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What cables do I need to sync timecode between cameras and MovieSlate?

With the in-app purchase of MovieSlate's optional "Timecode Sync PRO" module, your MovieSlate can accept LTC timecode from external audio sources, or you can use MovieSlate as a timecode generator.

MovieSlate supports these LTC frame rates: 24, 25, 29.97, 30.

Use compatible devices

You’ll need an external timecode device (camera, timecode generator, or audio recorder) that’s capable of sending and/or receiving LTC timecode over an audio cable.  Not all sound sources have this LTC feature, but often professional-level gear does.  If in doubt, check your device’s owners manual for LTC-IN and LTC-OUT ports.

Enable the “PRO Sync Module”

To sync MovieSlate’s timecode with external sound sources, you’ll need to enable the MovieSlate 2.0 “Sync from Camera” PRO module (a $49.95 in-app purchase).  To do that, run MovieSlate, tap the Settings tab, select the “Timecode Syncing” item, tap the “PRO Sync Module” item’s ENABLE button.  On the next screen, tap another ENABLE button to confirm, then follow the on-screen instructions.

But please read the next paragraph first...

Try Before You Buy

Before purchasing the PRO module, you should test your sound source and cables with MovieSlate.  Starting with MovieSlate version 2.2, there’s a test screen dedicated to this purpose.  The test screen displays audio input level information, and displays the timecode as it is decoded from the incoming LTC signal.

Run MovieSlate, tap Settings tab, select the “Timecode Syncing” item, and tap the “Test Headphone Connection” item.  The test screen appears.

Plug one end of your cable into the external sound source, and the other end into your Apple iOS device (iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch).  Start generating timecode from your sound source.  If your cabling is correct, then you should see some volume levels appear in MovieSlate’s test screen.  If the levels are green, then you should start seeing timecode displayed on the test screen.

If the levels are not green or timecode does not appear, then you’ll need to do some troubleshooting.  Read on...

Troubleshooting Cables

When sending timecode from MovieSlate, use a standard, unattenuated cable.

When receiving timecode in MovieSlate, use a custom, attenuated cable as described below.  There are three variables to take into account for the receiving cable:

1. Headphone jack (on the Apple iOS device end of the cable) - this jack must be one with four distinct silver bands (as pictured above).  Without those four bands, an iPad/iPhone/iPod touch won't be able to accept audio input.


2. Jack at other end of the cable - must fit the sound source (such as your TC generator or sound recorder).  Your sound source’s manual is a good place to find the type of plug required.  Failing that, you could Google for that information.


3. Attenuation - is actually a way to decrease the volume of the audio that the Apple iOS device receives.  Depending upon your sound source, you may not need any attenuation.  However, most pro-level sound equipment outputs at LINE level (very loud).  All Apple iOS devices receive audio at MIC level (very quiet).  If your sound source outputs LINE level audio, then it will easily overpower the poor Apple iOS device.  So the audio must be attenuated (quieted).