Witchcraft is a practice that has been shrouded in mystery and misconception for centuries. Often associated with dark magic and evil intentions, witchcraft actually encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices that can be both productive and beneficial for those who choose to explore it. This guide aims to provide a productive approach to witchcraft, focusing on personal growth, spirituality, and positive energy. At its core, witchcraft is a deeply personal and individual practice. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and each practitioner can tailor their craft to suit their own beliefs and needs. However, there are some common principles and techniques that can guide beginners on their journey.
Features 12 motorized faders, rotary control knobs illuminated buttons for pan, solo, mute and call, plus bank select buttons.
The DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel features an auto switching international power supply, making it compatible with mains power anywhere in the world. These navigation keys can save you a lot of time by keeping your hands on the panel, instead of reaching for the mouse when performing common tasks, such as switching nodes.
However, there are some common principles and techniques that can guide beginners on their journey. One of the fundamental aspects of witchcraft is the belief in the power of intention. The mind is a powerful tool, and by setting clear and focused intentions, practitioners can manifest their desires and make positive changes in their lives.
Review: Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel
If you’ve never used a color correction panel like the Tangent Element, Tangent Ripple, Avid Artist Color, or been fortunate enough to touch the super high-end FilmLight Blackboard 2, Blackmagic Advanced Panel or the Nucoda Precision Control Panel, then you don’t know what you are missing.
If you can, reach out to someone at a post house and sit at a real color correction console; it might change your career path. I’ve talked about it before, but the first time I sat in a “real” (a.k.a. expensive) color correction/editing bay I knew that I was on the right career path.
Color correction can be done without using color correction panels, but think of it like typing with one hand (maybe even one finger) — sure it can be done, but you are definitely missing out on the creative benefit of fluidity and efficiency.
In terms of affordable external color correction panels, Tangent makes the Ripple, Wave and Element panel sets that range from $350 to over $3,300, but work with pretty much every color correction app I can think of (even Avid if you use the Baselight plug-in). Avid offers the Artist Color panel, which also works with many apps, including Avid Media Composer, and costs about $1,300. Beyond those two, you have the super high-end panels that I mentioned earlier; they range from $12,000 to $29,999.
Blackmagic recently added two new offerings to their pool of color correction panel hardware: the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel and DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel. The Micro is similar in size and functionality to the Avid Artist panel, and the Mini is similar to the center part of most high-end color correction panels.
One important caveat to keep in mind is that you can only use these panels with Blackmagic’s Resolve, and Resolve must be updated to at least version 12.5.5 to function. They connect to your computer via USB 3 Type C or Ethernet.
I received the Resolve Mini Panel to try out for a couple of weeks, and immediately loved it. If you’ve been lucky enough to use a high-end color correction panel like Blackmagic’s Advanced Panel, then you will understand just how great it feels to control Resolve with hardware. In my opinion, using hardware panels eliminates almost 90 percent of the stumbling when using color correction software as opposed to using a keyboard and mouse. The Resolve Mini Panel is as close as you are going to get to professional-level color correction hardware panel without spending $30,000.
Digging In
Out of the box, the panel feels hefty but not too heavy. It’s solid enough to sit on a desk and not have to worry about it walking around while you are using it. Of course, because I am basically a kid, I had to press all the buttons and turn all the dials before I plugged it in. They feel great… the best-feeling wheels and trackballs on a $3,000 panel I’ve used. The knobs and buttons feel fine. I’m not hating on them, but I think I like the way the Tangent buttons depress better. Either way, that is definitely subjective. The metal rings and hefty trackballs are definitely on the level of the high-end color correction panels you can see in pro color bays.
Without regurgitating Blackmagic’s press release in full, I want to go over what I think really shines on this panel. I love the two five-inch LCD panels just above the main rings and trackballs. Below the LCDs and above the row of 12 knobs are eight more knobs that interact with the LCDs. Above the LCDs are eight soft buttons and a bunch of buttons that help you navigate around the node tree and jump into different modes, like qualifiers and tracking.
