Timecode explained

[Chris Parker]

is there a way in FCP to export self-contained QTs that can be used for offline editorial that retain enough sound metadata (Timecode/sound file name) for the post audio mixing facility to match back to via the EDL?

Many editors use merged or linked clips in their edit, but self-contained QTs with the mono mix would be ideal for some jobs IF, when used for offline edit, the post mixing facility will be able to match back to the original BWF files via the EDL.

Anyone?

[joshua csehak]

No two clocks are exactly perfect though, so there will be some amount of drift over time,

But if you Jam Sync a few times a day, you'll be fine, right?

So as I understand it, you need an audio device with timecode (like the sounddevices 702T), and a timecode box for the camera, and one of these has to be capable of generating timecode so it can jam the other every once in a while. Film cameras print TC to the film (but are all crytsal-sync ones capable of that?), which is read during telecine, video gets it embedded in the file, and the Red does TC, but weirdly, so it's better to have a separate box to force it to work correctly. Is that correct? Why would you need a slate, then? Just for backup in case something goes wrong?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've only done audio in-camera or double-system slated and aligned by hand, and I've aligned enough by hand to say, "screw this, there has to be a better way." But this TC stuff is freaking confusing! I know about PluralEyes, and it is awesome, but I want to also be able to automate syncing when shooting film, and it'd be nice to not have to record in-camera audio to the Red.

[King Cheung]

Hi,
you can do it in 3 ways:
1) Sync RED with the recorder each time the batteries on the RED are changed
2) Ask your AC to hot swap the batteries on RED, so RED does not go out and keep on sync
3) hire-buy lockit box and hang it on the RED

basically the 3rd option is most used one, the 1st and 2nd are used on small/cheaper productions

Hi, Lukas, in the 3rd option, what kind of cable do I need? I have a 702T and Ambient sync box. Can you guide me the workflow, please?

Thanks.