NLE Mac / Final Cut questions from 2003

Steven Moreno · July 21st, 2003, 04:00 PM

With the advent of the new G5, I think imay be time to invest in an editing system. Could anyone share some thoughts on the new machine. Any glitches or bugs that I should be aware of? I have heard that AVID xpress dv pro has been known to crash on apples, has anyone had such an experience?

Bud Kuenzli · July 21st, 2003, 08:49 PM

Any way to use FCP to reduce the hum from what I am guessing are mercury vapor lights in a large auditorium/hockey rink? I had no other option other than an on-camer shotgun mic but I have an audible hum from the overhead lights through much/all of my video. I have played with FCP audio filters to no avail. Anyone been able to use FCP to remove such hum?

Glen Elliott · July 21st, 2003, 09:18 PM

Sonic Foundry's Noise Reduction 2.0 plug-in would be perfect for it- problem, however, being that....as far as I know it's a PC only plug-in. It works with any programs that can utilize Direct X. As far as I know Direct X is a PC'only thing....though I could be wrong.

Bud Kuenzli · July 21st, 2003, 11:27 PM

df

Gints Klimanis · July 22nd, 2003, 01:24 AM

Yes, you can use FCP to remove the hum. Have you tried the Hum Remover audio effect? While I have not used FCP for years, I was the fellow that wrote all of the audio effects. I don't have a Mac, so I'm going from memory.

While the SoundForge Noise Reducer works on hums, it also seems to take out lots of other stuff while it lends a robotic quality to the material if you try to reduce by more than 15 dB or so. For simple audio problems such as hums, it's better to remove the buzzes
with notch filters.

First, check the manual. I have a copy of the original manual, but the documentation of the Hum Remover is rather skimpy. It is designed to notch out harmonics of a hum, one by one, up to five. Typically, electrical hums are harmonics of 60 Hz. For most ground loops,the 2nd or 120 Hz component will be the most audible.

First, you have to identify the base frequency of the hum. Find a section of the audio with only the hum. Isolate at least a second. The more you isolate, the less often you will be listening to the loop. Then, identify
the hum. If you have some audio software that does spectrum analysis,
use the highest possible # of bands.
I am a PC user, so I use Cool Edit and SoundForge. The problem with both of these programs is that you really need
a LOT of bands to get an accurate frequency identification in the sub-100 Hz range. View the data logarithmically because the linear views do not display low frequencies very well.

Another method is by ear.
Go to the FCP three band equalizer or parametric equalizer, select a narrow band (high Q) and boost it maximally. Slide it around slowly in the 50-300 Hz region until a frequency pops out. Then, fine tune it until you have boosted that frequency maximally.
Then, increase the Q (reduce bandwidth) by max and hope you still have that frequency. If you do, you've found one of your gremlins. If not, nudge the frequency value around until you do. When you've made it the worst, then reverse the gain to minimum. One hum component should disapplear. This is a tedious method for all harmonics of a hum. Try the Hum Reducer tool after this. Don't remove too many frequency bands - only those that obviously contribute.
These notch filters are not selective and will remove everything in their path, including the hum.

Clayton Farr · July 22nd, 2003, 06:14 AM

Hello All,

In either FCP 3 or 4 has anyone been able to export clips / bin into a 'Batch List' (tabbed text for editing in Excel or the like) that also includes a clip's embedded markers?

I was hoping that 4.0 had included this but they still seem to be ignored, irregardless of how I select / export. I have 'post-logged' some tape long captures with extended markers and could really benefit from being able to manage and manipulate them in a spreadsheet.

All ideas and suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,
Clayton

Jeff Donald · July 22nd, 2003, 10:20 AM

I haven't seen one yet, but from what I read it should be a big leap forward. I'm planning on updating to the dual when they start shipping in good numbers. Has anyone seen one yet?

Curtis T. Stoeber · July 22nd, 2003, 11:10 AM

Jeff, when you get one please put it though the paces and post a big review in this forum if you can. Maybe run a few of your own "personal benchmarks" on your existing machine now to compare the new one to later. Stuff like "How long does it take FCP4 to render a 20 second clip with these effects set to these standards" etc etc etc.

Beware, the new machines are quite large.

Benjamin Harrison · July 22nd, 2003, 02:22 PM

RE the size of the new enclosure, it is very big in appearence, but in reality it is not wider than the current G4s, only taller by 5 or 6 inches. The single processor models have a lot of empty, unused space inside, which seems really silly. I'd recommend not getting anything if you aren't going to get the dual processor model.

