Intro to Space Designer impulse responses in Final Cut Pro for Mac
Space Designer can use either recorded impulse response files or synthesized impulse responses. The Sampled IR and Synthesized IR buttons above the main display switch the impulse response mode.
Important: To convolve audio in real time, Space Designer must first calculate any parameter adjustments to the impulse response. This requires a moment or two following parameter edits and is indicated by waveform changes in the main display.
To add the Space Designer effect to a clip and show the effect’s controls, see Add Logic effects to clips in Final Cut Pro for Mac.
Impulse response controls
Sampled IR button: Switch to Sampled IR mode. In this mode, an impulse response sample is used to generate reverberation.
When you first click the Sampled IR button, you’re prompted to choose an impulse response file from any folder.
Synthesized IR button: Switch to Synthesized IR mode. A new synthesized impulse response is generated, derived from the values of the Length, Envelope, Filter, EQ, and Spread parameters.
IR Sample pop-up menu: Shows the name of the loaded impulse response. Choose an IR sample command. The format of the impulse response is shown to the right of the pop-up menu. See Intro to Space Designer global controls in Final Cut Pro for Mac.
Load IR: Loads an impulse response sample without changing the envelopes.
Load IR & Init (Initialize): Loads an impulse response sample and initializes all envelopes.
Show in Finder: Opens a Finder window that shows the location of the current impulse response.
Open IR Utility: Opens the Impulse Response Utility, which lets you create your own impulse response files.
Several related parameters are shown below the main display.
Quality pop-up menu: Choose the sample rate. Lo-Fi produces a grainy reverb. Low halves the host application sample rate. Medium matches the host application sample rate. High is smooth and clean sounding.
Reverse button: Reverse the impulse response and envelopes. When the impulse response is reversed, you are effectively using the tail rather than the front end of the sample. You may need to adjust the Predelay and other parameter values when reversing. See Intro to Space Designer global controls in Final Cut Pro for Mac.
Length knob and field: Adjust the length of the impulse response. This control works in conjunction with the Size knob.
Size knob and field: Adjust the sample rate of the loaded impulse response file, thereby changing the perceived size of the reverb by widening or narrowing the room. Size can also be used to preserve the original length of the impulse response when changing the sample rate with the Quality pop-up menu.
The Size knob value has an impact on the decay because it is multiplied with the Length knob value. To explain, a Length knob value of 100% and a Size knob value of 100% result in a decay that is the full length of the loaded impulse response.
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