Support

Video Output

Blackmagic connections and video output tutorials

Blackmagic

VoiceQ Pro supports a wide range of video hardware devices from Blackmagic Design. This plug and play feature enables VoiceQ to output video through Blackmagic hardware, increasing the number of supported output devices. This solves the problems of changing workflows and adding further hardware and cabling to studios, reducing setup time.

Recommended machine specification:

• Quad-core i5 (2012+ models)

Originally developed and tested with mac mini server 2012 Quad-core i7 machine.

The quality depends on the overall power and/or the current status (number of running applications, etc.) of the running machine.

The following Blackmagic devices have been tested for compatibility with VoiceQ Pro:

• Intensity Shuttle for USB 3.0

• UltraStudio for Thunderbolt™ 4K

• Decklink 4K Extreme card

• Decklink 4K Extreme 12G card

• Decklink HD Extreme 2, 3

The following Blackmagic devices are not compatible with VoiceQ Pro:

• Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro - HDMI and Analog Editing Card

VoiceQ was created with the latest API from Blackmagic Design, we support all hardware currently supported by Blackmagic Design. Please update to the latest Blackmagic drivers if you have issues with connectivity.

Visual features active in Blackmagic output:

• Waveform

• Rythmoband

• Ruler

• Streamers

• Visual count down/up

• Script preview

• The next VoiceQ update will include:

• Recording indicator

• Support for AJA video devices

• Support for industry third-party cards

• Dynamic latency detection

Blackmagic - Set-up

Steps:​

1. Run VoiceQ

2. Open a previous project (that includes a video file) or Create a new project (Import a video)

3. Navigate to Window>Video Output Configuration… (See image)

4. Select your ‘Video Output Method’ using the dropdown

5. Select your resolution and frame rate under ‘Video Mode’ (See image)

6. Set your buffering time (Recommended 300ms)

7. Set your Display Latency (Recommended 200ms)

Note: Due to latency between an external device and VoiceQ we have added a ‘Buffering Time’ slider to allow users to adjust for the best possible sync between the external device and VoiceQ.

OpenGL - Set-up

VoiceQ now has the ability to Run using OpenGL rendering to take advantage of later model graphics cards. This allows for smoother playback. (Note: 10.9 is not supported)

Steps:

1. Run VoiceQ

2. Open a previous project (that includes a video file) or Create a new project (Import a video)

3. Navigate to Window>Video Output Configuration… (See image)

4. Select your ‘Video Output Method’ using the dropdown

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When using Pro Tools and VoiceQ the video from VoiceQ does not appear. Why?

VoiceQ uses the same machine that also runs Pro Tools 11 and greater, we recommend that you turn the AVID video engine off when using both on the same machine. You can do so by opening the Playback Engine window in Pro Tools and uncheck the checkbox labelled ‘Video Engine’. After disabling the video engine, it is important to restart VoiceQ when using a Blackmagic device.

I removed my Blackmagic Device while connected to a display, now it wont work. Why?

The Blackmagic device driver only sends an events while plugged in. We recommend not to remove or disconnect the Blackmagic Device while you have the video window visible on an external display as it may cause a critical error with you Mac.

The Rythmoband text seems to stutter. How can I improve the playback of the Rythmoband?

Depending on your device we recommend setting the frame-rate to 60fps. By doing so the Rythmoband with become clearer and easier for recording artists to read. We do not recommend using any playback mode below 30fps.

Audio playback via the Blackmagic device has become distorted why is this?

This is caused by the device. To remedy this you need to lower the output resolution to a lower level than previously set.

I cannot see the video on my external device. I only see a black screen how do I fix this?

This is caused by setting your Buffering Time and/or Display latency below the recommended settings for your device. The user will be warned when setting latency below 80ms as it may cause the video to not appear on your external device.