Something I really loved when working with the Mini Panel was adding points on a curve and adjusting those individual points. This is one of the best features of the Mini Panel, in my opinion. Little shortcuts like adding a node + circle window in one key press are great features. Directly above the trackballs and rings are RGB, All and Level buttons that can reset their respective parameters for each of the Lift Gamma and Gain changes you’ve made. Above those are buttons like Log, Offset and Viewer — a quick way to jump into Log mode, Offset mode and full-screen Viewer mode.
When reading about the user buttons and FX buttons in the Resolve manual it states that they will be enabled in future releases, which gets me excited about what else could be coming down the pike. NAB maybe?
Of course, there can be improvements. I mean, it is a Version 1 product, but everything considered Blackmagic really hit it out of the park. To see what some pros think needs to be changed and/or altered troll over to the holy grail of color correction forums: Lift Gamma Gain. You’ll even notice some Blackmagic folks sniffing around answering questions and hinting at what is coming in some updates. In addition, Blackmagic has their own forum where an interesting post popped up titled DaVinci Mini Panel Suggestion Box. This is another great post to hang around.
Wishlist/Suggestions
When using the panels, when I would exit Resolve the LCDs didn’t dim or go into screen-saver mode like some other panels I’ve used. Furthermore, there isn’t a dimmer for the brightness of the LCD screens and backlit buttons. In the future, I would love the ability to dim or completely shut off the panels when I am in other apps or presenting to a client and don’t want the panel glowing. The backlit keys aren’t terribly bright though, so it’s not a huge deal.
While in the forums, I did notice posts about the panel’s inability to do the NLE-style of transport control: double tapping fast forward to go faster. Furthermore, a wheel might be a nice transport addition for scrubbing. In the node shortcut buttons, I couldn’t find an easy way to delete a node or add an outside node directly from the panel. On other panels, I love moving shapes/windows around using the trackballs but, unfortunately, you can only move/adjust the windows around with knobs, which isn’t terrible but is definitely less natural than using the trackballs. Lastly, I kind of miss the ability to set and load memories from a panel, with the Mini Panel we don’t have that option….yet. Maybe it will come in an update since there are buttons with numbers on them, but who knows.
Mini and Micro Panel
Technically, the Mini Panel is the Micro Panel but with the addition of the top LCDs and buttons. It also has the ability to connect the panel not just by USB-C but also via Ethernet. If connecting via Ethernet, there has been some talk of power over Ethernet (PoE) compatibility, which powers your panel without the need for a power cable. Some folks have had less success with standard PoE, but have had success using PoE+ appliances — something to keep in mind.
Both the Micro and Mini Panels have the standard three trackballs and rings, 12 control knobs and 18 keys hard coded for specific tasks and transport controls. In addition, the Mini Panel has two 5-inch screens, eight additional soft buttons, eight additional soft knobs and 30 additional hard-coded buttons that focus on node navigation and general mode navigation.
Both the Micro and Mini Panels are powered via USB-C, but the Mini Panel also adds PoE connection as mentioned earlier, as well as a 4-pin XLR DC power connection. Something to note: I thought that when I received the Mini Panel I might have been missing a power cable from the box because I had a test unit, but upon more forum reading I found that you do not get a power cable with the Mini Panel. While Blackmagic does ship a USB 3.0 to USB-C adapter cable with the Mini and Micro Panels, they do not ship a power cable, which is unfortunate and an odd oversight, but since the panels are affordable I guess it’s not that big of a deal. Plus, if you are a post nerd like me, you probably have a few 5-15 to C13 power cables lying around the house.
I can’t shake the feeling that Blackmagic is going to be adding some additional external panels to piece together something like the Advanced Panel set-up (much like how the Tangent Element panel set can be purchased). Things like an external memory bank or an X-Keys type set-up seem not too far off for Blackmagic. I would even love to be able to turn the LCD screens into scopes if possible, and even hook up an Ultrascope via the panel so I don’t have to purchase additional hardware. Either way, the Mini Panel gets me real excited about the path Blackmagic is carving for their Resolve users.
