Best Filter for Audio Pops in FCP X 10.1.3

Hi

Was wondering if anyone has any advice on removing audio pops within FCP X without losing audio quality. Audio is by far my weakest point.

I don't want to send to Soundtrack Pro, analyse and fix the audio problems anymore, would actually like to know how it does it, specifically removing the pops.

Should really get a pop shield for our VO recordings when not recording in studio but often have this kind of situation.

Attenuating audio pops can be done with an equalizer, and FCP X has some great equalizers inside. A low cut filter also can help with attenuating pops.

Removing audio pops is a specialized process that requires analysis of the frequency spectrum of the audio to determine the exact frequencies of the pops and remove them without affecting the overall sound.

FCP X has no such standard plugin, nor has any NLE. Soundtrack Pro and Audition CC do have one. But none of these come close to the quality of the iZotope RX Audio Repair plugins. These are simply fabulous and they work straight inside FCP X, but they are quite pricey.

So you have the choice:

- export to an external app and back (free if you have the app, but cumbersome and not always perfect)
- get iZotope RX3 (expensive but awesome results and right inside FCP X)
- prevent audio pops during the recording (not always obvious, I know)

- Ronny

Flip that is a wonderful reply Ronny, thank you very much.

I used to work in STP before but don't feel like using it anymore with FCPX, either. I know that people highly recommend Izotope but always found it too pricey so far. Some weeks ago I have bought Soundsoap (had never heard of it before but someone mentioned it here in the forum). I am quite happy with the results and find it easy to use. Might be an option for you as well if you want to avoid the high end? I think they have a demo but not sure.

Yes of course, thank you. Going back to STP and the old design interface really irritates me now so the other options are great.

Heard of both Soundsoap and RX before but completely forgot about them!11 Soundsoap is also a lot more affordable Will definitely give it a shot.

Definitely want to avoid if possible. Pop screens are called for while doing voice overs if producing the issue, or back off the mic. Sometimes a pop filter is problematic if doing a video and it covers the talent, then repositioning the mic can help. Greater distance, and moving off center, overhead angled can eliminate the pops. Different mics have different splosive sensitivity so figuring out the best placement or even changing mics can help. You can also use a dead cat (fur cover over foam) on the mic to stop most pops.
In post as mentioned are your plug-ins, export to separate app and EQ settings. You can also manually edit for the pops and attenuate the volume at the problem areas, but this is tedious unless for only a couple of times in a take.

Hope this helps, Greg

Thanks Greg The recordings are done by our presenter who is also the executive producer and I have little control over the recording.

When not in studio we record on a Zoom H6 and it's stereo mic. Interesting, did not think recording from above, generally I do this when I am on set and recording with Sennheiser lapel mics and moving them off a direct line to the interviewee's mouth, do you know how the Zoom Stereo mic reacts to the angle change?

Thanks again.

Hi Videopixels,
I have the H4 and it is pretty sensitive but has good off axis pic up so I would start there and try to re-angle and increase the distance for it.
You should also have a foam cover for that came with that mic and I made (diy) fur cover mainly for wind, but still use it indoors too. Recheck the recording levels to check for peaking.

Hope this helps, Greg

Thanks Greg Perfect feedback.

Cheerio.