Computer for final cut

I am going to be taking videos of interviews putting in pictures and sound. I was thinking of using final cut express for this.
What computer and specifications should I get. I want to be able to do final cut pro on it if I decied to upgrade, I want it to last, and be powerful enough to edit quickly?
what are your suggestions!!
looking

Any Mac in the current product line will handle FCE. Of course, bigger is better. It depends on your budget. I personally believe that the sweet spot for price vs. performance in Apple's lineup is the iMac. And if you are truly, seriously thinking of FCStudio and want to buy for the future, then I'd be looking at the Mac Pro.
Just be sure to look at the FCE (and FCStudio) requirements before you configure & buy your hardware. Make sure you set aside enough money for RAM (I'd suggest at least 1.5GB RAM, 2GB if you can afford it) and a good external 7200rpm 8MB+ cache Firewire drive.
The MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops are great machines if you really need the portability, but it comes at a price, both in $$ and in lesser upgrade options. They all currently come with 5400rpm HDs and I don't believe there are any 7200 rpm options in the current lineup (there used to be), and you have to beware that some of the current HD options for the laptops are only 4500rpm drives.

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HT4589 What are the computer requirements or specs for Final Cut Pro

What are the computer specs required for Final Cut Pro?
Also is anyone operating Avid Media Seven on an OS X Lion 10.

Lynn Kielley wrote:
What are the computer specs required for Final Cut Pro?
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/specs/
Even though it says 4 GB RAM recommended, I think most experience users woild say 8 GB and up is the real minimum.
Can't answer the Avid question.
Russ

Which firewire interface for Final Cut Pro on MacPro?

I currently own a Presonus Firepod, and it seems to work pretty well, but may sell this when I upgrade from a MacMini to a MacPro. I use my Mac for Logic Pro currently.
I anticipate running Final Cut Pro in the near future, so I'm wondering about the ability to read/generate SMPTE time code that the MOTU traveller supplies?
There will be no external mixer, so this interface will connect directly to speakers & headphones. (would be nice to be able to mute speakers and control headphone mix using just the firewire interface).
I don't anticipate needing more than 2 Mic inputs - and my current mike is a Rode NT1. (As the NT1 is not a top-of-the-line mic, unsure if I should place a lot of emphasis on worrying about the pre-ams?)
I would like decent mic preamps, and ability to graphically monitor input and output levels (is this graphic monitoring necessary, or is just the single overload indicator sufficient?).
Which interfaces in $600-$1500 range would work best with Final Cut Pro - and Logic Pro?

I saw the Traveller ads in Videography mentioning
time code, so I presumed it had an advantage over
other interfaces.
I found this in some ad copy:
"""The Travler provides on-board SMPTE time code synchronization features that allow you to slave your Traveler system to SMPTE time code without a synchronizer. The Traveler provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub-frame accuracy. The included MOTU SMPTE Console software provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer."""
So it likely uses an audio port for timecode I/O. However, unless you have external equipment that you want to slave to Logic Pro, (or have Logic slave to) e.g. a timecode DAT, then this really is not necessary. FCP would not see the Travaller as a "controllable" device.
For Final Cut Pro use, I'd probably shoot in HDV.
When shooting a green screen near my computer (or
maybe even on-site), I wondered if there would be an
advantage to recording the audio thru an interface
like the traveller.
The advantage is that you could capture additional mics and audio tracks with your mac while the cameras shoot. Just slate your takes and sync up later.
Do I actually need an interface that provides time
code, or is that only needed for movie work?
I have SMPTE I/O on my Unitor8, directly accessable in Logic Pro. In 8 years I've probably used it twice to capture audio from some modular digital multitracks. So, unless you have some specific need.....
Maybe it is simpler just to connect to the mic
directly to the camera's input?
Indeed. You should always have camera audio available. Anything else is supplemental. Alternatively, you could use the Travaller or RME, etc. as a "live to camera" mixer in a studio situation. Plug your mics into the interface, create a submix and send it to the camera while simultaneously capturing each mic to an individual track in Logic Pro. There are many possibilities.
G5 QuadPPC2.5, Ram:12.5g, Magma PCIe-PCI expansion Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2X Hammerfall DSP Digiface+Multiface, Digi 002r, 4X UAD-1

Seperate Video Monitor for Final Cut Express HD 3.5

Hey guys. I was just wondering if it was possible for me to connect my iMac Intel to a seperate video monitor. The thing is--I know you could possibly connect a dvi to composite or s-video adapter and walla...have a mirror of your desktop right there on your sony trinitron. But here's the thing. I want JUST the Viewer from Final Cut Express to be playing through it. Basically...I want my tv to be my viewer. Back when I was in school learning this stuff I remember all the setups I used had a little broadcast quality monitor connected, and ONLY the viewer window would be playing through it. Now I didn't use Final Cut then. I used something called Media 100. But the computers we used were like at least 10 year old powermacs. I dunno. I just have always wanted to copy that setup with my own computer. It was soo much nicer to edit on. I figured after this many years the newer macs would allow that sort of setup to be had a lot easier. Thanks for your time you guys.
Branden