Summing Up
In the end, if you are a professional colorist looking for a semi-portable panel and haven’t committed to the Tangent Element ecosphere yet, the Resolve Mini Panel is for you … and your credit card. The Mini Panel is as close to a high-end color correction panel that I have seen, and has a wallet-friendly retail price of $2,995. It is very solid and doesn’t feel like a substitute for a full-sized panel — it can hold its own.
One thing I was worried about when I began writing this review was questioning whether or not tying myself down to one piece of software was a good idea. When you invest in the Mini Panel, you are wholeheartedly dedicating yourself to DaVinci Resolve, and I think that is a safe bet.
Brady Betzel is an Emmy-nominated online editor at Margarita Mix in Hollywood, working on Life Below Zero and Cutthroat Kitchen. You can email Brady at [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter @allbetzroff .
This can be done through various rituals, spells, and visualizations, all aimed at harnessing the energy of the universe and directing it towards specific goals. Another important aspect of witchcraft is the connection with nature and the elements. Many witches find solace and inspiration in the natural world, and incorporate elements such as herbs, crystals, and essential oils into their practice. These natural tools can be used for various purposes, such as healing, protection, and energy cleansing. By cultivating a deep connection with nature, witches can tap into its wisdom and draw strength from its abundance. Spirituality is also a key component of witchcraft. While it is not necessarily tied to any specific religious belief, witchcraft encourages practitioners to cultivate a sense of spirituality and connection with the divine. This can be done through meditation, prayer, or simply spending time in quiet contemplation. By developing a spiritual practice, witches can find guidance, peace, and a sense of purpose in their craft. The practice of witchcraft is not just about personal gain or manipulation. It also emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible behavior. Witches are encouraged to use their powers and knowledge for the greater good, and to avoid causing harm to others. This involves adhering to a code of ethics, which often includes principles such as respect for all living beings, honesty, and integrity. In conclusion, witchcraft is a diverse and multifaceted practice that can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spirituality. By harnessing the power of intention, connecting with nature, cultivating a sense of spirituality, and adhering to ethical principles, witches can create positive change in their lives and in the world around them. It is a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation, and each practitioner is free to explore and define their own unique path..
Reviews for "Exploring the Elements: How to Incorporate Earth, Air, Fire, and Water in Your Practice"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Productive Guide to Witchcraft". I was hoping for practical tips and guidance on how to incorporate witchcraft into my everyday life, but instead, the book was filled with vague descriptions and scattered ideas. It lacked concrete examples and actionable steps, making it difficult for me to implement any of the practices mentioned. I was left feeling confused and let down by the lack of substance in this guide.
2. Emily - 1 star - I cannot understand the hype surrounding "The Productive Guide to Witchcraft". The book felt more like a collection of random thoughts and personal anecdotes rather than an informative guide. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their personal experiences with witchcraft instead of providing practical advice. The lack of structure and organization made it difficult to navigate through the material, and I felt like I was reading a stream of consciousness rather than a well-structured guidebook. Overall, I found it to be a waste of my time and money.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - Although "The Productive Guide to Witchcraft" promised to offer practical tips for incorporating witchcraft into one's daily life, I found the content to be severely lacking. The book primarily focused on the author's personal beliefs and experiences, but failed to provide clear instructions or guidance for readers. The information was scattered and disorganized, making it difficult to follow and implement any of the suggested practices. I expected a more comprehensive and useful guide, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
4. Michael - 1 star - As someone who was genuinely interested in exploring witchcraft, "The Productive Guide to Witchcraft" left me feeling confused and dissatisfied. The ideas presented in the book were disjointed and lacked cohesion, making it challenging to understand the concepts being discussed. Additionally, the author's writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, which further hindered my comprehension. I do not recommend this guide to anyone seeking a clear, concise, and informative resource on witchcraft.