We now know we have a couple of new features coming from Apple in Final Cut 10.6.2. Dupe detection and better Voice isolation using ML in the Inspector.
In parallel with the announcement of the Mac Studio was the first glimpse of Final Cut Pro 10.6.2. Now, how the new features got leaked, who saw them first and who knew but didn't tell, could make a good read by itself. We will just say that we think these are two great additions for Final Cut Pro.
Yes, Dupe Detection has been asked for since the app's release, but the Voice Isolation shows how Apple is harnessing the power of machine learning within the 'new technology ready' app. Remember the built-in tracking also uses ML to recognise objects. We expect more AI powered features in the future.
Lets take a quick look look at Dupe Detection first.
This is activated by selecting the option in the menu as you would expect. This gives the shaded pattern in the timeline AND in the Timeline Index which is really handy as these can be selected and will be highlighted in the timeline.
Second is a better Voice Isolation in the Inspector. A simple slider selects how much background noise will be removed using the patterns extracted from many previous examples using machine learning. This is not just for an AC fan or traffic rumble, it tries to isolate the voice from everything. It also gives significant improvement over the previous noise reduction which always sounded like somebody was underwater if you pushed it too far. Which, to be honest, wasn't that far.
But... We have to thank Steve Martin at Ripple Training for putting together this rather excellent run through of both of the new features. We think he's rather impressed by the machine learning powered Voice isolation. It will be interesting to compare the results of the new internal tool against some of the expensive third-party plugins.
Finally, we should also thank Joe Marler here who pointed out in comments on an article that 10.6.2 might have fixed a bug in FCP where HEVC export is extremely slow using the built-in preset.
And so far, that's all we know about 10.6.2, but as Apple normally doesn't comment on pre-release software, that's already a lot.
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!
