Apple Final Cut Express HD - Manual (Page 597)

Chapter 43 Audio Levels, Meters, and Output Channels 597
VIII
Floating Audio Meters
The floating audio meters display the output levels of the Viewer or Timeline with a
simplified stereo display.
Clip Indicators
The floating audio meters have a clip indicator that lights up when the output signal
reaches 0 dBFS. Once the clip indicator is lit, it stays on during playback to let you know
that part of your signal clipped. The clip indicator also stays on after you stop playback,
but it is turned off each time you start playback.
To turn off clip indicators during playback:
m Click the clip indicators on the Master meters or floating audio meter.
Avoiding Audio Clipping
When you capture audio, clipping occurs if any part of the audio signal goes over 0
decibels (dBFS). Because 0 dBFS is the maximum digital level possible, all levels that
would have been above 0 dBFS are set (clipped) at 0 dB. Because of the nature of digital
audio recording, such clipped audio typically results in a crackly, brittle-sounding clip that
is unsuitable for use in most projects. All occurrences of clipped audio appear as 0 dBFS
peaks. Excessive peaks indicate that your audio was recorded at unsuitable levels.
If your program has peaks in the audio, you can either recapture the audio at a better
level, or edit the audio appropriately to avoid them.
0 dBFS
Floating audio meter