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upgrading my editing studio… suggestions?
I am in the process of upgrading my FCP editing set-up. Given an approximate budget of $10,000, what do you think about the following proposed set-up? (I should also mention I am currently shooting HDV on a Sony Z1U, but could potentially start shooting 3k next year.)
8 Core Mac Pro (2 2.93 GHZ Quad-Core Intel Xeon chips, 6 GB Memory, 640 GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA, NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512 MB)
Final Cut Studio
2 Dell S2409W 24-inch displays
M-Audio Studiophile BX5a Studio Monitors
G-Speed es 3 TB Raid StorageAnd a few questions:
1. Are the specs on the Mac Pro appropriate? Should I upgrade the memory or graphics card?
2. Because my productions are mostly for DVD and web, will it be acceptable to edit on the Dell displays? Do I really need a color production monitor?
3. I notice most of the turnkey Mac editing systems at B&H include a breakout box and/or capture card. Again, because my work is for web and DVD, are these devices that I would really need?Many thanks,
Nathan
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3 Replies
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I’d upgrade to the ATI 4870 (things are moving to the GPU in FXplug architecture and Color likes ATI), and add 2 Gigs of RAM per core for a total of 16 Gigs. Other World Computing has good prices on RAM.
Warren
Warren Eig
O 310-470-0905email: warren@babyboompictures.com
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https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0251670/EDITING REEL: https://www.babyboompictures.com/BabyBoomPictures/Editing_Reel.html
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I’m with Warren on the gfx card. However, I’d save the loot on the 2×2.93Ghz machine and go with the 2.66 – it’s still going to be a screamer (should be faster than the current 2×3.2Ghz quad core) and represents much better value. You can spend the extra money on a proper video monitor.
I use the G-Speed ES – it’s a great product. I have two connected together at home RAID 5 – and regularly run uncompressed HD footage on this converted from a 4K RED camera. Good choice IMHO.
I use the BX5a’s and I think they’re incredible value and quality. They use an XLR or audio jack connection though, so I connect them via my Blackmagic Multibridge Pro.
You could get an internal card from BM for a few hundred dollars, and a decent CRT monitor. This will allow you to see the interlace properly, as well as aiding colour correction for DVD work. You won’t see a proper quality output on your canvas, and this is why you will ALWAY find people here recommending a decent monitor.
Other than that – sounds good to me! If you’re US based, check out ProMax for systems. I’m UK based, but have used them before, and found the prices and service excellent – they’re not just box shifters…
Ben
Edit Out Ltd
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FCP Editor/Trainer/System Consultant
EVS/VT Supervisor for live broadcast
RED camera transfer/post
Independent Director/Producer -
Thanks guys. I appreciate it.
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