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SDCone
SDCone
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Sound Dropping Out in Monitors and Timeline (R3D and .wav files in 5.5) - More RAM Needed?

Apr 10, 2012 2:13 PM

Hi there,

 

I have an HP desktop that I’ve edited two feature films on, the first shot on the HVX200 (edited with CS4) and the second shot on the Canon 5D (edited with CS5). About to edit a new feature, shot at 4K on the Red Scarlet, using CS5.5.

 

I THINK I know what needs to happen here, but basically, at anything higher than 1/8 resolution, the footage is playing back slow, and then, when I synch up with my .wav sound files, the sound is dropping out after a second (unless I scale to frame in the timeline only, in which case the render bar goes from red to yellow and the sound remains, even if the picture is still choppy). Basically married image and sound will not play back properly unrendered.

 

So, I guess what I’m asking is: does this sound like a RAM issue? Should I go for 16? I currently have 8. There’s a lot going on on this computer. (Specs are below.)

 

One final question, albeit a more minor one: why does the frame Fit properly in the Source Monitor but need a Scale to Fit instruction every time to fill the Project Monitor? Is there a way to make an entire Sequence Scale to Fit permanently?

 

Again, my computer specs are below.

 

Thanks!

 

Stephen

 

HP Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9300 @ 2.50GHz

918 GB

8.0 GB Physical Memory

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition (64-bit)

Service Pack 2

ATI Radeon HD 4850 (recently updated)

512 MB Memory (since updated to CS5.5 specifications)

1004 Views   14 Replies   Latest reply: Bill Gehrke, Apr 28, 2012 12:42 PM
 
Replies
  • Harm Millaard
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    1. Harm Millaard,
    Apr 11, 2012 12:25 AM   in reply to SDCone
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    That system is way, way underpowered to edit RED 4K. It is around 30 - 50 times slower than a fast system. Nothing you invest in it will help at all, it is just a waste of money. The only road you can take is a complete new system.

     
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  • SDCone
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    2. SDCone,
    Apr 11, 2012 9:46 AM   in reply to Harm Millaard
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    Hi, Harm-

     

    Thank you for the response. Just wanted to point out that even as is, I'm successfully able to sync sound and view the footage at 1/8ths resolution (and, as of last night, some clips are able to play without being rendered), I would just like to more smoothly and efficiently navigate picture and sound at at least 1/4 resolution, and not have the sound drop out. I also just a year and a half ago edited a 1080 DSLR feature on this system with no issues.

     

    I trust your advice, but if what I'm lacking adds up to more than just RAM, what is it about the system that's insufficient?

     

    Thanks,

     

    Stephen

     
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  • Jim Simon
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    3. Jim Simon,
    Apr 11, 2012 9:47 AM   in reply to SDCone
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    I tend to agree with Harm on this one.  Editing a RED project in that CPU is going to be less than pleasant.

     

    You should seriously consider a new system based on the 6 core Intel i7 3930K, or at least the 4 core i7 2600K.

     
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  • SDCone
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    4. SDCone,
    Apr 11, 2012 10:00 AM   in reply to Jim Simon
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    Hi Jim,

     

    Thanks for the recommendations! If, for financial reasons, I needed to go with the 4 core, what's the ideal amount of RAM I may need to upgrade to?

     

    Thanks again,

     

    Stephen

     
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  • Jim Simon
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    5. Jim Simon,
    Apr 11, 2012 10:05 AM   in reply to SDCone
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    I'd start with 16 myself.

     
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  • SDCone
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    6. SDCone,
    Apr 11, 2012 3:23 PM   in reply to Jim Simon
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    Thanks again.

     

    And just to confirm, you still do not think, even with upgrading to 16G of RAM, that this current system is going to cut it?

     

    Thanks,

     

    Stephen

     
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  • Stephen_Spider
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    7. Stephen_Spider,
    Apr 11, 2012 10:47 PM   in reply to SDCone
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    You need a core I7 or high end I5. Your AMD gpu is not spec for hardware acceleration, You would need GTX card with  1GB or more memory.

