Adam Taylor
Forum Replies Created
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thanks nick, thats what i thought too.
Rafael – “I prefer to watch a good DVD that a bad DBetacam.” i hope you are refering to content and not actual image quality?
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
The Tapcos are not a bad choice, Tim. I actually bought myself a pair for my own home setup (where budget has to be a little more restrained.
I find that i do all my final mixes in Pro Tools before exporting them audio as interleaved stereo files and dropping them back onto the video. For me, FCP is just not up to the task of doing a decent audio dub.
This also means i can use a decent software limiter to prevent those levels from peaking. I use the Waves L2 Ultramaximiser with the threshold settings just a couple of db lower than the allowed limit. With this on the master fader track, and the hardware meters as a confirmation check, i can be confident the audio will be legal. I have not had a single rejection in the 18 months (several hundred commercials) I have been working this way.
good luck with your new suite.
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
If you are doing any kind of broadcast work, then i suggest you also invest in a good outboard audio meter. I use dual PPM meters to ensure that everything i do is within the strict parameters laid down by the broadcasters.
As for monitoring, I take the audio output from the Kona breakout box, using distribution amps to split the signal I send the audio to both the studio monitors and the digibeta deck.
I use Mackies Big Knob as a monitor volume control (its basically a mixers monitor control section), and then feed the signal into a pair of PMC DB1SA monitors (www.pmcloudspeaker.com)….cost about £1000 but are about as accurate a sound as i have ever heard. I tested a huge range before settling on these and i have not regretted it for an instant.
Think carefully about whether you really need a mixer. Many people install them because they have seen them in other suites, but the reality is they only ever get used as a volume control. If you are switching between a myriad of analogue sources, then you probably need one. If you just use digital sources, then you shouldn’t really need to play around with the levels during the ingest/output phases of your process.
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
well its good to know i wasn’t the only one surprised by this!
I try avoid these kind of transitions if i can, but every now and then they are just what you need….
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
found the cure ….
i had the video clips overlapping on two video tracks, with the transition applied to the top clip. The cure was simply to have them on the same video track, with the effect centred on the cut point.
i never realised using the layers with transitions could cause such a problem.
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
Thanks Keith – do you mean you trash the file called “WaveShell-AU_5.0.component” ?
I see what you mean about FCP taking an aeon to load!
regards
AdamEditor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
the easy answer is to try what you suggest on a shot and see if you like it!
What might work on some footage may look dreadful on others, so without seeing your material no-one can say.
You have obviously given some thought to your look – now you just need to try it out. You may find you hit the look before you have done everything on your list, or you might just discover some great different look that will make your grade look even better than what was requested.
You often find that reference to a movie is made only because its easier than trying to ask for something new. Don’t replicate it, develop your own interpretation and give them something unique to your client.
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
thanks Lars – makes perfect sense!
in fact, i was thinking along those lines earlier, but my brain just would not connect the dots!!
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
or maybe this one (Cat DV)
adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK -
analyze what it is about 8mm that makes it look unique, and that will lead you a long way down the path to creating your own look.
Frame rates are much slower – possibly 12/16 fps (i can’t remember what)
Its very grainy, usually soft focus.
color looks unreal – as you suggested whites tend to bleach out – so try manipulate the curves. And maybe gibe the saturation a push.and i never saw 8mm shot with a tripod so give it some camera shake, and also some motion blur to go with the camera shake.
You can probably find plug-ins to do this, but you will learn a whole lot more doing this and you will have a much more original look.
good luck
Adam
Editor/Mixer
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK