Apple Issues Updates for Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage

After signaling Aperture’s demise on Friday, Apple moved to assure users of its other professional media apps that their future remains bright. The company issued a series of updates for Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage. Major features include the ability to better manage optimized media in Final Cut Pro, new 4K output options, and support for the new ProRes 4444 XQ codec.

Final Cut Pro 10.1.2

• Optimized, proxy, and rendered media can be stored at any location outside of the library
• Easily delete optimized, proxy, and rendered media from within Final Cut Pro X
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Used media indicators for Compound clips, Multicam clips, and Synced clips
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Option to show only unused media in the Browser
• Apply a standard (Rec. 709) look in real time to high dynamic range and wide color gamut video from ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canon, and Sony cameras
• Automatically apply an ARRI embedded 3D LUT from the new AMIRA camera
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Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
• Improved speed and accuracy when synchronizing clips
• Audio recording improvements including countdown and automatic Audition creation from multiple takes
• Fast export of cuts-only projects containing XDCAM media
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Export entire library as a single XML file
• Selecting a library displays key metadata in the Inspector
• Adjust relative and absolute volume of a clip or range selection
• Create Keywords from Finder Tags when importing media
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Option to sort events by date or name in the Libraries list
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Import a clip by dragging directly into the Browser
• Share 4K video to Vimeo

Motion 5.1.1

• Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
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Improved Sequence Text behavior for animating characters, words, and lines
• Enhanced Contrast filter parameters for refined adjustments

Compressor 4.1.2

• Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
• Status display and improved responsiveness when using “Send to Compressor” from Final Cut Pro X and Motion
• Improved performance and color accuracy when encoding H.264 source files from GoPro cameras
• Fixes issues transcoding alpha channels in image sequences
• Includes general stability improvements

MainStage 3.0.4

• Addresses an issue that caused MainStage to quit unexpectedly when using 8-bit Bluetooth headsets and other devices with unsupported bit depths
• Resolves an issue that could cause screen controls with independent assignments to move simultaneously

Apple distributes all apps via the Mac App Store. Current users should check the App Store’s Update section to grab today’s latest versions.