Slate mic and tone -- advice needed

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Steve Kimmel

Thanks Steve. That's incredibly helpful!

Don't have a timecode recorder yet (have been using H4n): that's one of my decision points -- is it worth getting a timecode recorder?

Also, do you happen to know if Adobe Premiere can do what you describe? (I can't seem to find anywhere if Premiere can even read timecode in audio).

Thanks.

For some bizzarre reason known only to Adobe, Premiere still doesn't recognize a BWF file's timestamp. But Audition does ... you load the video clip into a multitrack session in Audition, align it properly on the timeline by setting the timeline offset, add the sound clip with the option "Use BWF Time Reference As Insert Start Time" to sync it, and export the result as an AVI file with both video and sound tracks. Audition even has a workspace preset of "Video + Audio Session" predefined out of the box.

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Richard Crowley

Yes, the whole discussion was based on the assumption that you were sending the same audio signal (with the slate mic and the tone) to BOTH the camcorder/DSLR AND to the separate sound recorder.
...

Yep, and my comments were assuming it was to be a film-style double system workflow of recording to a completely separate audio recorder without also recording an in-camera scratch track to use later for sync. Recording both would be a different matter but I still think a tone extending over time such as you'd get from recording the alignment tone would be harder to sync to accurately than would a single impulse sound.

[Jon Goodman]

Steve,
You may want to look at a "Bloop Slate" also called a Bloop Box. I haven't used one in years but there seems to be a use for them again. Used with a nagra, the bloop box would put a tone on to the tape while displaying a sync light for the camera or cameras. The topic has been covered over at jwsound. I believe there is even a schematic.
Cheers
Jon

[Jay Massengill]

There are also iPhone and iPad apps for slating with a sync tone and visual flash, as well as all pertinent project/camera info.

[Richard Crowley]

Originally Posted by Steve House

I still think a tone extending over time such as you'd get from recording the alignment tone would be harder to sync to accurately than would a single impulse sound.

As Mr. Goodman observes, "bloop slate" was the standard for many years for lots of 16mm budget production, especially local TV news, etc. And if one prefers an "impulse sound" key the slate mic on and snap your fingers. :-)

[Steve Kimmel]

Originally Posted by Jon Goodman

Steve,
You may want to look at a "Bloop Slate" also called a Bloop Box. I haven't used one in years but there seems to be a use for them again. Used with a nagra, the bloop box would put a tone on to the tape while displaying a sync light for the camera or cameras. The topic has been covered over at jwsound. I believe there is even a schematic.
Cheers
Jon

Thanks Jon. I've read about these but haven't yet found out where to get one (if it's still even possible).

[Steve Kimmel]

Originally Posted by Steve House

For some bizzarre reason known only to Adobe, Premiere still doesn't recognize a BWF file's timestamp. But Audition does ... you load the video clip into a multitrack session in Audition, align it properly on the timeline by setting the timeline offset, add the sound clip with the option "Use BWF Time Reference As Insert Start Time" to sync it, and export the result as an AVI file with both video and sound tracks. Audition even has a workspace preset of "Video + Audio Session" predefined out of the box.

Ugh. Seems like it would be easier to just use a dumb slate!

[Richard Crowley]

Originally Posted by Steve Kimmel

Thanks Jon. I've read about these but haven't yet found out where to get one (if it's still even possible).

They haven't been made in decades.
Dunno why anyone would need one?

* Press tone button for audible sync signal. No Cost.
* Hold notepad in front of camera for scene/take numbers. No Cost.
* Sync and Slate. Done. Priceless.

(With apologies to MasterCard)

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Steve House

For some bizzarre reason known only to Adobe, Premiere still doesn't recognize a BWF file's timestamp. But Audition does ... you load the video clip into a multitrack session in Audition, align it properly on the timeline by setting the timeline offset, add the sound clip with the option "Use BWF Time Reference As Insert Start Time" to sync it, and export the result as an AVI file with both video and sound tracks. Audition even has a workspace preset of "Video + Audio Session" predefined out of the box.

Originally Posted by Steve Kimmel

Ugh. Seems like it would be easier to just use a dumb slate!

All of maybe 6 mouse clicks plus typing a couple of numbers..

[Steve Kimmel]

Originally Posted by Steve House

All of maybe 6 mouse clicks plus typing a couple of numbers..

But I don't own Audition!

[Brian P. Reynolds]

I have had an idea kicking around the brain for a while for a simple sync setup... a couple of hours in the workshop and came up with this......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGbK6zwH2CE

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Steve Kimmel

But I don't own Audition!

It's not expensive and is a very valuable tool, much more capable than Soundbooth