Saramonic has launched the TC‑NEO, a compact wi-fi timecode generator designed to maintain multi-camera and recorder setups in sync on skilled shoots. Its standout characteristic is a high-precision oscillator rated at ±0.05 ppm, or lower than one body of drift over 48 hours, and an non-compulsory 3-unit package, which features a charging case that powers and syncs all three gadgets without delay. The Saramonic TC-NEO helps a number of sync strategies, offering flexibility throughout varied workflows, and integrates with the Saramonic K9 wi-fi audio system, bringing timecode right into a full location sound setup. Let’s take a more in-depth look.
Saramonic is a worldwide audio model established in 2012, specializing in sound, pure and easy. Simply final week, the Saramonic Air was launched – a dual-channel, wi-fi microphone for fast shoots, which we mentioned within the newest Focus Verify podcast. Additionally launched this 12 months was the Saramonic K9 Audio System, which transmits within the ultra-wide UHF band as a substitute of the usually used 2.4 GHz band.
A number of syncing choices
As much as 48 items could be paired wirelessly over Bluetooth utilizing the Saramonic System app or synced with the K9 UHF audio system. If Bluetooth isn’t obtainable, items can pair straight over native 2.4 GHz wi-fi, which could be helpful in environments the place telephones aren’t permitted or battery life is proscribed. Wired jam sync can also be supported through 3.5 mm enter from an exterior supply, and the TC‑NEO integrates with the K9 Audio System for customers already working with that setup.
A number of sync choices. Picture credit score: Saramonic
Along with sync strategies, the TC‑NEO presents three operational modes: Grasp Run, Auto Jam, and Jam As soon as and Lock. This provides customers management over how timecode is maintained all through the day. As much as eight user-selectable sync teams are supported, which could be useful when working throughout a number of groups or parallel productions. The Bluetooth app presents distant management at distances as much as 250 ft (76 meters), whereas 2.4GHz native syncing works reliably inside a 40-meter vary.
Constructed for precision
The TC‑NEO outputs SMPTE‑12M timecode (based mostly on the SMPTE-12M commonplace) as both linear LTC or audio TC and is suitable with most cameras and recorders. A locking 3.5 mm TRS cable is included for normal connections, whereas non-compulsory adapters, resembling BNC, LEMO, USB-C, or Sony Multi, are additionally obtainable. It handles a broad vary of manufacturing body charges, together with 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97DF, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 59.94DF, and 60 fps, making it adaptable to each cinematic and broadcast workflows.
The unit incorporates a built-in microphone that data ambient reference audio to the proper monitor whereas sending timecode to the left, offering a pure sync level in publish when wanted (when working with claps, slates, or different visible cues, this may be fairly useful). The inner TCXO is rated at a remarkably correct ±0.05 ppm, leading to lower than one body of drift over 48 hours, which locations it among the many extra exact compact timecode mills presently obtainable.
Clear OLED show. Picture credit score: Saramonic
Show and controls
The TC‑NEO incorporates a front-facing 1.1-inch OLED display screen that shows sync standing, battery degree, body charge, and different primary info. Navigation is dealt with utilizing a textured dial on the facet of the unit, which helps you to management the settings straight with out requiring an app connection.
Distinctive charging package
The Saramonic TC-NEO is offered as a single unit or in a package that features a charging case for 3. The case provides energy and syncs all three gadgets with the press of a button. Every TC‑NEO has a 1150 mAh lithium‑polymer battery for as much as 22 hours of runtime. The 6000 mAh case battery can recharge all three items in about 5 hours and offers roughly 1.4 full cost cycles when used unplugged. With USB‑C passthrough, runtime extends as much as 48 hours (the utmost when all three items are docked). This bundled charging and sync method is uncommon in timecode methods, which usually depend on particular person charging and handbook sync.
Prime of unit. Picture credit score: Saramonic
Key specs
TC – NEO
- Timecode Commonplace: SMPTE‑12M (Linear TC & Audio TC)
- Accuracy: ±0.05 ppm (lower than 1 body drift over 48 hours)
- Sync Strategies: Bluetooth (Saramonic App), Native Wi-fi (2.4 GHz), Wired
- Battery Life: 22 hours (1150 mAh Li‑Po)
- Charging Time: 2 hours (through USB‑C)
- Inputs/Outputs: 3.5 mm port
- Show: 1.1″ OLED
- Weight & Measurement: 42.5 g (1.5 oz); 49 × 37 × 19 mm (1.93 × 1.46 × 0.75 in)
- Constructed-in Mic: Omnidirectional
Charging Case – TC‑NEO package
- Battery Capability: 6000 mAh (Li‑ion)
- Energy Provide: USB-C Port
- Recharges: 1.4 full cycles for 3 items
- Charging Time: 5 hours (5 V 2 A through USB‑C)
- Working Temperature: 0°C to 50°C
- Weight & Measurement: 265 g (9.35 oz); 182.7 × 65 × 41.5 mm (7.19 × 2.56 × 1.63 in)
Adhesive hook-and-loop for attachment. Picture credit score: Saramonic
Included equipment and expandability
The package ships with TRS-to-TRS and USB-C-to-USB-C connections, in addition to two timecode cables that cowl the commonest use circumstances. For extra superior setups, extra cables can be found individually. Mounting choices embody chilly shoe adapters, threaded 1/4″-20 mounts, and adhesive hook-and-loop strips. Every system comes with a silicone sleeve for impression safety and fast identification (three are included within the package, and 5 extra colours are bought individually).
The three-pack package with charging case. Picture credit score: Saramonic
It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how this Saramonic timecode generator stacks up towards established options from Tentacle Sync, Deity or Ambient.
Worth and availability
The Saramonic TC-NEO Timecode Generator is offered now for preorder and is priced at $149 for a single unit and $494 for the 3-pack package. For extra info, please go to the Saramonic web site.
Is timecode integration with a wi-fi audio system one thing you’ve used? What’s your largest frustration with present timecode setups? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
