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Avid Media Composer | First is a crucial entry point for aspiring professional video editors, offering a free, scaled-down version of the industry-standard Avid Media Composer. Avid Media Composer is widely recognized as the most popular professional video editor, extensively used for major TV shows and feature films, including blockbusters like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Wonder Woman, and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2. It is considered the industry standard for larger projects, particularly for scripted content in Hollywood (editing 95% of movies and TV shows in 2016) and most of the news/journalism world.

Here’s a comprehensive review of Avid Media Composer | First, its features, pricing, usage, and AI alternatives:

Avid Media Composer | First: Features and Limitations

Avid Media Composer | First is designed to introduce newcomers to the “Avid way” of filmmaking, providing an interface very similar to the paid version.

Core Capabilities and Included Features (similar to barebones full version):

  • Video Editing: It allows you to piece video segments together, arrange them, and process them, utilizing both rough cutting and refining tools.
  • Basic Effects: The full version, and by extension the barebones functionality of First, includes essential effects such as blurs, tracking, masks, and simple 3D. However, masks are not applied per effect like in Premiere; you need to “trick” the software to achieve this.
  • Transitions: A full compliment of transitions and effects are included, though perhaps not as many “cool ones” as Premiere offers. Placing transitions requires defining in and out points rather than snapping to clips directly, but a “quick transition” button simplifies this once the technique is learned.
  • Color Correction: Color correction capabilities are available, but they are described as rudimentary and not updated in a long time compared to tools like Lumetri or DaVinci Resolve. For professional color grading, users often perform a “Resolve roundtrip”. The “Symphony” feature, included in the full MC Ultimate student plan, is powerful but still lacks features like vibrance, tracking, or Vs curves found in other dedicated color tools.
  • Audio Editing: It offers music mixing, cutting, and editing tools that seamlessly integrate with video functions, including the ability to create soundtracks, mix audio, and record narration/voice-overs.
  • Workflow Enhancements: Media Composer | First supports multicam editing, stabilizing shaky footage, improving exposure, working with green screens, and fixing dialogue. It also features speed controls, color templates, and title tools.
  • User Interface: The program layout is flexible, allowing users to organize and save custom workspaces by resizing and repositioning windows. The project window organizes content into bins, settings, and effects.

Significant Limitations of Media Composer | First:

  • Technical Issues: Users have reported numerous technical issues that seem isolated to AMC | First, and it may not even be officially supported by Avid anymore, according to some research.
  • Export Restrictions: It cannot export in 4K resolution (limited to 1080p), cannot export an EDL, and does not support exporting in intermediate codecs. Output formats are restricted to H.264 or Avid’s proprietary DNxHD codec.
  • Track Limits: Users are limited to four video tracks and eight audio tracks (which effectively means four stereo audio tracks).
  • Bin Limits: The free version limits project organization to five bins, which can be restrictive for larger projects.
  • Compatibility: Projects created in Media Composer | First are not compatible with the paid version of Avid Media Composer.
  • Input Formats: It does not have fantastic support for a wide range of video formats. Users often need to transcode consumer video formats (like AVCHD MTS files) into Avid’s native DNxHD format before editing.
  • Missing Professional Features: Key professional workflow features like FrameFlex, Consolidate/Transcode, and Background Actions are locked in the full version.
  • No Transfer Modes: A notable omission is “transfer modes” (also known as blending modes like Overlay, Screen), which are standard in other NLEs; these require third-party solutions or workarounds in Avid.
  • Learning Curve: Despite being a free version, Media Composer | First retains the steep and often unintuitive interface of the full Avid Media Composer. Its controls and tools may be unfamiliar, even to those experienced with other video editors. For instance, a basic “razor blade tool” for cutting clips is not present. Incorrect clicks can lead to accidental deletion of clips, timelines, or closing bins, though an undo function usually helps.
  • Installation Requirements: Windows users must perform an additional custom installation of QuickTime 7.7.9 for the app to work properly with video files. An Avid Master account and an application manager are also required for download and setup.

