By the end of this module
- Navigate bins, Source monitor, Record monitor, timeline, and command palette efficiently.
- Perform controlled three-point insert and overwrite edits.
- Maintain sync and track intent while building an assembly.
Core knowledge
Principles before controls
Source/record separates material from story
The Source monitor prepares what may enter. The Record monitor and timeline define the evolving sequence.
Splice-in and overwrite express different structural intent
Splice-in changes sequence duration. Overwrite replaces an existing range. Use each deliberately.
Track patching is a routing decision
Source track selectors, record track selectors, sync locks, monitoring, and active tracks determine what enters and what moves.
Keyboard fluency protects attention
Mark, play, JKL, step, go-to, splice, overwrite, match frame, find bin, and trim commands keep focus on performance.
Guided build / approximately 90-120 minutes
Build it in the application
- 1
Load one take into Source and map Composer, timeline, track controls, position indicator, timecode displays, and command palette.
- 2
Create a scene assembly sequence with approved start timecode, track layout, filler policy, and naming.
- 3
Mark source in/out around a complete action, set a record position, patch tracks, and splice the shot into the sequence.
- 4
Overwrite a reaction into a defined sequence range while preserving production audio intentionally.
- 5
Use JKL at variable speed, mark on the fly, go to in/out, clear marks, match frame, and find bin to trace every edit back to source.
- 6
Build the first complete scene pass using wide/master coverage as a performance spine before adding close coverage.
- 7
Use sync locks and linked selection consciously while moving picture, production sound, and temporary effects.
- 8
Add timeline locators for performance alternatives, continuity risks, missing coverage, sound needs, and factual production notes.
- 9
Duplicate ASSEMBLY_v01 before beginning a second editorial approach.
Independent challenge / 45-60 minutes
Prove the principle
Build the same 90-second scene with splice-dominant and overwrite-dominant strategies. Compare how each affects sequence structure and track control.
Portfolio checkpoint
Evidence to retain
Submit both assemblies, keyboard practice record, track-patching diagram, and source trace for five edits.
Store this evidence in 01_ADMIN/checkpoints/module-3 and include it in the final decision log.
Failure modes
Diagnose before retrying
Edit goes to the wrong record tracks
Inspect source/record selectors, active tracks, sync locks, and whether the loaded source contains expected channels.
Sequence duration changes unexpectedly
Confirm whether Splice-In, Extract, Lift, Overwrite, or filler was used and what marks defined the operation.
Match frame opens unexpected media
Check selected track, position, nested content, group/source relationship, and whether the sequence references a subclip or render.
Working vocabulary
Terms you must be able to explain
- splice-in
- An edit that inserts source material and moves later sequence content.
- overwrite
- An edit replacing material over a fixed sequence duration.
- filler
- Timeline space represented without source picture or sound media.
- match frame
- A command locating the source frame corresponding to the current sequence position.
Primary sources
Verify current behavior
Lesson reviewed 2026-07-13. Verify menus and shortcuts against the lab release.