Last night was the first official MoChat. This was an idea that grew out of the popular post-production chat: PostChat. Our primary topic was the new ray-tracer engine in AE CS6, but as with any chat, it bounced around a little from graphics cards to other render engines to tips & tricks and more. Below is a transcript of the chat.

[box type=”info”]There will be no MoChat next week due to the Independence Day holiday in the US. MoChat will return on Tuesday July 10th at 9PM EDT.[/box]

Welcome to the first #mochat. We’re starting the night talking about the new ray trace engine in @adobeAE. Who’s used it or played with it? -8:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Welcome to the first #mochat. We’re starting the night talking about the new ray trace engine in . Who’s used it or played with it? -8:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’ve used it, but you probably wanted to hear from someone else. 😉 #mochat -8:01 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’ve just been able to toy with it a bit, nothing to concrete. #mochat -8:03 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Playing w/Ray Trace engine will definitely be helpful for those quick 3D type projects or logo resolves. You need a CUDA GPU, tho. #mochat -8:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

What did you think? Any issues? #mochat -8:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

i’ve been finding the strain on my video card makes it slightly difficult to work with #mochat -8:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

What kind of card? #mochat -8:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : First #mochat starts in 8 minutes. -8:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012

It definitely needs a beefy GPU. For now, I’ll have to stick to simple 3D, and leave complicated stuff to C4D. #mochat -8:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I too found it a little strenuous on the card,and without it being a necessity thus far, have stuck with #C4D #mochat -8:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012

But I’m excited to see how it improves over time. #mochat -8:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012

We intended it to be mostly for simple stuff, knowing that people doing more complex things would use Cinema 4D, etc. #mochat -8:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012

its an AMD Radeon HD 6750M … It’s not too beefy but I was curious how far I can push it #mochat -8:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Going on now! #mochat -8:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012

yeah I figured as much … i was just curious to see how far I can push it #mochat -8:07 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Ah. That’s not a card that can use the GPU-accelerated ray-traced 3D renderer. #mochat -8:07 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Which is what I figured. Would have been super helpful for a few projects over the last couple years (extruded type). #mochat -8:07 PM Jun 26th, 2012

You’ll need a CUDA card to take full advantage of it. #mochat -8:08 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I really am happy that it’s something #AE now has, and can see it improving, but for now it’s an add-on for myself. #mochat -8:08 PM Jun 26th, 2012

A few weeks ago, used the ray trace engine to benchmark various CUDA cards: http://t.co/FghtWzlR #mochat -8:08 PM Jun 26th, 2012

. This page has details of GPU features in After Effects CS6, including for 3D: http://t.co/zEIeey9C #mochat -8:09 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : . This page has details of GPU features in After Effects CS6, including for 3D: http://t.co/zEIeey9C #mochat -8:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Juan and Danny have been doing a great job with those benchmarks. #mochat -8:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I was going to be the one to benchmark the 650m, but he beat me to it with a retina MBP. #mochat -8:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Hey, everybody! First #mochat going on now. RT Search for #mochat in your client, or use http://t.co/m4n8BJ8q #mochat -8:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012

so for mac’s we only have the Quadro FX 4800 and 4000 right? #mochat -8:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Of course, since that’s not officially supported, I can’t comment on that. 😉 #mochat -8:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Take a look at the prev link. Other cards are working with the CUDA drivers in 10.7.3, but not “officially”. #mochat -8:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

On the official list right now there is also the GTX 285. http://t.co/ngLcNgBQ #mochat -8:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Who wants to join in on #mochat? ( ) -8:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Hey, everybody! First #mochat going on now. RT Search for #mochat in your client, or use http://t.co/m4n8BJ8q #mochat -8:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Hey, everybody! First #mochat going on now. RT Search for #mochat in your client, or use http://t.co/m4n8BJ8q #mochat -8:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012

What are some uses beyond the obvious people could use ray-trace for? had some interesting tests with Newton. #mochat -8:15 PM Jun 26th, 2012

What’s everyone using to learn the new 3D features? I’ll post a few things that we recommend… #mochat -8:16 PM Jun 26th, 2012

For me it’s mostly been experimentation. #mochat -8:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

There are about half a dozen videos on the new 3D features in this series from video2brain: http://t.co/6HYHzzNT #mochat -8:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

