Tentacle Sync E 3 x timecode box kit

Tentable Sync E Timecode Boxes

£58/day
£174/week

Summary

A package of 3 x small and powerful timecode boxes, each of which are substantially smaller and lighter than the equivalent Ambient timecode boxes but work entirely differently, incorporating no built-in display but instead bluetooth connectivity to mobile phones and a small integral battery which is charged using a USB cable and offers 35 hours of operation from a single charge.
Manufacturer

Tentacle

Additional Info

The compact, lightweight Tentacle Sync E Timecode Box includes a timecode generator, and a downloadable Tentacle Sync Studio software license (macOS). This successor to the Tentacle Sync features Bluetooth setup and monitoring, enabling you to easily view frame-accurate readings on your iOS or Android smartphone device. Use this updatable generator to extend Bluetooth-broadcast timecode to virtually any mobile device. The Sync E also features a locking clamp for its 3.5mm cable, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of devices without the need for an adapter.

The Tentacle E functions as a master clock, or to jam-sync to an external timecode source. Compatible with pro equipment, the Tentacle outputs SMPTE-12M-standard LTC timecode and supports all SMPTE TC rates. The Tentacle E’s integrated, high-quality mic enables you to record both timecode and ambient sound simultaneously.

Each Tentacle E TC generator is powered by a built-in LiPo battery with a runtime lasting up to 35 hours. The battery charges via the unit’s USB Type-C interface. A handy industrial-strength hook-and-loop surface is built into the back side of the box for secure mounting to your rig.

These systems offer limited functionality because they only offer a single timecode output but no genlock capability but the upside is that 35 hours of operation from one charge and a very small form factor offer both timecode lock and configuration and monitoring from a mobile phone.

This means that it is fine to use for timecode sync for a multi-camera shoot recording iso but is not suitable in a live mix environment, which requires cameras to be have both timecode lock and also genlock.

Bluetooth

Some of you might be thinking: why Bluetooth? The answer is simple. Most of our customers love connecting to their phones and Bluetooth is the most common and widely-used wireless technology used by almost all of them. You already have cable independence in the palm of your hands.

Battery

Each Sync E comes with Bluetooth low energy built-in. You can monitor and setup with ease and battery life is up to 35 hours. A bit like a fitness armband.
Connectivity. Forget the old phone/car radio connectivity problems. Simply hold your phone close to your Tentacle Sync E to link it with your app.

Monitoring

Tentacles don’t have a built-in display – and that’s just how we like it. The best user-interface is your phone. Now you can use it to monitor and setup your Tentacle Sync Es with a frame-accurate timecode display, without the need for any additional equipment.

Accuracy

We’ve been tweaking Tentacle algorithms to such an extent that your Tentacle setup app can tell you with frame accuracy how well your Octopodes are syncing.
Future. Every Tentacle acts as a master and broadcasts timecode independently via Bluetooth. This means in theory every mobile device can make use of this timecode, opening up a whole world of seamless connectivity without needing any new technology – straight out of the box.

BUILT-IN MICROPHONE – MORE THAN SCRATCHING THE SURFACE

Connecting timecode equipment to the mic input of a DSLR-type camera cuts off the internal audio. Tentacle Sync E is the only solution on the market which comes with a high-quality built-in ‘scratch’ mic. This lets you record both timecode and ambient sound simultaneously with one device.

Features

  • Can act as master clock or jam-sync to any external timecode source
  • Setup and Monitoring with Bluetooth via Smartphone  (iOS & Android)
  • Lockable connector with the included “Tentacle Clamp”
  • Built-in rechargeable and replaceable lithium polymer battery
  • Inaccuracy less than 1 frame within 24 hours
  • Runtime up to 35h, fast chrging via USB-C
  • Improved High Quality build-in Microphone
  • Switchable Mic/Line output
  • Uses LTC timecode according to SMPTE-12M standard
  • SMPTE timecode rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97DF and 30 FPS
  • Integrated hook surface on back for easy mounting
  • Super small (38 x 50 x 15 mm) and lightweight (30 g / 1 oz)
  • 2 Years Warranty
  • Designed and made with love in Cologne, Germany

