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FCP File Organization
I do understand the need to put media files on a disk, or RAID, separate from the system disk – and I’m very familiar with the fact that most people recommend putting project files (FCP program/Photoshop graphics/Soundtrack files etc.) in a “project” folder on the system disk, and FCP media files (captured video, render files, etc) on a second “media” disk or RAID.
However – just to clarify:
Once you have created final Photoshop, music and other such files that are to be imported and composited in the video – shouldn’t these completed “media files” also be saved on the separate “Media Disk” – not just those files contained in FCPs Capture Scratch/ Render folder, etc. – especially if you want to get as much realtime playback without rendering?Even with a three disk set up (the system disk for applications only, a second internal SATA disk dedicated to Project files, and a 2 x 500Mb LaCie Firewire 800 RAID for the FCP Scratch disk) I’ve found that if I save composed audio files and multilayered PSD files to this second internal SATA disk (which is pretty darn fast) and then import them into FCP from there, I’m far more likely to get dropped frames in complex, multi-layered sequences than if I put the same files directly on the RAID (and I would think that this would be compounded even more if the files were on a slower system disk).
Could I get some other experiences/opinions on this – and on the best place to save final Photoshop, Soundtrack files, etc?
Thank you, so much.
Apple G5 PowerMac Dual 2.5 w/2.5 Gb RAM
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5 Replies
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I put all media that is in a cut on my media drives. Music, pictures, captured footage. No problems with that thus far.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
[David Telling] “I’m very familiar with the fact that most people recommend putting project files (FCP program/Photoshop graphics/Soundtrack files etc.) in a “project” folder on the system disk”
I think you misunderstood this one. Project files yes, but as Shane said, all media belongs on your media drives.
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Yeah, I think the big thing is project files and media files should be on separate drives. As far as psd and audio files, I think do whatever works for you, but they’re going to end up on the media drives when they get rendered so you might as well place them there in the first place. The system disk is ok for project file since it really shouldn’t be calling on much else. The application and OS should be loaded into memory without any need to read the disk during playback except to read the project file and I’m not really sure it needs to do that. Make sure you’ve got RAM and lots of it and that will smooth out all kinds of problems.
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My experience is to make a separate “Graphics” and “Audio Production” folder on my Media drives and drop files there. This makes project managment a little better when you start deleting project media and render files. Media like credit rolls, show opens, animations, AE comps etc… will playback with no problem from the RAID.
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Thanks gentlemen. I appreciate your help.
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