We have 45 more minutes of #mochat goodness to go! -8:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

A lot of experimenting and trial and error. #mochat -8:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Feel free to chime in. I’m sure we’ll veer off topic here and there. 😉 #mochat -8:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012

There are also several tutorials and a free project for the new 3D features listed here, on our team blog: http://t.co/Ajyo36ft #mochat -8:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : We have 45 more minutes of #mochat goodness to go! -8:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012

. Here’s a somewhat surprising use of the extruded 3D features, bending a chute: http://t.co/7Ce8Rfvo () #mochat -8:20 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Are there any tricks we should use in lighting with the new ray-trace engine? #mochat -8:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : . This page has details of GPU features in After Effects CS6, including for 3D: http://t.co/zEIeey9C #mochat -8:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012

That reminds me a bit of the old extrusion workaround with duplicating layers. #mochat -8:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012

No different than with any other 3D software. I start with an ambient point light to illuminate the scene, then add spots. #mochat -8:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012

been using the gtx570 for a week or so now and it’s been pretty great. Nice boost over q4000 #mochat -8:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Yes, it’s a hack, but a clever and useful one. #mochat -8:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012

aye I’ve heard there’s a non cuda work around any one have ears on that? #mochat -8:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I wonder if we’ll start to see lighting kits/presets show up more for AE? Lighting is definitely a weak point of mine. #mochat -8:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012

You can use the CPU renderer, but it’s a lot slower. #mochat -8:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Clever & useful is the definition of a hack. I love it. #mochat -8:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Not having really used any 3D functions in Adobe programs, I am interested in their long term goals. #mochat -8:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Not having really used any 3D functions in Adobe programs, I am interested in their long term goals. #mochat -8:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012

That’s my guess, I mean, look at the resources available to us lighting challenged in other software. #mochat -8:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Our long-term goal is to give you what you need to do your work. That means some things native and good integration. #mochat -8:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Not sure. You sure you’re not thinking of OpenCL in Premiere Pro? #mochat -8:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Not having really used any 3D functions in Adobe programs, I am interested in their long term goals. #mochat -8:26 PM Jun 26th, 2012

for lighting check out illumination from Ben rolason on #mochat -8:26 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Whoa! First ever #mochat happening right now. -8:27 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’m on a mac though … the gtx570 isn’t compatible 🙁 #mochat -8:27 PM Jun 26th, 2012

As Danny says: Illumination is a great new script by Ben Rollason for creating soft lighting in After Effects: http://t.co/qPVXp5SF #mochat -8:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Thanks! Saw this show up recently, but forgot about it. I’ll have to check out the trial. http://t.co/C2mhwYr3 #mochat -8:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Join us! #mochat -8:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

It’s an interesting approach to 3D elements. I just am having a hard time jumping ship from just using a 3D dedicated app #mochat -8:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

nope i remember there was rumor of a “hack” for non cuda cards. Just never followed up on it. #mochat -8:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Are you on 10.7.3? If you install the CUDA drivers, it might… 😉 #mochat -8:29 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I am extremely excited to see it evolve in the near future. #mochat -8:29 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Don’t jump ship. We don’t intend for that. Use Cinema 4D for what it’s good for. #mochat -8:29 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I think the ray-tracer is best used for quick 3D needs. For anything beyond, much better off in a 3D app. #mochat -8:29 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Don’t jump ship. We don’t intend for that. Use Cinema 4D for what it’s good for. #mochat -8:30 PM Jun 26th, 2012

No. There is no hack to use GPU acceleration of ray-traced 3D renderer on non-CUDA cards. It depends on OptiX from Nvidia. #mochat -8:31 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I refuse to update to lion #mochat -8:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Has anyone tried mixing 3D elements from other software with ray-tracer in AE? Not sure of practical use… #mochat -8:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Though most on this chat have a 3D app like C4D, not everyone does. For them, simple extrusion in After Effects is great. #mochat -8:33 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I did for a while, too. Now both my office & home systems are on 10.7.4. Haven’t run into any issues. #mochat -8:33 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Why? #mochat -8:33 PM Jun 26th, 2012

