Timecode help for mirrorless cameras (Sony A7SIII) - timecode leaking to right side

S

scotchtape

Active member
I'm a newbie to timecode so forgive my ignorance!
I'm trying to output timecode from a Deity BP-TRX to a Sony A7SIII.

The timecode is coming in fine into the left channel, however I can hear it leaking into the right channel as well. I have several BP-TRXs and they all do the same thing. Is this because the preamp on the A7SIII isn't the best and the LTC signal overloads it and starts leaking into the right channel? (It's much fainter than the left side but still noticeable)

One thing I tried was using a 3.5mm breakout and connecting the BP-TRX to the left channel only, and it still leaks through to the right, so I'm starting to suspect it's the camera side.
I've also tried connecting the BP-TRX to a mixpre using a 3.5mm to XLR breakout, I'm not sure if it's leaking or not.

Does anyone have a tentacle track-e and does this do the same thing?

Trying to get a clean backup track on the right channel.

Thank you for your help.
 
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If you are running straight into the A7Siii's Mic input from the Deity BP-TRX have you checked your output levels? Having never used the Deity BP-TRX I'm only guessing here. A quick check indicates to me that you have the ability to adjust the output level on both channels as required. TC bleed through normally indicates far too high an input level. My guess is if you can drop to -51dB which is in the -40 to -60dB range typical of mic levels then you may not overload the a7iii's input. Just having a guess here?

Is this info of any help?

"17. Out Level Setting
Enter the "OUT LEVEL " option in the Receiver menu to adjust the output gain of the RX output A and B as needed. The adjustment range is from -51dB to +15dB in 3dB
steps."

Chris Young
 
Thank you for replying!
It actually doesn't help because I'm running the BP-TRX as a timecode box and not as a reciever or transmitter.
Additionally, the output from the BP-TRX comes out from the headphone jack, and when you adjust that output level in the menu, the timecode signal is not affected.
I've also tried adjusting the timecode voltage to no avail.

I've also tried a line>mic attenuator cable, a volume control cable and I'm still getting LTC in the right side, so maybe it's not only the camera side after all.
On the mixpre I can also hear it on the right side if I really boost the signal.
 
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Hmmm! Kinda' at a loss as to what else to suggest as it seems you have covered the most obvious bases. Post back if you do find a solution. Always curious when some of these curly questions pop up.

Chris Young
 
After more google searching I've found a few threads mentioning the same thing with various cameras and systems including RED and tentacle sync.
I also contacted Deity who basically said, it happens.

I can only conclude that there's no way to "fix" this issue.

As an interesting aside, you can get timecode bleed without even touching the camera/audio system! Both fascinating and infuriating.
I connected a Rode videomicro directly to camera and I had the BP-TRX disconnected but running TC. When I touched the + contact of the BP-TRX (even when not touching the mic, but close to it), I could hear the LTC signal through headphones! It's as if my body became a giant antennae.

I suppose this is a known issue no one talks about. I just wish the backup audio track could actually be used...

Right now I plan on the following for my b-cam A7SIII:
BP-TRX into with TC Voltage @ 0.5V > Volume control > Splitter
Rode Videomicro or other > Splitter
Splitter > Camera
Attenuate TC signal to -20db with mic peaking at -12db

I have tried a few short clips and the TC seems to read fine in Resolve.
The cheapo volume control is absolute trash for audio, but seems to be fine for LTC purposes.
 
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