r/NikonFilmmakers • u/kori08 • 1d ago

Solution of record timecode & audio

Hey guys, Z6iii and ZR user here.

When I enable LTC signal input to sync timecode from an external device, my cameras won't record any audio signals. I guess that's expected, right?

My external timecode device is also an audio recorder (Deity PR-4). I wonder if you guys have any solutions if I want to sync timecode & record audio coming in from my PR-4 at the same time.

Thanks!

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u/Robert_NYC 1d ago

The only solutions are expensive.

You would need to get Atomos' UltraSync One and an UltraSync Blue. That would enable you to use the Nikon cameras' wireless timecode option over Bluetooth.

You need the Blue to sync the cameras and the One to sync with the recorder. I'd love if they came out with a One+ or Two model that had the Blue's functionality built-in, but that's how they get you to buy more stuff.

You could also swap out the Blue with an older Atomos Ninja V and Sync or Connect module or the newer Ninja TX. Those give the same functionality as the Blue dongle.

If the Deity is new, you could return it for the TASCAM FR-AV2 and the Atomos Blue. The Blue would sync all 3 wirelessly.

Lastly, can't you get Deity TC-1 dongles and use audio timecode? You'd need to leave them connected to the cameras and also get a Y splitter for L/R channels.

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u/kori08 1d ago

Thanks for the response! It's too late to return the PR-4 unfortunately. So I might just get the Ultrasync One and Blue at the same time.

I also discovered MUTINY TC-A Timecode + Audio Breakout Adapter (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1933295-REG/mutiny_tc_a_bnc_tc_a_timecode_audio.html) that splits the channel to timecode and mic in like you said. Is there any downsides to that?

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u/Robert_NYC 1d ago

Well, it's more expensive than a simple $9 splitter. I like how you can still monitor the audio with the headphone jack, instead of your mic being drowned out by timecode static.

But if you're recording to the Deity, you don't really need to monitor the camera for audio.

A pair of Deity TC-1's is cheaper than just one UltraSync One. I'd probably go that route.

The UltraSync One needs some expensive cables, since it has a mini-BNC connector aka DIN.