How to use Timecode on the Sound Devices Mixpre-3 and Mixpre-6

Dave takes us through a brief walkthrough on the timecode functionality for the Sound Devices Mixpres.

Get your MixPre-3:

Get your MixPre-6:

[TwoBitDaVinci]

[CHRIS] Even though I don't use timecode, this video has helped me get more comfortable with my MixPre3.

[matoflynn]

So helpful! Got me up and running with a Sony a6500 and a Mix Pre 6 II using a SmallHD 702 Bright monitor to route the HDMI from the camera into the monitor and from the monitor into the Sound Devices Mix Pre 6 II and still record trigger :)

[larryvaughn]

There has been some online discussions regarding audio bleed via the aux channels when using time code on one channel and audio input on the other. it's not uncommon with other brands also.

[beeamadeusfox]

Great Little video Dave. I have a Mix-Pre 6M and a Go Pro Hero 7. I've seen the SyncBac Pro timecode generator which connects on the rear of the Go Pro 7 but at the moment I'm unsure of how to route the signal out to the Mix Pre. I have never used timecode before but if I send enough explorative questions I hope to coral an answer somewhere out in the ether!

[colinkeyes]

Can I get a cable that will send timecode from my deity TC-1 box to the micro hdmi port on my mix pre 6 ii? That way I can still use the stereo in for audio channels 6 and 7?

[cscrignaro]

Is there any way to change the framerate? I used the MixPre3 last week and could only change the time of day, not the frame rate. The cameras were running 23.98 but the MixPre was running 30 and I had no idea how to change it without an external sync box...

[quannguyen]

Can I use HDMI splitter cable to have both timecode connected to mixpre and monitor field at the same time?

[Obi-Juan_Kenobi]

Can't I somehow use the output?
For example, I play the master from the recorder and the tentacle, deity or lockit are the slaves through the lineout. Is that possible? Or do I necessarily have to use the line in?

[commercialand]

You stated there is access to timecode in all modes however I do not see timecode in "CUSTOM" mode, do I have to be in advanced only to use the tenticle boxes??

[emmettglynn]

Hey Dave, you're a great sound guy. I'm about to buy a MixPre6 but I'm hesitating slightly because of the Timecode function. When I'm normally doing sound on a shoot, I'll get TC in from a camera (lets say to the SD 633) at the beginning of the shoot, Jam it, and then it's done. I check with the camera operator a couple times during the day to see if we're still synced and we normally are - no need to stay connected to camera. With the MixPre6, will I need to stay connected to camera via HDMI - or Aux - whilst we're shooting to receive timecode? Do i need to buy a separate TC generator? Many thanks.

[danielsnyder]

The Mixpre 10T has an internal time code generator. Could you use that to provide time code for a sound devices 552?

[mauriciopaiz]

If you are powering mics with phantom power, you will need a lot of battery power or external power via USB-C. If you want to use Timecode with phantom mics you will need to get extra accessories like USB-C PowerBank with power delivery or the AC adapter or big batteries. This is unfortunately left out from the user manuals. Estimated battery life for two phantom mics and 1 lav receiver with 4-AA fully charged NIMH enelopops is about 4-5 minutes, add Timecode, probably less.

[edjefferson]

Maybe this was not available at the time this was recorded, but my MixPre 6 can jam sync to incoming time code. Set TC Mode to Free Run. Then go back and you will see a selection for "Jam". Touch that and see the internal generated time code below the incoming time code and a small button at the bottom labeled "Jam TC" After performing the jam you can disconnect the incoming TC signal. About an hour later I plugged my external TC generator and found the two were 3 frames out of sync with the hand display

[CarvinBass]

Hi Dave, I am thinking of purchasing the Mixpre-6. I am an old, live sound engineer, and fairly new to location sound recording. I am currently using a MacBook Pro, an audio interface, and typically record smaller projects using a shotgun, 2 lavalieres and 4 Tentacle Sync Gen1 TC hardware pieces - with one for audio and the other 3 for cameras. Using the Mixpre-6 with the Tentacle Sync, as I mute it while still recording it as a regular audio file, I assume I will have to use one of the channels 1 - 4 for it, not the Aux 3.5mm, as I do want to output the audio file so I or an editor can use the Tentacle Sync software. Just looking for Thanks, Ken

[MSX-]

i would like to generate timecode from my pre 6 with the ltc out mode on the stereo out ; is it possible ? i see nothing about it

[fernandopozo]

Hi quick question, I have a Mixpre 3 version 1, does the use of timecode via the aux in input limits the number of channels I can record audio? Say I have 1 boom and 2 lavs and also timecode via the aux in, is this possible? Or does timecode takes away one of the 3 channels of audio? Thanks

[beachroadfilms]

was hoping to learn how to send the Timecode generated from a Mix Pre II to a RED camera. :-(

[icandi]

Great video! Once you jam the time code into the mixpre, can you unplug the generator (tentacle sync)? I think there is a TC generator in mixpre so it should keep it up, right? Thanks!

[hzubovi]

Can't playback videos once I've connected my gh5 to the Mix Pre6. Do you know any workaround. Thanks

[TrickyDickyBE]

I have all the Timecode settings done correctly with my MixPre-6 in Advanced Mode. I'm trying to take HDMI timecode and trigger from the source (Canon 5D mk iii), into an Atomos device. This works fine. From the Atomos, I then want to relay the HDMI Timecode and Recording Trigger into the MixPre-6. But nothing seems to arrive. Sound Devices tech support were unhelpful because they just went through the settings and then offered me the camera compatibility list. They have ONE Canon camera on it. No discussion about what makes a camera compatible or not. It's very frustrating.