     

    Bottom line, upgrading RAM would be a waste because your CPU & GPU are not suited for HD editing, let alone RED 4K in Premiere CS5x

     
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  • SDCone
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    8. SDCone,
    Apr 27, 2012 5:15 PM   in reply to Jim Simon
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    Hi there,

     

    I appreciate all of the help. Currently trying to pick a new system, needing to keep it under $1200 or so. How does this look for cutting RED 4K footage? http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SKUSearch.asp?px=FO&scriteria=BE02420

     

    One concern is the NVIDIA GeForce 530. Will that cut it, and if not, what's the best way to upgrade? Seems to be the consistent card amongst desktops in this price range.

     

    Thanks!

     

    Stephen

     
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  • Jim Simon
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    9. Jim Simon,
    Apr 27, 2012 10:49 PM   in reply to SDCone
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    You'd probably want to upgrade to Windows Professional, and at least double that 8Gb to 16 (go with 32 if you can swing it).

     

    You don't need a 1TB system drive, as you'll only be using it for Windows and Programs.  You can easily get away with 250GB or even smaller, so that may save a little money.  But, you will need to add at least two more hard drives, (Projects/Scratch and media).  Those can be 1TB or more.  (And using tapeless RED media, you'll want some kind of backup for your media.  An external maybe.

     

    If you're working with RED footage, you'll probably want a Blu-ray burner, not just DVD.

     

    The nVidia 530 might work if it has enough memory (1GB min.).

     
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  • SDCone
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    10. SDCone,
    Apr 27, 2012 10:58 PM   in reply to Jim Simon
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    Thanks, Jim. Excuse my naivete, but what do you mean by two more hard drives? I've edited two features on my old system (including a 1080 DSLR feature), and am even viewing footage/syching sound with the RED 4K on the same old system (original stats listed at the very top) just fine. I guess I'm a bit surprised that such leaps are recommended, when I'm working with the same footage on my 4-year old system as it stands now.

     

    But I'll do what it takes, obviously. Lastly, any recommendations for places that will customize to my needs?

     

    Thanks so much,

     

    Stephen

     
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  • Stephen_Spider
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    11. Stephen_Spider,
    Apr 28, 2012 12:14 AM   in reply to SDCone
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    There is still not enough ram in the listed PC, and the 530 is a poor choice. Nvidia list the memory type as DDR3, where you want a card with DDR5. You can get a suitable system for close to the price that is listed. You want to look at Harms hardware guide, and likely shop a custom builder.

     

    You want

     

    CoreI7 or high end I5

    Minimum 12 gb memory for HD editing

    Minimum 2 physical drives (system & media)

    gtx card with at least 1gb ddr5 memory.( I would shop for more memory for 4K footage ) The more CUDA core, the better.

     

    I spent a little more than you or I really wanted to spend on my CS5.5 box $1400 However it works brilliantly.

     

    Core I5 2500k

    16gb memory

    2x 74GB 10K raptor drives raid0 system drives

    2TB media drive

    GTX 560Ti 1GB with 384 CUDA cores.

     

     

    You could shave this system down to under $1k for something that works great.

    The GTX555 seems like the base level card to me. A GT or lower spec card  might be a gamble.

     

    Look at gamer machine builders rather than prebuilt desktops. They let you choose parts. That is where to start shopping.

     
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  • Jim Simon
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    12. Jim Simon,
    Apr 28, 2012 10:43 AM   in reply to SDCone
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    I'm working with the same footage on my 4-year old system as it stands now.

     

    And not having a very good time of it, right?  Isn't that why you're here?

     

    The advice is not meant to make things "work", but to make them work well (or at least bearably).

     

    In any edit system, three drives is what I consider an acceptable minimum.  More is better, but I feel three is the starting point for decent performance.

     
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  • SDCone
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    13. SDCone,
    Apr 28, 2012 11:38 AM   in reply to Jim Simon
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    Point very well taken, Jim. You're absolutely right.

     

    Stephen, thanks for those specs. If there's an answer to this, what is an example of something I could shave to get the price down a little, without large risk?

     

    I'm brand new to customizing systems: any recommendations for reliable and trusted companies I can call/visit to build my system? I'm in Los Angeles, but I imagine this could be done over the phone as well.

     

    You guys have been great.

     

    Thanks!

     

    Stephen

     
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  • Bill Gehrke
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    14. Bill Gehrke,
    Apr 28, 2012 12:42 PM   in reply to SDCone
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    Try seeing what Eric or Scott at ADK can do for you.They are master NLE builders and absolutely great support.

     
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