Sound for Video Session: Timecode Systems UltraSync Blue Demo
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- čas přidán 2. 12. 2018
- In this week’s session, we take a look at a wireless timecode generator you can use to make syncing audio and video from your mobile phones and tablets quick and easy: The Timecode Systems UltraSync BLUE.
The BLUE can send timecode to up to 4 devices at the same time and can also connect wirelessly to UltraSync generators attached to cinema cameras or professional level audio recorders.
At the time of this review, the compatible apps are for iOS, available in the App Store:
Apogee MetaRecorder (audio recording app)
Mavis (Cine style camera app)
Gear and links discussed/used to record this episode:
Timecode Systems UltraSync BLUE - Bluetooth wireless timecode generator
B&H: bhpho.to/2ri0g1z
Sennheiser ClipMic digital - used to record the talking head clips into the MetaRecorder app
Amazon: geni.us/HQ7TEGU
B&H: bhpho.to/2rjWyEI
Electrovoice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone - used to record the voice over for the screen cast portion
Amazon: geni.us/kP1lo
B&H: bhpho.to/2z4hAc2
Universal Audio Apollo x6 USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface - used to record the voice over for the screen cast
B&H: bhpho.to/2CwRx3b
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Outro music licensed from Artlist: Keep an Eye by Back to Dream
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.
Watching this video years later. The compatibility of the UltraSync Blue has sky rocketed. I just received mine and am hoping to get it working with my Fujifilm X-H2s bodies, Atomos Ninja Ultra and my Zoom F3 audio recorder.
All camera manufacturers should adopt their Bluetooth protocol, because the main reason I’m not using timecode is needing a separate unit for each device.
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Your videos are great! learned so much from this channel
Thanks Lucas!
Thank you !
Great as usual.
Thanks Harlan.
Thank you, by the way.
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Thanks for the video. I've been looking for timecode solutions with cameras and external audio. The new Zoom F2 looks very interesting, but it's difficult to understand how it can be synced with basic cameras. This Ultrasync blue doesn't have any type of 3.5mm port that some devices use to push a timecode signal to a camera's mic port. It seems odd they would limit the device that much by doing bluetooth only (as far as I can tell iphone and... not much else).
Hi Scott, honestly, I see the Ultrasync Blue as a specialty add-on device for those who are already using their Ultrasync One timecode boxes but want to add an iPhone to the mix. If you want something which works with dedicated cameras (rather than phones), you'll want to look at the Ultrasync One.
@@curtisjudd I see, thanks. The manual for that Zoom F2 doesn't go over timecode syncing it to anything, so I think I'll just wait until more info is out there.
Thanks for your wonderful videos. If you have two of these , I can I use 1 for the h4n recorder and the other one for the Blackmagic pocket 4K camera ?
Yes. The thing you'll want to test if you do get them is whether the H4n experiences cross-talk. That is, does the timecode signal bleed into the microphone channel. Sometimes with prosumer recorders like the H4n, they aren't well shielded internally and so you can end up with a faint trace of the timecode sound in the dialogue track. Best wishes!
Thanks a lot again. I just bought the BMPCC4 and am just starting to assemble the pieces and make sense of them. While searching for sound bits ( pun intended ☺️) I came across your incredible treasure trove of a channel on various aspects of sound technologies and their implementations and so on and that too of such high quality with gems of advice. It’s incredible people like you who enrich the lives of others by selflessly sharing your knowledge and passion. Hope that the goodness gets rewarded amply . And thank you for this advice too.
Much appreciated. How many devices can receive TC simultaneously? Can you try out the iPad, iPhone and another iPhone maybe (1xMetarecorder, 2+Mavis)?
4 devices simultaneously.
So if I have I have 5 Zoom f2 mics can I sync them all to the master clock on the UltraSyncBlue? Also how can I send that to my cameras?
