Avid Unity MediaNetwork — Workflow Examples

The following workflows require Pro Tools with the DigiTranslator 2.0 option. For more information, see the DigiTranslator Integrated Option Guide Version 2.0

Composer Sequence to Pro Tools Session

In this workflow, a Pro Tools client and an Avid client are sharing a workspace and allocation group.

  1. On the Avid client, export the video sequence as an OMF/AAF composition that refers to the existing media files.

    • When you export a video sequence for use with Pro Tools, make sure that you render all the effects and the transitions before exporting the sequence.

  2. In Pro Tools, select Open Session from the File menu and then select the AAF or OMF sequence. This opens the AAF or OMF sequence as a Pro Tools session and you can perform your audio editing work. You can play the video files while sharing them with the Avid client.

Caveats

  • This workflow is only possible with video resolutions with a 2:1 or lower compression ratio. It is not possible for a Pro Tools client and an Avid client to share files in the same allocation group when using a 1:1 video resolution.

Composer Sequence and Media to a Pro Tools Session

This workflow is similar to proceeding workflow except that the Pro Tools client and the Avid client access separate allocation groups, which is necessary when using 1:1 video resolution.

  1. On the Avid client, before you export a video sequence for use with Pro Tools, make sure that you render all the effects and the transitions before exporting the sequence.

  2. Duplicate and consolidate the sequence to a workspace in a different allocation group that allows Pro Tools clients access to the files.

  3. Export the sequence as an AAF or OMF sequence that refers to the consolidated media files.

  4. In Pro Tools, choose File > Open Session, then select the AAF or OMF sequence and click Open. This opens the AAF or OMF sequence as a Pro Tools session and you can perform your audio editing work.

Because the media has been copied to a separate allocation group, the Pro Tools client can work on 1:1 video without interference from the Avid workstation using the original allocation group.

Pro Tools Rendered Mix to Composer Clip

In this workflow, a flattened Pro Tools session is returned to the Composer Product client as an OMF media file, properly wrapped to include Master Clip metadata.

1 - On the Pro Tools client, perform a Bounce To Disk in the following manner:

  • Select the area of the timeline that you want to bounce.
  • In Pro Tools, select File > Bounce To Disk.
  • In the Bounce To Disk dialog, Select AAF or OMF from the "Publish as" pulldown menu and check Enforce Avid Compatibility.
  • Select the file format, sample rate, bitdepth, and sample rate conversion settings appropriate for the Avid workstation that will open these files (such as BWF (.WAV), 48 kHz, 16-bit, and Best).
  • Click Bounce.

2 - In the Publishing Options dialog box:

  • Enter a Tape Name (Pro Tools 5.1.3) or Pro Tools Comment. This name is displayed in the Avid bin as Tape Name (Pro Tools 5.1.3) or Pro Tools Comment.
  • Enter a Clip Name. This is the clip name that appears in the Avid bin.
  • Select the timecode format of the Avid Session that will open this file. This is critical to ensure proper placement of the file in the Avid timeline.
  • Click OK.
  • Select the OMFI MediaFiles folder of the Avid client as the file destination.

3 - On the Avid client, choose Refresh Media Directories from the File menu.

4 - The new Master Clip should be available in the Media Tool and can be dragged into a Bin for use in a sequence.

Pro Tools Session to Composer Sequence

In this workflow, a Pro Tools session is exported as a composition (with external media files) for import as a sequence on the Avid client. You can use this workflow for performing audio prelay functions and voice-over recordings.

  1. In Pro Tools, select the tracks you want to export. (To export an entire session, Option-click any Track Name.) Tracks are exported in their entirety and time selections are ignored.

  2. Choose File > Export Selected Tracks as AAF/OMF.

  3. Select AAF or OMF from the "Publish as" pulldown menu and check Enforce Avid Compatibility.

  4. Make any other necessary settings and click Export to open the Publishing Options dialog.

  5. In the Publishing Options dialog, enter the Sequence Name.

  6. On the Avid client, import the sequence and play it back.

Caveats

  • This workflow requires Avid Media Composer version 10.1 or later, Symphony release 3.1 or later, or Avid Xpress release 4,1 or later.
  • This is an audio-only workflow because DigiTranslator does not export the video track in its OMF output.
  • This is a composition and media only workflow because most types of Pro Tools metadata (mix automation, plug-ins, and so forth) are not exported.