Mac Pro for Final Cut Studio -- The Buying Guide

I am starting to think about upgrading my "old" Power Mac G5 Quad system to a Mac Pro system. As you might expect, this raises several issues.
What I do: I edit DV and HDV on FCS2. My specs are below. I am looking for the best speed (especially for rendering), stability and video quality I can afford (between $5,000 and $6,000).
Question 1: Is it true that Snow Leopard and FCP 7 are about a year away? If so, please assume for the following questions that I would be working with the full complement of FCS2 applications on the Leopard OS. (How worth waiting for do you think these are?)
Question 2: Without directing me to the various benchmark and testing sites (which I’ve already looked at), can you suggest the actual performance differences I would see (again, using the whole range of FCS2 apps) in the following:
Two 2.26GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors
Two 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors
Question 3: I have heard that (with the exception of Compressor) FCS can only use a maximum of 4GB of RAM, and that the 6GB that the Mac Pro ships with are already more than it can use. Is this true? Is it true that Snow Leopard would allow FCS to make greater use of more RAM? And would this show up in the programs’ performance?
Question 4: To get the best video performance with my various FCS2 applications, is there a significant quality improvement in moving up from the NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512MB to one of the other video cards? How would I notice a difference in the quality?
Question 5: Are there any other purchasing considerations I should think about when configuring a new Mac Pro?
Thanks a lot.
Giraut

Well, well, well, you make me think more about my last upgrade of an ATI Radeon 2600 to the latest ATI Radeon HD 4870!
I was looking on the Final Cut Pro thread to find one answer and look what I found, your questions!
Since yesterday night I was seeking the Apple Support threads just for fun and I now have doubts.
I am a Mac Pro (earlier 2008) owner. I upgraded it to 4 x 1.5 Tb Seagate hard drives and 10G of RAM from OWC (Other Word Computing). First let me tell you NOT to buy from Apple Store for your hard drive and/or memory upgrade. They are totally out of price list. I got my Mac Pro first with one 500 Gb Seagate drive. Then I added 2 x 500 Gb hard drives from Apple. I payed them 199,00 $ each
Last September, I upgraded the drive bays with 4 x 1.5 Tb from OWC. I paid them 229.00 $ each!
199,00 $ for 500 Gb or 229,00 $ for 1.5 Tb (that"s 3 times 500 Gb) which one would you take? And we are talking about two models from Seagate running at 7200 RPM, with 32 Mb of buffer.
I mean... What is that?!!?
And the memory! Don't even think about it.
I got first 4GB Matched Set (2 x 2GB) for 147,99 $ in September from OWC and my second order was 4GB Matched Set (2 x 2GB) for 132,79 $ in October.
I payed a total of 280,78 $ for 8GB of RAM while the price for this upgrade on Apple Store woul have cost me 1998,00 $
*+Source Apple Store :+*
*+Apple Memory Module 4GB 800MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM ECC 2x2GB $999.00+*
Multiply that by 2!
Now how much memory would you need?
I am not a Final Cut Pro user, but I use Final Cut Express a lot, with animation QuickTime movies exported from my Astronomy software Starry Night Pro Plus.
Yesterday I posted this into a thread to answer a user :
+Every morning I have my preferred applications started: Mail, Safari, iTune, Aperture and Final Cut Express. I just did a test for you. I started Mail, Safari, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Starry Night Pro Plus (OpenGL Astronomy Software), Terminal, Quicktime, TextEdit and NeoOffice.+
+With all these apps running, I still have 6.48G of Free RAM out from the 10G installed!+
+It's when I start hungry applications like VMWare Fusion running Windows XP, or Quicktime with a lot of movies opened that I could see the memory level going low!+
+Your bottle neck in video editing will probably be the video card, after the disk speed. Be sure to use 7200 RPM disk and eSATA for your video plans if possible. Firewire 800 will works fine on external drive but it could giggle. I had an ATI Radeon HD 2600 that I recently upgraded to an ATI Radeon HD 4870. the drivers aren't ready yet from Apple. We are all waiting for the next OS X release 10.5.7 for the drivers! For now, I am running on Beta drivers.+
+It's hard to say by now if I have better performance into Final Cut Express because the movie I was working on was an animation movie using plans exported from Starry Night Pro Plus via Quicktime and "animation" codec without any compression. As soon as I make a modification, I still have to render the output for smooth playing.+
Now, after some test with Starry Night Pro Plus this morning, I can safety say that Starry Night Pro Plus with Open GL does use my video card extra speed and that my experience navigating into the Universe is much better and smooth.
But honestly, even if I have to admit that I am using the Beta drivers for the HD 4870, I must say that I have very big doubt that Final Cut Express does use the extra power of the HD 4870 compare to the HD 2600!
In fact, I am searching the support thread for this answer.
Does anyone can say if Final Cut Express or Final Cut Pro does make use of the extra hardware feature of the ATI Radeon HD 4870 or not?

