b3LAB – BatchForge+
A native macOS FFmpeg workbench for VJ loops, ProRes masters, HAP playback files, audio-only exports, segment joins, image sequences, and clean delivery — four workflow modes in one tool: Batch Transcode, Audio-Only, Segment Join, Image Export. v2.0.2 adds Gumroad licensing, two trial choices, reachable Image Export controls, trim-duration labels, Watch Folder automation, and preflight validation. Uses /opt/homebrew/bin/ffmpeg and /opt/homebrew/bin/ffprobe. Universal Binary, Developer ID signed, notarized, and stapled.
// FEATURES
What BatchForge+ does
A native macOS frontend for your local FFmpeg installation: drag in sources, pick output format(s), let the validator check, render. Four workflow modes — Batch Transcode, Audio-Only, Segment Join, Image Export — covering everything from VJ asset prep to broadcast-loudness audio masters. FFmpeg itself is not bundled; the current build expects Homebrew tools at /opt/homebrew/bin/ffmpeg and /opt/homebrew/bin/ffprobe.
4 modes · ProRes / HAP / HEVC / H.264 / WebM
One source → many outputs (codec × resolution × FPS). VideoToolbox is used where enabled for ProRes, H.264, and 10-bit HEVC, with software fallback available. Image Export now exposes Use Source Resolution, Limit FPS, and Fit / Fill / Stretch in the main codec panel. Segment Join can stream-copy compatible inputs or retry as re-encode when needed.
- Resolution presets: 240p · 360p · 540p · 720p · 1080p · UHD · c4K · 8K · 16K + custom
- FPS presets: 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 30 / 50 / 59.94 / 60 + custom decimal FPS such as 23.976
- Aspect Source / 16:9 / Custom · Scaling Fit / Fill / Stretch · Deinterlace Yadif / Bwdif
- Image Export: PNG / JPG / TIFF / EXR (32-bit Float Linear) sequences + animated GIF
- Image Export defaults: Use Source Resolution on · Limit FPS off; enabling FPS starts at 3 fps, range 0.1–120
- Trim button opens AVPlayer preview and shows trim range plus duration on the queue row
- HAP Alpha + ProRes 4444 + WebM-VP9 alpha — preserved end-to-end
- BT.709 color tags written automatically on HW outputs
Broadcast-grade loudness mastering
Dedicated audio modes for video output (AAC Re-encode, Strip, Mute, External Audio) and 5 audio-only formats (WAV / AIFF / MP3 / M4A / FLAC). PCM 16/24-bit and 32-bit Float, sample rates 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz, mono/stereo output, AudioToolbox AAC where enabled. Loudness presets are applied through FFmpeg loudnorm single-pass.
- Loudness presets: EBU R128 −23 LUFS · ATSC A/85 −24 LUFS · Streaming −14 LUFS · Apple Podcasts −16 LUFS · Cinema/DCP −27 LUFS
- Custom LUFS sliders: Target −36…−3 LUFS · True Peak −9…0 dBTP · Loudness Range 1…30 LU
- Gain mode: −50…+50 dB in 0.5 dB steps
- MP3 default 320k · M4A default 256k · FLAC compression range 0…12
- Audio-Join for segment workflows · Speed-Remap up to 32× via atempo chain
- Per-job audio: preserve / strip / mute / external file
Watch Folder · presets · preflight
Automate repeat work and prevent broken renders before they start. Watch Folder creates Input, Output, Processing, and Error subfolders, stages stable files into Processing, and auto-starts by default. Validation runs before each render — drawtext availability, image-sequence gaps, LUT files, trim ranges, timecode dependencies, and bitrate syntax.
