TimeCode Options

[Eric Santiago]

I have a few options for timecode and need input as to what I should focus on.
Using a Dragon 6K and Sound Devices MixPre-6.
I have the original Tentacle which works fine but also a Denecke TS-C.
Shouldn't I be able to use the Denecke as a master for both Dragon and SD?
Any tips without using the Tentacle?
Or do I still need a jam box?

 

[Les Hillis]

Hi Eric, you need something generating timecode constantly connected to the 'Dragon' to keep it in sync over time.

If you're using the original 'MixPre-6' and not the 'MixPre-6 II', that also needs something generating timecode constantly connected to it to keep it in sync ( ie. a second Tentacle), as the 'MixPre-6' can't generate its own timecode but the 'MixPre-6 II' can.

Probably not practical for you to have the 'Denecke TS-C' constantly connected to the camera or sound-recorder to keep them in sync. It can still be used as a master for jamming two Tentacles that can then be used to keep your 'Dragon' and 'MixPre-6' in sync, but then it's either/or, as you may as well jam the 'Denecke TS-C' to the Tentacles instead.

Ideally, you'd also have a third 'Tentacle' inputting timecode to the 'Denecke TS-C' to avoid any potential drifting between the 'Denecke TS-C' timecode and the Tentacle's.

 

[Eric Santiago]

Thanks Les for the great tips!
Im running the MixPre-6 II and agree with the use of the Tentacle.
I have a single original Tentacle and will check if they work with the latest Sync-E.
Maybe pick up two assuming each should always be attached to all devices.
Now if the Sync-E doesn't play nice with the original, would a single tc box do the trick?
I already noticed time drift with the Dragon and TS-C.
Not experienced with the electronic slate so I'll need to tinker more.

 

[Les Hillis]

Seeing as you've got the 'MixPre-6 II', you can just jam your original Tentacle to the 'MixPre-6 II' internal timecode and then attach that Tentacle to the 'Dragon'.

If you jam the 'Denecke TS-C' to the 'MixPre-6 II' you can test whether the two separate timecode generators drift or stay in sync with each other. If there's no drift over the run-times you'll be using (there really shouldn't be, but who knows), you're set as is. If there is a drift between the 'Denecke TS-C' and the 'MixPre-6 II', you can test to see if your current Tentacle jammed to the 'MixPre-6 II' then attached to the 'Denecke TS-C' will hold them in sync, and if it does you can get another Tentacle to do that job.

Not sure about the cabling required in regards to getting timecode in and out of the 'Denecke TS-C', it has TC In via 1/4" (6.3mm) Phone Jack and seems to have Timecode In/Out via a 5-Pin LEMO Plug.

 

[Eric Santiago]

Seeing as you've got the 'MixPre-6 II', you can just jam your original Tentacle to the 'MixPre-6 II' internal timecode and then attach that Tentacle to the 'Dragon'...

Wow, these are great tips, and honestly never tried that route.
Of course, I wonder if it's even worth adding the TS-C in the mix for what I do.
The only time I can see that being used is for major film shoots which have been rare of late.

 

[Les Hillis]

I didn't want to question your workflow, but I was wondering the same thing about the necessity of using a timecode slate.

Using a slate at all wouldn't even be necessary for some easy to manage projects, if you can rely on the sound/image auto-syncing of timecode that programs like Resolve now do.

The whole timecode 'thing' can be a bit arcane and can still get complicated, but doing double-system sound has never been cheaper or easier (and potentially higher quality) than it is now, so for basic stuff once you know how to set it up and get used to your particular procedure/workflow it becomes obvious and you just take it for granted.

 

[Eric Santiago]

I didn't want to question your workflow, but I was wondering the same thing about the necessity of using a timecode slate...

Oh question away, saves me the headache of trying
I have a few things lying around and need to start decluttering.
That one came up and figured I would see if I can add it to the mix.
Great wisdom Les and helps ease the mind

 

[David Peterson]

Anybody getting a timecode box now, check out the new Deity TC-1 timecode box:

https://youtu.be/by6zd0dEiyE


Seems to be a nice combo of all the good features that the competition has.

 

[Eric Santiago]

Anybody getting a timecode box now, check out the new Deity TC-1 timecode box:

https://youtu.be/by6zd0dEiyE


Seems to be a nice combo of all the good features that the competition has.

Looks promising, wish it had a recorder with a passthrough so I can feed the media in my DSMC1 DRAGON

 

[David Peterson]

Looks promising, wish it had a recorder with a passthrough so I can feed the media in my DSMC1 DRAGON

Recorder too?? That's a totally different type of product. Get yourself a MixPre3.

Perhaps the Zaxcom QRX235 / TRXCL5 combo would be the closest "all in one" system you could get to what you're describing.