audio interface for v/overs

I've been making scratch tracks directly into the timeline (via my computer mic) and it makes me wonder if I can skip the steps required to add a v/over by doing it directly through an audio interface. I used to record my v/overs with a Neumann mic through an M-Audio interface into Soundtrack Pro. Then I would import those files into FCPX. There seems to be an option for an external mic to record straight onto the timeline. The main problem is that my interface was (is) firewire only and neither of my computers have that capacity. I'm happy to get a USB interface if I'm confident that is a good direction to go in. The guy at Guitar Canter says there are some decent USB mics out now, but I'd like to stick with my Neumann. Do any of you record higher quality v-overs directly into the timeline? thx

And when did I get sideburns? I'm going to have to add a picture.

I don't trust USB mics for professional recordings because the USB drivers can really screw up your system. We recently had a thread about this very problem here: www.fcp.co/forum/4-final-cut-pro-x-fcpx/...blem-in-10-1-2#51462

We record VO into FCP X from a Neumann 48V-powerd mic via a mixer that sends its signal via XLR to an Aja IO Thunderbolt interface hooked to a new MP. Works flawlessly.

If you are using a ProFire FireWire audio card a thunderbolt to firewire adapter should work, although the latest drivers for the ProFire cards (2.4.2) are not officially qualified for Mavericks. But I have read reports on audio forums confirming that ProFire cards work with Mavericks on Thunderbolt macs using such an adapter. If the Mac recognizes the card you will be able to select the card in the FCP X VO tool. So that may be worth trying.

- Ronny

Hi parkerhqj,
Yes you can use external mics, almost everyone does. There are some very nice USB mics now or you can use a interface board/device and continue to use your Neumann.
You can record directly into FCPX or into a DAW and then import the file.
Be aware that M-Audio has a history of poor driver updates for Mac. M-Audio got bought by Avid and Avid support was poor and now has been sold off and there is almost no new drivers coming out for older interfaces. Due to the nature of FW, without proper drivers it is possible to cause damage to your Mac. You can get adapters from ThunderBolt to FW but please read up on M-Audio boards or the DAW boards to investigate problems.
Frankly, there are some very good, supported interface boards depending on the number of inputs you need and if you can, (IMHO) ditch the M-Audio. I've got one collecting dust now.
USB mics are the simplest to hook up.
Hope this helps, Greg

Geez Ronny,
You type fast, by the time I submitted my answer you had posted.

I do use a couple of USB mics with no issues, YMMV and guess it does.

Hope this helps, Greg

Hey Greg,

I agree that some USB mics work fine with FCP X, as long as the drivers these mics are using are solid and they have been updated to work with Mavericks. USB connectors can be very tricky to work with audio, I have heard horror-stories about these things screwing up complete recordings. And you are right that M-audio has been lacking support in the past few years, so it may indeed not be the best solution to continue working with such cards for the future.

- Ronny

Working on a musical right now.
Didn't have the $$ for a new board, so have been using USB mics. Also interfacing via a Zoom H4 and using some condenser mics I have. No problems for me so far (he says knocking on wood ).

I think Apple may have to take some blame here for their implementation of USB3/2. People have complained about USB 3 connected hdd enclosure issues. Again so far I haven't had issues. Then the funny issue if you plug in a USB2 device first, that sets the I/O bus speed. Daggnabbit I want to like USB3 & 3.1.

I will say that I have not upgraded to 10.1.3 because of the issues some folks are having with external storage, I have lots of different drives/docks/enclosures, so not willing to push my luck.
Don't change horses mid stream. Speaking of horses, I need to go feed mine.

Best, Greg

I kept my old PreSonus Firestudio, which is FW400, when upgrading to the nMP. I simply used a FW400 to FW800 cable I had laying around, and a FW to T'bolt adapter at the local Apple store. Works great.

Higher end USB mics work fine. I know a couple folks using them. But these are the higher end, well know mic brands. I'd never buy some off brand, cheap USB mic, stay away from Samson. As for interfaces, I am a huge fan of PreSonus and will very strongly recommend their products.

It all really depends on the level of quality you want. No USB mic will match my Mojave MA-200 with its tube pre-amp. But then, not every voice talent job requires such an expensive mic. Really depends on what you're delivering, and who you are delivering it to.

But basically, if OSX sees and works with the audio hardware fine, FCPX probably will, also. There is no quality difference between recording in STP or Logic and FCPX, for voice work.

Thanks for the replies. I decide to splurge and got the Apollo Twin audio interface. Very happy with it - love being able to record directly to the timeline with quality audio.