- Watch Folder poll interval defaults to 2.5 s; stable files are detected by unchanged file size
- Presets and projects are JSON files under
~/Documents/BatchForge+/Presetsand~/Documents/BatchForge+ - Preflight check: FFmpeg tools, drawtext filter, output permissions, and free-space warnings
- 3D-LUT (.cube) — bundled + custom · Trilinear / Tetrahedral / Nearest
- Overlay image: None / Fit Width / Fit Height · 1–500% scale · 5 positions · X/Y offsets −500…500
- Burn-in: filename / metadata / custom text / timecode · 9 positions · 7 sizes · safe margin 0–20%
- Timecode: Off / From File Metadata / Regenerate / Custom · metadata write + burn-in · disabled while Speed is not 1x
- Performance modes: Background / Balanced / Fast · Low Priority FFmpeg toggle · Heavy Jobs Exclusive toggle
- Cue Log + Per-file Render Log (.txt) + Verbose Diagnostics
// SUPPORTED CODECS
| Codec | Container | Alpha | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProRes 422 / 422 HQ / 422 LT / 422 Proxy | .mov | — | Mastering, grading, delivery |
| ProRes 4444 / 4444 XQ | .mov | α | Alpha-channel VJ assets |
| HAP / HAP Q | .mov | — | GPU-decoded real-time playback |
| HAP Alpha / HAP Q Alpha | .mov | α | GPU-decoded alpha playback |
| IMAGE SEQUENCE | .diverse | — | PNG, JPG, TIFF, EXR, GIF playback |
| H.264 / H.265 (HEVC) | .mp4 | — | Distribution, preview, web |
| WebM (VP9) | .webm | α | Web / browser-based VJ tools |
// SIGNAL CHAIN
Where this sits in the b3LAB chain.
BatchForge+ is the delivery layer of the b3LAB Creative Signal Network. PulseOSC+ drives the visuals. PortalOFX+ routes them into Resolve or LiveFX. b3WebCam+ monitors and records. BatchForge+ turns those rendered or recorded outputs into HAP, ProRes, HEVC, H.264, WebM, image sequences, and audio masters.
// BUNDLES
Choose the signal chain you need.
Each bundle is a workflow configuration — not just a discount. Pick the stack that matches how your signals move. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Control + Presence
PulseOSC+ Personal + b3WebCam+ Early Access. €30 (€38). For audio-reactive performance, streaming, teaching, and remote presence.
Routing + Delivery
PortalOFX+ Early Access + BatchForge+ Pro. €65 (€78). Live ingest into Resolve or LiveFX, then clean encoded delivery.
The full chain
PortalOFX+ EA + PulseOSC+ Personal + b3WebCam+ EA + BatchForge+ Pro. €99 (€116). The full b3LAB Creative Signal Network.
// KNOWN LIMITS
What this is not.
Every b3LAB tool has a clear scope. Knowing the limits is part of the tool.
- Tested on macOS 15.6+ on Apple Silicon (optimized) and Intel (Universal Binary).
- FFmpeg required, not bundled. The current build expects
/opt/homebrew/bin/ffmpegand/opt/homebrew/bin/ffprobe. BatchForge+ runs a preflight check on launch and reports missing tools, encoders, or filters. - All encoding happens locally on your machine. No cloud, no upload, no telemetry.
- Alpha preservation requires an alpha-capable output codec (HAP Alpha, HAP Q Alpha, ProRes 4444, PNG/EXR sequence, WebM-VP9) and an FFmpeg build that supports it.
- Hardware acceleration (VideoToolbox / AudioToolbox) availability depends on Mac model and codec — these encoders are part of macOS.
- Source format and codec support is limited to what your installed FFmpeg can decode/encode.
- Loudness presets target their respective standards (EBU R128 −23 LUFS, ATSC A/85 −24 LUFS, etc.) — final delivery should still be measured by the receiving studio.
- Trial Mode A is the default: max 15 s output and max 1 output per run, with audio-only and audio-join jobs excluded.
- Trial Mode B removes the time/output cap but adds a centered two-line drawtext watermark to every video frame.
- Render jobs currently execute through the queue one after another; worker controls are exposed but do not spawn parallel FFmpeg processes in v2.0.2.
- Native macOS app — Apple Silicon optimized, Universal Binary supports Intel.
// COMPATIBILITY
Tested with.
