replacing vidrec sound with better audrecording

[hahyonhwatha]

I continue to learn and use the VS editor though much continues to be very dense instruction. I recently upgraded Ulead to X3. My project is to video our church bookstudy group. I'm using 2 video recorders and a Zoom H4 stero sound recorder. I did this because the native sound of video recorders is poor and good stereo makes voices clear anywhere in the room. My recordings are turning out very well, but my editing isn't getting to first base. Obviously I'm reaching far beyond my understanding. Sure would appreciate some guidance.

I planned to replace the video sound track with the better stereo sound recording and then render the combo into a new master. Then when I started clipping and overlaying and shortening the final cuts, the good sound will not be separated from the video track. Perhaps there is a simpler method?

My problem is I can't sort out the instructions either in the user guides or by forum research or by experimentation for this. I can't even get to first base.

My second query would be about stereo. It is unclear whether the sound channels are inherently stereo or not. Are there restrictions on stereo in any of the formats.

Very much appreciate some help.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi
Welcome to the forum

Not sure I really understand your problem, Your thoughts on the workflow seem ok to me, you have three separate clips, two Video (can 1 –Cam 2) and one Audio. I assume you have continuous recordings of each.
Trying to juggle all three into sync’ is difficult, but by combining the audio to the best video (Cam 1)would give you two clips.

OK
Add Cam 1 to the top timeline, also adding a colour clip to the beginning of the track will allow you to move Cam 1 frame by frame, simply by adjusting the duration of the colour clip.
Add your Audio to one of the sound tracks. The difficulty here is getting the two in sync. As I said using a colour clip will allow you to nudge the top timeline, use the digital clock to change the colour duration.

Switching to the Sound Mixer (icon above the timeline) may help as this displays a “wave form” which may help in identifying the sounds.
When both are in Sync’ mute the top track.
Share Create Video File to Same as First Video will create a new video file.

Sound mixer, notice when playing the clips you can identify the audio tracks as being stereo.

Now you have two video clips, adding the new one to the top track and Cam 2 to the overlay track.
Position the two clips for synchronisation. Remember the Sound Mixer may be useful here to identify the wave form.

Cut the overlay track to remove unwanted sections.
Mute all clips in the overlay track.

A lot of work, but nobody says video editing is easy, just practice.

[hahyonhwatha]

Thanks Trevor

That's direct and helpful. Adding a colour clip is clever, and one can see immediately the use of the trick. The sound mixer is clearly key here and something to dedicate time to. I've read and reread the guide material, but it doesn't connect very well. Your comments help. Will try to follow them.

Part of the problem is that the normal learning feedbacks are made very difficult when results are so slow in coming, and complex in effect. That in the project editor, there is such an immediacy, but any series of decisions takes huge times to render, fails the rendering most of the time, and produces such unexpected results. So you are doing a good service for us beginners. Your comment about practice is very true. Thankyou.

[Black Lab]

Part of the problem is that the normal learning feedbacks are made very difficult when results are so slow in coming, and complex in effect. That in the project editor, there is such an immediacy, but any series of decisions takes huge times to render, fails the rendering most of the time, and produces such unexpected results.

Then practice with short clips until you get the desired result.

As for rendering failing most of the time, that should not happen. It may be best for you to start a new thread detailing your problems. Please give us details regarding your clips, as to the properties and where they came from.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi hahyonhwatha

I agree with Jeff that you should start a new post if you are having problems with Video Studio, crashes during rendering can be a problem, the reasons are varied.
The original post did not mention any other problems.

Regarding multiple camera editing there are some tutorials/posts on the subject.
A search for “multi camera” found this