Output Specs
We need a reference Quicktime and an OMF (or AAF for AVID users) file of your locked picture cut to work on your audio post sound. Here’s our specs for both:
Preparing the REFERENCE VIDEO from your master session:
1 – Each reel should be 2 popped at the head for sync. (A 2 frame 1ktone @ 00:59:58:00)
2 – First frame of program should start at exactly 01:00:00:00
3 – Export a self-contained (not referenced) Quicktime file (Please note that when exporting from FCP use the “Quicktime conversion” export) with the following compression specs:
- compression: Photo Jpeg ( or Motion Jpeg A for Windows users)
- pixel size: 720 x 480 (maintain the aspect ratio of your original session)
- colors: millions
- quality: 75%
- stereo reference audio track at the same sample rate as the session – no compression
- timecode burn: embedded (not referenced) window burn to match reel (i.e. reel 1 first frame of picture would start at 01:00:00:00 and 2 pop should be at 00:59:58:00 in the top left corner of the picture.
Preparing Session Audio from Final Cut Pro:
1- Each reel (or the entire film) as an OMF2 file with embedded audio.
An OMF file will give us a duplicate of your audio tracks from your FCP session.
In FCP export your audio mix using File > Export > Audio to OMF
The default settings of 48khz, 16 bit (standard practice for DV video and audio-unless you are working for Blue Ray) should be what your original session is. Enter a handle length of 5 seconds.
If you have any special crossfades, check the include crossfades transitions. Then Save the file. If your OMF data is larger than 2G, you will get a message telling you this and you will have to export 2 or more OMF files by breaking up the session tracks (i.e. in a 16 track session, OMF #1 would contain tracks 1 thru 8 and OMF #2 would contain tracks 9 thru 16 etc.)
*** An important note*****
If you have nested tracks in your sequence, duplicate your session and un-nest individual files for the OMF to work.
Place the OMF and QuickTime files on a hard drive (PC or MAC) with the Quicktime and OMF files on it.
Please include a note with the sample frequency/bit rate/frame rate of the master Final Cut/Avid session.
If you require an FTP access, please contact us for user information and a password.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Preparing Session Audio from AVID:
1 – Attach an external drive to your edit computer
2 – Open this External Drive and create a new folder named ‘SHOW NAME OMF’ (ie: Amazing Ahow OMF) and a folder in that called ‘MEDIA FILES’
3 – In Avid, Create a New Bin called OMF
4 – DUPLICATE Approved Sequence, and place in bin
5 – Delete Video Tracks
6 – Select Sequence in bin, go to Export, in Export window click ‘Options’
7 - In the pulldown menu configure as follows:
- Deselect ‘Include all Video Tracks’
- Select ‘Include all Audio Tracks’
- Export Method is ‘Consolidate and Link to Consolidated Media’
- Target Drive (Select where you want media to go)
- Handle length is 120 frames
- Select ‘Include Rendered Audio Effects’
- Select ‘Convert Audio Sample Rate’ and choose Project
- Select ‘Convert Audio Sample Bit Depth’ and choose Project
- Select ‘Convert Audio File Format’ and choose Project
8 – Click Save to exit that window
9 - Select a ‘partition and SAVE to it; Check number of files being consolidated for reference
10- After Consolidation is complete, go to Desktop level and copy the OMF from the drive partition to the External Drive (put it in desired folder)
11- Then go to the OMFI files folder on the partition you consolidated to, sort by Date/Time, and select all of the recently created (within the last few minutes) aiff files 12- Check the number of files you have selected as it should match number consolidated – Copy these files to the ‘MEDIA FILES’ folder on the external drive
13- On external drive, double-check that the correct number of files copied over
14- Double check that you have Your Show’s OMF file and the corresponding media files on the external drive
Place the OMF and QuickTime files on a hard drive (PC or MAC) with the Quicktime and OMF files on it.
Please include a note with the sample frequency/bit rate/frame rate of the master Final Cut/Avid session.
If you require an FTP access, please contact us for user information and a password.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
