Sony Vegas Pro 12 Edit review

Another feature we’ve been requesting for many years is proxy editing, and it’s made it into this release. It’s available via a right-click command in the Project Media window, and it generates 720p MPEG-2 copies of 1080p footage to boost preview performance. With the preview window set to a 960×540 resolution, these proxy files delivered a jump from seven to 12 simultaneous AVCHD streams before dropped frames set it – a spectacular achievement. It’s easy to switch between the original and proxy files using the Preview and Good settings in the monitor window, although the software should make this clearer. It’s also a little frustrating that there isn’t a 720p option among the preview quality settings (for 1080p projects at least). Running the preview at 1080p to take advantage of the proxy files’ full quality only increased preview performance marginally. As things stand, the proxies would be better off being rendered at 960×540 for even greater performance gains.

Expanded Edit mode makes it easier to choose the exact frame at which to cut

There are numerous other new features, too. An Expanded Edit mode temporarily shows unused portions of clips on the timeline, helping users make an informed choice about the exact frame at which to cut. It’s now possible to cut a video clip’s soundtrack asynchronously, known as an L cut, simply by holding down the Shift key while adjusting the video or audio component. Previously, this involved breaking the link between the video and audio, making the edit and then relinking them. Fades can be applied to multiple timeline objects at once. There are new effects, too, including drop shadow, glow and emboss, plus one that attempts to match the colours in a clip with a selected frame from another. For those who want to incorporate jaw-dropping special effects, Hitfilm Ultimate 2 projects can be dropped directly into the timeline without rendering them first.

This update concentrates primarily on workflow, making the editing process quicker, but not necessarily changing the results. Adobe Premiere Pro has more bells and whistles, but Vegas Pro 12 Edit’s more streamlined approach encourages users to focus on the footage. Its precise, swift operation makes it quick to try your ideas, and this is truer than ever. It’s an obvious Best Buy.