It goes this way: Firewire out>camera (aka A/DV coverter)>S-VHS (or composite) to NTSC monitor. The audio goes line out from the A/DV converter to speakers.
Hook everything up when the computer is off.
Turn on the camera, monitor and speakers
Turn on the computer
Launch final cut
it the image does not automatically show up on the external monitor
go to View>Refresh A/V Devices
then
Set View>Video Playback>Apple Firewire
Set View>External Video>All frames
Set View>Audio Playback>Audio follows video
all should be happy. there is probably a big section in your user manual about this stuff.
good luck.
x

I can't install trial version for final cut pro x

I can't install trial version for final cut pro x on my computer..

What are you trying to achieve? Are you editing movies as a hobby? Or trying to build a business – and, if so, what kind?
iMovie is the first thing that comes to mind. Not the depth of FCPX, but it can still do some excellent work.
Russ

Student Help advice! what is best iMac model for Final Cut Pro and logic pro

Hi
I am currently looking into getting a iMac, but is toggling to device if I need a 27inch or a 21inch(top model),which will be used for Final Cut Pro and logic
There is a lot of money being invested iMac, and I really not want to be stu k with a computer that not going to keep up with the amount of work load in the future.
The specs that I have on mine are..
21inch
Upgrades include
Sdd drive 512gb
Intel core i7
16gb of ram
Or
27 inch
Upgrades
Fusion drive or sdd 250gb
Intel core i7
(Possible graphic card) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX 2GB GDDR5 [+ £105.60]
(Ram is way to expensive so will buy from second party)
Anyone who has brought a iMac for final cut or logic what would you likely buy?..Am really stuck on the hard drives between the 27inch fusion and 512gb on the 21inch
My budget is £1900
My fear is that the 21inch top model's graphic card may not be good enough for advance editing on Final Cut Pro In the future when I start to get more deep into editing..logic really only needs 8gb to run smoothly..buts its the final cut specs that am having problems deciding. I know iMacs are not future proof or technology lasts for that matter, but I do expect to have it run good for a number of years before I upgrade again.
If anyone can give me some advice, or even tell me about there set up they have for media work please let me know.

All kinds of things affect system & HD performance, I can't tell you why your 4 year old Mac is slow. Just because your old Mac is slow doesn't mean that a new iMac will be equally slow.
You are correct about the issue with the smaller fusion drives. It's one of the reasons I am not high on recommending them. Everyone thinks they want power & performance but don't understand the gap between marketing and real life performance. The 1TB fusion drive however should give you a good combination of rapid access and sizeable storage capacity.
I have used external FW800 / 7200rpm drives for years and have never had a problem with any of them. I consider them very reliable but admittedly I DO NOT use consumer drives like the WD MyBook that the big-box stores sell. For the most part I assemble my own with OWC Mercury Elite enclosures. In the past few years I have centered on WD Caviar Black and WD Scorpio Black drives. I also have some Seagate Barracuda 7200.xx drives. They all perform excellently and reliably.
Pls. refer to my earlier post for what i recommended to you.

Keyborads for Final Cut Pro

I am looking to purchase a keyboard for final cut pro, to make it easier for me to do my editing. I have been looking at LogicKeyboards:
http://www.logickeyboard.com/shop/mac-keyboards-801c1.html
does anyone use these?
Which ones are people using?
Thanks.
side note:
Spoke with the computer store on campus [carnegie mellon university], and they are expecting FCS 3.0 this week and he told me the student price will be $299
Message was edited by: cnolan0111 - spelling corrected

One of the coolest things I have seen on those is the shuttle control (in place of the arrow keys), but you can just buy one of those separately (USB) for a fraction of the cost. And then you still have the arrow keys. I agree that if you just print out the commands and learn them that is pretty much the same as paying a bunch of money for a keyboard that does the same thing. Pretty unnecessary.

Why is there no disc for Final Cut Pro X, is there one coming, and how do I transfer the program to a new machine from the download? Thanks!

Hello:
Why is there no disc for Final Cut Pro X?
Is there one coming?
Can and how do I move the downloaded application from my old machine to a new computer?
Thanks!

You purchase FCX in the Mac App Store, there is no disc. You can reload past purchases under your account within the app store. You should also be regularly backing up your system

Where can I get replacement media or download for final cut 3?

where can I get replacement media or download for final cut 3?

There is no download for any install of Final Cut Pro before version X.
For physical media, try contacting Apple Care support. Otherwise, ebay or alternative resellers is your only recourse for acquiring install discs.
x
edit: If you want Final Cut Pro 3, you'll need a PowerPC computer that can run OS9. If you mean Final Cut Studio 3 (aka FCS 2009) you'll have better luck finding something out there that will run on contemporary machinery.

