RED Workflow for FCP7 iMac 2011

Apple Final Cut Pro Legacy

RED Workflow for FCP7 iMac 2011

Posted by Michael Swingler on August 17, 2012 at 7:17 pm

Hi,

I’m about to start cutting a feature on my 2011 iMac and I want to double check my workflow plan. I just want to make sure we’ll get best performance with best quality transcoded material.

1. Footage is shot on RED.
2. Footage transcoded to ProRes files using RED Rocket.
3. ProRes files will be stored on external hard drives with Firewire 800.
4. Finish edit using ProRes files.
5. Reconnect timeline to point to raw R3D files.
6. Have 3rd party color correct timeline using raw R3D files.
7. Export to final format, 1920 x 1080 ProRes.

My computer:
2011 iMac
3.1 Ghz Intel quad core i5
16GB Memory
1 Firewire 800 connect
1 Thunderbolt connect
Mac OS X, version snow leapord 10.6.8

So, I have a few questions:
1. What is the best transcode format/combination to use for optimal editing performance for a “feature” on a “2011 iMac?” Which ProRes format, 422, 422 LT, 422 Proxy? And size, 1920×1080 or 1280×720?

2. Will multiple Firewire 800 drives be fast enough to work with all that footage or will a thunderbolt drive be necessary?

I’m just concerned about performance with it being a feature and want to make sure the offline file formats are chosen properly from the get go.

Any thoughts? They are greatly appreciated?

Mike

Jerry Hofmann replied 13 years, 9 months ago 2 Members · 3 Replies
3 Replies

Jerry Hofmann
August 18, 2012 at 4:34 pm

I’d use ProRes proxy for an offline edit on an iMac. FW 800 will work just fine all day long with it, and you can store a lot more minutes/gig with it. Use 1920X1080. (same size as your finish is going to be).

Jerry

Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski. My Blog: https://blogs.creativecow.net/Jerry-Hofmann

Current DVD:
https://store.creativecow.net/p/81/jerry_hofmanns_final_cut_system_setup

8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX – Cinema Displays I have a 22″ that I paid 4k for still working. G4 with Kona SD card, and SCSI card.
Michael Swingler
August 19, 2012 at 5:42 am

Thanks for the response Jerry. Since my last post, I discovered I’ll need to use offline files of no less than Prores 422. They want to send off “cuts in progress” to interested parties and they want it to have a higher quality.

I’ve cut plenty of projects using 1080 prores HQ files with no problem, so I’m hoping we won’t run into any issues. I was just concerned with this one since it was a feature with a lot of footage to work with. If need be, I may have to purchase the LaCie Thunderbolt to eSata HUB, and use a couple eSata drives. Either that or they purchase a 4 to 6 TB Thunderbolt drive.

See any issues?

Thanks again!
Mike
Jerry Hofmann
August 19, 2012 at 1:58 pm

I think things will work just fine. YOu might test LT though… it’s broadcast quality video, and smaller than what you’re planning.

Jerry

Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski. My Blog: https://blogs.creativecow.net/Jerry-Hofmann

Current DVD:
https://store.creativecow.net/p/81/jerry_hofmanns_final_cut_system_setup

8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX – Cinema Displays I have a 22″ that I paid 4k for still working. G4 with Kona SD card, and SCSI card.

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