Apple Final Cut Pro 5 - Manual (Page 861)

74 Part I Media and Project Management
 Master audio meters: There is a Master audio meter for each output channel specified
in the current sequence’s Audio Outputs tab (in the Sequence Settings window). For
example, if your sequence has an audio preset that has six output channels, there are
six Master audio meters in the Audio Mixer. Each meter has a scale from +12 dBFS to
–∞ dBFS (silence). Since the Master audio meters show the final level that will be
output to your audio interface, you should make sure that no level goes above 0 dBFS.
Each Master audio meter is fed by all the tracks in the current sequence that are
assigned to a particular output channel. For example, if tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, and 9 are all
assigned to audio output channel 1, Master audio meter 1 displays the combination
of all those tracks’ audio levels mixed together.
Note: Even though 0 dBFS is the highest audio level that you can output from
Final Cut Pro, an additional +12 dB appears at the top of the scale of the Master audio
meters. This “clipping area” allows you to see how far you’re clipping over 0 dBFS, so
you know how much you need to lower the level of your mix to avoid distortion.
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Tip: You can also use the track meters and Master audio meters for individual clips in
the Viewer. Each clip retains both individual track levels and master levels. Master levels
for a clip can only be adjusted in the Audio Mixer, not in the Viewer itself.
 Clipping indicators: At the top of each meter is a clipping indicator that lights up
when that output channel reaches 0 dBFS. Once the clipping indicator lights up, it
remains lit until playback is stopped and restarted. Since audio clipping usually
causes noticeable digital audio distortion, this indicator lets you know which audio
output clipped even after you have stopped playback. This way, you can go back to
the clips on that track to reduce their levels.
Note: Unlike hardware audio meters that light up only when an audio signal is
playing, the Final Cut Pro audio meters display and hold the current level whenever
the playhead in the Viewer, Timeline, or Canvas appears over an audio clip, whether
playing or paused.