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Sync X - Help Understanding.
Hello all, I'm sorry for the (super basic) question. I really want to understand the Sync X line of devices, and I'm struggling to find online info or other forum threads which explain this.
In this hypothetical scenario, I want to set up a Pro Tools system for video post-production. I would have a: - Pro Tools machine - A Video I/O device like a Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K (for SDI/HDMI signal to a monitor) - An Audio Interface going into my speakers I'm assuming the Sync device somehow synchronises the Audio Interface to the Video I/O device, but I'm not 100% sure. How would the audio interface and video I/O devices sync together without drifting, without a Sync box? How is the Sync Box physically connected to the Video I/O and Audio Interface... Through SDI, XLR? Really appreciate any help!
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[email protected] https://philipkapadia.com/stuff Media Composer & Nexis Shared Storage ACSR |
#2
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
Here's a good primer for how to set it up
https://www.production-expert.com/pr...ools-explained (Note that the graphics in the article is missing an essential connection from the sync generator to the video hardware. They only show one "cable" to the sync device. Without it the setup does practically nothing. They should fix that. I think the text however is correct) Oh, and you need an AVID audio interface and HD card with the serial connection. The whole genlock setup won't work with a third party interface. The Sync X has the video sync generator built in. That's the main difference to what's described in the article.
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PTHDn 2024.3 (OSX13.6.5), 8x8x8, MacPro 14,8, AJA LHi, SYNC HD, all genlocked via AJA GEN10, 64GB RAM, Xilica Neutrino, Meyersound Acheron |
#3
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
Thanks for sending that. In short, I understood the setup would be:
Blackmagic Sync Generator - Sync X HDX - Sync X Sync x - Video BOB Sync x - Audio Interface Here's where I have further questions: Why do you need an HDX card to plug the sync generator into Pro Tools? I assume that allows Pro Tools to 'control' the device, change settings, etc? "hy do you need a 'sync generator' to plug into the Sync X - I thought the point of the Sync X was to generate that house sync signal? Which audio interfaces have BNC connections for video sync signals? Could you patch LTC through an audio interface's XLR, for example? Why couldn't you have just a video BOB with XLR outs, or just demux the audio out of the 16 channels of an SDI signal, instead of a separate audio interface and video BOB setup - I assume this setup would limit you from patching in outboard audio gear...?
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[email protected] https://philipkapadia.com/stuff Media Composer & Nexis Shared Storage ACSR |
#4
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
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Hope this helps
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Devin Emke Audio Post Production Saturday Night Live, NBC |
#5
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
That question has been plaguing me for years.
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~Will |
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
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As in: here's the frame edge, play your audio sample number XXXX and video frame XXX NOW! That's the main error in the article I posted. Without all connections and hardware attached the clock becomes useless. Yes it will send something to some of the hardware but they will not interlock unless every connection is made. Any yes, the SYNC X will spare you the extra generator but with a heavy price tag ;-) So for real frame edge interlock you need to go all in with AVID hardware. HDn card is minimum and an AVID audio interface and SYNC HD. And no, connecting wordclock only instead of video ref will not do the trick.
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PTHDn 2024.3 (OSX13.6.5), 8x8x8, MacPro 14,8, AJA LHi, SYNC HD, all genlocked via AJA GEN10, 64GB RAM, Xilica Neutrino, Meyersound Acheron Last edited by Frank Kruse; 03-21-2024 at 03:49 AM. |
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
You should also ask yourself if this something you really need. Many people use video playback from Pro Tools without a SyncX or Sync HD without any problems at all.
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
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Thanks, everyone, for explaining... In short, I understand this device is used to synchronise the clocks of video and audio hardware. E.G. a Blackmagic video BOB, and an Audio Interface. Are there other environments where this device is needed apart from the scenario I mentioned above? Quote:
But this kind of separate video I/O and audio I/O would be useful in a film voiceover suite where you need video I/O to feed reference monitors and displays for the talent and an audio interface to record... In that scenario I imagine you do need the Sync device. If HDX is PCIe, does that mean this Sync device only works on Windows workstations with PCIe ports, not Mac systems?
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[email protected] https://philipkapadia.com/stuff Media Composer & Nexis Shared Storage ACSR |
#9
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
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Devin Emke Audio Post Production Saturday Night Live, NBC |
#10
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Re: Sync X - Help Understanding.
No. HDX and HDn cards work in particular models of Sonnet thunderbolt/PCIe chassis. Either that or the Mac Pro. Both are options to run those cards (and therefore SyncHD/SyncX) with Macs. I'd dare say that is most of the re-recording stages using Pro Tools at this point.
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