Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do I make an OMF file in Final Cut Pro?

  1. First make sure any Audio FX or plugins are rendered or disabled. If you have a lot of FX we recommend you render or mix them down and replace the original clips with the effected ones. This will save time in the session later.
  2. From the File Menu, select “Export” and then “Audio to OMF”
  3. In the dialog box that appears, set the sample rate to 48 kHz and the sample size to 16-bit.  Enter at least 3 seconds in the box labeled “Handle Length” and make sure the box next to “Include Crossfade Transitions” is checked.
  4. Click OK to save the file.  When naming the file, please use only numbers and letters.  Slashes and other abbreviations like #, & or * can cause problems.

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How do I make an OMF file in Avid?

  1. First make sure any Audiosuite FX or plugins are rendered or disabled. If you have a lot of FX we recommend you render or mix them down and replace the original clips with the effected ones. This will save time in the session later.
  2. Make a copy of the sequence and place it in a new bin.
  3. Delete the video tracks from the copy of the sequence. Do not include Tone Media and make sure sequence starts at the right timecode.
  4. Make sure all dissolves/effects are rendered.
  5. Check for "Offline Items" - continue only if all media is online.
  6. Remove all EQ and AudioSuite Effects - they will corrupt the OMF.
  7. Select the Sequence in your bin and choose “Export” then choose “Options.”
  8. Select “Export As: OMF 2.0”
  9. Check the box “Include All Audio Tracks.” Make sure “Video Tracks” is turned off.
  10. Select “Export Method: Consolidate Media” with 150 frame handles.
  11. Check the boxes “Include Rendered Audio Effects” & “Render All Audio Effects”
  12. You should not need to convert any other audio options.
  13. Choose your media destination. Create a folder, and then select it.
  14. It is advisable to do a “Save As” and name this setting for future exports.
  15. Name your OMF Exported Composition file and save.

Note: Sound files can be aif or wav. Also, when naming the file, do not use anything other than numbers and letters.  Slashes or other keyboard abbreviations such as #, & and * may cause problems.

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What type of video should I send?

We prefer to work from hard copy videotape such as BetacamSP or DV Cam with timecode.  We can also work with Quicktime files directly. Please contact us for specific information regarding formats and codecs.

Regardless of the delivery medium, please make sure that the quicktime file's frame rate is 29.97 fps, and leave at least 10 seconds of black at the beginning before start of picture.  A flash frame should be placed 2 seconds before the start of picture corresponding to a "2 Pop" on the OMF.  For more on flash frames and "2 pops", read below.

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What is a 2-pop?

A 2-pop is a 1 kHz tone that is one or frame long and placed 2 seconds before the start of picture.  Please do not fade into or out of the 2-pop. For example, if your video starts at timecode 01:00:00:00, you would place 1 frame of 1 kHz tone at timecode 00:59:58:00.  The 2-pop, along with the flash frame, (described below) ensures accurate sync between your video and audio all the way down the line.

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What is a flash frame?

A flash frame is a single frame of white video (or color bars, or a frame of video) that appears 2 seconds before the start of picture along with an accompanying 2-pop on the audio tracks.  Please do not apply a dissolve or other transition on either side of the flash frame.  Again, if the picture starts at 01:00:00:00, the flash frame should appear at 00:59:58:00.  The flash frame corresponds to the audio 2-pop (see above) and allows for accurate sync throughout post production.

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How should I lay out my audio tracks?

Tracks should be laid out as mono tracks or stereo pairs with the left channel on odd tracks and the right channel on even.  All on-camera dialog and voiceover should be grouped separately from music and sound effects.  Please remember to include general roomtone files on a separate track in the timeline. 

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