Sound Devices 970 - Manual (Page 32)

970 User Guide
v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
26
Sync
hr
onization & T
imecode
Signal Connection Main View
Internal None Int
By default, the currently referenced synchronization source is always displayed on the top-middle
of the Main View directly in front of the sample rate. When valid signal is present at the selected
source, the Main View label will be displayed in white text. When no valid signal is present at the
selected source, the Main View label will flash. Additionally, when a source is selected that has no
valid signal, or when the signal at a selected source is lost, a warning dialog will appear on the LCD.
Timecode Reader
The 970 includes a timecode reader which can accept incoming SMPTE linear timecode. The time-
code reader is enabled whenever the Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] is set
to any Ext TC mode which indicates that it will read external timecode.
In situations where a consistent offset is observed between 970 files and other produc-
tion recordings, the 970 can offset the timecode stamp on each file. The Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - File Start TC Offset] allows for adjustment of the frame offset from -10 to +10 in
increments of 1 frame. This setting does not affect timecode on the 970’s outputs.
For shoots involving more than one camera or another audio recorder, using the 970’s Timecode
Generator can be more beneficial than using the Timecode Reader to achieve good heads and tails
sync between all recordings.
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator
The 970 includes an internal Ambient® ACL-203 Lockit which can be used as a timecode source for
cameras or audio recorders. The Lockit is an ultra-high accuracy sync/timecode generator with < 0.2
ppm (½ frame per 24 hours) accuracy that is suitable as a master clock in all levels of productions.
With its internal, rechargeable battery, accurate timecode is maintained for up to 4 hours after the 970
is powered down. After 4 hours, the timecode value is reset. The battery is recharged automatically.
Timecode Modes
Freerun Timecode Mode
Generator mode. Timecode runs continuously. The value can be set by “jamming value” in the Setup
Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Jam Received TC] or by manually setting a value from the Setup
Menu option [Timecode/Sync
- Set Generator TC].
Freerun Auto Mute
Functions the same as Freerun mode except timecode signal is muted from the timecode output
when the 970 is in Stopped mode. This allows rec-run functionality when Rec Run mode is not suit-
able (e.g. Multi-camera shoots).
Record Run Timecode Mode
Generator mode. The 970 sends running timecode while recording and stationary timecode while
not recording. Timecode in this mode defaults to the last stationary value at power-up. When switch-
ing to Record Run from another mode, the internal generator will stop at the last number gener-
ated. A user-defined value can be jammed into the internal generator from the Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Set Generator TC].