[This article was first published in the Feb/March, 2008, issue of
Larry's Final Cut Pro Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.]

I got a letter from a reader who said:

I own a new 8-core mac. So far after all the reading online, I still can not find a way to use the 8-core in compressor to maximize the output time; how do I set this up via q-master and compressor; please advise.

Larry replies: You use System Preference to create a Virtual Cluster and set the number of instances to 50% of your processors - in your case, 4.

Then, when you submit files you select "Virtual Cluster," and not "This Computer."

The screen shot above shows you how to configure the System Prefs - except your pull-down will show 8 instances, from which you select 4.

After that, it's automatic.

Larry Jordan is a post-production consultant and an Apple-Certified Trainer in Digital Media with over 25 years experience as producer, director and editor with network, local and corporate credits. Based in Los Angeles, he's a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.

The information in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, the author assumes no liability in case things go wrong. Please use your best judgment in applying these suggestions.

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