Tentacle Sync Track E Pocket Audio Recorder Basic Box with Timecode Support (Recorder Unit Only), USB 2.0 Hardware Interface, 3.5mm Headphones Jack and 32GB Memory Storage Capacity

When gear works the way you hope it would, it’s a good feeling.

Simply to expensive for what it is.

Nothing tops the tentacle products for the price

RE: Version without Mic (Update for Max Input Level + Phase Issue)This works well with many Lav mics, like the Sennheiser ME2, ME4 or Countryman B3 (Wireless version) with 3.5mm TRS cables. The 32-bit float capability is the reason we obtained this to see what the benefits are. In this mode you may desire to establish the signal levels and set the variable gain for a nominal monitoring level. Overload will not result if the peak input rating is not exceeded (see below). The theoretical dynamic range of 32 bf is much greater than any microphone you will likely obtain or even the hardware limits of most devices. Lav mics need a bias voltage - check that yours is compatible. The recording gain can be adjusted from 6 to 46 dB and is highly effective in 24 bit mode. Note that max input Vrms is not specified. Our data shows that 480 mV rms (-6.38 dBV) is the maximum input level before clipping.We measured the bias voltage from the unit and current into some lav mics (using a custom test aid with another 1k resistor). This unit exhibits 4.72V no load and 4.2V when loaded with the Senn. ME2, less -0.2 V drop to the mic occurs due to our series resistor (0.2 mA current). [The Senn. EW-100 G3 transmitter generates 9.75V no load and about 5.9V to the mic by comparison.] The Countryman B3 is compatible – a B6 may require more bias.There's new firmware (10-25-2023) 2.3.1 Beta 3 available. According to a Factory Rep on 10-23-2023 for non-USA market this enables LTC feed through the headphone jack as recording (but not for USA devices). Other features and bugs fixes are included. We did not test the Beta iOS app. Note on the current iOS app 4.0.5: The FORMAT SD CARD button requires that you scroll up to access the actual button (took a long time to notice this).(Latest Firmware is 2.4.1 ; Latest iOS app is 4.2.3 as of 6-2024)Phase Measurements (6-2024)With asymmetrical periodic pulse inputs, it was noted that the recorded wav file is inverted from the microphone input polarity, as is the earphone output when pre-recording or in playback. Figure (upper pane) shows waveforms applied to the device from a laboratory pulse generator (500 Hz) and recorded by digital oscilloscope. This shows the headphone output during monitoring ( inverted phase). The bottom pane shows the resulting headphone output in playback, also inverted. Close examination of the waveform in a video editor shows the wav file does indeed have inverted polarity. The inverted phase may be an issue where multiple close mics (and Track-Es) are used and mixed in post. For many well-separated talents’ voices, this will not pose and issue.CONCLUSIONS: A good device for on-talent or remote recording with limitationsCONS• No live headphone monitoring output on USA devices when recording• Also, the new firmware will not allow USA users to output LTC on the HP jack when recording• The phase of the recording and earphone jack are also reversed phase of the incoming signal. This may not mix well with multiple close mic’d sources due to phasing.PROS• 32-bit float format allows a wide dynamic range the mic gain needs only to be in the ballpark for HP monitoring.• Used with Black Magic Designs Camera App for iPhone, this can be used as a sync source while recording remote audio.CAUTIONS• Note many Lav mics don't handle high SPLs well which may be the limiting feature of the 32-bit float method. A high output microphone could overload the input preamp in theory. The mic bias supply may be another limiting feature with some mics.• Be sure your microphone does not produce more than -6.4 dBV (480 mv) or else distortion may result even in 32 bit mode.6/2024