Final Cut Pro: Lengthy Delay in Writing 20-bit Audio with Targa Ciné System

If you use 20-bit audio in a sequence, you can experience a lengthy delay when editing to tape.
Symptom

If you have 20-bit audio in your sequence and you edit to tape, Final Cut Pro displays a dialog that says "Writing audio...". It can take 30 minutes or more to finish writing the audio depending on how much 20-bit material is in the sequence.


Solution

Only use 8- or 16-bit audio in your sequence. The delay happens because QuickTime is converting the audio in 16-bit space.
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012