Marcus Farrar · July 24th, 2003, 05:57 AM

I use Avid Express DV on a Mac G4 dual 1.25 and have not had any problems. I am ready to get into a G5 also but I will wait a few months.

I have got locked up in FCP3 on my laptop (G4 powerbook 667) plenty of times. I have not figured out what it is yet. My desktop with Avid (which has a lot more power) is solid as a rock.

Gary Chavez · July 24th, 2003, 09:43 AM

I must make 7 Beta sp dubs whenevr i make my Video News Realeas. Is there a way to Print to Video just once or must i perform that function for evey tape, as i have been doing?
thanks

David Bogie · July 24th, 2003, 10:44 AM

Unless you can hook up 7 beta decks you've got to make 7 individual passes.

However, if you don't absolutely need the dead accurate timecode, just edit bars and tone and a slate into the head of your sequence. Hit record on your machine and just play from the timeline.

bogiesan

Gary Chavez · July 24th, 2003, 11:07 AM

good lord,

thanks for responding despite my spelling. anyway, thanks for the info...time to price 7 beta decks LOL!

Stephen Birdsong · July 25th, 2003, 11:36 AM

I am editing an event in FCP 4. It all comes from one tape, which i captured in one capture, which gives me one big clip. I went throught the master clip and organized my clips. I am finished with my edit and am just doing some color correction, but- it seems like when I apply a filter to one clip, it applies it to the master clip. So, if i apply a filter to more than one clip, I get both the "corrections". This is throwing everything off. Any suggestions? Im in a major hurry to get this finished before my deadline tonight.

Stephen

Jeff Donald · July 25th, 2003, 02:05 PM

You should never capture on big clip, and now you know one of the reasons why. You will need to nest the clips to keep the effects separate.. Nesting is covered in the manual, the FCP online help (click the help button in FCP on the menu bar) and if you search this forum I have posted about nesting. You could recapture clips, but I think that would take longer.

July 21st, 2003, 04:00 PM	#766
Steven Moreno Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Los Angeles CA USA Posts: 30	Feedback for The G5 Mac With the advent of the new G5, I think imay be time to invest in an editing system. Could anyone share some thoughts on the new machine. Any glitches or bugs that I should be aware of? I have heard that AVID xpress dv pro has been known to crash on apples, has anyone had such an experience?

July 21st, 2003, 08:49 PM	#767
Bud Kuenzli Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 197	hum from gym lights Any way to use FCP to reduce the hum from what I am guessing are mercury vapor lights in a large auditorium/hockey rink? I had no other option other than an on-camer shotgun mic but I have an audible hum from the overhead lights through much/all of my video. I have played with FCP audio filters to no avail. Anyone been able to use FCP to remove such hum? __________________ on the Internet, when you get where you're going you still don't know where you are

July 21st, 2003, 11:27 PM	#769
Bud Kuenzli Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 197	your correct...(NT) df __________________ on the Internet, when you get where you're going you still don't know where you are

July 22nd, 2003, 06:14 AM	#771
Clayton Farr Contributor Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 94	FCP: Export a 'Batch List' to Include Clip Markers? Hello All, In either FCP 3 or 4 has anyone been able to export clips / bin into a 'Batch List' (tabbed text for editing in Excel or the like) that also includes a clip's embedded markers? I was hoping that 4.0 had included this but they still seem to be ignored, irregardless of how I select / export. I have 'post-logged' some tape long captures with extended markers and could really benefit from being able to manage and manipulate them in a spreadsheet. All ideas and suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Thanks, Clayton

July 22nd, 2003, 10:20 AM	#772
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I haven't seen one yet, but from what I read it should be a big leap forward. I'm planning on updating to the dual when they start shipping in good numbers. Has anyone seen one yet? __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

July 21st, 2003, 09:18 PM	#768
Glen Elliott Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,898	Sonic Foundry's Noise Reduction 2.0 plug-in would be perfect for it- problem, however, being that....as far as I know it's a PC only plug-in. It works with any programs that can utilize Direct X. As far as I know Direct X is a PC'only thing....though I could be wrong.

