How to Set Up Timecode for a Multi-Camera Shoot

If your editor is still lining up claps by eye, you're burning hours you don't need to burn. On a two-camera interview it's an annoyance. On a multi-cam shoot with separate audio and a full day of footage, it's a genuine cost.

Timecode fixes this. Here's what it is, what you need, and how to set it up.

What timecode actually is

Timecode is a clock — a continuously running time signal, in hours:minutes:seconds:frames — stamped onto every camera and recorder on your shoot.

When every device carries the same clock, your editing software can line up every clip automatically, to the frame. No claps, no waveform matching, no guessing.

The catch: every device's internal clock drifts. Left alone, two cameras started at the same time will slowly fall out of step over a long shoot day. Timecode gear exists to give them all a shared, accurate clock and keep them locked to it.

What you need

1. Timecode generators (one per device) Small boxes that attach to each camera and recorder and feed them the shared clock. Products like the Deity TC-1 are built for this — you jam them all to the same time, then attach one to each device.

2. A timecode slate (optional, but very useful) A digital slate displays the running timecode on camera. It gives you a visual reference, and it's a lifesaver on any device that can't accept timecode directly — the camera sees the time even if it can't record it as metadata.

3. The right cables Every camera has a different timecode input — some use a dedicated TC port, some use the audio input, some need an adapter. Check what your camera accepts before shoot day.

The jam sync workflow

"Jam sync" means setting all your timecode boxes to the same clock, once, at the start of the day.

1. Power everything on — all timecode boxes, cameras and recorders.
2. Set the master. Choose one timecode box as the master and set the time of day and frame rate.
3. Jam the others. Connect each remaining box to the master (or link them wirelessly, depending on the system) so they all take on the master's clock.
4. Attach one box to each device — cameras and audio recorders.
5. Confirm the device is reading it. On camera, check that the timecode display shows the running external time, not its own.
6. Roll. Every clip now carries the same clock.
7. Re-jam if needed. Over a very long day, or after batteries change, re-jam to correct drift.

Frame rate: the mistake that ruins everything

Every device must be on the same frame rate. A camera at 25fps and one at 24fps will not sync properly no matter how good your timecode is.

Set your project frame rate first, then set every camera, recorder and timecode box to match it. Confirm it, don't assume it — a single mismatched camera means manual syncing for that entire angle.

Do you actually need timecode?

Yes, if: you shoot multi-cam regularly, record audio separately (double-system sound), work on film, OTT, documentary or long-form interviews, or you're paying an editor by the hour.

Probably not, if: you're a solo creator recording audio into the camera, or you shoot single-cam with in-camera sound. In that case your audio is already synced by definition.

The honest test: how much time does your post team spend syncing? If it's more than a few minutes a project, timecode pays for itself quickly.

Still use the clap

Timecode is reliable, but batteries die and cables come loose. Slate the take anyway. It costs a second and gives you a fallback if a device silently drops sync.

What we stock

Browse timecode & sync — timecode generators, boxes and slates from Deity, including the TC-1 kit and the TC-SL1 timecode slate.

All genuine, authorized-dealer stock with India warranty, GST invoice and expert support.

Not sure what your cameras accept? Message our recordists on WhatsApp with your camera models and we'll spec the right timecode chain — boxes, cables and all — before you buy.