Sound for Video Session: Timecode Hardware & Compression in Izotope RX
In this week's Sound for Video Session, we have a look at some timecode hardware options and briefly discuss compression in Izotope RX.
Links:
Timecode Generators Comparison Spreadsheet
Previous session where we demonstrated timecode workflow:
Previous session where we demonstrated compression/loudness normalization in Izotope RX:
Gear Discussed in this episode:
Tentacle Sync Timecode Generator - Comes with Tentacle Sync Studio which is a one option among 3 options you will need if using a timecode generator with a camera or recorder which does NOT have a dedicated timecode input.
Moze Gear TIG Q28 Timecode Generator - The other generator I use. Great, solid design which you set using tiny switches. No fuss, no fancy wireless, just solid timecode.
Ambient NanoLockit Wireless Timecode Generator - Very interesting new wireless timecode generator at a reasonable price.
Timecode Systems :wave Wireless Timecode Generator with Genlock, Wordclock and B:link - sophisticated wireless timecode, genlock generator/transceiver. This is much more expensive but also much more capable.
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Tentacle Sync E - Just Announced: Smaller, Bluetooth Enabled Timecode Generator
Last year I decided to simplify the process of shooting dual system sound (sound recorded to a separate audio recorder rather than the camera). The process of clapping at the start of each clip makes it easier to sync the sound and video files together, but it still takes a fair bit of time on bigger projects.
That lead me to talk with the guys at Tentacle Sync while at the NAB show in 2016. I was impressed by what their Tentacle Sync timecode generators could do and they were priced more reasonably than many of their competitors' generators. Here is the original interview we did with them in 2016:
We also ran through an overview of how timecode works and how it simplifies the process of syncing audio to video in this previous Sound for Video Session:
This year at the NAB show, several timecode companies announced new, smaller timecode generators, including Tentacle Sync. Here is an overview of their newest offering, the Tentacle Sync E.
Thanks to Cary Judd for the camera work. Tricky job since we decided to go without a tripod.
Pricing and exact time of availability are still to be determined, but the original Tentacle Sync was the most affordable way to get into timecode generators of which I am aware. Keep an eye on Tentacle Sync for updates on release and pricing.
In the meantime, their original Tentacle Sync does a nice job. And they didn't pay me or give me anything to say that, I'm just speaking from personal experience.
Sound for Video Session: Timecode Demonstration
First, for those I haven't somehow managed to tell yet, I have a couple of courses on sound for video - one on recording and one on post processing. Please have a look at them over at School.LearnLightAndSound.com.
In this week's session, we demonstrate how free-run timecode works. For those not familiar with timecode, this allows you to more efficiently sync your separately recorded video and sound clips before editing your video. It works by syncing up your camera(s) and audio recorder with the help of timecode generator clocks.
In this demonstration, we show how to do this with a Tentacle Sync, a MozeGear TIG Q28, and a Sound Devices 633 recorder. If your recorder does not have a timecode generator built-in, you can still do this by connecting another timecode generator (like the Tentacle or MozeGear) to your recorder.
Sound for Video Session: USB vs XLR Microphones, Timecode Modes, Wireless Frequencies
In this episode, we covered several sound for video questions:
- What’s the quality difference between USB and XLR based microphones?
- Recommended XLR cable brands?
- What are the different types of timecode?
- When buying wireless transmitters and receivers, which blocks should I get for my area?
- What can I do to reduce pickup of reverb and street noise when shooting in a parking garage?
- Which digital audio workstation app is best?
Explanation of different types of timecode modes (Matt Price)
Hair wraps to hold external cable in place on a boom pole
Audio Technica AT2005 USB/XLR Microphone
Blue Yeti Pro USB/XLR Microphone
(some of these are affiliate links)
Sound for Video Session: Practical Timecode 13 July 2016
In this session we ran through a demo of how timecode works at a practical level. I'm not suggesting that we all need to drop $500 USD on a Tentacle Sync Timecode kit for our no-budget passion projects. But some day when you're the sound guy on a production with a budget and they are willing to pay for timecode, you'll look like a sound ninja because you'll know exactly how to do it.
Get out and make some great recordings!
Tentacle Sync: Simplify Sync of Audio to Video
At NAB 2016, we talked with Ulrich of Tentacle Sync about their new little timecode devices and software to simplify syncing audio to video when you recorded them separately. We know that to get the very best sound, you usually need to record your audio to a proper audio recorder, separate from the camera. But then you have the manual process of syncing the audio back up to the video in post production. Tentacle Sync makes this much simpler by automating the sync process for you, even if your camera or audio recorder don’t have timecode features.
Tentacle Sync is the result of a recent successful Indigogo campaign and it looks like their first round of product have sold out but more should be available by the end of May according to their site. Also note that the software to automatically sync is currently Mac only and is included in the kit. The kit also includes a utility for Windows which takes the camera tracks and converts the audio timecode to file timecode so that when you do import the camera footage and your audio files into your NLE (video editing app), you can sync from there (not quite as fast as the Mac app, but still much quicker than manually syncing).
Special thanks to Scott Vanderbilt who was kind enough to bring his brand new Sony FS5 camera to film this series.
You can learn more about Tentacle Sync at their site.
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