Track FX plugins

JRey wrote on 9/16/2014, 8:09 AM

Could someone tell me if changing the order of the plugins makes a difference? I am pretty certain it does but can't find any information on this.

For example a plugin chain of
Color Correcter - Color Curves - NewBlue color fixer pro - NewBlue Sharpen - New Blue Chromakey.

Would that be the correct order to use the effects in and if not why?

Thanks in advance

Comments

larry-peter wrote on 9/16/2014, 8:47 AM

I always attempt to pull any keys first in the chain. The other plugins will affect not only the background color, but can degrade the edges as well - especially sharpen. That can give you really rough edges prior to a key. Think about what each plugin is adding or subtracting from the footage. The processing is done in the order of the chain.

And an 8-bit project vs. 32 bit float has its own plugin challenges. There are many threads on this. Multiple color correctors in an 8 bit project can severely degrade your image if you're not extremely careful monitoring levels and color vectors. My suggestion for your chain would be : Chromakey, Color correct, sharpen.

Grazie wrote on 9/16/2014, 8:54 AM

You're asking a most excellent question. I don't have a unifying theory of or for all FXs that will cover all eventualities. As you are suggesting there are some that work at finer, particle level and others that more or less work on a more generalised way. And THEN those that can be mixed with each other.

I really have to think that, like myself, you and all of us have to experience the results along with squinting at the scopes and the Monitor.

Thanks for asking,

Grazie

JRey wrote on 9/16/2014, 9:47 AM

Thanks for the input so far guys. Currently trying to keep the plugins to a minimum. My current working chain is chromakey - lab adjust - sharpen. Seems to be working well just need to try it with a moving image background. I will let you know how I get on.

Actually I just moved the chroma to the right hand end and its better! Go figure.

Mark_e wrote on 9/16/2014, 9:56 AM

also watch if it's in front of the pan and crop or not if you are resizing etc. for example adding grain or sharpening to 4k footage before resizing to 1080p looks a lot different to after.

JRey wrote on 9/16/2014, 10:01 AM

Good points, thanks.

Chienworks wrote on 9/16/2014, 11:14 AM

While there may be some general recommendations for the order of the plugins, and the order definitely does matter, the correct answer is that they should be in whatever order gives you the result you want. Since changing the order will alter the result, you can achieve different things by changing the order. You're the one who knows what you are looking for so in the end you'll have to decide what works.

It's quite possible that adamant advice is given in order to avoid some particular side effect, yet that particular side effect is exactly what you're trying to get!

JRey wrote on 9/16/2014, 11:19 AM

There is some truth in that as I am discovering

Gary James wrote on 9/16/2014, 12:04 PM

Not to change the subject, but this same concept applies to the preparation of still images using Image editing software before the images are imported into Vegas. I've run across many small faded low resolution images that can be quite useful if the proper sequence of steps are taken to restore them.

In my experience I've found that applying a noise reduction and smoothness correction first, followed by color, contrast, and sharpening results in a far better final image than changing this order.