Home >> Resources >> How To >> PluralEyes for Media Composer
Using PluralEyes with Media Composer
Getting Started
Start using PluralEyes right away
Sync Options
Going beyond the basics to handle those extra-tricky sync situations
Solving Problems
Troubleshooting tips and how to get support
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Getting Started
Automatically synchronize a sequence
You use PluralEyes to automatically synchronize clips in a sequence. Here's how:
- In Media Composer, create a sequence and add the clips to it. They can be positioned anywhere in the sequence, as long as all the clips from each recording device (camera, audio recorder) go on their own track.
- Export the sequence to AAF. Click the images below to see the recommended export settings.
- Start PluralEyes. PluralEyes is a standalone application
- In the PluralEyes main window, click the Open... button and choose the AAF file that you exported earlier.
- Choose any desired sync options (if you're not sure, just leave them all unchecked) and press Sync.
- PluralEyes will create an output AAF file and will tell you where it is.
- In Media Composer, import that AAF file. The result will be a copy of the input sequence but with the clips moved around to be in sync.
PluralEyes tries to keep clips in the same order as in the input, but this is not always possible because of the sync locations. If PluralEyes was unable to sync any of the clips, they will be in a position in the timeline with no clips above or below them. If this happens, and you expected the clips to sync, this would be a good time to explore the sync options.
Sync Options
Clips are Chronological
It is often the case, even usually the case, that clips are laid in a sequence in the order that they were shot. In other words, in chronological order. It can be useful for PluralEyes to know this, and the way to tell it is to check this box. If your clips are in order we recommend you always check this box. But do not check this box if the clips are not in order, because that will almost certainly confuse PluralEyes and lead to bad results.
Level Audio
This option is useful when the audio levels are very different between the recordings. If you are having trouble syncing, this is the first option to try. It does take a little longer and doubles the amount of temporary disk space needed by PluralEyes, so don't use it unless you need to.
Try Really Hard
This option can resolve difficult sync situations by telling PluralEyes to try some extra processing. It can take 5-10 times as long and so is recommended mainly when all else fails.
Use Clip Locators
This option is useful when there are just a few clips that don't sync and you know approximately where a common sync point is. Put a locator on each clip in the pair to be synced, and make sure they have the same name. The locators should be within 10 seconds or so of the actual sync point. With this option checked, PluralEyes will start with those approximate locations and refine the sync from there. You can have as many pairs of locators in a sequence as you need, as long as each pair has a unique name. If there are more than two locators with the same name, PluralEyes will just use the first two that it finds.
PluralEyes, DualEyes and Singular Software Presto are trademarks or registered trademarks of Singular Software Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.
