SADiE in post production

SADiE Version 5 software delivers a powerful feature set for the post-production industry in a number of key areas as follows:

FILE INTERCHANGE

All SADiE Digital Audio Workstations utilise Microsoft Windows™ (currently Windows XP™) for file and disk management and hence any SADiE Series 5 system is compatible with any Windows™ accessible drive or networking protocol. Supporting new storage technology becomes a simple task - providing there is a Windows™ driver for it, it will work with SADiE.

• SADiE supports FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, and Macintosh™ format disks. Additionally, SADiE can connect directly to Compact Flash™ or USB memory storage devices.
  
  
• SADiE’s native record format is nominally “Broadcast Wave” (BWF), unless recording to a Macintosh™ formatted disk, in which case it is “Sound Designer II” (SDII™). This results in easy exchange with every popular standard of non-linear audio device.
  
  
• SADiE has fully embraced file interchange with video editing platforms including the latest standards such as AAF, OMF and AES31. AES31 has been adopted by many manufacturers of digital audio workstations, allowing the user to freely move sessions between Pyramix™, Nuendo™, AudioFile™, Fairlight™, and SADiE. Furthermore, SADiE imports and exports Pro Tools 5.0 Session files for compatibility with the Digidesign™ product line.

NETWORKING

Courtesy of the Windows XP™ host operating system, SADiE has a range of powerful networking functions.

• Recording can be made directly to a Storage Area Network – including RAIDs etc. Media can be shared between multiple workstations.
  
  
• SADiE file-sharing technology allows multiple workstations to simultaneously work on the same program – for example, dialogue, music and effects editors can all be working within the same Project.
  
  
• Multiple edit lists can be output from a single Project, allowing different stems to be delivered to multiple locations from a single workstation.

CLASS-LEADING EDL PACKAGE

The SADiE optional File Interchange and Auto-Conform packs feature many enhancements in the area of EDL management, support for file-based location recorders and re-conforming. These changes dramatically enhance the workflow of a typical project in Post Production.

Where a file transfer isn’t the desired route – a CMX / Sony list can be “rippled out” to any track width required in the SADiE playlist. E.g. a mono. EDL can be used to conform multi channel audio rushes to any track width regardless of how many tracks the editor edited with picture.

Where a program needs to be conformed using files from non-linear location recording units (e.g. Zaxcom Deva™, Aaton Cantar™, HHB Portadrive™), SADiE V5.4 allows the user to “re-link” reel numbers from an EDL to relevant media on the system. “Links” may be created according to metadata content, file location, and even to other Playlists of any format supported by SADiE. Hence an EDL can be used to conform file based rushes, or to re-conform previous playlists of any width.

This feature, in a single stroke, positions SADiE at the forefront of working with file-based location recording devices.

Fig 1: EDL Imported from a CMX list showing A1 and A2 each expanded to 8 track width also showing 'relink'

Furthermore, a “one-shot” re-conform button is provided to re-cut an open SADiE playlist from a mono changelist. Re conform cuts all enabled tracks including (potentially) the video. This powerful feature enables the sound editor to re-conform a full track lay to picture re-cuts, even allowing him to check sync against re-conformed picture prior to new video being available.

POWERFUL EDITING

SADiE has always been one of the most powerful editing devices available – newly developed features further enhance this capability. Key to this is the ability to overlap and crossfade clips in real-time on the same track – no rendering of fade regions.

• All SADiE systems have the option of hardware jog controllers making editing, trimming and cross-fading with picture a breeze.
  
  
• Editing can be either clip-based or region-based with a large number of tools to facilitate any type of edit in real time.
  
  
• Editing is fully non-destructive with 50 levels of UNDO.
  
  
• Quick Edit mode for “top and tail” editing and syncing clips to a hotspot.
  
  
• Multi-Track editing means you can edit any/all tracks simultaneously, including trimming and fading tools available in the playlist. Ideal for editing surround stems.
  
  
• Trim Window for highly detailed editing of overlaps, clip fade characteristics etc. Trim page also supports multi-track editing.

Fig 2: 8 track Stem being trimmed in TRIM Window - real-time independent Out/In fade lengths and shapes of adjoining audio

• Multi channel CEDAR™ plug-ins available in the playlist for DeNoise™ / DeClick™ / DeCrackle™ / DeThump™ and Retouch™.

INTEGRATED DIGITAL PICTURE PLAYBACK

SADiE V5 offers optional RS422 control of external video decks, with real-time scrub/varispeed of SADiE allowing scrubbing of audio and picture together. A further option (Video Sub System) also offers the provision of an on- board digital picture playback engine.

• Playback compatible with any AVI file format
  
  
• Dedicated track in the Playlist, allows you to record video directly on to the time line from a suitable DV or analogue capture device
  
  
• Video track can be edited with tools such as “Razor”
  
  
• Video can be re-conformed in situ from a change list simultaneously with the audio tracklay.
  
  
• Video can be displayed any size in a window on your desktop, or on an external TV monitor with optional 3 head graphics card.

CLIPSTORE

With compatibility across your entire Windows network, and with the ability to load media in many formats, keeping track of essential media to your project is key. SADiE’s Clipstore is a specially designed tool for organising your media, which is related to a given Project.

• Media can be imported into the Clipstore from anywhere in your Windows Network. Sample rate conversion is provided where the source media and current project are at different rates.
  
  
• Clipstore supports multiple media types including BWF, WAV, WAVE64, SDII, AIFF, AIFC, SADiE-3 (legacy format), Lightworks™.
  
  
• Audio CD’s can be loaded in to the clipstore from SADiE’s integral CD player window using the computer’s CD-ROM drive. CD Import features sample rate conversion to Project sample rate if required.
  
  
• Clips can be edited in Clipstore (using Trim) without having to place the clip on a track in the playlist first.
  
  
• Clipstore retains Grouping and Stereo Merging information from the Playlist.

MIXING

SADiE features a fully specified digital mixer with world-class automation facilities.

• SADiE’s mixer can be controlled from a mouse, SADiE Fader Controller, or via HUI Protocol from Mackie™, Yamaha™, AMS Neve™, SSL™ mixing systems etc.
  
  
• SADiE’s Fader Controller features touch sensitive motorised faders and touch sensitive rotary controls for EQ, dynamics, etc.
  
  
• Automation modes include Overwrite, Trim and Auto Return. Auto Return (glide back) times can be set individually for level, pan, or EQ controls.
  
  
• Mix automation data is attached to the clips in the playlist - if the clips are moved, the automation goes with the clips.
  
  
• Mixer supports automation of external inputs to SADiE, not just replay tracks.
  
  
• Mixer supports SADiE DSP processes for EQ, dynamics, etc, plus Direct X and VST plug-ins, opening a whole range of creative possibilities.

Fig 3: Mixer window, showing drag and drop processing palette, expanded channel strip, automation mode, and real-time Cedar plug-in

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

A single SADiE project can contain multiple playlists, Clipstores and mixers. Applications of this approach are extensive – for example, one project can be used to store different mixes of the same program in one place.

• Projects can be stored on a network to provide for facility-wide efficient operation.
  
  
• Playlists can be re-conformed automatically from an EDL or change list and the re-cuts stored in the same project as earlier versions.
  
  
• Projects can be backed up to DVD.
  
  
• Full playlist and EDL recovery tools are provided in the unlikely event of a crash.