overview

Auckland Audio exclusively uses Digidesign hardware and the industry standard ProTools® software for audio recording, editing, and mixing applications. Processing is handled by matching plug-in arrays from Waves for easy compatibility between the suites. Each suite has digital video playback capabilities as well as control and insert edit functionality to the three tape formats. All our suites are run on Apple® computers and connected via network for flexibility.

We prefer to work with digitized (non-linear) vision as this decreases the time needed to scroll through vision, consequently giving your masters less tape-wear. An arrangement to deliver your vision and OMF prior to session is strongly recommended so we can digitise your tape and unpack OMFs.

In New Zealand we work to the PAL 25f standard. However, we can perform standards conversion with prior notice.

Download the Technical Guidelines PDF document.

Tape Machines

Digital Betacam
Betacam SP
DVCAM / MiniDV
If an audio tracklay is provided on tape for off-laying, please checkerboard clips with suitable handles.
VHS
The lack of timecode and lower quality of the VHS format makes it unsuitable for professional use. If you are providing VHS, if possible, put timecode in picture and at least 30” pre-roll before vision and 30” between each segment. We can provide VHS dubs for reference.
DAT
If you are supplying audio on DAT, accurate sound logs are a great time saver.
1/4" Reel to Reel
Yes, we still have a few of these machines here. They are mainly used for format transfer/archiving purposes.

Video Setup

Apple Mac Pro 2x2.8Ghz Quad-Core 4G RAM
Final Cut Studio 2
AJA KONA LHe Capture/Playback (SD & HD)
Apple 20" Cinema Display
SONY 20" LCD Broadcast Monitor.
1.5 TB Seagate internal RAID
KRAMER house sync.

Preferred Linear Vision Layout

With all vision, it is most efficient that the first frame of vision of the programme/commercial starts at a logical timecode. For example: Programmes start @ 01:00:00:00 Commercials start @ 00:01:30:00 and then following with next logical round timecode. (for example)
TVC 1 @ 00:01:30:00
TVC 2 @ 00:02:30:00
TVC 3 @ 00:03:30:00
Guide audio on tape in the form of a bash/guide mix is advisable when checking for sync etc.

Remote Connections

ISDN

We have an ISDN codec to allow for high quality connections with compatible studios anywhere in the world. Our unit is a CDQ Prima 120 and provides a wide range of compatibility. It conforms to: CCS MUSICAM, ISO/MPEG Layer II, ISO/MPEG Layer III and G.722. We recommend a test connection before bookings to ensure the ISDN codecs at both ends are compatible. We can recommend a number of studios throughout the world that we have previously worked with and can ensure a good connection. Our ISDN Number is +64 9 366 7018 for both lines.

Source Connect

Source Connect ® enables audio connections between digital audio systems anywhere in the world, allowing direct-to-the-timeline recording with real-time, broadcast-quality audio using only T1, Cable, or DSL internet connections. Visit their website for more information. Our user name in source connect's global directory is "engineer".

OMF Specs and Layout

We require OMF Type 2 and settings are: AIFC files, embedded media, 48khz is preferred if master is Digital Betacam but either 44.1/48khz is acceptable. 16 Bit, 25fps Pal, 2 pip @ head of programme, time code to match master picture code. Volume breakpoint information is not required – please delete pan & breakpoint info. Following is our preferred track layout:
1+2 100% PTC’s / main sync material
3+4 Atmos / Background / Fill etc / SFX
5+6 Stereo Music or Stereo SFX
7+8 Stereo Music or Stereo SFX
9 Guide V/O’s
10 Other Material

OMF’s can be split if track count is a limiting factor. (eg. tracks 1 – 8 on one OMF, 9 – 16 on second OMF)
If the OMF is bigger than the available media (CDROM), it can be split into sections. It is preferable that these are in black breaks or that there is small overlap for sync reference between the sections. OMFs can be provided on CDR, DVD ROM, Firewire HD’s and USB 2 Flash Drives.

Digitised Vision Specifications

Digitised/Digital Vision can be provided on CDR, DVDROM, FW HD or Flash Drive.
Formats are:
DV-PAL @ 720x576/384x288
We can convert from most formats, such as mpeg, however this can be a longer than real time operation, so would really only suit short length material such as television commercials, virals, etc.

Output Options

We can provide audio in the following formats: Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, DVCam (for audio layback to DVCam, the tape must be two channel 48kHz DVCam Format). T/C DAT, CDROM or DVDROM.
Most commonly we provide Stereo/Mono 16bit, 48kHz/44.1kHz, AIF, .WAV and .BWF. However, we can provide virtually any audio file type.
If you're recording voice over for multimedia or IVR projects, we will need more detailed information on file type you require at end of session. For example, these types could be 8bit/8kHz/.wav/pcm encoding or u-law 18kHz 8bit along with numbered or named prompts on a script. If we are editing the recording into files, we prefer to email test files to confirm that we can provide the format your equipment requires prior to the session.
Other formats we can deliver:
OMFs or Pro Tools sessions.
Audio on an Audio CD, to play in a standard CD player.
VHS dubs at any stage for reference.
We can transfer audio files via email or to an FTP server. (mp3s for reference via email are common).