*Hi Curtiss :) Thank you so much for this review. I watch your channel constantly, and I consider I learn a great deal about our craft of audio for video production in every video. I have a rather obscure, but for me, an essential tech question about the TimeCode Systems UltraSync Blue - Bluetoothe wireless box and the Lumix DC-S1H Hybrid Mirrorless DSLR camera. Can the S1H accept time code via bluetoothe, or is it strictly via its dedicated (Wired) TC socket ONLY ?*
Hi Mark, Thanks! Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to work with the S1H so I'm not sure. I haven't heard of any cameras which do work with the Ultrasync Blue so I would be surprised if the answer is yes. I'd bet that there's some info on the Timecode Systems site or a quick note to their support should get you what you need. Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd OK. Very good. I will see what Time Code Systems has to say about it :)
@@curtisjudd If you use a mixer for master time code do you need the ultrasync 1 to jam the ultrasync blue? Lets say you have a Zoom f6, and a mirrorless dslr, a camcorder with xlr inputs and several zoom f2s for recording on an actor. Can you use a tentacle sync, or do you have to use the Ultrasync 1 for jamming the Ultrasync blue?
@@larryvaughn5843 That's a pretty involved question. The ZOOM F6, with the bluetooth dongle, can sync wirelessly with the BLUE. However, if you need to sync the other cameras, you'll need Ultrasync 1s for the cameras.
Hey, Curtis! Thanks for the review. Quick question. So, I'm using my Iphone 11 Pro Max for shooting video and I'll be getting the Zoom F6 soon (I currently have the H6 but I'll be upgrading). Can I get timecode generated from the F6 to the Iphone without any other piece of gear besides the little bluetooth dongle that goes into the F6? I also have the MovieSlate 8 app, if that does anything for you. Haha.
Hi Nathan, no, I believe the F6's bluetooth timecode requires the Timecode Systems Ultrasync BLUE to work along with your phone app. Best wishes!
if I buy an ultrasync blue, will I be able to sync Nikon Z9 to Zoom H5? Same question for Zoom F6(I would like to buy it!)
No, both the Z9 and the H5 need a wired timecode generator like the Ultrasync One.
What is a good bag to hold the f6, 5 wireless mic receivers, batteries and whatever else is needed for a bag solution?
The 5 receivers is the limiting factor. I'd have a look at the Orca OR-30 bag or maybe give the guys at B&H a call and they should be able to run you through all the options.
Hi Curtis. Are you aware if the classic Zoom F8 is compatible with the new (renamed?) AtomX Ultrasync Blue. Is it the same product? Another question, do I need to buy an extra mini Time Code Cable? I need to wireless sync two different Zoom F8. Thank you
It should be, yes.
Hi! with Ursa Mini Pro G1, I was thinking this with Zoom F6 ..good option?
Hi Ari, unfortunately, no. It will work with the F6 but the Ursa Mini Pro does not have the ability to receive bluetooth timecode as far as I am aware. You would need an Ultrasync One for the UMP.
@@curtisjudd Will the One work with the Blue, or can the One replace the Blue in the Zoom ecosystem?
@@photronic I don't believe the Ultrasync One can receive wireless timecode from the ZOOM F6. You'd have to jam the One to the F6 with a cable and then connect the One to the UMP via cable throughout the shoot.
Can a regular bluetooth receiver with a 3.5mm cable be used to send timecode signal from UltraSync Blue to BMPCC4K? Will it work?
I don't know but my guess is no, it will not work. I don't think the Blue is sending an audio signal, but a data signal. Best to contact Timecode Systems support to confirm.
Is that the same Timecode system (compatible) that use TentacleSync or the Instamic?
I don't know about the Instamic. but the Tentacle Sync and Timecode Systems UltraSync Blue both record SMPTE timecode so they are compatible in that sense.
Hi Curtis, If I already have Synch E can I still use the UtraSync BLUE in my Equation? Does the Bleu can get the synchcode from the Synch E and then share it Wirelessly to BTooth. Or is there another way you would do this? Thanks
Hi curtis i have the same question as ermenergildo. Thanks dick
I’m a little surprised the Tentacle Sync E doesn’t already do this since it sends TC via Bluetooth. Guess it’s a formatting issue.
