How to record SMPTE timecode on any handheld recorder
How to record SMPTE timecode if your handheld-recorder doesn't provide this feature.
Let's assume, you have a handheld recorder with no SMPTE features, neither read, nor write. But you need to synchronize your recordings to a video in post with a time-code, in this case we have SMPTE. The exact frame rate doesn't matter for this purpose.
It's no rocket sience, but it needs some preperations and precautions:
- Choose a channel on your handheld recorder.
- Turn down the gain to the minimum. If there is a "pad" available, activate it.
- Make sure, the output of this channel is NOT routed to your headphones and/or stereo out!!!
- Now connect the connector from the SMPTE source to this channel.
- Double check, if the gain of the desired channel is at minimum and if available the pad is activated.
- Now activate the record mode of this channel
- ... and now let the time-code run for a few seconds.
- Usually the gain of the channel will be maxed out. If the pad is activated, you may turn the gain to ALMOST maximum, but CAREFULLY and SLOWLY
- Now record a some seconds of the time-code. (~ 30 sec).
- Connect the output of this channel to the unit you want to read the recorded time-code.
- Double check if everything is connected correctly
- Hit play and check, if the desired time-code (and time) appears on the consuming unit.
- If everything is okay, bring anything back and prepare for recording with SMPTE time-code.
- DONE
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