Adding an Audio Cue
It’s incredibly important to understand that QLab doesn’t create media, in the case of sound design, QLab takes existing audio files (music, sound effects, and so forth) and plays them back. At some point I assume you have, on your computer, an audio file to be played. You probably have the resourses to find music and sound effects or have the skills to create your audio from scratch. If you don’t, we’ve provided a few resources for you at the end of this lesson.
Once you have your audio file, for example, I have a short Fanfare here, there are several ways to place the file into QLab to be played. What’s right? Well, that really depends on your workflow and your own personal preferences.
The simple method is to drag the file into QLab and drop it into the cue list. Tada. That’s it. I can click on it, hit go, and … there’s my Fanfare. But there are actually a few steps happening here, so let’s break them down.
Method number two … A cue list can contain multiple cue types. Here in the toolbox you can see an icon that represents each one. From here you can add any of these cues and then specify the information pertaining to that cue. For example, here’s an audio cue. I can either drag the icon into the cue list or use its hot key, Command 1. Here now we have a new audio cue with no audio file assigned. That file is referred to as the cue’s target. I can define the cues target by simply dropping the file onto the cue’s row (much like I did in the previous method). Drag. Drop. Select. Go. Simple and easy.
The next method is simply a variation on the previous one. Here in the cue list is a small button. If I click it I’m shown a Finder window. I can use this dialogue box to navigate to the location where my sound effects or music are kept and select the needed file. Press “Okay” and we’re off to the races.
The final method is, once again, a variation. Once a cue is added, I can assign a target in the inspector tab by either dragging the file onto this box or by double clicking and selecting the file. What’s especially nice about this box is I can now identify the location of the file using the breadcrumbs. Where was that file stored again? Don’t worry, I’ve got this. In fact, click this button here and QLab will take me directly straight to that folder.
Purchase SFX / Music
i. Pond5
Create Sound Effects
i. Final Cut
ii. Logic
iii. Audition
iv. Audacity
Assignment:
This chapter’s workspace contains was shown in this video. If you’ve downloaded the workspace, all the audio files are in the folder. Try creating a new workspace and adding the files using the different methods discussed.
Were You Listening?
What’s the simplest way to inset an audio file into QLab?
Answer
Drag and drop the file into QLab.