Basic question about a Zoom H6 I cannot find an answer to

[Brian Reynolds]

The zoom H6 does NOT have time code function anywhere in the machine.
What it does have is a time of day in the meta data files.

[Noam Osband]

If bring an audio clip into FCP X, there is time code in it and it is not starting at 00:00:00. Thoughts?

[Richard Crowley]

Not enough information. Since the timecode is NOT coming from the Zoom recorder where IS it coming from? You have revealed nothing about what camera(s) you are using or how you have them connected to the Zoom recorder. It sounds like you are feeding timecode from your camera(?) into the recorder, in which case the solution has nothing to do with the Zoom recorder, but rather with the camera (or whatever source the timecode is coming from).

It might also be helpful to know why you think that timecode starting from zero would be an advantage?

———————————————————————————
Recording audio without metering and monitoring is exactly like framing and focusing without looking at the viewfinder.

[Noam Osband]

So, I am taking files from the Zoom and using those alone. I’m not linking it to anything. And after either uploading them to Trint for transcription or putting it into FCP X, the file is showing me time code. I’m giving a screenshot.

The advantage would be working with transcripts. If every clip started at 00:00 it would make transcript making easier which would make it easier to cut the audio. I’m doing some podcasting work, but I like cutting audio in FCP X cause of the metadata functions available.

Is this enough? Let me know if you need anything more.

[Al Bergstein]

With all due respect, given that the Zoom is not taking it’s time code in a way you need, perhaps this is simply a problem of not being clear with your requirements before buying it. I was curious about your original question because I own both a Zoom H5 and F8. The H5 has no way to *reset* the time counter (maybe if I reset the clock every time, but it still would default to a time of day not a counter. The F8 has timecode and you can set and reset it without plugging in a TC generator. So while it would unlikely be exact if your needs are simply to get the numbers cleaner, you could reset before every take. I assume other higher end recorders have this function also. Sounds like you might want to sell this current model and get one that has the features you need. Hope this helps! All the best!

Al

[Richard Crowley]

Is you interest focused only on the small transcribing segment of the production workflow?
What was the production workflow planning? How is camera and picture and sound editing using this timecode?
Who is using the timecode to sync sound and picture? What do they have to say about diddling the timecode?

We still have not the slightest clue WHERE the timecode is coming from, or HOW it is getting into your files?
Do you have no visibility into other parts of the production?
Perhaps you should ask in an FCP forum how to reset the timecode of a clip?
Or ask the transcription service to use clip running-time rather than timecode for their cue numbers?
Although that would seem to throw a big monkey wrench into writing and editorial.

———————————————————————————
Recording audio without metering and monitoring is exactly like framing and focusing without looking at the viewfinder.

[Bouke Vahl]

Make a copy to a new wav with a simple sound editor, that will strip off the TC
or
Use WaveAgent to reset the TC
or
tell the transcript house to work zero based

hth

Bouke
http://www.videotoolshed.com

[Zac Durant]

Hi,

Similarly, I have a zoom H6 paired with my Sony A7RIII recording on an Atomos Ninja Flame in Apple PRr Res HQ. I See the flame has a time code function but I am not sure how I can take advantage of it to simplify my post audio sync workflow. It should also be noted that I am recording 1 stereo track and 2 mono tracks that need to be linked to a single video clip. I have about 100 clips… Right now I am using Plural Eyes but the mono tracks are preventing me from linking them to the video since my sequence is in stereo. Any workflow insight is much appreciated.

-Zac Durant

[Noam Osband]

So I’ve looked into this….and there is no way to do timecode with a Zoom6. Just isn’t possible. I even called the company to check.

[Bouke Vahl]

Of course there is. Put LTC on one of the channels.

Not the most logical way, but hey, you want a cheap recorder, you get a cheap recorder.

Bouke
http://www.videotoolshed.com