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Mac Pro and Final Cut Studio 5.1.2

I've had problems trying to export mpeg files from final cut pro using compressor after having updated all applications to their current versions (FCP 5.1.2, Compressor 2.3, Qmaster 2.3, QT 7.1.3...) including firmware, OS and security updates. Since I was kind of in the middle of a project I ended up reverting back to the original universal crossgrade of Final Cut Studio (FCP 5.1, Compressor 2.1, Qmaster 2.1...) in order to get the desired results of a muxed mpeg. Now, before I go back to trying to resolve this issue of updating the software, I would like to know if anyone is running Final Cut Studio on a Mac Pro with all updates current (5.1.2, 2.3...) and with the ability to export muxed mpeg streams - both audio and video in the same file. Also, I have posted more specific questions regarding these issues in the compressor and FCP forums but decided I needed to hear from some Mac Pro users who have had success with the Final Cut Studio updates. BTW, I have done all the updates of Final Cut Studio (5.1.2, 2.3...) on a G5 quad at work and have had no problems whatsoever. I'd just like to have everything up to date and functional. Other than trying to get this worked out, I have found my Mac Pro to be most excellent. Thanks in advance.

Dave, thanks for your input. It would crash out during the compressor export and the failure reason would say 3x Crash Server Down in the compressor box. I haven't tried an mpeg-1 because all we broadcast are mpeg-2 program streams. Most of the stuff I export is no longer than 10 - 12 minute segments. If you could, try exporting as an mpeg-2 muxed. Some other possible factors - I had captured the original footage on a G5 quad at work, put them on an external drive and then loaded them onto the Mac Pro and imported them into the project. Could there be a difference between DV codecs of the PPC and the Intel processors? Now that I'm at a stopping point I'm planning on trying to do the update again. Just hoping to catch something I might have missed. If I were a total computer illiterate I would say user error, but I'm not.

Best hard drive performance on mac pro for final cut express

This week I'll be setting up a basic 4 core mac pro with 16 gb ram and 2 internal- 2tb WD Caviar Black drives. I'm wondering what would give me the best performance for running final cut express, and I'm considering setting up software raid 0 or using one drive for boot and one for scratch. Or should I set up software raid 0 with boot and scratch partitions? Or other suggestions? Thanks.

My recommendations -
With 2 drives in your Mac Pro, use *one disk for OS X and all of your apps;* the *second disk for data* (including your FCE scratch disk location). Partition each drive as a *single partition,* which will maximize performance over time.
In addition, you should invest in at least 1 external drive to use for backup purposes; if you don't, the day will come when you wish you had.
I strongly recommend AGAINST doing software RAID. Certainly not for your situation with only 2 drives, one of which will be your system HD; but also because hardware RAID is faster, more reliable, and does not require CPU resources to run.
Your internal SATA drives will provide plenty of performance for most video editing needs. You also have the ability to put 4 drives in your Mac Pro, in which case you can utilize the extra drives to provide additional performance if/when you get into serious multi-multi track video compositing.

