[This article was first published in the November, 2007, issue of
Larry's Final Cut Pro Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.]

Trent Anderson writes:

In FCP or Soundtrack, how might I make a voice sound like it is on a telephone call, what filter might work?

Larry replies: Trent, thanks for writing, it was good meeting you at our seminar in San Francisco!

This effect is simple, and can be done in either Final Cut or Soundtrack. It requires using two filters:

• Apply a Low-pass filter to your audio clip, set the frequency to 2500 and Q = 1
• Apply a High-pass filter to the same clip with the frequency set to 500 and Q = 1

It will play in real-time and sounds perfectly convincing.

UPDATE - Nov. 27

Ben Balser writes:

Your current issue (I love this newsletter) has a letter from Trent Anderson about how to get the telephone effect.

In STP 2, if you apply Process > Effects > EQ > Channel EQ, there are several presets that will get you started on very nice telephone (or 2-way radio) sound effects. In the control window of that effect go to Show Presets > 07 EQ Tools. In that category there are: Megaphone EQ, Phone Filter Notch, Phone Filter Wide Band, and Telephone EQ.

I've been finding these very good places to get that effect from. If any is not perfect for what you personally want, simply apply the one that is a closest match, tweak the controls (never be afraid to experiment with these filter controls), once you have what you want, you can add it as your own User Preset for future reference, or to apply to other sound clips in the same FCP project. It makes getting the telephone/radio effect much faster and easier and better sounding. Even for an old sound guy like me who can do it manually in my sleep. Gotta love them Presets in STP!

Larry replies: Thanks, this is another way to do the same thing.

Larry Jordan is a post-production consultant and an Apple-Certified Trainer in Digital Media with over 25 years experience as producer, director and editor with network, local and corporate credits. Based in Los Angeles, he's a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.

The information in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, the author assumes no liability in case things go wrong. Please use your best judgment in applying these suggestions.

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