- OS: macOS 15.6+ · Universal Binary (Apple Silicon optimized + Intel)
- Distribution: Developer ID signed · Hardened Runtime · notarized and stapled app · v2.0.2 build 1 Gatekeeper-accepted from
/Applications/BatchForge+.app - External dependency:
/opt/homebrew/bin/ffmpegand/opt/homebrew/bin/ffprobe· BatchForge+ runs a preflight check on launch - Workflow modes: Batch Transcode · Audio-Only · Segment Join · Image Export
- Video codecs (HW where possible): ProRes Proxy / LT / 422 / 422 HQ / 4444 / 4444 XQ · H.264 (libx264 + h264_videotoolbox) · HEVC (libx265 + 10-bit HW) · HAP / HAP Alpha / HAP Q · WebM (VP9)
- Image sequences: PNG · JPG · TIFF · EXR (32-bit Float Linear) · GIF — bidirectional
- Resolutions: 240p · 360p · 540p · 720p · 1080p · 4K UHD · C4K · 8K · 16K + custom
- Frame rates: presets 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 30 / 50 / 59.94 / 60 + custom decimal FPS
- Audio output formats: WAV · AIFF · MP3 · M4A · FLAC · PCM 16/24-bit · 32-bit Float · 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
- Loudness presets: EBU R128 · ATSC A/85 · Streaming · Apple Podcasts · Cinema/DCP + manual 3-slider
- HW acceleration: VideoToolbox encoders for ProRes / H.264 / HEVC where available · AudioToolbox AAC · optional
-hwaccel autodecode - Source: any format FFmpeg can decode
// USECASES
Who uses it, and how.
Real production scenarios. Each setup is one focused signal path — no glue scripts, no capture detours.
Same-day highlight reel for the dinner reception
A wedding videographer needs to project a 90-second highlight cut at the reception. Edit done in Premiere by 21:00; reception starts 22:00. BatchForge+ exports four formats from the export folder: ProRes for backup, H.264 for the venue projector, 9:16 vertical for IG-Stories, 1:1 square for IG-Feed. One drag, four delivery formats, projector-ready before dessert.
One episode, four languages, four resolutions
A creator runs four YouTube channels (DE / EN / ES / FR), one episode per week, each at 1080p and 4K. Sixteen files per episode is a half-day of manual encoding. BatchForge+ holds a single watch-folder rule chain — drop the master with the language tag in the filename, all sixteen versions land in their per-channel folders before the audio dub is even posted.
Six podcast shows, three deliverables each, one preset chain
A podcast network runs six shows. Each episode needs a loudness-normalized MP3 (Spotify), AAC (Apple Podcasts), and a 60-sec 16:9 trailer (IG-Reels). Eighteen deliverables per week if done by hand. BatchForge+ holds one preset chain per show; producers drop WAVs into the show's folder, network publishes from the output folder.
// SHOP
Get BatchForge+
All licenses include the macOS application, setup documentation, and email support within the defined scope. Purchases delivered via Gumroad.
€19
For individual VJs and motion designers
- 1 seat · macOS
- All codecs including HAP and ProRes 4444
- Trim + Join + Burn-in
- 12 months of updates
- Setup documentation
- Email support (standard scope)
€39
For professional VJs and media producers
- 1 seat · macOS
- All Personal features
- Image Export (PNG, JPG, TIFF, EXR)
- Priority email support
- 12 months of updates
- Extended documentation + codec guide
€79
For studios and multi-seat teams
- 3 seats · macOS
- All Pro features
- Priority support + workflow assistance
- 12 months of updates
- Codec setup consultation
// CONTACT
Get in touch
// LEGAL & TERMS
Legal
BatchForge+ is licensed, not sold. Non-exclusive, non-transferable. Commercial use in creative and production workflows is permitted. Resale and redistribution are not permitted. Full EULA: EULA - BatchForge+ v0.1 (PDF version on request).
Provided "as is." No guarantee of compatibility with unsupported macOS versions or third-party applications. Liability is limited to the amount paid.
Purchases include 12 months of updates from date of purchase. Minor updates (bug fixes, codec compatibility, UI improvements) are included. Major version upgrades may require a new license. Future codec additions are goals, not guarantees.
Please verify macOS version compatibility before purchase. Refunds may be considered for non-delivery, activation failure, or non-functional behavior in a clearly documented and supported environment. Not granted for unsupported systems, third-party incompatibilities, or change of mind. Mandatory consumer rights apply where required by law. EU statutory withdrawal: for digital products with immediate download access, the right of withdrawal expires upon download initiation, in accordance with Art. 16 m of the EU Consumer Rights Directive (§ 356 V BGB). By initiating the download, you explicitly waive the 14-day withdrawal period.