Interfacing Video Camera to Mac Pro for Final Cut Express HD Use

I have a lot of Video8 tapes that were made on my Sony DCR-TRV310 that I want to move to my Mac Pro and edit with Final Cut Express HD. The Sony camera only has the three (R,Y,W) output ports and my Mac Pro only has firewire input ports. Does anyone know of a cord solution or do I have to use an additional interface. Thanks

Hello,
Unfortunately there is no "cable solution" You will need an external interface. Something along the lines of an external tv tuner. Elgato Systems makes a few, i've had great success with the Hauppage WinTV PVR USB2 Tuner. This cost me about 150$ Canadian and is compatible with Mac's after a software download from the manufacturer's website.

Looking for advice on a new Mac Pro system mainly for Final Cut Studio 2

We are a small video production company that works mainly on broadcast and internet projects. We're looking to upgrade from an aging Avid system to a Mac Pro running Final Cut Studio 2. The primary thing we want from this system is to be able to work quickly in Final Cut while at the same time doing other operations, and we're willing to spend what it takes to make that happen. We've done a lot of research but still have some issues where we could use your expertise - it's a big investment and we want to nail it.
Here's the configuration we're considering:
Processor: Two 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon (8-core)
Memory: 16GB (4 x 4GB)
Hard Drives: 300GB 15,000-rpm SAS (for OS X, Final Cut, & other programs) plus 2 x 1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s (for video storage)
Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600
We're thinking about spending the extra $1600 to get the best processor available, since we want this machine to be the hub of the business for about five years. Any thoughts on whether to save a bit and go with the 2.8GHz? We've also heard the bus speed presents a bottleneck so the Quad-Core processing power can't be fully utilized - should that have any bearing on our processor decision?
The memory choice seems right - we'll see how well that works and retain the option to double the RAM, particularly as prices fall and new applications or hardware upgrades become tenable. However, we're thinking of perhaps buying some or all of the memory third-party - any advice on whether this tends to be worthwhile, where to get it, and what to watch out for? It looks like there may some issues with getting proper heat-sinking.
We like the hard drive plan, though we've heard a 15,000-rpm drive may generate a lot of heat - any thoughts on this?
The graphics card is where we're most torn - specifically between the Quadro 5600, the GeForce 8800, or perhaps even getting the computer with the standard card (or no card) and getting a different third-party card. We do mostly DV now, but we foresee doing HD projects in the future. We often use a green-screen that's in our studio and also apply minimal 3D effects as well as 3D text. We're debating whether to get the Quadro 5600 right off the bat and hopefully have no issues with it, or whether to get the GeForce 8800 for now and if we have issues then consider upgrading to the Quadro 5600 or potentially something else that would best suit our needs at that time. Would love to receive any and all advice on this issue.
Also, it looks like we're gonna buy Final Cut Studio 2 and are considering also getting Final Cut Server. It seems the combination would allows us to use the Final Cut suite on other computers (both Mac and Wintel) that don't have their own version of Final Cut installed. Is that the correct interpretation? Any other advice on whether to get FC Server would be appreciated.
Thanks very much for reading - we look forward to getting any and all advice you may have.
Dave & Tom

