A devoted video modifying keyboard may look like overkill for many informal customers, however don’t write it off till you’ve attempted Blackmagic’s DaVinci Unravel Velocity Editor. This little machine packs such a lot potency, together with the emblem’s Studio instrument, in a single small package deal that it would simply be definitely worth the cash.
Blackmagic’s DaVinci Unravel is definitely the most productive unfastened video editor you’ll be able to in finding. Seasoned editors may in finding the migration slightly tricky because the program has some workflow quirks which are simply other sufficient to shuttle up muscle reminiscence, however in my enjoy, changing my workflow used to be smartly definitely worth the transition.
The Velocity Editor, one among Blackmagic’s proprietary modifying forums, is a devoted software designed to combine easily with Unravel. It has six units of buttons mapped to purposes within the editor, plus a large wheel to clean via clips. In case you’ve ever frolicked in an modifying bay, it’ll glance acquainted (if very small). For other people all for taking pictures indie films and past, a device like this will assist.
The $395 sticky label value may appear surprising, however the corporate additionally throws in a replica of DaVinci Unravel Studio, which normally prices $295 by itself. Whilst the unfastened model is already greater than sufficient for the general public, Studio provides a large library of visible results equipment, enhance for 10-bit video, and the DaVinci Neural Engine to make a variety of results equipment quicker.
A Moveable Modifying Bay
Probably the most putting facet of the Velocity Editor with the exception of the eye-catching dial—extra on that under—is how compact it’s. It’s reasonably smaller than an iPad (although clearly a lot thicker) however options six units of keys that duvet a stunning quantity of the necessities that the majority video editors want, like fundamental cuts and multicamera controls.
At the rear, it has a unmarried USB-C port for each connecting to an modifying rig and charging. Sure, this modifying board is wi-fi, however there’s neither an influence transfer nor any approach of Bluetooth pairing with out connecting it for your laptop by the use of USB-C first. That is in particular worrying in case you edit on more than one gadgets. I take advantage of a Home windows desktop and a MacBook Air, either one of that have DaVinci Unravel put in. Technically, the board is suitable with each, however swapping them is sufficient of a ache that I’d advise in opposition to attempting. The one approach to take action appears to be to unpair the board solely, however even this is flaky. It could were great to have a board that helps more than one programs the way in which maximum wi-fi keyboards do.
Whilst this quirk is disappointing, the Velocity Editor is an unbelievable software for moveable modifying differently. It’s mild sufficient to throw in a bag and sits with ease subsequent to a pc on small espresso store tables, and I used to be even in a position to make use of it whilst modifying on an aircraft. The versatility to take studio modifying bay-level equipment with me any place is difficult to understate.
The Dial
Portability apart, the dial is the big name of the display right here, and I will not categorical how a lot better modifying video is while you use it. The machined steel knob in the midst of the software rotates easily however nonetheless lets in for terribly actual controls. You’ll flick it to ship it spinning (now not that you want to) and prevent it on a dime. A unmarried dimple permits you to transfer the dial with as low as a unmarried finger, and a rubberized rim makes positive you by no means lose your grip on it.
The dial has 3 modes: Go back and forth, Jog, and Scroll, every enabled by means of buttons simply above the wheel. Each and every of them has a purple LED to signify which mode you’re these days in. Those may well be acquainted to veteran video editors with skilled enjoy, however for everybody else, right here’s how they paintings:
Go back and forth: On this mode, the dial controls playback pace. This will vary any place from 0.25x to 32x, relying on how a long way from the preliminary level you flip the dial. This works in each instructions, so you’ll be able to scrub during the timeline in opposite at as much as 32x.
