[This is an excerpt from a recent online training: Multicam Editing in Final Cut Pro X, (v.10.1.x) which you can download from our store. You can also access all our Final Cut Pro X training by becoming a Video Training Library subscriber.]
Multicam editing allows us to edit multiple cameras at the same time. Initially released with Final Cut Pro 5, Apple has continued to add new capabilities to this feature. In the latest version of Final Cut, v.10.1, Apple added significant support for multi-channel audio.
In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan shows how to sync multiple clips in preparation for multicam editing using the new "audio sync" feature or by manually creating sync markers for your clips.
TRT: 6:20 — MPEG-4 HD movie
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5 Responses to FCP X: Sync Multicam Clips [Video]
I have a question. I have recorded a play using two cameras. One was my iPad which I used for the master shot. It’s my play that I will put that on my time line and just edit into that. I used a second camera to take CUs of the actors as they performed. However, that camera wasn’t able to stay on the entire time, so I have about 7 or 8 shorter clips of the play. I’m wondering if there is a way to somehow make them multi cam clips. I know you can do up to 4 at a time. Should I just sync the first four clips with the master and edit as far as I can, then sync the next clips with the master and cut it in matching it as best I can?
Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you very much for your time. You have saved me more than once.
Best,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth:
If there is audio on all your clips, you have a much easier option: PluralEyes from Red Giant Software.
This will build a single sequence/project aligning all your clips using their audio and allowing you to edit without using multicam.
I highly recommend you give it a try.
Larry
Hello Larry,
I have just the same problem as Elizabeth I reckon.
As it is about quantity.
I have a lot of video clips with their own sound and a lot of sound clips recorded on a clip mic.
This means that basically I can sort out a big sync batch using PluralEyes as you have suggested.
BUT
I have already done this and it seems that FCPX does not like so much the files I can create with PluralEyes.
Meaning that sometimes it can’t read them, sometimes it can’t import them etc.
Questions:
– am I wrong in saying this?
– if not is it because FCPX can sync by itself and this creates a sort of software clash?
– is not at all possible doing the same job in FCPX as we do in PluralEyes?
Thanks a lot for your possible answers.
All the best,
Fed
Federico:
Thanks for writing.
First, FCP does not care where files get synced. There is no “software clash” between FCP and PluralEyes.
Second, FCP X has a limit of 12 hours in a project. If you are creating PluralEyes sequences that are longer than that, FCP X won’t read them. Try to keep your projects shorter.
Third, see if FCP X can import the files before they are synced by PluralEyes – some video formats (i.e. some AVCHD or MXF files) need to be optimized because FCP X can’t edit them natively.
In theory, as long as your Projects are short and the media is readable by FCP X without conversion, you should be able to import without any problems.
If problems persist, contact the folks at Red Giant.
Larry
Dear Larry,
Thanks a lot for your reply.
Honestly I can’t understand the purpose of importing not synced files by PluralEyes because in that case I can sync directly on FCPX, but I will give it a try and see.
All the best,
Federico