Mic Pro: Timecode Mode

Mic Pro: Timecode Mode

Applicable Models: Mic Pro

Mic Pro supports professional linear timecode (LTC) synchronization, enabling accurate synchronization of media recorded by multiple cameras and multiple microphones, thus greatly improving post-production efficiency for scenarios such as filmmaking, interviews, and live streaming. This article describes how to use the Timecode Mode.

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How to enable the timecode

1. Swipe down from the top of the receiver touchscreen to enter the Control Center, then tap "Timecode".
2. Select "ON" to enable the timecode feature. Once enabled, the timecode value will start running automatically.
3. Tap the "Refresh" button on the right to reset the timecode and restart timing.

Please note:

• The timecode feature requires the receiver firmware to be updated to the latest version. You can update the firmware via the Insta360 app (Refer to Mic Series: How to Update Firmware for Transmitter, Receiver, and Charging Case).
• When the timecode is enabled, audio output will occupy one channel (usually the right channel). Before formal shooting, record a short test clip of 10-30 seconds to confirm that the voice is unaffected and the timecode is correctly embedded in the audio track.
• If the camera does not support automatic LTC metadata writing, the timecode can still be used for syncing media in post-production software via the audio track.

Timecode Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Supported frame rates	23.98F, 24F, 25F, 29.97F, 29.97DF, 30F, 30DF, 50F, and 60F
Timecode accuracy	Deviation less than 1 frame within 24 hours
Input signal type	LTC (Linear Timecode)
Input port	3.5mm TRS jack
Maximum input voltage	+6dBu
Output signal type	LTC (Linear Timecode) and Audio-TC (Audio Timecode)
Output port	3.5mm TRS jack and USB-C port

How to set the Timecode Sync Mode

After enabling the timecode feature, tap "Timecode Sync Mode" to choose from the following 4 modes.

Mode	Applicable Scenarios & Description
N/A	The receiver acts only as an independent clock source for internal timing, without inputting or outputting timecode signals. This mode is only effective for connected transmitters and is suitable for scenarios where transmitters perform standalone internal recording and no external camera sync is needed.
L-IN (Line In)	This mode is used to input an LTC timecode signal from an external timecode generator (e.g., Tentacle Sync, Deity TC-1) to achieve Jam Sync (Master Timecode Sync). The receiver will automatically read and synchronize to the external timecode.
L-OUT (Line Out)	The receiver outputs timecode signals externally as Linear Timecode (LTC).
A-OUT (Audio Out)	The receiver outputs timecode signals externally as Audio Timecode (Audio-TC/ATC).

Please note:

• Timecode signals typically occupy the left channel, while the right channel records voice or ambient sound normally. In post-production, you can separate the timecode signal from the vocal track in editing software such as DaVinci Resolve.
• When connecting to an Insta360 camera, connect the receiver to the camera's microphone input port using a 3.5mm TRS cable. We recommend you select the L-OUT Mode. If you are using a standard digital camera, a Mic Adapter is required for proper operation.

How to set the frame rate

1. The selected frame rate must match the actual recording frame rate of the camera.
2. When multiple devices are recording together, the frame rates of all devices must be identical to avoid alignment issues in post-production.
3. After saving the settings, the receiver will automatically output timecode in LTC format (audio signal).

FAQ

1. How many timecode modes does Mic Pro support?

Mic Pro offers two timecode modes: Master Run and Auto Jam.

Please note:

• When multiple receivers are used together, enabling timecode on one receiver will cause the other(s) to automatically synchronize their clocks.
• The receiver defaults to Master Run. When an external timecode generator is connected, it automatically switches to Auto Jam.

2. Why is there a rhythmic buzzing sound in the media after the timecode is enabled?

This is normal. When the timecode feature is enabled, the device continuously outputs a regular timecode sync signal, which can interfere with the recorded sound, producing a fixed-rhythm low-frequency hum or buzz.

If you need to keep the timecode feature but do not want to hear the buzz in the final video, we recommend removing it after recording using third-party audio/editing software such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Audition.

3. Which timecode sync mode should I choose for different shooting scenarios? What are the recommended frame rate settings?

We have compiled a full-scenario mode and frame rate adaptation guide for you to choose directly based on your shooting needs:

Application Scenario	Recommended Timecode Mode	Recommended Frame Rate Setting
Single-camera shooting with only the internal recording enabled; no external camera sync required	N/A	No special requirement; only matching the camera's recording frame rate is required
An external timecode generator present; the microphone acting as a receiver syncing to external master timecode	L-IN	Exactly matching the frame rate of the external timecode generator (common values: 25fps/30fps/29.97fps)
Multi-camera shooting, microphone acting as the master clock source, and cameras equipped with a 3.5mm mic jack supporting LTC timecode	L-OUT (preferred)	For shooting in China or Europe, 25fps is preferred; for shooting in North America or short-form video shooting, 30fps is preferred
Multi-camera shooting; cameras equipped with only a standard 3.5mm audio jack not supporting LTC timecode	A-OUT (Wider compatibility)	25fps or 30fps is preferred; the frame rate setting must exactly match the camera's recording frame rate

4. What is the difference between "fps" and "DF" in timecode? Which scenarios are they suitable for?

Using the most common 30fps and 30DF as examples, here is a clear comparison of their core differences and applicable scenarios, together with recommendations for Mic Pro:

Item	30fps (Non-Drop Frame, NDF)	30DF (Drop Frame, DF)
Counting rule	Strictly counts frame by frame from 00:00:00:00 to 00:00:00:29, never skipping any frame number	Skips two frame numbers (frames 00 and 01) per minute (e.g., from 00:01:00;00 directly to 00:01:00;02); only corrects the displayed time and does not delete frames
Time accuracy	The timecode deviates from actual time; about 3.6 seconds difference per hour	The timecode is nearly identical to the actual time with an error less than 0.1 seconds
Applicable Scenarios	Web videos, short-form videos, vlogs, cinematic content, non-broadcast programs, and personal creations where exact duration is not critical	Broadcast television, news, live streaming (North America / Japan / South Korea), long-form content, multi-camera production, program broadcasting, and professional programs requiring strict synchronization with actual time
Recommendations for Mic Pro	Everyday shooting, social media content sharing, and non-broadcast programs	Connecting to professional cameras, broadcast-grade recording, and multi-camera timecode synchronization

5. Why does the timecode not match the system time of my phone or camera?

This is normal. Timecode is designed to achieve frame-level synchronization across multiple devices and clips. Its timing logic differs from that of real-world clocks or system time. After long recording sessions, a slight deviation may occur. We recommend restarting the timecode feature periodically to recalibrate the timing, which will reduce the error.