The video DSLR revolution has brought incredible imaging but created headaches when dealing with audio. Benefits of camcorders were instant auto-focus, smooth zoom buttons and built in stereo sound that actually sounded pretty good. Now the Canon 7D (with or without Magic Lantern – when it comes) is making us carry things like the ZOOM H4N portable recorder around. So after you have ordered your 7D and H4N from Amazon, you should be good to go right?
Sure, if you are shooting a music video or montage of people walking around which you intend to sync to an indie pop song (ever notice how many of those there are floating around?)
But what happens when you have a 12 hour shoot day with multiple takes, dozens upon dozens of .wav files coming out of your H4N titled things like M001, M002 and a week to cut something together?
There is actually a real solution, and no it isn’t an intern or an expensive assistant editor (who deserve your cash by the way), but it will cost you nonetheless – it’s a solution from Singular Software called PluralEyes that is an absolute godsend. I am a PC / Vegas guy and have been for a decade. Until very recently, PluralEyes only existed for Mac /FCP users. But no more. It is now dual platform. And it will cost you $149 bucks.
This video demonstrates how PluralEyes works in FCP. Prepare to be amazed.
Watch more tutorial videos at Singular Software (including one for Vegas) to understand just how significant this will be to your Canon 7D workflow.
I am very happy to share the good news about how well it works and solves what was going to be a major headache for me on my next shoot – a 20 minute short film with some pro actors, but not enough crew (so expectations high, resources low).
Head over to Singular Software now and try out PluralEyes for yourself – they offer a fully functional 30-day demo – just enough time to figure out how to scrounge together $150 bones. If money isn’t a concern – then don’t walk, run for this product if you are using the dual audio / DSLR workflow.
PluralEyes for Vegas Pro (32-bit)
PluralEyes for Vegas Pro (64-bit)
This plug-in for Sony Vegas Pro automatically synchronizes events without the need for timecode, clappers or any special preparation.
PluralEyes makes multi-camera, multi-take and dual-system audio productions a snap by automatically synchronizing audio and video clips. No timecode required!
