Multiple Masks?

Hey all,

I've got a show with a new wrinkle. I need to apply two masks to the same output with each showing different things. I've attached my two mask files. I need to show a video masked onto a portal on stage, and apply colors or possibly another video to the other mask with the dots. I've tried using one mix with one mask on layer 8 and the other on layer 4 with my videos below each mask. However, as expected I only saw the top most mask. Next I tried using two mixes on the same output. I was hoping by using a transparent background on the mix I would see the other mix though the blacked out parts of the mask. However, I still couldn't see though it.

For my mask files I'm using color FX mask inv 2 which yields the expected results but can't see the other mask or layers. I've also played with the other mask FX and blend FX with no luck.

What's the trick to using multiple masks on the same output?

-Landy

like this...

See attached show folder and screen-shot.
Am using some generic content in folder 2 as the sources and your masks are in folder 3

Layer 1-2 are content layers for the portal
Layer 3 is the Mask - using color FX 32 Inv mask 2
all routed to mix 1

Layer 5& 6 are routed to mix 2 and do the same for the 'dots'

Layer 4 uses the 'Use Layer/Mix' function and uses Mix 2 as its source.
Note that Mix 2 has to be either 'Flat locked to corners' or 'Keystone' for this to work.
Then apply a color FX 3 - transparent Black and the contents of mix 2 can be overlaid.

Am using m364 and there seems to be a weird X-mirror issue, so have used a 180deg rotate in the X axis to correct for this on layer 5&6
Also need to adjust scale either in the layers or mix2.

Note that i have also used Visual Fx1 - infinite plane, to create a black border around the mask so that either the mask or content can be scaled without seeing the layers underneath.

Obviously you may need to re-assign layers to suit your show, but this shows the method.

S

Simon,

Thanks for the quick response with a detailed description and screenshot. This is very helpful. I'll give this a shot when I'm back in the venue tomorrow. Turns out I had gotten nearly all the way there. I had tried using layers as inputs for other layers, but hadn't gotten all the way to using another mix entirely. That looks perfect.

Thanks!
-Landy

depending upon your setup, if you can't fit Mix2 on screen - you can change the render options at the bottom of mix options to 'offscreen: on submixes'
This means that you can hide mix 2 (ie turn it off) and it will still work in the background...

Changing the render options will probably sort out the scale difference too

S