@@RallenMan Good point. Maybe this can be firmware upgraded.
Hi Ermenegildo, I don't believe they use the same means of transmitting the timecode even though they both use Bluetooth. Timecode Systems' approach is evidently patented. I assume the patented bit is the part responsible for figuring out any potential delays in the Bluetooth communication and compensating for that to ensure accuracy across devices.
Tentacle Sync E can send timecode to their own iOS app in similar fashion and have also released an SDK though I'm not sure whether any other companies have implemented it.
@@curtisjudd But could you still use them together by synching their Timecode ? Using the Synch E that i already have and adding an Ultrasync BLUE could be interesting for adding my Iphone in the production workflow.
Dear Curtis, I know that Timecode Systems UltraSync Blue work with Zoom F6. But how to use it with camera Canon 6D Max II?
Hi, unfortunately, I think the UltraSync blue only works with apps on mobile devices, not with cameras like the 6D. You might contact Timecode Systems support to confirm.
@@curtisjudd Thank you so much
Does the Blue works with the F8n?
No, you'll want to look at the original UltraSync for use with the F8n or any other pro-level audio recorder: czcams.com/video/7pOAdnPE4Ac/video.html
It does now!
Yes it does.
Hi, do you know if is there any way to sync Ultrasync Blue with tentacle sync?
Yes, you can jam sync one to the other via cable, but not wirelessly.
@@curtisjudd but UltraSync blue doesn't have any cable, does it?
@@JanSur Sorry, you're right, I was thinking about the UltraSync One.
Is it possible to timecode sync nikon Z9 with zoom F6 without ultrasync blue?
No, I don't believe the Z9 can read timecode via Bluetooth. You'll need a wired timecode generator for the Z9. I'd look at an Ultrasync One and Ultrasync Blue combination. The one for the Z9, the Blue for the F6.
@@curtisjudd Yes, Z9 from version 3 has compatibility with ultrasync Blue. I will need then to buy 2 pieces of ultrasync blue or 1 piece is enough for making the sync?
@@photo-markus Ok, sounds like you know more than I do at this point. I'm not sure, I don't have a Z9 on hand to test it. My guess is yes, it should work. But you'll probably want to contact ATOMOS support to confirm.
I have a very big questions. the question I dont think anyone is asking. I have been trying to research this for weeks with no answer. so the Ultrasync blue transmits timecode to various devices like the zoom f2 or the zoom f3. BUT, how is the ultrasync blue getting its master clock timecode from??? Would it get it from your iPhone by any chance, via an app that jam syncs into the blue. The reason I ask is because I have the tentacle sync stuff for cameras, and the track e for a lav. I also have the zoom f3 and f2 and id like to try get all of them on the same timecode. its been asked already about syncing tentacle with ultraSync and I totally understand it won't go that way. So back to my question. How does the blue get its master timecode
The Blue IS the master clock. The thing is that on its own, it really only helps when filming with mobile phones which receive timecode from the Blue. If you are using an ATOMOS recorder with the ATOMX timecode module, than you can use it with cameras.
@@curtisjudd thanks. that's unfortunate so. it's not going to get my zoom f3 on the same timecode as all my tentacle sync stuff. I shouldn't have sold my zoom f6 (with timecode input)
Curtis, on a sidebar, have you ever used a multi brand TC solution? (1xTentacle, 1xNanoLockit and 1xUltrasync?) Thanks.
Yes, in a traditional manner where they're each jam synced to a master and then connected to their respective cameras/audio recorder. Drift is a potential issue in this scenario but with good generators, that's not really a concern until you get past 8 to 12 hours and then the drift is usually only a single frame.
Thanks
@@curtisjudd
2018 Curtis Judd there’s going to be a prettt bad pandemic in 2020 that will probably impact your work in some way also you’ll want to buy stock in Zoom.
LOL! Where were you 3 years ago, friend?
I barely work on 3-5 clips and still have no desire to do it without timecode lol… not lazy, just value my time and like “luxury”items.
Invest time in timecode box setup or invest time in sync in post. Whichever you prefer is totally valid.