When a director hired me earlier this year for a timecode shoot, I did what any self-respecting DP would do: I hired a professional sound recordist. First, a reminder of why timecode can suck. In fact, it has really speeded up my post-production workflow. Because, well, timecode.īut I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover that, with the right tools, timecode doesn’t have to be scary. But recently I’ve been edging out of this friendly zone into more dangerous territory where I’m getting hired by directors who expect me to provide files with timecode. That was cool, and it served me rather well for a long time.
#Timecode lockit software#
There was this little software app called PluralEyes that enabled me to do dual-system sound without knowing the first thing about timecode. When I made my first film about 7 years ago, I was sort of lucky. Things will have moved on by now, and I want to move on, too.Tentacle Sync in “green” mode feeding timecode to a Sound Devices MixPre3 I don’t expect to be using exactly the same lav mic in 10 years. The cost about as much as a lav mic, or even less. If the company, TentacleSync, that I trust my TC needs with doesn’t exist anymore in 10 years, that doesn’t matter to my TC boxes, because they might still work. It‘s true, my current phone may not work anymore in the year 2037, or even 2020, but that’s not important as long as someone keeps working on the app and the firmware. If it improves my workflow and my life on set, I‘ll buy it. And if something new gets released and I really like, I buy it. I was surprised to realize that I bought my 788 ten years ago and I still use it.Ī part of the job for me is to play with and own gear. I do buy gear for reliability for what I think are the next 5-10 years. But I definitely do not buy for the year 2037. Well, I have since moved on from using a Nagra, a DAT machine, a MiniDisk recorder (not professionally), and lots and lots of other machines and pieces of equipment have come and gone and some have stayed. I am intentionally trying to not mention names here, but do you still have your cell phone from 2010?Īre you buying for today? Or are you buying for 2037? Adds a bit of a different perspective doesn't it? I tend to buy for 2037 unless I really only need it for have to let all of us know what you decided to go with!!! Which companies do you truly think will still be profitable and in business in the year 2037. The year will be 2037 should you decide to use and then sell your T/C box in that same amount of time. I just bought a Denecke SB-2 from that is from 2001, That is an 18 year old T/C box. What if in 18 years you go to sell this item? Or even 10? " I want BMW performance and reliability, with a Honda?" This thread reminds me of the classic " Honda Vs. Might I suggest a T/C device with a proven track record, long history of customer service and support. as there are more than one!) is beneficial strength of choosing Tentacles and not at all a weakness of them.
#Timecode lockit Bluetooth#
IMHO, they are both contenders, but for me the Tentacle won the day due to its Bluetooth capability. The JB-1 is a beautiful bit of kit at a comparable price to the Tentacle. All 3 play very nicely together and hold sync accurately.ĭon't get me wrong, I love Denecke products, they are rock solid and I previously used their Boxes.
Mine have always jammed first time, every time, and they are at least as accurate as the Denecke TS-3 Slate and the Sound Devices 788T that I typically use along side them. I rarely use the app unless there are changes required to the TC Rate for example, however I do use the App for spot checks which I can do on multiple units at once and without going anywhere near the camera due to the Bluetooth capability. Not quite true Jon, you do need the app to set them up, but once set you just turn them on and jam to whatever. I also feel like they don’t jam correctly on the first try every time, and will stay in sync with themselves, but nothing else. " I found them rather frustrating, since you need an app to run them, which means you are now dépendant on your phone working and their app being up to date with whatever updates your phone has imposed on you.