Apple Final Cut Pro 5 - Manual (Page 202)

Chapter 15 Connecting Professional and Non-DV Equipment 201
III
Choosing an Audio Interface
Final Cut Pro supports any audio interface that is compatible with Mac OS X Core
Audio. The following section shows examples of the most common types of audio
interfaces available for use with Final Cut Pro.
Built-in Analog Audio
You can capture and output audio using the built-in audio ports on your computer. The
built-in audio interface on your computer usually uses a stereo miniplug connector. If
necessary, you can buy adapters to connect the miniplug connector to two stereo RCA
or 1/4” connectors, which can then be connected to your video or audio device.
Built-in S/PDIF Digital Audio
Some computers have a built-in S/PDIF optical digital port (sometimes called TOSLINK).
Some CD players, DAT recorders, and digital multitrack recorders also have this optical
connector, allowing you to transfer your audio digitally.
Note: The same connector is used for several digital signal formats: S/PDIF (stereo
digital), AC-3 (5.1-channel surround), and ADAT Lightpipe (an 8-channel digital signal).
Make sure your audio device sends and receives a 2-channel S/PDIF signal before you
capture or output using this port.
Computer Audio or video device
Stereo miniplug
connector
RCA connector (2)
f
S/PDIF optical
digital connector
Audio or video device Computer