System Requirements and Performance: Media Composer | First runs on both Mac and PC (Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, 64-bit operating system required). It requires a minimum of 6GB of RAM, with 8GB recommended. Impressively, it can run smoothly on lower-spec machines without a dedicated graphics card, relying on onboard graphics (e.g., an i7 with 8GB RAM and Intel HD 530 graphics).

Price of Avid Media Composer

While Avid Media Composer | First is completely free, providing a no-cost entry point to the Avid ecosystem, the full version offers various pricing models:

  • Subscription: The paid version costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year when paid upfront.
  • Perpetual License: A perpetual license for the full version is available for $1,299.
  • Student Pricing: For students, Avid offers a “somewhat reasonable subscription plan”. Specifically, there’s an option for $9.99 per month or $100 per year for MC Ultimate, which includes Symphony, Scriptsync, and Phrasefind, along with 4-hour support. A perpetual student license can also be obtained for $295 if the educational institution is on Avid’s list.
  • Trial: It is suggested that students subscribe to the full version for a month to see if they like it before committing long-term. However, caution is advised as some users have reported difficulties canceling annual subscriptions early.

How to Use Avid Media Composer | First

To get started with Avid Media Composer | First, you typically begin by downloading the software after creating an Avid account and verifying your email. Windows users will also need to perform a custom installation of QuickTime.

Upon first launch, a new dashboard and mandatory “Getting Started” tutorial clips are presented, which are crucial due to the software’s non-intuitive nature. The basic workflow involves:

  1. Project Setup: Closing any current project and creating a new one from the main screen.
  2. Importing Footage: Using the “Source Browser” to locate and bring in your footage. It’s important to note that Avid prefers transcoded footage (its native DNxHD format) for optimal performance. Attempting to link unsupported consumer formats directly may fail.
  3. Basic Editing: Setting in and out points on clips in the source monitor and dragging them to the timeline. The timeline can be scaled using controls.
  4. Adding Transitions: Place the marker between clips and use the “quick transition” button. You’ll need to create space between clips for transitions.
  5. Playback and Export: Full-screen playback is available for previewing. For final output, you can publish to a local drive or directly to platforms like YouTube. Export options are limited to QuickTime containers with H.264 or DNxHD codecs, at a maximum resolution of 1080p.

Learning Avid Media Composer: Given its steep learning curve, several resources and approaches are recommended:

  • Online Courses: LinkedIn Learning offers “Media Composer 101/110” courses by Ashley Kennedy, which are considered “solid choices” and provide hands-on learning.
  • YouTube: Channels like “Avidbeer” offer short videos with useful everyday Avid tips. Avid’s official YouTube channel also has good resources.
  • Forums: The Avid community forum is a good place for quick, direct answers to questions.
  • Books: Older but still relevant reference guides include “Avid Media Composer 6.x Cookbook” and “Avid Agility”.
  • Hands-on Practice: It’s highly recommended to “just do it” by committing to using the software. Practice with fresh or old footage, even by making fan edits. Mistakes are seen as the best learning tool.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Print out keyboard commands and prioritize learning to navigate the software without a mouse to build efficiency and impress professionals. Avoid remapping commands to mimic Premiere; instead, learn Avid’s native logic and muscle memory.
  • Understand Core Concepts: Learning Avid as if you’re new to editing and understanding its roots in physical film and videotape editing (e.g., “Filler” concept) can help make its archaic feel more understandable. Focus on technical knowledge like ingesting, exporting, rendering, and conforming, which are essential for entry-level Assistant Editor roles.
  • Syncing Workflow (for professional use): For complex projects, it’s generally advised to transcode all footage to a proxy format (like DNx36/DNxLB) before syncing. Audio should also be imported as 1:1 MXF, preferably mono files after splitting poly files with tools like WaveAgent. Create sync bins, autosequence clips, and sort by timecode. Manual syncing is often more accurate than Avid’s automatic waveform analysis for footage without reliable timecode.

