How to Jam Sync Timecode Generators
If you want to show your video editor some love, use timecode. Timecode is essentially a fancy number written to the start of every file that allows you to easily synchronize all your clips in post-production.
Using timecode means you can stop and start recording at will to save on footage storage, and you never have to worry about relying on scratch audio in loud environments. While it is usually best to stick to one brand of timecode generators, at some point, you will likely need to mix and match.
Here is how to synchronize a Deity TC-1, Tentacle Sync E and Tentacle Track E timecode devices, and a Sound Devices MixPre-6.
Setting Up Your Master Clock
For this setup, the Deity TC1 makes a great master clock because it features a built-in screen.
Set to Master: Using the scroll wheel, set the device to "Master Run".
Match Frame Rates: Set your frame rate to match your cameras, ideally 23.98. If a camera is running at a different frame rate like 29.97, the clips won't line up on the first frame.
Set Time of Day: Navigate to the "TC" (timecode) menu and manually set it to the current time of day (e.g., 9:31). Using "Time of Day" timecode is incredibly helpful because if a note is made that an event happened at a specific time, you can easily locate that exact moment in editing software like DaVinci Resolve.
Note: Other Deity devices can easily be synced to this master wirelessly by enabling Bluetooth and setting them to "Jam Once and Lock". Then to send the timecode from the master to the slaves, tap sync under the TC menu from the master.
Jam Tentacle Sync E Generators
Tentacle and Deity devices do not communicate over Bluetooth, but they can easily be synced using a standard audio cable.
Here is how to sync a Tentacle Sync E or a Tentacle Track E (a 32-bit float audio recorder):
Turn it off: If the Tentacle is already on and flashing green, it won't accept new timecode. Turn it off with a long press of about three seconds.
Prep for Sync: Turn the Tentacle back on with a short press (about two seconds) until it flashes red.
Feed the Timecode: Take the audio cable from the Deity TC1's line out and plug it into the Tentacle's audio input.
Look for Green: Once the Tentacle locks onto the timecode, it will flash green, meaning it is successfully synced. You can then unplug the cable. Note on the Track E recorders, the green light will stop blinking but don’t worry - it has the timecode.
Jam to Sound Devices MixPre-6
To hold timecode all day long, you will need a Sound Devices MixPre-6 Version II, as it features a dedicated temperature-compensated crystal oscillator.
Match Frame Rates: Just like your cameras, you must manually set the frame rate on the MixPre to match your master (e.g., 23.98) by navigating to the Timecode menu.
Connect the Cable: Plug the audio cable from the Deity into the MixPre's "Aux Mic In" port.
Jam It: In the MixPre menu, switch the timecode setting to "Jam" and click the "Jam Timecode" button.
Unplug and Go: Once jammed, you can unplug the cable. The MixPre will hold the timecode all day as long as the batteries are not disconnected.
Connecting to Your Cameras
Getting the synced timecode into your cameras depends on the camera body:
Dedicated USB Input: Cameras like the Sony FX3 and FX30 accept timecode over their USB port as metadata. Brands like Sony, Deity, and Tentacle make cables for this, with Tentacle offering the smallest and most elegant option.
Here are 2 of the timecode cables I use for Sony FX3 and FX30
Tentacle FX3/FX30 Timecode Cable - https://geni.us/OJzu
Deity FX3/FX30 Timecode Cable - https://geni.us/wythXY
Audio Input (Mic Jack): If your camera doesn't have a dedicated timecode port, simply run the timecode generator into the camera's standard mic jack. The timecode will be embedded into the audio signal. In post-production software like DaVinci Resolve, you can just right-click the clips in the media pool to update the audio timecode to metadata timecode.
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