Product: b3LAB BatchForge+ · Version 0.1.0 · Publisher: b3LAB · Generated 2026-04-29
This notice lists third-party software, SDKs, frameworks, APIs, trademarks, and optional external runtime dependencies that may be used by this product. BatchForge+ is an independent b3LAB product. References to third-party names, frameworks, SDKs, trademarks, and file formats are for compatibility, attribution, and interoperability purposes only. No sponsorship, approval, endorsement, certification, or affiliation is implied unless explicitly stated in a signed agreement.
This notice is provided for distribution compliance and transparency. It is not legal advice.
Apple System Frameworks and macOS APIs
Components may include: AVFoundation, CoreMedia, CoreVideo, CoreAudio, VideoToolbox, Metal, IOSurface, CoreImage, AppKit, SwiftUI, System Extensions, CMIO Camera Extension APIs, and related Apple platform APIs.
Provider: Apple Inc. License / terms: governed by the applicable Apple Developer Program License Agreement, Apple SDK Agreement, macOS software terms, signing/notarization requirements, and related Apple documentation.
Apple, macOS, Metal, AVFoundation, CoreMedia, CoreVideo, CoreAudio, VideoToolbox, AppKit, SwiftUI, and related names are trademarks of Apple Inc. BatchForge+ is independent and is not endorsed by Apple. The hardware-accelerated H.264 / HEVC / ProRes encoders are part of macOS and licensed by Apple.
FFmpeg / ffprobe
Component: FFmpeg and ffprobe command-line tools.
Purpose: Media probing, transcoding, muxing, audio processing, image sequence processing, and related media operations.
Official legal reference: ffmpeg.org/legal.html.
Distribution status for this build: FFmpeg / ffprobe are NOT bundled. BatchForge+ is a focused native macOS frontend that invokes a user-installed FFmpeg / ffprobe binary as an external dependency. Users install FFmpeg themselves (recommended: Homebrew via brew install ffmpeg, or directly from ffmpeg.org). BatchForge+ runs a preflight check on launch and reports missing tools.
License caution: FFmpeg is generally licensed under LGPL v2.1 or later, but some optional components and build configurations are GPL or include additional third-party licenses. Codec patent/licensing obligations may also apply depending on jurisdiction, codec, usage, and distribution model. Because FFmpeg, its codec libraries (libx264, libx265, libvpx, etc.), and the HAP codec implementation are not redistributed with BatchForge+, the corresponding open-source license obligations (LGPL / GPL / BSD) and codec patent licenses apply to the user's own FFmpeg installation, not to b3LAB.
Codecs, file formats, and trademarks
This product may expose codec, container, or file-format names for compatibility, export, import, probing, or user interface purposes. Examples may include: H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, ProRes, DNxHR/DNxHD, HAP, MOV, MP4, MKV, WAV, AIFF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, EXR, GIF, and related media formats.
These names may be trademarks or subject to separate patent, implementation, or distribution terms depending on encoder/decoder, platform, jurisdiction, and commercial use. b3LAB does not grant codec patent licenses. Users and distributors are responsible for ensuring that their codec use, encoder choice, and distribution model are permitted in their jurisdiction and workflow.
Supported applications / interoperability names
Names such as DaVinci Resolve, Assimilate SCRATCH, Assimilate Live FX, TouchDesigner, Resolume, MadMapper, Synesthesia, OBS, Zoom, Teams, and similar product names are trademarks of their respective owners. They are mentioned only for compatibility, workflow, or interoperability context. b3LAB products are independent and are not affiliated with, sponsored by, certified by, or endorsed by those vendors unless explicitly stated in a signed agreement.
Full third-party license notices are also included with each app/plugin download package as THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.txt.
b3LAB and the b3LAB tool names (PortalOFX+, b3WebCam+, PulseOSC+, BatchForge+) are trademarks of Benjamin Mauz / b3LAB. They are independent products. PortalOFX+ and b3WebCam+ are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Syphon Authors, the Open Effects Association, Vizrt NDI AB, Blackmagic Design, Assimilate Inc., or any other third party.