It will be interesting to see how the cinema 4d <-> AE pluging could work along side the 3D in AE. #mochat -8:33 PM Jun 26th, 2012

also check out projection by Ben. Nicely executed script for assisting in proj mapping. Great addition to camera tracker #mochat -8:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Hey, everybody! First #mochat going on now. RT Search for #mochat in your client, or use http://t.co/m4n8BJ8q #mochat -8:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Has anyone played around with it? #mochat -8:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

heard vidcopilot 3d plugin element is kewl #mochat -8:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Exactly. When I saw it, I knew people would expect it to do what it wasn’t expected to. Which is okay for experimenting. #mochat -8:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

: Now that’s something I’d be interested in. href=”http://tweetchat.com/room/mochat”>#mochat -8:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Indeed. Projection script from Ben is great for camera mapping onto planes using 3D Camera Tracker: http://t.co/UXAokgEj #mochat -8:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Element is a particle system w/3D objects, tho. Definitely different use, and same 2D layer limitations as particular. #mochat -8:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012

saw the demo of the projection mapping script. It looks insane. #mochat -8:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012

aww ;( someday I’ll buy an nvidia card. ill have fun with all the other goodies AE has. #mochat #CanIGetaWhoot for cameratracker? -8:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Played around with what? Ray-tracer? So far only for experimenting. Definitely need a CUDA GPU to be usable. #mochat -8:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : . This page has details of GPU features in After Effects CS6, including for 3D: http://t.co/zEIeey9C #mochat -8:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012

#mochat here’s a chart comparing some rigs and cards w cs6 raytrace. Lots of gtx cards in macpros https://t.co/vamzQQGR -8:37 PM Jun 26th, 2012

The new MBPs with gtx680 will work with CUDA, give you performance an bit worse than a q4000. #mochat -8:37 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : There are about half a dozen videos on the new 3D features in this series from video2brain: http://t.co/6HYHzzNT #mochat -8:37 PM Jun 26th, 2012

the cinema 4d <-> AE plugin and how it could work with the new 3D inside of AE #mochat -8:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’m excited to experiment with Element too, I don’t have C4D yet! #mochat -8:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Ah, yeah. I’m curious about that, too. #mochat -8:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Not to mention already you have mocha delivered with AE for years now. I wonder how many ppl don’t even realize this? #mochat -8:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’m still hoping for better performance as new drivers come out. There’s a post on macrumors in the forums about overclock #mochat -8:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’ll definitely have to check that out, too. Anyone know how long the 50% off sale will last? #mochat -8:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Not to mention already you have mocha delivered with AE for years now. I wonder how many ppl don’t even realize this? #mochat -8:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012

We think that we helped to address that in CS6, since mocha is more tightly integrated & can be called from within AE. #mochat -8:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012

‘Inge with some serious performance gains via bootcamp. #mochat -8:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I used it last week to get #aftereffects to flame via FBX. C4D brought solids as geo to flame which was neat. #mochat -8:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

not to mention you have to switch render modes, is it a mode? which outside of raytrace is really limmiting IMO #mochat -8:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

At this point, I am pretty sad I didn’t end up buying a CUDA card late last year. #mochat -8:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

honestly I’m not impressed with Lion and SL works amazingly for me, At the end of the day I can’t jeopardize my workflow #mochat -8:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’d say there is a fairly good chance that os/driver updates will improve performance. #mochat -8:42 PM Jun 26th, 2012

That’s definitely a fair reason not to upgrade. #mochat -8:42 PM Jun 26th, 2012

You do have to change the render in the comp settings. #mochat -8:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Depending on what you’re using, there are some serious performance gains going from Snow Leopard to Lion. #mochat -8:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Glad to hear that, not hoping for a miracle, but any bump would be nice #mochat -8:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

not yet. Also we now have atomkrafts renderer in beta for AE cs55 and 6. Should check that out as well #mochat -8:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Do you have any examples? I haven’t seen much in the way of concrete performance gains of Lion over SL. #mochat -8:44 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Beer, AE, and #mochat tonight. And to think, people assume I actually leave “work”. #mochat -8:44 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Beer, AE, and #mochat tonight. And to think, people assume I actually leave “work”. #mochat -8:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

The biggest that I know of for certain is for OpenCL, which affects Premiere Pro, not After Effects. #mochat -8:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

sweet I hadn’t even heard that. I gotta try that. Does that render the mamo mochaImport + script obsolete? #mochat -8:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Does that just become a choice as a renderer in comp settings? #mochat -8:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