interdiscipline wrote:
Here's the configuration we're considering:
Processor: Two 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon (8-core)
*Don't do it!* Stick with the dual-2.8GHz config. A jump from that to the dual-3.2GHz gains you only an approximate 9% increase in power at a 52% increase in cost! Not worth it all. That money is much wiser spent on RAM, RAID array, or a broadcast monitor.
Memory: 16GB (4 x 4GB)
Hard Drives: 300GB 15,000-rpm SAS (for OS X, Final Cut, & other programs) plus 2 x 1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s (for video storage)
Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600
We're thinking about spending the extra $1600 to get the best processor available, since we want this machine to be the hub of the business for about five years.
The processor is only one part of the whole, and as I just mentioned, the power:cost benefits are not good.
The graphics card is where we're most torn - specifically between the Quadro 5600, the GeForce 8800, or perhaps even getting the computer with the standard card (or no card) and getting a different third-party card. We do mostly DV now, but we foresee doing HD projects in the future.
Quadro 5600 is pricey, but I'm not sure about its benefits for people in our field. Even if I had the money for it, I would be hard pressed to consider it considering, again, money is liekly wiser spent elsewhere.
Also, it looks like we're gonna buy Final Cut Studio 2 and are considering also getting Final Cut Server. It seems the combination would allows us to use the Final Cut suite on other computers (both Mac and Wintel) that don't have their own version of Final Cut installed. Is that the correct interpretation?
I don't know much about FCServer, but my impression is that it is -- simply speaking -- Final Cut version of Avid Unity. In other words, I am pretty certain that your understanding on that is false. I may be wrong.

Is the 24 inch Apple Cinema Display the best choice for Final Cut Studio 2

I'm about to order a Mac Pro and Final Cut Studio 2 and have a question about monitor choices.
Is the 24 inch Apple Cinema Display the best choice are there non-Apple monitors that will do as good or better job with HD editing and output?

COMPUTER MONITORS bear very little on HD editing and output...especially output. They are just the monitors you use to look at your clips and your timeline. THey work for SD and HD. You really only use them to, well, as I said, see what you are doing. It would be nice to have GOOD ONES so the image looks decent. I use the Dell 24" monitors. The current one is the 2408. Nearly half the price of the Apple 23" displays...and really, the only Apple 23" that exists connects via their new connector, so you need a new MacPro or MacBook pro...or some adapter, to get it to work. And they are not worth the extra money, in my experience.
Samsung monitors are also good.
Shane

MacBook/Macbook Pro and Final Cut Studio

I am about to buy a Mac, but im not sure if I should get the MacBook or MacBook Pro? Which is better suited for Final Cut Studio? Is there a specific version of the MacBook/MacBook Pro that would be best? Thanks so much!

Exactly. It will install, but if you have any problems and you need to call Apple, they won't give you any support. If you're going to spend $1,200 on some software, you should pay for a computer that supports the minimum requirements.
-Doug

Recommended Cameras for Final Cut Studio

We have a Power Mac G5 with Final Cut Studio and we recently bought a Canon Elura 80, which did not work with our system. It was on the apple list for cameras. What have the members of this forum found to work for them for a camcorder capture device?
THanks

Go with a Sony. They are tanks. They last forever. Here's a good one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7602631&type=product&id=1130982552 661
Using one right now plugged into the font port of my G5 with 7 external FW drives plugged into the rear FW port and no PCI cards. I Don't get dropped frames or any problems typically seen with deck issues.

Plug-ins for Final Cut Studio

Please post your recommendations for plug-ins for FInal Cut Studio (Final Cut Pro and Motion).

film leaders clips can be downloaded online if you dig around a bit ... Peter Wiggins has a nice Motion Template clock he offers for free (which is a bargain by anyones reckoning)
easy enough to create your own film leader style countdown with a few back to back text generators separated by clock wipe transitions
color bars can already found in your fcp video generators bin
color bars and a film leader style countdown can also be auto generated during output (print to video and edit to tape)
distort faces and license plate like they do on tv? ... ok i give up, what do you mean? if you mean you want to disguise them (Mosaic, Blur etc) then you can have a bash with my Region Blur plugin
Message was edited by: Andy Mees

Any free trial download for Final cut studio?

any free trial download for Final cut studio? anyone know plz give me the link....thx alot

Nope...sorry. WIsh there was. There is for Avid and Adobe...but not Final Cut.
Shane

Set of manuals for Final Cut Studio 5.1

Does anyone have a set of manuals for Final Cut Studio 5.1 that they don't need and would be willing to sell?
I got the crossover version, and find it difficult to cuddle up with the pdf files provided.
If you purchased the full version, and have now gone on to Studio 2 full version, and don't need the manuals to Studio 5.1, and are interested in selling them, please post back here.
Thanks,
Chris

Here's something:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-Final-Cut-Studio-Manuals-Disks-Box-no-license_W0QQitem Z260158727741QQihZ016QQcategoryZ80245QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
But the bidding will probably go up. You can tell by the way he worded the auction that he's selling an illegal copy for people who aren't concerned with legality by disguising it as "a backup".

