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MediaStorm Guide to Recording Voice-Over in Premiere Pro 2014

Post author:Eric Maierson
Post published:January 19, 2015

This article is part of a series of posts with tips and tricks from our producers’ experience working with Adobe Premiere Pro CC after years of working in Final Cut Pro. To read more about why we made the switch, check out this post.

Recording voice-overs in Premiere Pro 2014 is both easy and straightforward.

First, you’ll need to connect your audio interface. From the Premiere Pro menu select Preferences > Audio Hardware.

I use the Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2×2 USB interface with a Heil Pr–40 microphone.

Therefore, from the Audio Hardware preference window, I select Onyx Blackjack. Depending on the input source, your options may vary.

Next, set the destination for recorded audio. From the File menu, select Project Settings > Scratch Disks… Change the Captured Audio destination to a folder where you’d like to store your voice-overs.

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MediaStorm Guide to Adding Quick Audio Dissolves in Premiere Pro 2014

Post author:Eric Maierson
Post published:January 7, 2015

This article is part of a series of posts with tips and tricks from our producers' experience working with Adobe Premiere Pro CC after years of working in Final Cut Pro. To read more about why we made the switch, check out this post. Note: This tip only works on the most recent update to Premiere Pro 2014.

Responding to Critique Sessions

Post author:Eric Maierson
Post published:December 17, 2014

Several weeks ago at our Methodology Workshop, we screened a fine cut of a film I’m wrapping up. I thought I was close to done. The group thought otherwise. I have to admit it stung to hear so much criticism so close to the end. After dusting off my ego, I wrote down some thoughts on how best to consider a critique: Following a screening, if at all possible, take time to digest feedback before returning to your edit. Lots of comments can feel like a barrage. Having an opportunity to reflect on them before jumping back in can offer clarity. What is the common denominator of all the feedback? Write it down in a single sentence. As you make revisions, ask yourself, are you addressing that issue? Pay attention to the comments that make you angry. Often that’s resistance talking. Question what you’re holding on to. The writer Neil Gaiman once wisely said,…

MediaStorm Guide to Screencasting Hardware and Software

Post author:Eric Maierson
Post published:December 15, 2014

A number of readers have inquired about the equipment I use for screencasts. Software The best software I’ve found for screencasting is Telestream’s screenflow ($99.99). Screenflow records at higher resolution than your final output so that you can easily increase the size of specific onscreen elements. Screenflow also has a built in editor which allows for cutting and trimming from within the application. It’s far simpler to use than Premiere Pro so the learning curve is rather straightforward. Computer Interface About a year ago I purchased a Zoom H6 ($399) to replace my ailing Marantz PMD 660. The Zoom is lighter, sounds better, and has a USB interface that can connect directly to a computer. When I record screencasts, I plug my mic in to the Zoom and the Zoom in to my iMac so that the sound passes straight through, recording directly to my hard drive. The Zoom is also a great field…

MediaStorm Guide to Preparing for 4K Monitors

Post author:Eric Maierson
Post published:December 11, 2014

Currently at MediaStorm we’re testing out a couple of 4K monitors to get a jump start on the future.

The most startling difference between our battle-worn Apple 30-inch monitors and the new Samsung 32-inch 4K ones is the abundance of extra real estate.

The screenshot below shows the approximate full-screen size of Premiere Pro on our older monitors. You can see there’s about a third more space now.

The resolution, as you might expect, is spectacular. Fonts are crisp. Images are striking.

But this comes at a price. Text, to my aged eyes, is tiny. Minuscule even. There are, however, workarounds.

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