Re: Multiclips lose sync when reconnecting

Jasper -

I have cut close to 100 half hour broadcast episodes using FCP's multi-clip feature. While there are a few frustrating features overall I find FCP to be an excellent multi-cam editor. Now for your complaints.

Multiclips do not work and frequently lose sync. If you're trying to edit any sizable project, then forget it.

Are you talking about losing audio sync or losing sync between cameras? If your talking about audio then I am perplexed. I've cut 90 minute 5 camera multi-cam shows without any loss of audio sync. In fact I've never had an audio sync problem with multi-clips. As for sync between cameras - if a multi-clip is corrupted it will destroy the sync relationship between cameras - this is irregardless of the size of the project.

Problems occur if timecodes and in points are different, which on multicamera shoot is often the case.

Problems occur if you haven't set the clips up properly and you choose the wrong mode to sync them up with. If your various cameras don't have identical timecode then you have to set in-points to sync with. When done properly I've never had a problem. However if done improperly it cannot be fixed later, which is a problem.

Problem happens when you move, reconnect or otherwise change media, and on some projects it will happen on closing and opening FCP.

Yes to problems with reconnecting and moving media, but I've never had a problem with merely opening and closing FCP.

You'll also notice that the length of the multiclip is longer than it should be, possibly with black at the beginning or end.

Only with an improperly set up multi-clip.

I work for TV network that installed FCP in January, and after two months of trying to edit multicamera shoots, the official support people have finally admitted that there is indeed a problem with the FCP software. Apple have been informed...

I've been working constantly with FCP multi-cam's for the past 3 years and have not had your experience. There are issues with moving and reconnecting media, and its' frustrating that once a clip is set up it cannot be altered or repaired. But basically if you know how to use them you don't have these problems.




Herb Sevush
Zebra Productions