Mac Book Pro and final cut studio 2

Hi,
Bought a MBP last year and am looking to purchase Final Cut Studio 2 Universal. After looking through some discussions I'm still unsure how well this package will run with my setup. Yes it will be fine, or yes it will run but with some limitations, or yes it will run but I should get a different video card, etc.....? A definate yes or no would be appreciated and any limitations or known issues. I will be using a120GB external hard drive for my video footage.
Thanks, Mick
Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area or if these questions have been answered. I'm new to Macs and forums and wouldn't like to spend that much cash on a maybe!
Mac Book Pro 15 Mac OS X (10.4.9) Intel core duo 2.16 GHz 2GB ram/Radeon X1600 256Mb 80GB hard drive

Yes, it will be fine.
The only limitation is Color which needs an external screen with at least 1650x1050 to be kind of useful though it runs at smaller resolutions.

What Mac to get for Final Cut Studio?

I've been doing most of my video editing for the last year or so in Sony Vegas on a PC. I'm looking to get into it a bit more seriously and want to make the switch to Final Cut Studio.
Can I run it on a Macbook Pro? Can I run it WELL on a Macbook Pro? Currently I'm running Sony Vegas on a PC with a Q9350 quad-core CPU, 4gb ram, and an 8800GT graphics card, and I'm not fully satisfied with the way it runs (encoding times are fine, but it's difficult to preview within the software with any semi-complex effects added). What should I be looking for in terms of processing speed and whatnot here? Could I get away with the 13 or 15 inch Macbook pros and still run things well?
Hard drive size is not an issue, as everything will be archived to a server.

This isn't the thread in post in.
Try here
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=939
It depends on which MBP, what type of video you are editing, and other factors.
Remember as well that FCS3 2009 includes FCP, DVDSP, Compressor, Color, Motion, and Cinema Tools, some of which are GPU based in part.

What upgrade do I buy for final cut studio

I have older final cut studio, it included final cut pro 5 and DVD pro 4, motion, soundtrack pro etc. What upgrade should be purchased for the final cut studio. I presume it was studio 1 since it just says final cut studio......

Jezzum, use some initiative.
Let me google that for you ...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3979?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
x

Which system for Final Cut Studio upgrade...iMac or MacBook Pro?

I am currently using FCE on a Powerbook G4 and am considering upgrading to Final Cut Studio. Which system would give me better performance: New iMac 24" (2.8 Penryn processor) or MacBook Pro (2.5 Penryn processor)? Does the NVIDIA graphics card for the iMac upgrade significantly improve editing performance.. or is the AGI 2600 Pro card sufficient? Anything else worth considering when comparing these systems?
Any input is appreciated... thanks.
Message was edited by: Jeff Morgan1
Message was edited by: Jeff Morgan1

FW 400 is enough to deal with DV footage,
Not all HD formats require eSATA drives, DVCPRO HD for example can be handled by FW 400 or FW 800 drives and HDV streams pretty much the same DV does.
Things change if at some point you need to deal with Uncompressed SD or HD, ProRes etc.
eSATA then would become mandatory.
If you'd like to set up a desktop then MacPro is what I suggest.
If you don't make a living from editing then I guess an iMac will do for a while.
A MacPro allows you to host/replace multiple internal drives, host/replace capture cards or GPUs if you need for business purposes.
Increase RAM up to 32GB etc
iMac does not offer such options.
Your call,
G.

Mac Pro for Final Cut Studio -- The Buying Guide

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