DualEyes is an innovative standalone application that lets you sync audio to video
Although the results are worth it, working with HD DSLRs is nothing but a series of workarounds. Perhaps the biggest workaround is sound because the cameras do not provide professional XLR inputs and on most HD DSLRs, you cannot kill the AGC (auto gain control), which enables you to manually control sound levels. Because of this, a large number of filmmakers have been forced to go “old school” in shooting dual system sound, in which sound is recorded on a separate audio recorder and then synced in post-production just like with film. (Yes, you may remember that ancient medium.)
Back in ‘09, Singular Software Inc. released an amazing new software program, PluralEyes, which automatically synchronized audio and video clips without the need for timecode. At the time, it was originally targeted towards independent producers working on multi-camera productions, but it really exploded after the arrival of HD DSLRs. Since its release, PluralEyes has revolutionized workflow, especially in post, where assistant editors had to previously merge both audio and video clips by lining up the clap of a slate one shot at a time. PluralEyes drastically reduced their workload, and it also simplified and sped up on set production if you chose not to slate each shot.
The way PluralEyes works is that it analyzes the scratch audio recorded in your camera and then matches the similar audio waveforms to your separate professionally recorded sound clips. In your NLE’s timeline, you simply lay out your audio and video tracks, press a sync button, and after a few moments, voilà, your tracks are now synced. The first time you perform PluralEyes, it really feels like magic.
Recently Singular Software released DualEyes, which is a stand alone application that offers the same advanced automatic synchronization technology as PluralEyes but in my opinion, it simplifies the process even further. For my tests, I used a Canon 7D, recorded sound from a Samson Zoom H4N and imported my finished files into Adobe Premiere Pro. In terms of writing a “how-to” or creating illustrations on how to use DualEyes, it’s really not necessary. You simply open up the application and then import your audio and video files to the window. Once this is done, you have a few options on syncing your files and I chose to replace the audio in my .mov files with my H4N files. Once this is done, you click on the Scissors icon and then DualEyes begins to analyze the files and then creates a brand new file that blends your new audio with your finished video clip. It’s so simple that I’m confident a child could master it on his or her first try.
Even though Singular Software reccommends using PluralEyes for your specific NLE, I really preferred working in a separate application for synchronization. Plus, I sometimes work in both Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro so creating my merged audio and video files separately seemed to make sense. Also if you’re a novice filmmaker who hasn’t yet made the transition to one of the more professional NLEs, DualEyes is tailor-made for editing programs like iMovie or Premiere Elements.
Because the process of working with HD DSLRs will sometimes have your head spinning, it’s nice to work with a piece of software that simplifies the process rather than making it just another complicated task to master.
DualEyes is available for Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, and also for Mac OS X 10.5 and later. You can purchase/download the product from the Singular Software website (www.singularsoftware.com).
DualEyes for Mac OS X is currently available for an introductory price of $119 until February 22. The regular price is $149.
