Deity Microphones, an audio model related to lighting producer Aputure, is called an reasonably priced different in an audio world dominated by manufacturers like Rode, Zaxcom, Denecke, Zoom, Tascam, Tentacle, Sony and others. Deity, for brief, makes quite a lot of wi-fi lavalier programs, growth microphones, and now, for the primary time, a wise board. Leap beneath to see the Good Slate TC-SL1.
First, can all of us agree that total the Good Slate or the Slate wanted an replace?
The Slate, the Timecode, and Why We Nonetheless Want It
You might recall {that a} whiteboard is a tool designed to synchronize audio and video in a movie, tv, or business manufacturing. A “dummy” board, generally known as a “clapper,” shows helpful post-production info equivalent to scene title, take quantity, manufacturing title, director and cinematographer’s title, and many others. A “sensible” board takes issues a step additional with the introduction of timecode synchronization by way of a small exterior timecode field mounted on the board, digital camera and audio mixing system.
From there, the timecode is synced wirelessly or by way of bodily related cables. Synchronized timecode permits the publishing workforce to robotically (or, relying in your software program, with the push of some buttons) match video information to audio information. The profit is that in bigger productions, dozens of cameras and a number of crews can seize audio on the identical time. Particularly on multi-camera tasks, timecode is 100% required at each step of manufacturing to keep away from doubtlessly expensive value overruns within the edit bay.
Additionally, generally a dummy board may be “owned” by the digital camera division, and the audio division may be the gatekeeper of the sensible board, however not at all times.
Okay, evaluate executed! Now let’s transfer on to the Deity TC-SL1 sensible board.
Film Charts: The Competitors
Whereas there could also be many manufacturers within the normal audio area, the sensible board market shrinks once we take into account solely these merchandise that may compete with the brand new TL-SL1. These could be sensible board units from Ambient Recording and Denecke, which retail for between $1,600 and $2,000. Did I miss out on different opponents? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
The draw back of these units is that they depend on costly disposable AA batteries or the necessity to join a separate exterior timecode system, which makes issues bulkier and fewer environment friendly. If you could join a separate system, then the sensible board acts extra like a display screen (increasing the definition of “sensible”).
The Deity TC-SL1 is designed to work along with (in a 2.4GHz radio ecosystem) the competitively priced $199 TC-1 timecode turbines, and you may learn extra about them HERE. Nonetheless, you need to use the 5-pin LEMO and 1/4″ TRS timecode ports to attach on to different frequent LTC-compatible timecode units. So you aren’t fully locked into the Deity ecosystem when you have already invested elsewhere with different programs.
Apparently, there appears to be a scarcity of Bluetooth adoption among the many competitors, whereas the TC-SL1 permits simple management as much as 250′ by way of the Sidus Audio app. Extra on that in a second.
First impressions
The record value of $999 appeared like a discount once I first took the glossy, milled aluminum Deity Microphones TC-SL1 out of its grey semi-hard case that additionally features a dry-erase marker (thanks!), two NP-F550 batteries, USB C cable, 1/4″ TRS to 5-pin LEMO cable, all lined by a 2-year restricted guarantee. There is a web on the case that might maintain additional batteries and cables, or you may even put some TC-1 timecode turbines in there.
The board is created from a single piece of aluminum and feels nice to the contact, with simply sufficient traction to make it much less prone to fall.
A small ledge on the again supplies a handy place for a second CA to carry the slate, and the ability button on the facet has a skid plate, stopping unintended energy on or off. Turning the slate round, you will see lockable doorways for the NP-550 batteries that take two hours to cost after which final a whopping 120 hours. The indicator lights on each side of the battery doorways present inexperienced if each batteries are offering energy to the board.
One other standout design function is the small display screen on the again of the system that reveals present settings (body price, battery life, Bluetooth indicator, and extra). Just a little toggle permits you to set all the things up manually when you favor to not use the Sidus Audio Bluetooth app. Having a guide management ought to ease the concern about your telephone operating out of battery in the course of a busy day of filming.
Should you’re taking pictures outside at midday, know that the timecode show on the entrance is extraordinarily shiny. To stop digital camera lens flare in a studio atmosphere, you may scale back the brightness of the display screen. My favourite function is likely to be the power to write down personalised quick messages on the whiteboard, giving the chance to impress the entire workforce by including the consumer’s firm title or manufacturing title. Creating that customized message takes only a few seconds within the app.
A sequence of small purple LED gentle dots on the high left or backside proper of the timecode show flash to let you understand when the slate is on. One other helpful function is a “flip” button on the facet that flips the timecode numbers with out having to flip the board. There isn’t any protecting slider over the rotary buttons, although, and I want Deity had additionally matched the slider design over the ability buttons to the rotary buttons, however that is a minor quibble.
One other potential design function might be to have a velcro dot or small strap for mounting a 3rd celebration timecode generator to the again of the TC-SL1 pill. I additionally perceive why Deity would have wished to maintain the clear look of the design intact.
Sidus Audio utility
Up to now, the discharge of the Sidus Hyperlink app for Aputure lighting merchandise has not been with out its bugs, and that was to be anticipated contemplating it was a brand new software program product for an organization not essentially recognized for software program design. I am completely satisfied to report that issues went far more easily with the Sidus Audio app on launch day; in fact, from a design perspective, much less complexity could now be required.
A fast guide Bluetooth reset on the Deity TC-SL1 meant that the app was capable of see the board instantly, together with three different TC1 timecode turbines on my Apple iPhone 14.
Having all my TC-1 containers in the identical group labored tremendous for my functions. For bigger tasks that require a number of digital camera crews taking part in in numerous areas, it’s possible you’ll wish to arrange your units in another way. Most of my time within the app was spent within the “units” menu, although you may choose the “workstation” menu to get a bigger scrollable show of your units in a given group.
By clicking “synchronize” within the app, all of your Deity units are put along with similar timecodes in only a few seconds. Clearly, this app will not work as effectively when you use a competitor’s product to jam your whiteboard. In that case, a fast visible verify will present that you just’re in sync.
last ideas on the board Deity TC-SL1
Up to now, the TC-SL1 Good Slate is a kind of uncommon product residence runs. It’s that effectively, and it invigorates a class of audio merchandise that hadn’t seen a lot iteration in years.
The TC-SL1 additionally does good issues for Deity, as its model attraction expands from simply content material creators to incorporate bigger productions. Nothing towards content material creators (as I write this!), however a broader attraction for Deity can solely serve the audio area as an entire.
What do you assume? Will you be including the brand new Deity Microphones record to your equipment? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
– Deity Microphones TC-SL1 Smart Timecode Slate Review