Problems with Canon EOS MOVIE Plugin-E1 for Final Cut Pro

After about two weeks of using the Canon EOS MOVIE Plugin-E1 for Final Cut Pro, I've found some clips are cut short when they are transcoded to Prores and appear in the browser. Has anyone else had this happen?

Yes, just started using this and noticed pretty soon afterwards. Seems to happen when I start clicking around or doing anything that uses the processor more than just surfing the web, but that's just anecdotal. I immediately stopped and started using MPEG Streamclip, but I really want the timecode.
Most recently, I had Log and Transfer open, transcoding some 7D footage, and a few of the clips didn't come in—they were left with the red stop-sign symbol/exclamation point. When I clicked to "retry," it stopped importing the current clip and started on the clip I retried. I clicked "retry" on another unimported clip, and again, the clip import stopped and the new clip began processing. I let it go through and, after the checking the footage, I discovered it had been incorrectly named the first clip's filename! Needless to say, I hand-checked every file to make sure it was the right duration (a few weren't), deleted the files from the Capture Scratch folder, and reimported—making sure I didn't touch the computer.
I hope they fix this bug, whatever it is.
BTW, I've experienced it on two separate Mac Pros.

IMac to TV for Final Cut Pro

I'm a newbie so forgive my ignorance.
I have a mid 2010 iMac and I would like to hook it to my HD insignia TV to view playback for Final Cut content.
I just need to know which method is the best (VGA, Mini DV, Hdmi, etc)
What cords & adapters do I need?
I'm running OS X mountain Lion with Final Cut Pro X.
Insignia 32inch HD TV model # NS-32LB451A11 (rev A)
Thanks!

Oh. I also have a Cakewalk US-25 EX 24bit 96 kHz sound card too.

Clean install Leopard or Tiger for Final Cut 2 on my g5?

Hi, I currently have the previous final cut on my g5, on a Tiger operating system. I just got the new Final Cut 2, and I'm going to do a clean install of the OS to have everything running as smooth as possible. Will Leopard speed things up (or slow things down) for Final Cut 2, or should I just reinstall Tiger with Final Cut 2?
Thanks

My biggest concern isn't rendering, it's overall playback performance in final cut pro.
Also, I'm curious as to how much slower motion 3 will be then motion 2 will be, and if motion 3 would run faster or the same in leopard and tiger. If I'm not mistaken I believe motion performance is quite dependent on the graphics card. I have an ATI 256 meg card that ran motion 2 acceptably in tiger, though I'm wondering how motion 3 in leopard will be in comparison (with the same video card and g5)
Thanks

My HD died on my iMac. I replaced it and lost everything that was on it. I found my source disks from my original purchase for Final Cut Express HD 3.5. I now have Maverick ISO and it will not let me load my software so I can continue my film work. ???

My HD died on my iMac. I replaced it and lost everything that was on it. I found my source disks from my original purchase for Final Cut Express HD 3.5. I now have Maverick ISO and it will not let me load my software so I can continue my film work. How do I get it too recover it without paying for it again since I paid for it already and have projects in progress that need to be completed?

1) Partition your hard drive or add an external drive and install Snow Leopard (with the Optional Rosetta) into it and then you can dual-boot (System Preferences:Startup Disk) into Snow Leopard and run FCE 3.5 there.
2) Use one of the following methods to install FCE 3.5 into Mavericks:
a) Pacifist: http://www.charlessoft.com/
b) Jeremy Johnstone's Terminal method: http://www.jeremyjohnstone.com/blog/2012-03-11-installing-final-cut-pro-studio-2 -0-on-mac-os-x-10-7-lion.html
Reports on this forum seem to confirm that Final Cut Studio 2 will continue to operate in Mavericks once it is functionally installed, albeit some plug-ins may fail to function. FCE 3.5 is the same generation as FCS2, and presumably will continue to operate in Mavericks, as well.

Where can I find a full manual for final cut pro 6?

I'm trying to learn final cut because I haver an amature film making contest I'd like to enter and that would give me quite an edge, considering most of the intries will be using movie Could someone help me find a full manual or something that would assist in this indevor? I do only have final cut 6 because I am using my schools imac and that is ther vertion they have. so, can anyone help?

You should ask your question in the Final Cut Studio forum.
This forum is for Final Cut Pro X.

WHAT IS THE BEST VIDEO CARD FOR FINAL CUT PRO and MOTION?

Hello folks,
I have found a lot of posts regarding all kinds of troubles with ATI READEON X1900 video card.
When I talked to people from Apple, trying to decide which videocard to install in new MAC PRO, Ati Radeon X1900 was the one they did recommand for FCP and Motion. So are there any other cards which would actually suite better for Final Cut Studio2, or is Ati Radeon X1900 really the one to go with?
Thanks for any suggestions,
Kootenay

Techreport has some more information on the new 55nm Radeon (X3000) which should be another "mid November" releases, as well as an updated 8800 GT that still is under wraps.
So seems Intel and everyone else is trying to get new products out before the end of the year, if possible.
Drivers for graphics controllers may or may not need the work that sometimes seems to plague companies.

Computer for final cut

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