clicking on each clip. You’’ll know a clip is selected by the yellow selection box at the edge of each clip.
2. Choose Clip > Synchronize Clips (Opt+Cmd+G.)
A new clip is created in the Event Browser. This new clip is a compound clip. Which means it is really a clip made up of at least two other clips.
3. Look for a new clip in the Event Browser.
Newly synced clips do not have any Keywords attached. If you’re filtering your Event Browser using a Keyword collection you might not see the new clip. Be sure to switch your view to see all clips in the Event. You might want to tag the synced clip with additional keywords.
Depending on the size of the original files, this new clip could appear very quickly or take a while. If you can’t find the clip, simply select the search box in the upper right corner of the event library and type in “Synchronized clip.” You probably will find it after you type “synch.”
4. Select the clip in the Event Browser and click the Play button.
5. Watch the clip back and check for sync.
You should hear both the reference audio and the dual system sound playback. Later you’ll learn how to discard the audio.
Want to learn more about editing DSLR video in Final Cut Pro X? Then check out From Still to Motion: Editing DSLR Video with Final Cut Pro X (Coming Soon)
Don't worry Adobe Premiere Pro fans… that version is in the works too and will be updated and ready for the next version.