July 22nd, 2003, 01:24 AM	#770
Gints Klimanis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,222	Yes, you can use FCP to remove the hum. Have you tried the Hum Remover audio effect? While I have not used FCP for years, I was the fellow that wrote all of the audio effects. I don't have a Mac, so I'm going from memory. While the SoundForge Noise Reducer works on hums, it also seems to take out lots of other stuff while it lends a robotic quality to the material if you try to reduce by more than 15 dB or so. For simple audio problems such as hums, it's better to remove the buzzes with notch filters. First, check the manual. I have a copy of the original manual, but the documentation of the Hum Remover is rather skimpy. It is designed to notch out harmonics of a hum, one by one, up to five. Typically, electrical hums are harmonics of 60 Hz. For most ground loops,the 2nd or 120 Hz component will be the most audible. First, you have to identify the base frequency of the hum. Find a section of the audio with only the hum. Isolate at least a second. The more you isolate, the less often you will be listening to the loop. Then, identify the hum. If you have some audio software that does spectrum analysis, use the highest possible # of bands. I am a PC user, so I use Cool Edit and SoundForge. The problem with both of these programs is that you really need a LOT of bands to get an accurate frequency identification in the sub-100 Hz range. View the data logarithmically because the linear views do not display low frequencies very well. Another method is by ear. Go to the FCP three band equalizer or parametric equalizer, select a narrow band (high Q) and boost it maximally. Slide it around slowly in the 50-300 Hz region until a frequency pops out. Then, fine tune it until you have boosted that frequency maximally. Then, increase the Q (reduce bandwidth) by max and hope you still have that frequency. If you do, you've found one of your gremlins. If not, nudge the frequency value around until you do. When you've made it the worst, then reverse the gain to minimum. One hum component should disapplear. This is a tedious method for all harmonics of a hum. Try the Hum Reducer tool after this. Don't remove too many frequency bands - only those that obviously contribute. These notch filters are not selective and will remove everything in their path, including the hum.

July 22nd, 2003, 11:10 AM	#773
Curtis T. Stoeber Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lakewood Colorado USA Posts: 150	Jeff, when you get one please put it though the paces and post a big review in this forum if you can. Maybe run a few of your own "personal benchmarks" on your existing machine now to compare the new one to later. Stuff like "How long does it take FCP4 to render a 20 second clip with these effects set to these standards" etc etc etc. Beware, the new machines are quite large.

July 22nd, 2003, 02:22 PM	#774
Benjamin Harrison Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 60	RE the size of the new enclosure, it is very big in appearence, but in reality it is not wider than the current G4s, only taller by 5 or 6 inches. The single processor models have a lot of empty, unused space inside, which seems really silly. I'd recommend not getting anything if you aren't going to get the dual processor model. __________________ www.badcharacter.com

July 24th, 2003, 05:57 AM	#775
Marcus Farrar Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC USA Posts: 110	I use Avid Express DV on a Mac G4 dual 1.25 and have not had any problems. I am ready to get into a G5 also but I will wait a few months. I have got locked up in FCP3 on my laptop (G4 powerbook 667) plenty of times. I have not figured out what it is yet. My desktop with Avid (which has a lot more power) is solid as a rock. __________________ Marcus Farrar Production Director Katana Productions www.katanapro.com

July 24th, 2003, 09:43 AM	#776
Gary Chavez Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Antonio Posts: 355	Print to Video I must make 7 Beta sp dubs whenevr i make my Video News Realeas. Is there a way to Print to Video just once or must i perform that function for evey tape, as i have been doing? thanks

July 24th, 2003, 10:44 AM	#777
David Bogie New Boot Join Date: May 2002 Location: boise, idaho Posts: 8	Unless you can hook up 7 beta decks you've got to make 7 individual passes. However, if you don't absolutely need the dead accurate timecode, just edit bars and tone and a slate into the head of your sequence. Hit record on your machine and just play from the timeline. bogiesan __________________ David Bogie ristretto doppio My other two cars are a Tour Easy and a Cannondale.

July 24th, 2003, 11:07 AM	#778
Gary Chavez Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Antonio Posts: 355	good lord, thanks for responding despite my spelling. anyway, thanks for the info...time to price 7 beta decks LOL!

July 25th, 2003, 11:36 AM	#779
Stephen Birdsong Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 125	Color correction question. HELP! I am editing an event in FCP 4. It all comes from one tape, which i captured in one capture, which gives me one big clip. I went throught the master clip and organized my clips. I am finished with my edit and am just doing some color correction, but- it seems like when I apply a filter to one clip, it applies it to the master clip. So, if i apply a filter to more than one clip, I get both the "corrections". This is throwing everything off. Any suggestions? Im in a major hurry to get this finished before my deadline tonight. Stephen

July 25th, 2003, 02:05 PM	#780
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	You should never capture on big clip, and now you know one of the reasons why. You will need to nest the clips to keep the effects separate.. Nesting is covered in the manual, the FCP online help (click the help button in FCP on the menu bar) and if you search this forum I have posted about nesting. You could recapture clips, but I think that would take longer. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors