Tech
Delivery Specs for Audio Post (from Final Cut Pro)
updated May 2011
Two elements are required:
1 – A TC-burned QuickTime movie reference (Prores Proxy-codec preferred) with an embedded rough mix of the project’s audio.
2 - OMF audio export. OMF is a file format that allows the transfer of audio files across different platforms. Audio clips are arranged as it was with the picture sequence in AVID or Final Cut.
Here’s how to do it:
VIDEO Reference
1 – Select the relevant sequence.
2 – Make note of the video’s start timecode (this would be the same start timecode of the Quicktime movie you’re about to make).
3 – Make sure everything is RENDERED and that the audio is not muted, missing, disabled, etc.
4 – Export to Quicktime Movie. Prores HQ or Proxy (keep FCP’s frame rate setting intact) codec is best. INCLUDE Audio and Video and make sure that SELF-CONTAINED is checked. Please include the audio, as this helps us check sync during the course of the sound edit.
** Embedding timecode and adding sync pops to the QT audio reference AND the OMFs are very helpful as well as prevent sync issues down the road. As for the TC counter, please keep the window at the bottom or top, away from moving lips or important movements.
OMF Audio
1 – Go to Sequence Settings, and check out the audio settings. It’s probably at 48/16.
2 – ENABLE all disabled clips from the timeline. In FCP 6.0.6, clips on the timeline can be enabled/disabled via a right click/select “Clip Enable” checkbox in context menu.
Failure to do so will probably cause errors upon import. More info here.
If audio seems bad, please use keyframes to lower the volume of that track. Please don’t delete/disable anything.
3 – Dbl Chk step 2.
4 – Please leave copies of original, unfiltered clips on the adjacent track(s) if you went ahead and processed clips on your own. If the audio needs more work, we will need the originals.
5 – There is a 2 GB limit to creating OMF files, so successfully getting FCP to create the OMF may take some trial and error. For a feature length, multiple OMFs may be required. For example: one OMF can have 2 audio tracks, and a second (or third) OMF can have the rest of the audio.
If the sequence’s audio is mainly on tracks 1-2, try exporting only 1-2 by making them “audible” (the green speaker button on the left side of the sequence) and the others “inaudible.”
Goto File -> Export -> Audio to OMF…
Select:
Sample Rate: 48 kHz (unless noted otherwise in STEP 1)
Sample Size: 16 Bit (unless noted otherwise in STEP 1)
Handle Length: 00:00:10;00 (10 seconds, not 10 frames)
Include Crossfade Transitions, Levels, and Pan
Name the file accordingly, i.e. Tracks1-2
If the error gremlins behave and don’t show up as it exports, you’re good to go with tracks 1-2. Next try making only tracks 3 – ?? audible and exporting them. If the 2 GB error comes up, select less tracks.
If there are any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.