Plural Eyes

I was checking out Plural Eyes and even Dual Eyes based on a reply to a previous post, and it seems like a really good piece of software for post production of video + audio. However, does it only work when the camera(s) have built-in audio? Because it seems to me that if you're using a DSLR plus separate audio feed (whether it's a live event, film shoot, etc.), Plural/Dual Eyes can be used since the DSLR has a built-in mic. But if you're using a high-end pro camera (such as a RED) which doesn't typically have a built-in camera, you are going to have to set up a dual-audio feed just to utilise Plural/Dual Eyes. And that seems like an extra cost. Anyone have any experience with this? What if I have clips from a camera that doesn't have built-in audio? Can I still use Plural Eyes on those clips? Or do I have to manually sync?

David H. Watson
dEhiN Entertainment

Hello David and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.

When I first got PluralEyes, I tested it by rolling my Canon XL2 and an inexpensive Olympus while I played audio from my system in the studio. So, identical audio but recorded by two separate mics in the same environment. I even walked around with the Olympus during recording.

I had to use the "try harder" mode but it worked. This was the original release of PluralEyes. I think things have actually improved since then. I couldn't use both audio tracks due to phase cancellation, but they were synced.

I also did an "exact same audio" test and both tracks did sync with no cancellation.

YMMV,

Regards,

Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader


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Thanks all for your replies. I'm going to check out the trial version with a funeral service I have been putting off editing. The footage is from 3 different cameras (2 camcorders and 1 dslr) - 2 of which have audio - and a full audio wav file recorded from the church's sound system.

David H. Watson
dEhiN Entertainment

It works like a charm as long as all cameras have gotten decent enough audio levels to be matched.

I have a trick I use outdoors to guarantee this. I gaff tape a walkie-talkie to each camera near its built-in mic. Then I call out over the radio- the scene number and take at the start of each shot just after the camera rolls. This has worked 100% for sync in post for me. And it also helps with organization in post because you hear a very clear audio slate for each shot. :) I picked up this set of 3 walkies for a recent shoot for $83= dirt cheap & perfect sync.

Motorola MH230TPR Giant Rechargeable Two Way Radio 3 Pack, FRS/GMRS

Noah

Call Box Training.
Featuring the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic AC160/130.

I have been using Plural Eyes for a while, love it. As long as you can hear the scratch track in camera, you are set. I like the walke technique! Have not needed to sync from a long distance yet, but that would be a great tip.

M

Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com