1

I have a video clip with an audio track that has a recording of SMPTE linear timecode. I would like to apply a real timecode to the video, derived from this audio track so that I can more easily sync up the video to an audio clip later on.

I've read that older versions of Premiere Pro can't handle timecode in audio this way. Can the current version (CC 2019) do it? If so, how? Thank you.

1 Answer 1

4

Premiere Pro does not currently read audio timecode, I wish it did as it would solve a lot of problems. There are a couple options but either mean longer work flow and or costs money depending on your situation.

If you have Tentacle Sync hardware, you get a license for Tentacle Sync Studio for Mac or Tentacle Timecode Tool for PC which can overwrite your file embedding the audio timecode as file timecode.

Another paid software is LTC Convert from VideoToolShed. It does a much better job of converting timecode than the Tentacle Timecode Tool can do for PC (TTC tool will not covert 10-bit footage) using ALL-I codec on GH5 and the codec used for 10-bit on the Sony FS7 (and possibly the FS9).

The last option and this one is free, but means more workflow, Davinci Resolve (free version) will allow you to convert your audio timecode and then re-export the footage to use in Premiere Pro.

Me personally, I am going to spend the 135euros for LTC convert for the next big project I need to shoot. The demo version is free and you can convert one file at a time using the demo version.

Maybe someday, Adobe will get with the real world and be able to read audio timecode.

3
  • Thanks for the advice! I've since switched to Davinci Resolve anyway (when possible), as Premiere Pro has been incredibly buggy. I didn't think to check there for the timecode options yet. Will check it out soon!
    – Brad
    Jan 29, 2020 at 22:22
  • 1
    does anyone know whether premiere has this feature yet?
    – tomh
    Apr 8, 2021 at 19:16
  • I'd be very cautious about the videotoolshed ltc product. Its pretty unstable. We've had to give up on it, because on a pc , it crashes pretty consistently when reading LTC (as in the whole program locks up and fades out). It might be OK on a mac, but I see no evidence that its actually useable on PC (We've tried this on multiple machines). Unless the non-demo version "unlocks" not crashing, we noped out of buying it. YMMV
    – Shayne
    Sep 20, 2021 at 10:35

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.