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putting together a new FCP system
So finally, the wait is over. The new Mac Pros have arrived and I’d like to put an FCP system together that can handle the work-flow we’re going to use it for. We currently edit a lot of 720 30P footage shot on the HVX-200 and HPX-500 to P2 cards and a Firestore. The Mac Book Pro we use which is connected to an external SATA drive via a card through the Express Card slot. It runs pretty well until the project gets a few layers, effects, etc. Then it slows down a bunch. It’s maxed out with RAM, but I think it’s time for the upgrade.
So if I’m looking to edit this type of footage, plus looking down the road at some projects shot on the RED camera, would anyone be able to suggest a good configuration? I’m looking at the options to add on at the Apple Store website, like the Raid Card, SAS Drive, etc., but I don’t even know if it’s necessary or overkill.
Can anyone help out?Thanks in advance!
Robert
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9 Replies
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https://www.digitalrebellion.com/blog/posts/new_mac_pros_imacs_and_minis.html
Scroll down to the part on the Mac Pros.
https://provideocoalition.com/index.php/apple/story/inside_the_new_mac_pros/
For media, I’d buy fast external storage from CalDigit, or Dulce, Maxx Digital, G-Tech, etc.
Best,
Tom Meegan
Woven Pixels, LLC -
Thanks for the links! The articles have some really informative sections. One question I had was that I think I read that I can configure the MAC to either use SAS drives or Sata, but not both. Is this correct?
Also, a mention was made about waiting for NAB for some new additions to this new product. What could that be all about?
Thanks once again for the great feedback!Robert
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Thanks for the info. I’ve been reading it and researching some more and it looks like I’ll place my order tomorrow.
One more quick question: If I want to show my clients the product in HD playing off of the FCP timeline, do I pick up a Black Magic or AJA card, or should I just use the DVI output and convert it to HDMI? I’m not sure if the cards have any quality advantage.
Thanks again for the very useful information!Robert
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[Robert DePalma] “If I want to show my clients the product in HD playing off of the FCP timeline, do I pick up a Black Magic or AJA card, or should I just use the DVI output and convert it to HDMI? I’m not sure if the cards have any quality advantage. “
first- if this is your living treat it as such, if you have clients looking over your shoulder you should have some type of output card or how are you going to show then what their content actually looks like?
DVI output is only mirroring the display settings so you cannot accurately judge color, grain/ noise or frame rates and oh its only 8bit.
The 2 biggest things adding a hardware card to FCP can do.
1) Capture and Playback to industry standard sources. Monitors, Scopes, and yes Tape Decks.
2) I/O Cards like the Kona’s I use force FCP to behave like a Real Editing platform when they are installed. This behind the scene “legalization” forces FCP to be signal and frame accurate when it is reading or writing data, or when capturing or playing back content.
Hardware forces FCP to do this because the Baseband video signal being sent out of HDSDI or Analog has to meet the standards set forth by SMPTE on how that signal as VIDEO needs to be handled.
So to answer the question – Yes you do get better quality when you have a card installed, and the most common card in use by pro’s are the Kona’s (I believe that everyone of the FCP forum leaders has at least one kona product)
gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production WorkflowsInside look at the IoHD
https://library.creativecow.net/articles/adcock_gary/AJAIOHD.php -
Gary’s advice is, of course, right on.
I would only add that Matrox makes several solutions that have good reputations as well. Google Matrox MXO and Matrox MXO 2.
Best,
Tom Meegan
Woven Pixels, LLC -
Great advice Gary! Thank you.
So is there a particular Kona card that will work best with FCP? How do the Kona cards differ from the Matrox solutions that Tom mentioned in his post? Most of our HD work is shot on P2 cards or the Firestore, so I’m not sure what kind of deck interface I need. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have options for future needs though.
Thanks again!Robert
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Robert,
I am new to these forums and I am a new Matrox MXO2 user. I am not a moderator like Gary or others.. just fellow artist that has an opinon on technology as well..
Reading Gary’s post..[GARY]”So to answer the question – Yes you do get better quality when you have a card installed, and the most common card in use by pro’s are the Kona’s (I believe that everyone of the FCP forum leaders has at least one kona product)”
I have to wonder whether your question about which hardware is best, can be answered in this (FCP) forum.
Clearly, if Gary is saying that he and fellow moderators are AJA users, they really cannot give you the information that you need.. which is an unbias comparative information…Unfortunately, neither can I as I only have the MXO2.
All I can tell you is what I know. The MXO2 is a great I/O card for my MacPro. And the reason I chose it is that it has virtually all the ins and outs I`ll ever need, and if I ever have to go to my client to show him my work I can bring it with me… (That is once I buy my MBP..) Because I have intentions of buying a MBP in the next few months, I chose MXO2… I can take the I/O on the road.. can’t do that with a card.I hope my opinon helps.. just want to give you another point of view… from one artist to another.
Stay well.
An Artist At Heart.
Life is made of moments… -
[Mario Rubertis] “Clearly, if Gary is saying that he and fellow moderators are AJA users, they really cannot give you the information that you need.. which is an unbias comparative information.”
Mario
I have never professed to be unbiased, I am very biased. I am.You have never seen me question Matrox’s quality and I have tested both the MXO and MXO2 as part of writing and reviewing products for clients and publications. I have even given the matrox team direct input on the initial hardware release.
You however have stated that since we cannot offer comment without bias -that you must be presenting an unbiased opinion- however you only have one of the products mentioned- and have a vest interest in having it work for you or Bias.
[Mario Rubertis] ” and if I ever have to go to my client to show him my work I can bring it with me… (That is once I buy my MBP..) … can’t do that with a card. “
And while you speak about the product – you have no experience based on the original questions posted – how does this work with a LAPTOP. ( something you admittedly do not have)
gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production WorkflowsInside look at the IoHD
https://library.creativecow.net/articles/adcock_gary/AJAIOHD.php -
[Robert DePalma] “So if I’m looking to edit this type of footage, plus looking down the road at some projects shot on the RED camera, would anyone be able to suggest a good configuration? I’m looking at the options to add on at the Apple Store website, like the Raid Card, SAS Drive, etc., but I don’t even know if it’s necessary or overkill.
Can anyone help out?
“If RED is in your future, then AJA Kona boards should be a part of your initial setup. Right now I would suggest that be the Kona 3. The card supports a RED workflow through both FCP and Color.
For your storage array, you really want RAID 5 for protection in the event of a drive failure. And today there are now Expando Chassis solutions where you can build a RAID today and when you need more storage in the future, you literally daisy chain another chassis and off you go.
Maxx Digital makes a superb unit in the EVO 2HD line that we’ve been running here since January as part of the Final Share solution. We’ve also had their original EVO HD models running almost two years now without a hitch. Maxx also has many other products, both their own and other brands, so I would definitely suggest a phone call to them to go over what your needs are for your system and they can help set you up correctly.
If you’re in need of a monitor Flanders Scientific (FSI) has an outstanding line of LCD panels that are true color grade monitors starting at just $2,500 for the 17″ model. And they’re actually 5% off through April 15 for Cow users, just click on the yellow banner in this forum or go to ShopFSI.com
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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