AI Alternatives for Video Editing

While Avid Media Composer | First is a foundational tool for professional film and TV editing, the market also offers a growing number of AI-powered video editors, particularly useful for marketing, social media, and automated content creation. These tools often streamline tasks that would be manual in traditional NLEs:

  • Synthesia: Known for generating studio-quality videos from text, PowerPoint, PDF, or websites. Features customizable AI avatars (160+), voiceovers (130+ languages), voice cloning, closed captions, screen recording, and templates. It’s highly user-friendly and offers video analytics. A free option with limitations is available, with paid plans starting at $22/month.
  • Pictory: Geared towards content marketers, it generates videos from text, images, scripts, or blog posts, and automatically adds subtitles, captions, and transcriptions. It optimizes for various social media platforms and offers a user-friendly interface with tutorials. There is no free plan, but a free trial and paid plans start at $19/month.
  • Descript: Combines AI video editing with podcast editing. It allows auto-editing of podcasts, transcription with correction features, screen recordings, and offers unique tools like background removal and “eye contact correction.” Its interface is intuitive, resembling document editing. A free plan with limitations is available, with paid plans starting at $12/month.
  • Runway ML: An AI research company focused on the creative industry. Its Gen-1 and Gen-2 editors create videos from existing clips, text, or images, with advanced features like motion brush, lip sync, and upscale resolution. Best for short social clips (up to 16 seconds) or animated videos, but has a steep learning curve. A limited free plan is offered, with paid plans starting at $12/month.
  • Vidyo.ai: Designed for quickly generating short social clips for podcasters and content creators. Features one-click subtitles, templates, split-screen views, and brand kit integration. It automatically removes filler words and awkward pauses. Simple to use with excellent performance. It has a limited free plan, with paid options starting at $29/month.
  • Raw Shorts: Specializes in creating animated videos from text sources like spreadsheets or articles. It’s suitable for explainer, social, and promotional videos, offering a drag-and-drop editor and royalty-free assets. It’s praised for its speed and simplicity. A free starter option includes watermarks, with paid plans starting at $20/month.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: A premium NLE that incorporates significant AI features, such as text-based editing, background noise removal, speech enhancement, color matching, and auto-reframing for social platforms. While powerful, its interface can be overwhelming for beginners. It offers a seven-day free trial, with subscriptions starting at $22.99/month. (Note: Premiere Pro is also widely used professionally for commercials, docs, corporate video, and smaller shops, making it an important software for editors to know alongside Avid).
  • FlexClip review | Website: flexclip.com: An AI video editor great for beginners, offering over 6,000 templates and features like text-to-video, AI voices, background removal, and auto-translation. It provides a smooth user experience and regular updates. A generous free plan is available, with affordable paid options starting at $9.99/month (billed annually).
  • Deepbrain AI: Creates videos using realistic avatars and natural text-to-speech voices in over 80 languages. It’s suitable for corporate videos, customer service, and generating content from scripts, text, or URLs. There is no free plan, with the cheapest option at $24/month (billed annually).
  • Designs.ai Video Maker: An online tool combining stock content with AI to automate video creation from scripts, suggest content based on keywords, and apply face swap technology. It offers a user-friendly interface and real-time previews. No free plan, but a seven-day trial is available, with pricing starting at $135 for five projects or a subscription for the full suite of tools from $19/month.

The decision to use Avid Media Composer | First or explore AI alternatives often depends on your career goals. If you aim to work in high-end film and television, learning Avid is essential. If your focus is on creating content for digital marketing, social media, or other automated applications, AI tools can significantly enhance your workflow.

Think of learning Avid Media Composer | First like mastering a classic, complex musical instrument in an orchestra – it might be difficult to learn initially and some parts might feel antiquated, but it’s the standard for large-scale, collaborative symphonies, and highly respected for its robust, reliable performance in grand productions. In contrast, AI video editors are like advanced digital synthesizers with built-in auto-composition tools – they can rapidly generate impressive pieces for various platforms with less technical skill required, but might lack the nuanced, hands-on control and industry-specific workflows of the traditional instrument for certain “concert hall” level productions.