Which Timecode Cable Do I Need?
One question which comes up quite often is which timecode cable do I need for this shoot I have coming up? Ambient has put together a little site which helps make it a little easier to answer that question. Of course it assumes you’ll be using one of their timecode boxes with a 5-pin lemo connector, but it does identify the types of connectors you’ll find on all of the major cinema cameras. So just substitute the type of connector you need for your timecode generator whether Ambient, Tentacle Sync, Denecke, Timecode Systems, Moze Gear, or others.
Another thing to keep in mind is that timecode cables are sometimes uni-directional. So you will need to take care to choose the correct directionality for your purposes. I.e., you might need one cable to jam sync the timecode box to your mixer’s timecode generator, assuming that’s what you’re using as the master clock. Then you might need a different cable to feed the timecode from the generator to the camera.
Once you’ve sorted out which connectors you need on your cable, there’s a good selection of them available at B&H.
The link above is an affiliate link. As a B&H affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sound for Video Session: Thoughts on Timecode
In this week's live Sound for Video Session, we talk mostly about timecode - when I use it and when I don't, some of the challenges and issues I've encountered and ways to solve those problems. Our active community had lots of valuable input and insights as well!
Here are the camera compatibility lists we talked about in term of HDMI timecode:
Sound Devices MixPre camera compatibility list
Tascam DR-701D Camera Compatibility List
Episode demonstrating how free run timecode works with an external timecode generator:
Copyright 2019 Curtis Judd
Sound for Video Session: Timecode Apps - Convert Audio Timecode to Metadata Timecode
When using timecode to speed up the process of syncing audio clips to separately recorded video clips, there are times when you need to use consumer cameras. These cameras usually do not have a proper timecode input so you have to record the timecode to an audio track via the camera’s microphone input. In this session, we cover a few apps which will convert that audio timecode to a format your video editing app (NLE) can use to quickly sync all your video and audio clips.
Please consider my sound for video classes.
Gear and apps used to record this episode:
DaVinci Resolve - works about 50% of the time in my experience (Version 15.4.2)
LTC Convert - Solid, straightforward option for converting audio timecode to metadata/file timecode
Tentacle Sync Studio - Included free when you buy a Tentacle Sync timecode generator
Timecode Systems Ultrasync One - Wireless timecode generator
Ambient Recording NanoLockit - Wireless timecode generator
Tentacle Sync E - Bluetooth enabled timecode generator
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Full Frame Camera
Panasonic GH5 Camera
AKG C414 XLS large diaphragm condenser microphone - this is my new, main voice over microphone
Universal Audio Apollo x6 - Thunderbolt 3 audio interface used to take audio signal from the dbx286S channel strip, convert it to digital, and send to my computer for recording.
Copyright 2019 by Curtis Judd
Outro music from Artlist: Sunday by Rich Young Pixies - Amazing Journey. You can receive a 2 month discount on a subscription to Artlist, a subscription service for stock music you can use with your videos. Check it out at Artlist.io
Sound for Video Session: Timecode Generators
In this week’s Sound for Video session, we take a quick look at several timecode generators available on the market today.
The table comparing the TC generators we discussed today.
Gear discussed/used to record this episode:
Tentacle Sync Sync E
Ambient Recording NanoLockit
MozeGear TIG Q28
MozeGear TIG QBIT X2
Timecode Systems Pulse Base Station
Timecode Systems UltrSync One
Timecode Systems UltraSync Blue
Timecode Systems SyncBac Pro (for GoPro Hero 6 & 7)
Betso TCX-2+
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - used to record this session
Sound Devices 633 Audio Recorder/Mixer - used to record this session
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Outro music licensed from Artlist: Call on Me by Kick Lee
Sound for Video Session: Timecode Systems UltraSync Blue Demo
In this week’s session, we take a look at a wireless timecode generator you can use to make syncing audio and video from your mobile phones and tablets quick and easy: The Timecode Systems UltraSync BLUE.
The BLUE can send timecode to up to 4 devices at the same time and can also connect wirelessly to UltraSync generators attached to cinema cameras or professional level audio recorders.
At the time of this review, the compatible apps are for iOS, available in the App Store:
Apogee MetaRecorder (audio recording app)
Mavis (Cine style camera app)
Gear and links discussed/used to record this episode:
Timecode Systems UltraSync BLUE - Bluetooth wireless timecode generator
Sennheiser ClipMic digital (Amazon) - used to record the talking head clips into the MetaRecorder app
Electrovoice RE20 (Amazon) Dynamic Broadcast Microphone - used to record the voice over for the screen cast portion
Universal Audio Apollo x6 USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface - used to record the voice over for the screen cast
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Outro music licensed from Artlist: Keep an Eye by Back to Dream
Sound Devices MixPre 10T Timecode Setup
How do you set up timecode on a MixPre-10T? Let's take a look at free run timecode on the 10T where the 10T is the master clock.
This is an excerpt from my course, Getting the Most From Your MixPre-3, 6, 10T. Please consider my sound for film classes available over at http://school.learnlightandsound.com
Gear and links discussed/used to record this episode:
Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Boom Microphone (used to record this segment)
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Timecode Systems Demo: Pulse, UltraSync One, SyncBac Pro
In this week’s Sound for Video Session, we demonstrate how timecode works with the Timecode Systems series of timecode generators and wireless sync devices: Pulse, UltraSync One, and SyncBac Pro. In addition to wireless syncing which keeps all of the timecode generators for each cinema, DSLR, or mirrorless camera and audio recorder perfectly in sync, the SyncBac Pro also allows you to use GoPros to perfectly sync the footage and audio from all of your cameras. With reality shoots being so common these days, having a good option for automated synchronization is something I wanted to show you.
