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Multicam Editing in Final Cut Pro, Part 1

Jun 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Jan Ozer

Syncing with PluralEyes

PluralEyes is a multicam syncing application from Singular Software that costs $149, but you can try the software for free for 30 days. As mentioned, PluralEyes uses the audio component of the clips to synchronize them and create a multiclip, and operation, as I'll detail below, is almost totally automated. For most productions, if you've identified a distinctive audio or video sync point and kept the tape rolling (so to speak) for the entire production, syncing your clips will probably only take a few moments, so PluralEyes might not be worth it. If you're working with multiple DSLRs with 10-minute capture limitations, however, it could be a huge time-saver, and is clearly worth a try.

To use the software, shoot, capture, and name your clips as described above. Then create a sequence called "PluralEyes" and drag the clips onto the sequence. Make sure that you only have one project open in Final Cut Pro—otherwise Pluraleyes will stop and ask you to close the other projects.

Then run PluralEyes, and choose Multiclip in the PluralEyes application window.

PluralEyes analyzes the audio files in your projects, which took less than a minute for my three short clips, and creates a multiclip sequence in the browser. No muss, no fuss. There it is in Figure 7.

I haven't tried PluralEyes with DSLR footage, but saw a review by Larry Jordan that shows how it works, albeit with screens provided by Singular. I have spoken to at least one producer who uses the tool for concerts shot with DSLRs, and he swore by the software. Plus, with a free 30-day trial, you've got nothing to lose.

Back in two weeks to describe how to edit the multiclip.

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