The following are trademarks of their respective owners. Their mention on this website is for descriptive interoperability purposes only ("nominative fair use") and does not imply partnership, endorsement, or affiliation:
- Apple, macOS, Apple Silicon, Sonoma, Sequoia, FaceTime, Safari, Photo Booth, Metal, VideoToolbox, AudioToolbox, CoreAudio, Accelerate, ProRes — Apple Inc.
- Intel — Intel Corporation
- DaVinci Resolve, DaVinci Resolve Studio — Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
- Assimilate Scratch, Scratch, LiveFX — Assimilate Inc.
- TouchDesigner — Derivative Inc.
- Resolume Arena, Resolume — Resolume B.V.
- MadMapper — 1024 architecture / Garagecube SA
- Synesthesia — Synesthesia Live Ltd.
- VDMX — Vidvox LLC
- Max — Cycling '74 / Ableton AG
- Notch — Notch Limited
- Mitti — imimot.com
- OBS, OBS Studio — OBS Project
- Zoom — Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
- Microsoft, Teams — Microsoft Corporation
- HAP — Vidvox LLC (open-source codec)
- HEVC, H.265, H.264, AVC — respective patent pool licensors (Access Advance, Via LA, MPEG LA)
- VP9, WebM — Google LLC
- Gumroad — Gumroad Inc.
- NDI — Vizrt NDI AB (registered trademark)
- Syphon — Syphon Authors (open-source)
- OpenFX, OFX — The Open Effects Association
Angaben gemäß § 5 DDG:
Benjamin Mauz · Ruländerstr. 3 · 73733 Esslingen am Neckar · Deutschland
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: b3lab.io
USt-ID: DE277951151
Controller: Benjamin Mauz · b3LAB · Ruländerstr. 3 · 73733 Esslingen am Neckar · Germany · [email protected].
No analytics / no tracking: this website does not use analytics services, advertising trackers, tracking cookies, or embedded social-media tracking pixels.
Server logs: when you visit this website, the hosting provider may process technical access data such as IP address, browser/user-agent, requested URL, referrer, date/time, and status codes for security, error analysis, and stable delivery of the website.
Local storage: this website may store local interface preferences such as theme, layout, or visual pattern settings in your browser. These values stay on your device and are used only to remember your preferred website display.
Web fonts: Inter and JetBrains Mono are served locally from this website. No font requests are sent to Google Fonts or Google font servers.
Email contact: contact links use mailto: and open your local email client. If you email b3LAB, your message and contact details are used only to respond to your inquiry, support request, licensing question, or purchase-related communication.
Purchases: purchases, payments, taxes, invoices, refunds, and digital delivery are processed through Gumroad. Gumroad may process buyer data according to its own terms and privacy policy. b3LAB receives only the information needed to deliver licenses, handle support, and document purchases.
Your rights: subject to applicable law, you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction, portability, or object to processing. You may also contact the competent data protection authority. For privacy questions, email [email protected].
b3LAB.io is built to follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA wherever practical, in line with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the German Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG, in force since 2025-06-28).
What this site does:
- Semantic HTML5 landmarks (
<header>,<main>,<footer>,<nav>) on every page. - Each page exposes a single descriptive
<h1>viaaria-label; decorative hero text-swap is markedaria-hidden="true". - All interactive controls reachable by keyboard with visible focus outlines.
- ARIA labels on icon-only buttons, dropdown triggers, and accordion regions.
- Self-hosted Inter and JetBrains Mono variable fonts; no external font fetch (privacy + reliability).
- Dark (default) and light theme toggle; left- and centered-layout toggle, persisted per browser.
- Color contrast checked against WCAG AA for body copy and primary controls.
- Skip-link to main content; consistent navigation order across pages.
- No autoplay audio; embedded videos are muted by default.
prefers-reduced-motionrespected for animation-heavy elements where applicable.
Known limitations:
- Embedded product demo videos do not yet ship with caption tracks. Plain-text transcripts available on request.
- Some long legal text blocks rely on natural language only; structured summaries are planned.
- Pricing tables use visual grouping only and may benefit from additional row/column scoping.
Feedback channel: if any part of this site is not accessible to you, please email [email protected]. b3LAB aims to respond within four (4) weeks. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may also contact the competent enforcement body in your jurisdiction.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-29.