How do I create tone on FCP 4?

There is a clip of color bars and tone under Effects > Video Generators. Is that what you're looking for?

I believe so..thank you

wait I dont see anything under effects that says video generators

When you get ready to do your output render, there is a screen of options that allow you to include a countdown, bars, and tone. I was doing a render back out to tape when these options showed up.

I was using a mac loaned to me to try out FCP so I don't remember the exact sequence to get you there, but IT IS there.

regards,

=gb=

In FCP 4 and HD it is under File>Print to Video and is set up in the new window.

Or else look in the browser window and click on the effects tab. Video Generators will be the name of one of the folders and bars and tone will be inside that.

For the tone to be useful you need to know what your audio reference level is. I can't remember offhand, but I think it defaults to -9dB which may not be appropriate for all projects. Read the section in the FCP manual about audio, it explains the importance of the reference level. Once you choose a level you can then open the audio track in the bars and tones and set it as needed. The manual does a very good job of explaining all this... if you don't have the hardcopy then there should be a PDF version somewhere in the FCP application folder, or on your install disks if all else fails.

The manual is installed automatically and can be accessed by clicking on FCP Help.