ZOOM H4N AUDIO RECORDER AND TENTACLE SYNC WORKFLOW

Tentacle Sync can be used with many cameras and audio-recorders. A very popular audio recorder is the Zoom H4N. To get it to work with Tentacle, some preparatory work needs to be done.PrincipleThe Zoom H4N has no timecode generator build in (although the files it produces seems to have timecode – but this pseudo timecode that comes from the internal and very imprecise Real Time Clock). Therefore we need to make use of Tentacles Audio-Timecode feature wich makes it possible to record the timecode information onto one unused audio track. The Zoom H4N is capable to record 4 channels simultaneously. These are divided into 2 stereo tracks. One stereo track from the internal microphones and one form the XLR Jacks at the bottom of the device. If you are using the H4N together with Tentacle you are able to record one stereo track with the wanted audio-signal and the other stereo track will be used for recording timecode.Setting up your Zoom H4N:

  • Set the Output Volume of your Tentacles  at MIC-Level. This can be done via the included Tentacle setup software
  • Attach the Tentacle to the Zoom H4N with the included Mini-Jack Cable to „Ext Mic“. This will cut off the  internal microphones of the H4N. Instead of the internal Mic the signal of the external Audio Timecode will be recorded on one track and the internal Mic of the Tentacle on the other track.
  • Switch the Zoom H4N to 4CH-Mode (4 Channel) where it records 2 stereo tracks: One MIC-Track (nowTimecode Track) and a stereo track where the usable signal from the XLR connectors is recorded
  • Adjust the level of the incoming Timecode signal so that it is not clipping.
  • Theoretically you could start to record now. But there is still one issue to solve: On your headphones you will hear both the signal coming from the XLR inputs and the annoying timecode-signal together. We want to record the timecode, but we don’t want to hear it during monitoring. To make this work, the Zoom H4N has a monitoring Mixer, where you can choose wich signal to monitor. Just go to the Menu, select Mixer and turn the Level of the Mic-Track all the way down to „MUTE“. Now you are able to record both stereo tracks, but only monitoring the track with the wanted signal.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately the Zoom H4N does not show the level of the track anymore on the Level-Meter (during recording) when muted in the monitoring mixer. Although it will still be recorded.
  • Ok, you are done and ready to record audio-files with Timecode! Please note that you should make sure to start new files for every take. This is done by pressing the „Stop“ Button after recording. Pressing „Pause“ would result in a continue of the existing file wich Tentacle Sync is not able to handle at this time (but will be in future 🙂

The Tentacle Sync software is ready to process audio-timecode files recorded with a Zoom H4N in the The Tentacle Sync software is ready to process audio-timecode files recorded with a Zoom H4N in the previously explained manner. One issue that the software solves for you is that it automatically detects the right stereo track-pairs that belong together. This is important because one Track (the Mic-Track) holds the Timecode informations for both Tracks, but no usable audio. The XLR-Track hold the audio you want to use, but no Timecode Information. Tentacle deals with that and copies the Timecode to the corresponding Track. Once loaded and analyzed you could now delete the MIC-Track if you want to. This is conveniently done by choosing „Select Audio Tracks w. Audio-TC“ out of the edit-menu and hitting the Backspace Key.

Specifications

Smartphone Apps iOS, Android
Timecode Support LTC timecode, SMPTE-12M standard
Drift
SMPTE Timecode Rates 23.98/24/25/29.97/29.97DF/30 fps
Timecode Input & Output 3.5 mm mic jack
Audio Built-in reference mic
Power Built-In Battery: Lithium-ion polymer (LiPo)
Operating Time: Up to 35 hours
Fast Charging via USB Type-C: 1.5 hours (maximum)
Operating temperature -22 to 185°F (-30 to 85°C)
Dimensions 1.5 x 2 x 0.6″ (38 x 50 x 15 mm)
Weight 1.1 oz (30 g)

Kit Content

3 x Tentacle TC Generator + JamSync Box
3 x Tentacle TC Cable BNC - Minijack
3 x Tentacle TC 'OUT' Cable- Straight Lemo 5 - Minijack
2 x Tentacle Charger Cable- USB - USB C
1 x 13 Amp USB Plug / Charger
1 x Tentacle Clear Zip Pouch
1 x Operation Manual / Card

Resources

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