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Timecode Sync Tascam HDP2 with EPIC

Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson

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Hey everyone,

Is anyone out there using a Tascam HDP2 audio recorder with their EPIC? Going one step further, anyone using this using timecode sync and how's it working for you?

I've got the chance to pick one up but want to know if anyone is having any issue with it and their EPIC?

Thanks

Steve
 
I haven't used one, but the specs suggest you shouldn't have any problems. Seems an odd choice though unless you are getting for next to nothing - only two mic inputs seems very limiting to me and the output options are similarly basic. No built in drive for redundancy/archiving whilst shooting either, which is unusual in a dedicated recorder these days.

It is very cheap though!
 
James: yeah. I am going to get a Sound Devices soon but this one has come my way for very cheap so should be good for basic interviews etc.

Pete: cool. Is it okay for what your using it for?
 
The last time I looked at an HD-P2, it did not have built-in timecode (judging by page 21 of the manual). It had a timecode input, meaning you still have to feed it timecode from another source. The HS-P82 does have built-in timecode, as do more costly units like the Sound Devices 722t and the 744t.

To me, you need a real timecode-capable recorder that can generate its own TC to be truly useful on a film-style shoot. The P2 will work in a way, but given that you'd need to add a $500 crystal-controlled timecode generator, I think you're better off spending more money and getting a higher-end model. Just my opinion.
 
Marc

Given I'll have the Tascam connected via the time code output on the EPIC, feeding the Tascam time code should not be a problem.

I would go with a better model like the 744t but just cannot afford that at present. Hopefully in about 6-8 months I'll be there.

:))
 
Steve Johnson said:
Given I'll have the Tascam connected via the time code output on the EPIC, feeding the Tascam time code should not be a problem.
Click to expand...

Two problems with that: 1) you now have a sound recorder permanently attached to the camera, and 2) as far as I know, the timecode out on the Epic does not work. The input works great, but not the output (from what I've been told).

Safin Saliman said:
Where can I find a timecode cable to connect a SD 744T and and Epic X?
Click to expand...
Any good pro audio dealer can help you:

Coffey Sound/Hollywood
http://www.CoffeySound.com/

Location Sound Corp./Burbank
http://www.locationsound.com

Wilcox Sound/Burbank
(818) 504-0507

Trew Audio/Nashville
http://www.TrewAudio.com/

Gotham Sound/New York
http://www.GothamSound.com

Professional Sound Services/New York
http://www.pro-sound.com

If you're outside the U.S., there are no doubt companies in large areas (London, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Sydney, etc.) that can make you the right timecode cable. Me personally, I would never put the 744 on the Epic, but I would put a timecode jam box like the SB-T or an Ambient Lockit, jammed from the Sound Devices. It weighs about half a pound and just takes a couple of batteries, and is far less trouble than a full-featured recorder. To me, sound has to get out of the DP's way to allow them to shoot the picture in the best possible way; the sound department should worry about the sound.
 
I also have the HDP2 and an Epic and would love to figure out how to use them both. So far I've only used the HDP2 in a dumb slate scenario and that's a pain, I'd love to have auto syncing.

So... could I buy a $500 TC generator like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/562544-REG/Denecke_SB_3_SB_3_Syncbox_Time_Code_Generator.html
Use that to jam sync the Epic and then attach the TC generator to the Tascam and off we go?

Where would something like a lockit box fit into the equation? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._Recording_ACL203_ACL_203_Tri_Level_Sync.html
 
The SB-3 will technically work, but the slightly-more-expensive SB-T adds a tri-level sync output, which would be needed if you used multiple Red cameras. Full specs at this link.

Denecke's products are top-notch and very stable, and the little generator boxes like this use very little battery power -- they'll go for a couple of days with no problem.
 
So if I bought the SB-T then I wouldnt need a lockit box? Or I still would?
 
Shawn Nelson said:
I also have the HDP2 and an Epic and would love to figure out how to use them both. So far I've only used the HDP2 in a dumb slate scenario and that's a pain, I'd love to have auto syncing.

So... could I buy a $500 TC generator like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/562544-REG/Denecke_SB_3_SB_3_Syncbox_Time_Code_Generator.html
Use that to jam sync the Epic and then attach the TC generator to the Tascam and off we go?

Where would something like a lockit box fit into the equation? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._Recording_ACL203_ACL_203_Tri_Level_Sync.html
Click to expand...

Hey Shawn,

I;ve got my audio guys working on this at the moment and he's speaking with Tascam directly.

One option, a wired one, would be to use the 3BNC to 00 Sync Cable and use a BNC adaptor to XLR adaptor to go into the timecode on the Tascam.

There is another solution I am looking at. I was directed to a company who have created a timecode system called Timecode Buddy - http://www.timecodebuddy.com/

I am speaking to them today about their solution. At the moment, launch seems to be around March (or NAB), and the prices are about £675 for master unit and £245 for the TX unit. When I get some more information, I'l post something maybe later this evening. They apparently going against the Ambient solutions etc. so might be an interesting solution.

The wired solution is okay in a short term for me if that works, as I'm planning on doing a number of interviews which need the sync sound, then I can use wild tracks for cut aways, etc, so not so much of a big deal for me in the short term. I am looking for a wireless solution in the long terms.

Will report back the Timecode Buddy solution when I speak to the guys today.

:))
 
Fantastic! Thanks!

Though wouldnt a timecode buddy be comparable to just buying that timecode generator and the lockit?
 
Shawn Nelson said:
Fantastic! Thanks!

Though wouldnt a timecode buddy be comparable to just buying that timecode generator and the lockit?
Click to expand...

Hi Shawn,

Well yes. I am looking at them soon, maybe a pre-production version so it things work out, I am talking to the guys about a REDuser group discount if that helps???

:))
 
Okay.

I'm going to be trying a wired option, which is to use the 3BNC to 00 Sync Cable and use a BNC adaptor to XLR adaptor to go into the timecode on the Tascam. Going to be trying that out in the next 2 weeks. Words from Tascam is that it will work - we'll see.

Will try and get a Timecode Buddy unit to test around the same time.

:))
 
Does any body got this working yet?
 
I have 2 Epics, an HD-P2, the 3BNC cables from Red and even a BNC to XLR-3 timecode cable. The basic problem remains: There is no Timecode output from the Epic, and the HD-P2 also has no TImecode out. So, I can send the output from my Tri-level sync generator to both but without an external Timecode to feed both with... no go. In my case, I got the 3BNC cables today and the recorder last night, so I haven't had a chance to see if with external sync they will at least not drift over time.
 
Last edited:
If you're going to use the HD-P2 with an Epic, then you must feed the HD-P2 constant timecode. While the HD-P2 has the ability to "freewheel" timecode if the source is disconnected, the internal generator of the HD-P2 is not accurate enough to hold sync for any length of time.

A dedicated sync box, like the Denecke SB-3 / SB-T / GR-2 or the Ambient ACL202/203 would allow you to jam-sync the Epic and then feed code directly to the HD-P2. This method would have the advantage of not being permanently tethered to the Epic, where available real-estate is at a minimum. You'll have to remember to re-jam the Epic after every power cycle, but the accuracy should remain pretty good.

You can go with a wireless solution like the Lockit Buddy, or really any wireless system assuming you have a good source, but you'll need designate one thing as your TC Master (Denecke, Ambient, Wireless) and stick to it.
 
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