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AVID export OMF?
Hi, folks. I am potentially the most ignorant post production sound editor/mixer when it comes to AVID use (99% of our materials are edited in ‘that other software starting with ‘final’ and ending with ‘cut’), so I have a question:
Is AVID still able to export OMF embedded these days? We’ll be doing a feature cut on AVID later this summer and a couple shorts we have had in done by university students over the past couple years supplied AAF which we are unable to open with our Pro Tools software so we always request OMF.
Thanks for information!
“Sounds good!….I think?”
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13 Replies
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Well, it has been a while since I used Avid for this purpose, but when I did, I would consolidate the audio with handles, then make an OMF of that new sequence. The OMF will reference the consolidated media….and ProTools should reference it as well when it imports that OMF. I haven’t done an embedded OMF with Avid MC.
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
Yes. Avid can do this…BUT with a feature, you may very likely hit the 2GB file size limit. Be prepared to break it up into reels or tracks to get it done.
I would be concerned that your Pro Tools system can’t handle AAF. This has been the default for Avid for quite a few years now. I take it you are running very old software?
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If your PT system does not handle AAF, it’s time to get that fixed. AAF is slighly more reliable than OMF even, in my experience.
Yes, Avids can still export OMF like they used to. The only caveat is that this option is only available in SD projects. In HD projects, AAF would be the way to go by default. You can still work around that, though. Just flip the project format to a compatible SD project type, and you should have OMF export back.
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Correct, I did it yesterday…. editing in 108i/50 project, switch to SD25i, export OMF at Sound Editor’s request and then switch back.
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Correct. We’re running Pro Tools software that WORKS.
🙂
Yes I’m aware of the 2GB OMF limitation.
And it isn’t that we’re afraid of change, it is that we’ve had AVID cuts on maybe three total productions in 10 years —very Final Cut-oriented local market. So to upgrade systems / software, etc. No…doesn’t make “cents”, plus our delivery requirements say OMF.
😉
Thanks, folks! Keep on cuttin’!
Jeff
“Sounds good!….I think?”
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I appreciate you wanting to stay with something that works, but eventually not upgrading will bite you in the ass. Avid hasn’t upgraded upgraded OMF in years. With all the new formats and open mixed timelines, you will start running into situations where OMF will not be able to handle it and AAF will be required.
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I’m aware of the changing technologies, John. Thanks for the forewarning but, again: 3 productions in 10 years cut on AVID doesn’t make us go out and upgrade ‘just yet’.
We are just starting post on an anthology of 13 short films by various filmmakers and editors and it was put together in one 23.98 Final Cut timeline and delivered in two OMFs.
No problems.
But I appreciate the information with regard to the AVID ins and outs, especially since they and Digidesign are now one (a scary thought for me, personally). It is a system I have had absolutely no face time with so I need to rely on input and information from those that are familiar with it.
Thanks again.
Jeff“Sounds good!….I think?”
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[Jeff Friah] “especially since they and Digidesign are now one (a scary thought for me, personally)”
Avid purchased Digidesign 15 years ago. They actually are beginning to phase out the Digidesign name this year.
Not trying to get you to write checks for things you don’t need….believe me. Just pointing out that Avid’s been running the show for a long time, and you need to stay on top of what they are doing.
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That’s what I meant, John. (current phase-out)
This is my 16th year at it, so have been aware of the trends.Thanks.
Jeffp.s. Hey, how is the ‘working with audio’ functionality in AVID these days? ie: tracks, level mixing, plugins, etc.
“Sounds good!….I think?”
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[Jeff Friah] “p.s. Hey, how is the ‘working with audio’ functionality in AVID these days? ie: tracks, level mixing, plugins, etc. “
It will get a lot better with Media Composer 5 coming out in June. They’re now giving us stereo tracks, RealTime Audio Suite plugins (5 per track), solo/muting tracks has changed, showing the sample plot on only the tracks you choose…
They’re slowly improving the audio within the editor, but it would still be best to go to an outside audio system like ProTools.
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Michael Hancock
http://www.oswaldcommunications.com
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