Deity Gets Serious About Affordable Timecode

First shown at NAB 2022 and now officially launched, Deity Microphones has launched two timecode tools, and an app, that should make it easier to keep your footage and audio in sync.

With the new TC-1 timecode box and the TC-SL1 timecode slate, it should be more affordable than ever to run timecode on your production.

All the Time(code) in the World?

So, why is timecode so useful? Why not just record scratch audio and do a waveform sync in post? Well, actual timecode is not only more reliable, especially if you're working with multiple cameras, but it's also fast.

And any time you can save in post is money you save in your budget.

Also, the speed of sound is slower than the speed of light. So if you do a waveform sync but the microphone on the camera is far from the subject (like if you have a telephoto lens), it won't be synced properly. Waveform sync also takes more time to sync, as your computer has to process all that audio. There's also Clap sync, which is more reliable, but you have to visually search for the clapper shot to shot.

Timecode sync is functionally instant. If you have good timecode on your recorder and you run it out to every camera, all you need to do is clip the shots you want to sync in post, and it's done. No processing and no waiting. 

Timecode systems have traditionally been pretty pricey, and it's exciting to see Deity working hard to bring this equipment to a larger audience.

The TC-1 comes in at $199/unit, and the slate runs $999, which seems pricey until you remember that basically, every other timecode slate on the market comes in at significantly more. The Denecke TS-3 costs just over $1,600. 

Little Guy, Big Features

First off, we should talk about the little TC-1. It's a tiny timecode box meant to mount on your camera. It can receive timecode the normal way (through a cable), then feed that timecode all day into the camera in a stable fashion. But it can also be synced up over a Bluetooth app, which is a major upgrade over the previous tech. On top of that, it can also broadcast its timecode wirelessly to other TC-1 units in the area.

It is really a little "do-anything" box for SMPTE timecode.

The main limitation to be aware of is that this only puts out SMPTE timecode, not LTC timecode. LTC timecode is the timecode you can feed into the audio-in port of small cameras. SMPTE timecode is the real deal for bigger cameras. There is one camera, the Blackmagic 6K Pro, that takes SMPTE timecode over its audio-in port, and that's a feature we hope others will rip off soon. LTC timecode is a great workaround, but in 2022 any camera wanting filmmakers to use it should just accept SMPTE directly. 

TC-1 w/ ARRI Alexa

The Fancy Slate

The TC-SL1 slate is a major push forward in technology, as well. It runs NP-F550 batteries, which are incredibly common these days. Two NP-F550s should be able to support long shoot days. If you're in a bind, it can charge over USB-C. Deity has rolled out its own NP-F550 batteries that it says are 32% more powerful than normal units, which is exciting for all sorts of use cases. 

In the modern era, why bother with a timecode slate, you might ask? With the vast majority of cameras, you can drive the timecode straight into the camera driven by your audio recorder. So do you need the image of the timecode as well?

Deity TC-SL1

First off, you can never have enough backups. Timecode In could get corrupted, or the connection could slip. Timecode on the slate provides another layer of protection. On top of that, there are still cameras out there that make getting Timecode In tricky.

Let's say you are working with a host of GoPro units as C-cameras for an action setup. Some might have audio inputs, but some won't if you are mixing generations and cases, and you might not be able to reach them, and even that will only allow LTC.

With the timecode slate, it's all solved.

Now we just need DaVinci Resolve to add machine learning-driven features that automatically read the timecode off the slate, and your post workflows will get truly slick.

Availability

Launching alongside these units is the new Sidus Audio app, which allows for control of these units from your smartphone or your MacBook. That name should sound familiar, as Deity is still part of Aputure. 

Deity TC-1 Wireless Timecode

• Generate/Jam All SMPTE Timecode Formats
• Bluetooth Wireless Control from Phone
• 2.4 GHz Wireless Control from Other TC-1
• Drift: <1 Frame per 72 Hours
• Locking 3.5mm Timecode Port
• Bright OLED Display
• Onboard Omnidirectional Microphone
• Works with Sidus Audio Mobile App
• 28-Hour Battery Life
• Range: 30' (2.4 GHz), 250' (Bluetooth)

Single Unit

$169.99

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Deity TC-SL1 Smart Slate

New Release!

• Generate/Jam All SMPTE Timecode Formats
• Bright LED Dot Matrix Timecode Display
• Clapperboard, Backlit Dry-Erase Surface
• Bluetooth Wireless Control from Phone
• 2.4 GHz Wireless Control from TC-1
• Drift: <1 Frame per 72 Hours
• 5-Pin LEMO & 1/4" TRS Timecode Ports
• Works with Sidus Audio Mobile App
• 120-Hour Battery Life
• Range: 30' (2.4 GHz), 250' (Bluetooth)

Smart Slate

$999

Buy Now