synching a nagra tape deck with dp 4.52/motu 2408mk2

J.B. · Post by **J.B.** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:07 pm

i'm have no clue how to do this.
can someone direct me?

i would be much obliged.

supersonic · Post by **supersonic** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:28 pm

Which nagra is it?

J.B. · Post by **J.B.** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:35 pm

supersonic wrote:Which nagra is it?

nagra IV-S

rockitcity · Post by **rockitcity** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 3:07 pm

I'm working from memory here, so please forgive me if I have some of the details wrong...

I don't think the 2408 MkII has built-in sync capabilities. So first off, you'll have to have something like the MTP/AV synchronizer to convert SMPTE timecode to MIDI timecode and get it into the computer. Connect the SMPTE out from the Nagra to the SMPTE in of the MTP/AV. Connect word clock out of the MTP/AV to the word clock input of your 2408 Mk2.

If you are recording into Digital Performer, you'll need to set your sync source to SMPTE. If you have black-burst, you can run it to both the Nagra (I think it accepts black-burst; been a while...) as well as the MTP/AV and set the sync source to SMPTE/video. This will give you faster lock time.

If you are loading dailies for film, you have to find out from your film editor what the frame rate will be. Typically feature films are loaded in at 29.97 pull down, which gives you a sample rate of 47.952 for your audio. TV shows are usually at 29.97 non-pull down which is a straight 48k sample rate. These are issues for NTSC only. If you're working in PAL, you don't have to worry about pull-down; just record at 48k.

Will you have an EDL from the picture editor? Make sure you accurately label your scene and take. Also make sure your levels are adequate and consistent.

It may be more efficient to load your dailies with something like Final Cut Pro, as it has functions designed for this. Hand syncing a full show's worth of dailies to the picture editor's guide track is no fun, but if you are careful it can be done. I recommend doing a test reel for sync before you get too far into it to make sure you are resolved properly.

Hope this gives you an idea of the basics. Like I say, I may have some of the details wrong, but that should be the general idea.

Bob

supersonic · Post by **supersonic** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 1:32 am

A cheaper solution for smtp input would be the MOTU UltraLite firewire soundcard.

I suppose the nagra has the SMTP option fitted?