15 more minutes of #mochat! -8:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Not quite, but it comes a step closer to doing so. You’d have to ask Mathias to sell you on the benefits of his script. 😉 #mochat -8:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012

if I remember correctly yes. Under adv settings. #mochat -8:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Has the renderer always been “plugable”? I remember long time ago noticing the 3D renderer was a pull-down w/1 option. #mochat -8:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Does the new workflow support things like using CC Power Pin instead of the standard corner pin? #mochat -8:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : Beer, AE, and #mochat tonight. And to think, people assume I actually leave “work”. #mochat -8:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Yes, but not very many third-party developers took us up on the ability to add renderers there. #mochat -8:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Yep, that’s the only way to enable all the fun 3D stuff in AE. #mochat -8:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

is it out yet? last time I checked it was still in the works. #mochat -8:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

That was something that always seemed like an exciting possibility. Have any other renderers actually been released? #mochat -8:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Here’s a brief overview of the AtomKraft 3D Environment mentioned: http://t.co/OLglO47u #mochat -8:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Yes. We actually released a bug fix to help with one of the new renderers: http://t.co/rMViHwZl #mochat -8:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012

well I’ll ask it, Will element require a change in AE renderer? I wonder about performance hits. #didhellfreezeover #mochat -8:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : What’s everyone using to learn the new 3D features? I’ll post a few things that we recommend… #mochat -8:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’ll have to check that out. Where can we sign up? #mochat -8:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012

oh cool will do. Linky? href=”http://tweetchat.com/room/mochat”>#mochat -8:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’d doubt it. I’m guessing Element is using it’s own 3D engine within the plugin. Probably GPU accelerated. #mochat -8:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Element is just an effect & doesn’t require a special composition renderer. In that way, like Shatter & Zaxwerks 3D effects. #mochat -8:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I don’t suppose OBJ import will ever be an option in ray-tracer? #mochat -8:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

5 more minutes of #mochat. Get your 3D questions in to ! -8:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

That is an excellent feature request: http://t.co/G8xXEZZY #mochat -8:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012

ahh shatter. #MyLoveHateRelationship endures with shatter. #onlyHalfKidding 😉 #mochat -8:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’ll definitely submit it. Was just wondering if you’d be able to hint at anything you might know #nudge #wink #mochat -8:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012

You have to give serious credit to Brian Maffitt & his team for making an effect that was so amazing then & still useful now #mochat -8:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012

I’ll hint that we pay attention to feature requests that come in through that form: http://t.co/G8xXEZZY 😉 #mochat -8:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

If your interested please join the conversation at #mochat talking all things mograph. -8:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : I’ll hint that we pay attention to feature requests that come in through that form: http://t.co/G8xXEZZY 😉 #mochat -8:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012

First #mochat is just about wrapping up. -8:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012

If anyone has questions after #mochat, come to the After Effects forum, and we can help you there: http://t.co/3JJi5vfR href=”http://tweetchat.com/room/mochat”>#mochat -9:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : If anyone has questions after #mochat, come to the After Effects forum, and we can help you there: http://t.co/nvy2rSZt #mochat -9:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

isn’t there a site that has that? Pr something dot con. ? #mochat -9:01 PM Jun 26th, 2012

So that’s “officially” it for #mochat tonight, but feel free to continue the conversation. Tonight’s summary will be posted to -9:01 PM Jun 26th, 2012

… and, of course, come by the team blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, etc.: http://t.co/uHoRcTIC #mochat -9:01 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Next we’ll be off for the USA holiday, returning Tuesday July 10th at 9PM EDT. See you then! #mochat -9:02 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : If anyone has questions after #mochat, come to the After Effects forum, and we can help you there: http://t.co/3JJi5vfR href=”http://tweetchat.com/room/mochat”>#mochat -9:02 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Thanks #mochat for making the line at trader jos go fast 🙂 -9:02 PM Jun 26th, 2012

And thanks to for taking the time to join us tonight! #mochat -9:03 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : … and, of course, come by the team blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, etc.: http://t.co/uHoRcTIC #mochat -9:03 PM Jun 26th, 2012

RT : The new MBPs with gtx680 will work with CUDA, give you performance an bit worse than a q4000. #mochat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012

No problem. Thanks for having me. #mochat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012