SoundFlow Media UpLoader is a new addition to SoundFlow, the workflow platform, which has deep integration with applications like Pro Tools, iZotope RX and Soundminer. It now has integration with ioGates’ secure file-sharing services with the SoundFlow Notes Package to provide mix approvals bounced and uploaded directly from Pro Tools, with integrated notes feedback from collaborators.

This coming together of ioGates and Soundflow enables sound designers to automate file sharing and speed up post-production review and approval processes.

ioGates’ design is optimised for media production with bidirectional capabilities that allow users to annotate, track history, send notifications and even automatically update projects and add comments. Its encryption and two-factor authentication, personalised watermarking, DRM, and timed access make it are designed to make it a secure file sharing solution for the media sector. The new integration with SoundFlow connects picture and sound, allowing Pro Tools users to share properly packaged files and add time-stamped feedback with comments to the timeline. Christian Munk Scheuer, CEO, SoundFlow told us…

“The review process for sound design is often extensive and complex. Comments can come from 10 different sources and span time zones and calendar months for any given project. Trying to share back and forth using solutions like WeTransfer, Dropbox or email is incredibly inefficient and fraught with mistakes. You want to streamline the process so that comments are traceable and in one place and that the content you are sending is properly packaged. SoundFlow and ioGates automate the packaging of your files, ensuring video and audio are in sync and transcoded for preview on any platform including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Your client receives correctly packaged previews with the ability to comment right to the timecode. This eliminates any misinterpretation on feedback saving an immense amount of time that can be put back into being creative. ”

The integration between ioGates and SoundFlow is designed to give Pro Tools users the ability to select any portion of the timeline and share with individuals or teams. Shared as an ioGates Smart Link, files are indexed for tracking and encoded to play on any device.  Recipients can add notes directly to the timecode, even if they do not have an ioGates account. Comments can be synced through the SoundFlow Notes app and placed as markers in the Pro Tools timeline with one click. Jesper Anderson, CEO, ioGates explains…

“ioGates in conjunction with SoundFlow coordinates access and tracks details. This removes the stress and frustration you normally get trying to review audio for video,. It gives you more space to manage the creative process and confidence that you have the entire review and approval process, regardless of how extensive it is, under control and as effective as it can possibly be.”

When you are ready you can import all the comments and feedback into Pro Tools using the SoundFlow Notes Package. Use the media URL on the ioGates platform and copy that into SoundFlow Notes, using the Import tab and Import from ioGates Share Link. You can select a category for the imported notes, say Director. This imports the comments into the Notes app along with their timecode locations. You can now add the comments as markers in Pro Tools by using the Export tab in SoundFlow Notes and choose Export to Pro Tools Memory Locations and SoundFlow will do the work for you.

What Is ioGates Smart Link?

Many of us in the audio world may not have heard of ioGates, so we asked them to explain what ioGates is all about…

“ioGates offers tools for sharing, converting, viewing, distributing, and archiving professional media files without the need for advanced technical knowledge. Its hosted video-management services enable media companies to accelerate their broadcasting, postproduction, advertising, and marketing workflows with minimal IT resources and training. The company’s flagship ioGates cloud-based video management platform is designed to handle a variety of professional video and audio.

With ioGates’ popular “Smart Link”, users can even share files with external collaborators, where, unlike other sharing services, recipients can seamlessly review, comment or approve content through a shared folder on their desktop, no account required. Users also have the ability to create multiple sharing rules within each individual “Smart Link,” such as granting access to only specific folders for downloading or uploading, or setting two-factor authentication for extra security. This is ideal for DITs who want to share dailies with continuity, producers and directors and set varying limits, editorial that needs to collect on evolving projects and broadcasters who want to show partners content for potential purchasing and need several layers of security, yet ease of sharing with non-ioGates users.”

Pricing and Availability

The SoundFlow/ioGates integrated solution is available now. Current SoundFlow users with an active SoundFlow Cloud Pro subscription can access a free, limited version of ioGates through the SoundFlow Notes app with 5GB of storage of audio or video files whilst the SoundFlow ioGates integration is in public beta. To purchase the full version of ioGates, which includes full security including two-factor authentication and personalized watermarking; enterprise storage options, unlimited share link expiration, and other collaboration capabilities, please visit the Soundflow page on the ioGates website.