Timecode in audio input?

[UncleKenny]

Hi, sound mixer here. I've worked with a guy who owns an arri alexa mini bedore, and couldn't get my timecode to work properly. I Tried both denecke and tentacle synch.

I'm working with him again tomorrow, and want a concrete solution. I'm considering letting the arri generate the timecode, and jamming it to my tentacle and sound recorder. But I was also wondering: would it work if I plugged the 5-pin lemo into the audio input instead of the timecode input? I've been scouring the internet for hours and can't find an answer specific to the alexa mini. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Andreas Berkl]

Dear UncleKenny,

we have heard of problems with certain devices in JAM SYNC. Did you try REGEN? This usually works without problems.

You may record the (LTC) timecode as an audio track in-camera, but you would need a matching cable since it is not the same connector as the TC I/O.

Best regards.

[ngocnhungplaza]

I've run into similar issues with the Alexa Mini in the past. Plugging timecode into the audio input won’t work—Alexa Mini doesn’t read LTC from the audio input like some other cameras. You’ll need to use the dedicated 5-pin LEMO timecode port for proper sync.

Your idea of jamming the Tentacle and recorder from the Alexa Mini is solid. Just make sure the Alexa is set to Timecode > Jam Sync mode and keep an eye on the drift if it's a long shoot. Also, double-check cable integrity—bad cables cause more problems than you'd expect.

[Andreas Berkl]

Dear UncleKenny & NgocNhung,

seems like now I get the point: Recording an LTC - which is an analog audio signal - is possible for sure. However for the camera it is just like it: An analog audio signal. This can be used in post production like for cameras that don't have a timecode at all.

To record "real" timecode in camera, you need to use the 5-pin TC connector.
Hope this helps!

Best regards.