Faster/More Responsive Jog Device For FCP at DVinfo.net

Jon Downs · January 5th, 2011, 05:45 PM

i have the PowerMate and the Contour ShuttleXpress, but using either device for "jogging" results in the same problem: even when you crank the dial as fast as you can, the playhead moves slowly. i've played with all of the settings on both devices, and i can't figure out how to make it faster or more responsive (other than using "shift-arrow" as the triggered keys...but that make the slowest jog speed 1-second, which is too chunky).

does anyone know of a device that functions more like the jog wheel in the canvas or viewer (much faster and more precise)? or better yet, how to get either the PowerMate or ShuttleXpress to behave that way? thanks!

Ron Wilk · January 5th, 2011, 08:04 PM

If you're on an Intel Mac, check out the Euphonix MC transport. It works just as a jog/shuttle wheel should and has many other functions.

While I've found the device to reliable on an Intel Mac 8core, and have had no issues to speak of with it or the MC Control, there are those who have claimed that they are buggy. However, the developer has been good about frequent software/firmware updates that can be performed online and as mentioned above, I have not found them to be bug prone.

Gary Nattrass · January 6th, 2011, 03:33 AM

I got rid of my Euphonix as I found it to be a heap of junk and virtually un-useable.

I have gone back to my contour shuttle pro as the wheel on the Euphonix is very cheap and plasticky!

Jon Downs · January 6th, 2011, 10:43 AM

in your experience, is the jog speed of the Euphonix faster or more responsive than the Contour?

Jiri Fiala · January 6th, 2011, 03:58 PM

Sorry, can´t be done.

It´s the way FCP handles these commands. In FCP, Contour basically works as a keyboard - it literally periodically sends virtual keystrokes. Pulling the shuttle ring more means the virtual J or L key is being sent with greater speed. This means you won´t ever get smooth jog/shuttle action from Contour in FCP.

Premiere, for example, works differently, and the input from Contour is super smooth.

I was very disappointed by this in FCP, coming from Premiere, but that´s just the way it is.

Jon Downs · January 6th, 2011, 04:07 PM

gotcha. thanks for the feedback, guys.

January 5th, 2011, 05:45 PM	#1
Jon Downs Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 63	Faster/More Responsive Jog Device For FCP i have the PowerMate and the Contour ShuttleXpress, but using either device for "jogging" results in the same problem: even when you crank the dial as fast as you can, the playhead moves slowly. i've played with all of the settings on both devices, and i can't figure out how to make it faster or more responsive (other than using "shift-arrow" as the triggered keys...but that make the slowest jog speed 1-second, which is too chunky). does anyone know of a device that functions more like the jog wheel in the canvas or viewer (much faster and more precise)? or better yet, how to get either the PowerMate or ShuttleXpress to behave that way? thanks!

January 6th, 2011, 03:33 AM	#3
Gary Nattrass Trustee Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cornsay Durham UK Posts: 1,992	I got rid of my Euphonix as I found it to be a heap of junk and virtually un-useable. I have gone back to my contour shuttle pro as the wheel on the Euphonix is very cheap and plasticky! __________________ Over 15 minutes in Broadcast Film and TV production: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1044352/

January 5th, 2011, 08:04 PM	#2
Ron Wilk Major Player Join Date: May 2009 Location: Parkland Florida Posts: 407	If you're on an Intel Mac, check out the Euphonix MC transport. It works just as a jog/shuttle wheel should and has many other functions. While I've found the device to reliable on an Intel Mac 8core, and have had no issues to speak of with it or the MC Control, there are those who have claimed that they are buggy. However, the developer has been good about frequent software/firmware updates that can be performed online and as mentioned above, I have not found them to be bug prone.

January 6th, 2011, 10:43 AM	#4
Jon Downs Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 63	in your experience, is the jog speed of the Euphonix faster or more responsive than the Contour?

January 6th, 2011, 03:58 PM	#5
Jiri Fiala Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brno Czech Republic Posts: 453	Sorry, can´t be done. It´s the way FCP handles these commands. In FCP, Contour basically works as a keyboard - it literally periodically sends virtual keystrokes. Pulling the shuttle ring more means the virtual J or L key is being sent with greater speed. This means you won´t ever get smooth jog/shuttle action from Contour in FCP. Premiere, for example, works differently, and the input from Contour is super smooth. I was very disappointed by this in FCP, coming from Premiere, but that´s just the way it is.

January 6th, 2011, 04:07 PM	#6
Jon Downs Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 63	gotcha. thanks for the feedback, guys.