Video summary

DaVinci Resolve Export for Pro Tools - AAF, Video Reference, Timecode, and Countdown

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Purpose / Workflow

Export a DaVinci Resolve timeline for Pro Tools delivery (and potentially Logic) to produce:

  1. A video reference file
  2. An AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) containing the timeline/clip structure for the audio team

Key timeline settings (countdown + time alignment)

  • Adjust the Resolve timeline so the project starts at a timecode that provides pre-roll for delivery.
  • Set Timeline Starting Timecode to 00:59:50:00, described as providing 10 seconds before the real “hour 1” picture start.
  • The first frame of picture is effectively Hour 01—the goal is to ensure countdown/TWOP and alignment are correct for the audio team.

Countdown generator (2-pop / “two pop” at 59:58)

  • You need a countdown with a “two pop”.
  • Use an external website (link mentioned in the original description) to download 192 TIFF files.
  • Import the TIFF sequence into Resolve and verify timing:
    • Confirm the “2” pop occurs exactly at 59:58.
  • Add a 1-frame 1 kHz beep at -20 (volume level mentioned):
    • Generate it in Fairlight, download it, or create it in Pro Tools.

Timecode burn-in in Resolve

  • In Resolve, use: Workspace → Data Burn-In
  • Set burn-in to Project Record Timecode
  • Placement guidance:
    • Put the timecode upper-right to avoid covering footsteps and/or lips (if placed too low or centered).
  • Configure position (X/Y) and font styling:
    • Avoid a specific font style mentioned as a preference (e.g., Comic Sans).

Delivery/export setup to send to Pro Tools

  • In Resolve, open Deliver (rocket ship).
  • For Pro Tools delivery, select Custom Export and configure the codec/export options.
  • Generate two files:
    1. A Reference video file
    2. An AAF file containing all clips needed by the sound team

Recommended reference video settings (for Pro Tools compatibility)

  • Codec/container: QuickTime / DNxHD
  • Resolution/frame rate/bit depth: described as 1080p, 36 (8-bit)
  • The speaker emphasizes:
    • This DNxHD selection is the smallest DNxHD option that still provides reasonable quality
    • Audio/video sync is solid
  • Playback note:
    • On the speaker’s MacBook, DNxHD inside QuickTime may not preview properly, but it plays correctly in Pro Tools.
    • Recommendation: trust the export after testing in Pro Tools.

Recommended AAF export settings

  • Audio codec: start with Linear PCM
  • Enable Embedded in AAF (to encapsulate audio and make transfer easier)
  • Frame handles: 24 frames (subtitles mention “240 frame handles,” but context indicates 24-frame handles)
  • Channel/track handling:
    • Same as Source
    • Prefer “Render: One Track per Channel” (may require experimentation depending on the project layout)

Naming + sending considerations

  • Use a clear filename such as: “Locked Cut version X + date + project name”
    • (Multiple locked cuts may exist.)
  • Avoid producing unnecessary exports:
    • Decide the destination folder before rendering to prevent “ghost” files cluttering disk space.

Export validation + practical results

  • Validate the AAF file size:
    • If the AAF is only a couple of MB, it likely contains no audio.
  • Example results (reported):
    • For a short ~6 minute video:
      • Video file: ~1.64 GB
      • AAF file: ~338 MB
    • Export time: ~27 seconds (demo length; longer projects will take longer)

Review / tutorial style notes

This is presented as a step-by-step delivery guide to ensure the handoff is “professional” by matching:

  • Correct countdown timing
  • Correct timecode burn-in
  • Correct reference video + AAF pairing for Pro Tools

Main speaker / sources

  • Speaker: a single YouTube presenter (name not provided in the subtitles)
  • Main software covered:
    • DaVinci Resolve (Fairlight, Data Burn-In, Deliver)
    • Pro Tools (AAF generation, beep guidance)

Original video