Gear and links discussed/used to record this episode:
UltraSync One Wireless Timecode Generator for cinema, DSLR, and mirrorless hybrid cameras
SyncBac Pro Wireless Timecode Generator for GoPro Cameras
SyncBac Pro for Hero 4
SyncBac Pro for Hero 6
:pulse wireless basestation - Transmit timecode from your bag or cart to all of the Timecode Systems devices on set & control your Sound Devices 6xx series mixer/recorder (with ethernet ports to hardwire connect to your Mac, and soon, PC)
:wave wireless basestation - Transmit timecode from your bag or cart to all of the Timecode Systems devices on set & control your Sound Devices 6xx series mixer/recorder (without ethernet ports)
Sound Devices 633 Mixer/Recorder - My main production audio recorder/mixer
Sennheiser MKH 8050 - This is the microphone I used to record this session
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Outro music licensed from Artlist: Keep an Eye by Back to Dream. Artlist provides high quality music tracks for your film and video projects.
Tentacle Sync E - iOS Recording App with Timecode
Last year at NAB Tentacle Sync announced their bluetooth enabled timecode generators, Sync E. I've used them over the last year and really like that they are easy to setup and monitor via their bluetooth app (for iOS). Syncing video to audio is super simple with the included Tentacle Sync Studio app for macOS.
But one thing I've wanted to do for a long time is send timecode to my iPhone when I'm using it as a recorder, such as when I do show floor interviews at NAB.
Now you can send timecode to your iPhone, wirelessly, with Tentacle Sync E and a new app from Tentacle Sync titled "Timecode Audio Recorder."
Also, Ulrich reveals that Tentacle Sync is working on full Bluetooth jam syncing capabilities with their Sync E timecode generators. This is exciting because now you can ensure that all of the timecode generators are in perfect sync through an entire production day.
Gear covered and used to shoot this episode:
Tentacle Sync E Bluetooth Timecode Generator
RODE Reporter Microphone
RODE iXLR Adapter - Record a dynamic XLR microphone to iPhone or iPad
Panasonic GH5 - A good event shooting video camera
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - incredibly versatile lens that is on the GH5 most of the time
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Music - MzA by Cary Judd, used with permission.
Sound for Video Session: Sync, Timecode, Noise, Preamps, Monitors and More!
In this week's question and answer session, we tackle the following topics:
00:04 Audio Sync
02:15 Timecode, Breakaway Cables
05:16 Noise Reduction, External Preamps
08:06 Mixing Monitors
12:19 Sound Blankets vs Moving Blankets vs Quilts
15:17 Sennheiser MKE 600, Shock mounts, Wind Protection, Audio Interfaces
23:22 Monitor Placement
25:42 Compression Ratio, Sound Floor
Gear and links to previous sessions discussed in this session:
Remote Audio Breakaway Cable
Avantone Pro Mix Cube Powered Monitor (set)
KRK Rokit 5 G3 Powered Monitor (one)
Sennheiser MKE600 Shotgun Microphone
Rycote InVision Lyre Shock Mount:
Sennheiser MZS 600 Shock Mount for MKE600:
Rycote Hot Shoe Adapter - Mount your shock mount on your camera's shoe
Rycote Softie Furry Windscreen (good for light wind)
RODE Blimp Wind Cover (good for stronger wind)
Rycote Cyclone (the best wind protector I've used and own)
Electrovoice RE20 Broadcast Microphone - this is what I used to record this session
Producer's Choice Sound Blankets
Timecode demonstration:
Noise Cleanup:
Sound Design, Effects, Foley:
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Sound for Video Session: Shockmounts, Comedy, Cameras, Timecode, and Live Streaming
In this week's Sound for Video Session we answer some of your questions:
- Are the Rycote shock mounts better at isolating boom pole movement from the microphone vs. rubber band style mounts?
- How would you record a comedy routine with a live audience?
- Which camera should I get (From the perspective of a sound guy)?
- Is timecode going to replace slates/clapperboards soon? What’s with these expensive timecode slates?
- How would you record podcast sound and livestream via Facebook live at the same time using the Zoom U-24?
Links to Gear We Discussed:
Rycote Lyre Pistol Grip Shockmount (bare bones and my go-to mount for indoor booming)
Rycote Cyclone Windshield with Lyre Shockmount (go-to for outdoor booming)
Presonus FaderPort - Hardware fader controller which works with Adobe Audition and other audio editing apps.
Panasonic FZ2500 - Fixed lens, 1” sensor, ND filters (wouldn’t be my first choice because the sensor is a little on the small side)
Panasonic G7 - Interchangeable lens, micro 4/3 sensor which is larger, no ND filters (this would be my choice over the FZ2500)
1/4" to 3.5mm TRRS cable for feeding audio from Zoom UA-24 to smartphone
Previous Near Field Monitor (speaker) Comparison
Focal CMS 40 monitors - These were my favorites in the comparison a year ago but I still wanted to first try the 6.5 inch woofer version. Remember, with monitors, they are sold individually so you need to buy 2
Focal CMS 65 - Same as the 40s but with 6.5 inch woofers and bass response that reaches a little lower on the spectrum. These are on closeout so a good time to buy if you’re in the market.
Focal Shape 65 - These are the newer versions of the CMS. Will be included in our upcoming comparison
Electrovoice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone (this is the mic I used for this session)
Antelope Audio Orion Studio Audio Interface (This is what I used to record my sound for this session)
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
