Reviews |Blackmagic unveils DaVinci Resolve 15.2, Camera 6.0, Audio Monitor 12G

Blackmagic unveils DaVinci Resolve 15.2, Camera 6.0, Audio Monitor 12G

Blackmagic unveils DaVinci Resolve 15.2, Camera 6.0, Audio Monitor 12G
News

Blackmagic has announced an update to its flagship video editing software, introducing DaVinci Resolve 15.2 as well as updates to its Camera Utility software and Audio Monitor device.

DaVinci Resolve 15.2

Among the updates to DaVinci Resolve 15.2 are faster performance and visual keyboard customisation, as well as new beauty correction tools and audio mastering plugins. Features include:

The editing timeline in DaVinci Resolve 15.2 draws at a higher frame rate which makes editing and trimming feel faster, more responsive and more fluid than ever. In addition, new animations have been added so clips slide in and out of position, making it easier to see exactly how different edits affect other clips in the timeline.

Visual dup detection lets customers see when the same clip has been used more than once. In addition, clips displayed in the bin now display usage indicators for the current active timeline. White vertical lines highlight the currently marked portion of a clip, while red horizontal lines show which frames are used. The timeline can also be cleaned up by flattening down unused clips, and timecode entry has been simplified throughout the application.

DaVinci Resolve 15.2 also adds features that make pancake editing, which is the editing of clips between multiple timelines, much easier and faster than before. Timelines or compound clips can now be loaded into the source viewer and edited into the current timeline in their decomposed state. Most importantly, editors can tap the X key to instantly mark a clip in the source timeline and edit that clip directly into the active program timeline.

The inspector, on-screen controls and metadata viewer on the Edit page now automatically update to show the relevant information for the highest visible clip under the playhead. That means customers no longer have to manually select a clip to change a parameter.

Keyboard customization has been completely redesigned in DaVinci Resolve 15.2. The new visual interface lets editors quickly see which keys are in use and assign shortcuts. The included keyboard sets emulate other popular editing applications, making it easier for editors switching to DaVinci Resolve. Keyboard sets can be shared between systems and shortcuts can now be assigned to different pages and user interface panels within the application. Shortcuts can even be assigned to commands in contextual pop-up menus. New highlights make it easier to see which portion of the interface is active so customers know which keyboard shortcuts they can use.

DaVinci Resolve 15.2 also includes new ResolveFX plugins. The Blanking Fill plugin automatically fills black letterbox or pillar box areas of the screen with defocused video. This makes it easier to use vertical video or photos in standard widescreen timelines because customers no longer have to manually create a background. The new Beauty plugin is designed to gently and realistically smooth textures and blemishes on skin and other surfaces. Colorists will also find new plugins for ACES transformations and limiting gamut. In addition, colorists can now bypass mixer node inputs by turning off connected nodes and can export gallery stills with custom label names.

The Fairlight page includes dozens of refinements along with new FairlightFX plugins that make fixing common problems and mastering final audio faster and easier than before. The new Stereo Fix plugin features presets for the most common channel mapping operations so clips can be fixed with a single click. This lets customers quickly fix problems such as dual-channel mono dialogue that was edited in stereo tracks.

The new Multi-band compressor features realtime spectral analysis and four different independently adjustable frequency bands. This lets customers achieve the desired overall volume without creating artifacts when mastering sound. The Fairlight page also adds new VCA groups for ganging channel strips together. This makes it possible to adjust the gain on multiple tracks simultaneously.

Camera 6.0

Blackmagic has also released version 6.0 of its Camera software, with improvements for URSA Mini Pro users. Customers can download Camera Setup 6.0 from Blackmagic’s website. Updates include:

Improvements for URSA Mini Pro

  • Improved ISO range on URSA Mini Pro.
  • Improved in camera playback.
  • Improved status display info for off-speed.
  • Improved responsiveness of color corrector.
  • Improved timecode support.
  • Improved metadata support.
  • Improved shutter metadata.
  • Add HDR metadata support in SDI stream.
  • Add 2:1 monitoring frame guides.
  • Add ability to lock timecode from SDI Input.
  • Add frame guide options in SDI Camera Control Protocol.
  • Fixed LCD clean feed record indicator bug.
  • Fixed stills bug.
  • Updated URSA Mini and SDK manual.

New features for URSA Viewfinder

  • Add Generation 4 Color Science.
  • Add 4.6K Film to Extended Video LUT.
  • Add support for 2:1 frame guides.
  • Improved anamorphic frame guides.
  • Improved false color.
  • Fixed Extended Video 6.0 Beta LUT bug.
  • General performance improvements.

New features for URSA Studio Viewfinder

  • Add Generation 4 Color Science.
  • Add 4.6K Film to Extended Video LUT.
  • Add support for 2:1 frame guides.
  • Improved anamorphic frame guides.
  • General performance improvements.

No new features in 6.0 for other camera models.

Audio Monitor 12G

Audio Monitor 12G

Blackmagic has also released an upgraded verision of its rack mount audio monitoring device. The Blackmagic Audio Monitor 12G boasts 12G-SDI video input, HDMI output, analog and AES/EBU inputs, a powerful class D amplifier, dual subwoofers, extended range speakers, an LCD and precision meters that can display VU, PPM and Loudness ballistic scales.

Thanks to its AES/EBU inputs the Audio Monitor 12G can be used with all analog and digital equipment, while the 12G-SDI connection switches speed based on the input signal, making it compatible with all SD, HD Ultra HD and DCI 4K equipment and formats up to 2160p60.

The Audio Monitor 12G price tag will be $1,195 with a release date set for this month.