Serious content creators know that timecode boxes are a big help on multi-camera shoots, allowing you to sync your cameras and recording devices so that sound and picture from every source falls right into place in post. Having the takes automatically sync up in your editing software, rather than wasting time lining up waveforms, saves time and money and helps get your deliverables out the door tout de suite. With this in mind, the industry veterans at Deity Microphones have engineered their new TC-1 wireless timecode generator and TC-SL1 wireless timecode slate to provide shooters working at every level from DSLRs to ARRI cameras with a versatile and easy-to-use system that offers rock-solid clock synchronization and remote control for a seamless workflow.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Presenting the TC-1
The heart of the series is the TC1, an ultraportable little box that attaches to your camera shoe and outputs code via a secure, locking 3.5mm timecode port. Use the included 3.5mm TRS cable with your DSLR/mirrorless to record timecode to the left channel, leaving the right available for reference audio via the onboard omnidirectional microphone (which conveniently points in the same direction as the lens). Deity offers additional timecode cables for connecting to professional cameras and recorders equipped with LEMO or BNC timecode ports.
The sophisticated timecode generator supports all SMPTE formats at 0.5ppm accuracy, yielding an ultra-low drift rate of only 1 frame every 72 hours. But wireless connectivity means you can easily jam sync the boxes remotely during the day, eliminating even this tiny amount of drift. Two wireless control options are available: Bluetooth 5.0 support means you can use the Sidus Audio app on your phone to sync and control up to twenty TC-1 units from up to 250' away. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, the unit’s OLED screen and control panel allow you to sync up to 8 units remotely via proprietary wireless 2.4 GHz technology from up to 30'. The easily readable display provides instant feedback to assure you all the units are in lock step.
Who Can Stop at One?
While you could just pick up a single TC-1 and hardwire jam sync devices that generate timecode, most users will probably want to use several TC-1 units, each connected to a camera in your multi-camera shoot. The Deity TC-1 3-Piece Kit conveniently bundles three TC-1 units together to fit a typical shooting scenario. The built-in rechargeable battery will power each TC-1 for up to 28 hours and a USB recharging cable is included.
For Your Consideration, the TC-SL1
Not content to raise the bar for timecode boxes, Deity is also introducing the world’s first Bluetooth smart slate, the TC-SL1, featuring a super bright (yet dimmable) LED dot matrix timecode display that can be flipped for tail slating. This advanced slate supports all SMPTE formats. It offers the same Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless sync pulse and control options as the TC-1, allowing you to wirelessly sync up multiple TC-1 boxes connected to every camera and recording device on set. In addition, you can jam sync hardware devices using the unit’s 1/4" TRS and 5-pin LEMO timecode ports. The dual battery bay supports NP-F550 batteries, giving you up to 120 hours of operating time and allowing you to hot swap the batteries in the field, if necessary.
Connect and Create
Deity offers several locking 3.5mm cables with different connectors at the other end for use with your camera or recorder of choice. The C13 features a right-angle 5-pin LEMO connector for the ARRI Alexa Mini, while the C14 features a straight 5-pin LEMO connector compatible with a wide variety of devices.
The C15 cable is also available, featuring a BNC connector for compatible devices.
Are you ready to try Deity’s new TC-1 wireless timecode boxes and TC-SL1 wireless timecode slate on your next multi-camera shoot? Let us know, in the Comments section, below!
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