Change the Import Settings in iTunes to convert your audio for video editing and easy use in GarageBand.

Before doing anything, add Bit Rate to your View Options.

Go to:

View - View Options and then check the box next to Bit Rate. This will allow you to immediately see when you've made a big, fat AIFF file.

Go to:

iTunes - Preferences - General - Import Settings

(Older versions of iTunes, go to iTunes - Preferences - Advanced - Importing)

Select:

Import Using: AIFF Encoder

(AIFF is a lossless file and is especially good for video editing.)

Setting:

48.000 kHz
16 bit
Stereo

Now select your track and convert it to AIFF.

Go to:

iTunes - Advanced - Create AIFF version

(Older versions of iTunes, go to iTunes - Advanced - Convert selection to AIFF)

iTunes then converts your selection and adds it to your library right below your selected audio and you'll see that the AIFF file has a much larger Bit Rate.

⌘R (Command-R) will locate the file for you in a separate window.

You can also drag the file from iTunes and then drop it onto your desktop and then place that file anywhere you want for use in Final Cut Pro/Express (as long as FCP/E can find it).

After you've moved the file, import the file from your new reference location or simply drag and drop it into the Browser in Final Cut Pro/Express or onto a new track in GarageBand.

Remember:

Your Final Cut Pro project file looks for its source media when it opens up, so decide where that media will live and then leave it there and don't change file names or location unless you absolutely have to (because then you may have to re-link all your media to your project file).

GarageBand can access it directly from your iTunes library.

Any questions?

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