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Timecode & Sync

Introduction

MANUS Core on the MANUS Quantum Bodypack can receive timecode and sync triggers, allowing you to timestamp and synchronize your data recording.

Timecode & Sync Support

MANUS Core supports SMPTE timecode through LTC (Linear Timecode).

Timecode Framerates

MANUS Core supports the following timecode framerates:

  • 24 FPS
  • 23.796 FPS
  • 25 FPS
  • 29.97 FPS
  • 29.97DF FPS
  • 30 FPS
  • 60 FPS (Only when combined with Sync)

When using -0.1% framerates 23.796, 29.97make sure to check the Framerate -0.1% setting in the Manus Core Dashboard.

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Audio Channels

MANUS Core supports both Timecode and Sync.

MANUS Core by default receives audio in the following way:

Left Channel: Sync Right Channel: Timecode

In the MANUS Core Dashboard settings it's possible to change this channel preference.

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Audio Interface

When using sync, please make sure the audio interface is a 2-channel audio interface and Windows identifies it as such. When only a single channel is present on the interface, that channel will always be configured as timecode (LTC).

Synchronization workflows

There are various ways to synchronize timecode between devices, the following options are some of the possible ways to do so.

Jam Sync Timecode Generator to Master Clock

Required:

  • Master Clock.
  • Wireless Timecode Generator.

Process:

  • Connect the timecode generator to your master clock and jam sync the timecode generator once with the master clock time.
  • Connect the timecode generator to a USB audio interface connected to the Bodypack.
  • Configure MANUS Core to use the USB audio interface with the jam synced timecode.

Continuous Sync with Multiple Timecode Generators

Required:

  • Wireless Timecode Generator configured as master.
  • Wireless Timecode Generator configured as slave.

Process:

  • Configure one timecode generator (master) to generate and broadcast timecode.
  • Configure the other timecode generator (slave) to receive and use this timecode.
  • Connect the timecode generator (slave) to a USB audio interface connected to the Bodypack.
  • Configure MANUS Core to use the USB audio interface with the continuous synced timecode.

Continuous Sync with Multiple Timecode Generators and Master Clock

Required:

  • Master Clock
  • Wireless Timecode Generator configured as master.
  • Wireless Timecode Generator configured as slave.

Process:

  • Connect one timecode generator (master) to the master clock to receive timecode.
  • Configure the timecode generator (master) to broadcast timecode.
  • Configure the other timecode generator (slave) to receive and use this timecode.
  • Connect the timecode generator (slave) to a USB audio interface connected to the Bodypack.
  • Configure MANUS Core to use the USB audio interface with the continuous synced timecode.

Timecode & Sync Requirements

Timecode & Sync Generator

To use timecode you need a timecode generator. To use timecode and sync you need a timecode & sync generator.

Audio Interface

To use timecode and sync directly on the bodypack you will need a USB audio interface. When using a bodypack as a Networked Device connecting timecode to the Server Core instance is sufficient.

Setting Up Timecode & Sync

To use timecode and sync, you will need to configure MANUS Core Dashboard.

Timecode and Sync can be configured:

  • Remotely with MANUS Core Dashboard.
  • Remotely through Windows Remote Desktop.
  • Locally connecting the Bodypack to a monitor/mouse/keyboard.

Open the MANUS Core Dashboard "Settings" panel and scroll down to "Timecode":

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Check "Timestamp data using timecode":

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Click "Refresh" to update all connected audio interfaces:

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Select the USB audio interface your timecode generator is connected to:

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Uncheck "Genlock" (Sync) if you are only using timecode:

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Timecode data is now being used when recording:

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Configuring 2-Channel Audio interface

When using a 2-channel audio interface that is not correctly identified by Windows as a 2-channel audio interface, use the following instructions to configure it:

Right click the "Sound Settings" on the Windows System Tray:

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Click "Open Sound settings":

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Scroll down to "Input":

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Select the USB audio interface receiving timecode:

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Click "Device properties":

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Make sure the volume level is set to "100":

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Click "Additional device properties":

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Select the sample rate dropdown menu:

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Set the sample rate to "2 channels, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)":

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Click "OK" to apply the setting:

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Click "Yes" in case you receive a "Device In Use" warning:

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Timecode and sync can now be used in MANUS Core:

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Hardware Recommendations

Timecode & Sync Generator Recommendations

We have positive experiences using the Deity TC-1 timecode generator, which is sold in many countries around the world. This timecode generator does not offer support for sync.

Other suitable timecode generators include:

Other suitable timecode generators with sync include:

Audio Interface Recommendations

When picking a USB audio interface, consider one that does not feature any external controls.

We have positive experiences using the Behringer UCA202 USB audio interface, which is sold in many countries around the world.

Other suitable USB audio interfaces should feature individual left and right channel connectors, to connect the timecode and sync signals on their respective channels.

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