Synchronisers: Accessories

Various attachments are available to extend the usefulness of a standard bench synchroniser.

Sound attachments for synchronisers

Many synchronisers have small magnetic soundheads attached to the second and subsequent sprockets. The front sprocket is normally used for picture and thus does not have a sound head attached to it. Instead, individual frame numbers are frequently marked on the leading edge of the front sprocket. The output of the magnetic heads attached to the other sprockets can be connected to a small amplifier and loudspeaker unit. Sound recorded on the various tracks used in the synchroniser can then be heard. The sound heads are used when synchronising rushes (see page 120) and when preparing a series of soundtracks.

Picture synchroniser

On standard gang synchronisers the only way of seeing the picture is to stop the motion of the synchroniser and examine the film with the aid of light from the glass panel under the synchroniser. “Picture” synchronisers have a small viewing screen above the front sprocket so that you can see a projected picture from the film placed in the front sprocket. These picture synchronisers are now coming into wide general use. Once you have used one you will find it quite indispensible.

Synchroniser accessories and attachments

Film footage and sometimes frame counters are standard fittings on synchronisers of all kinds. Though there are firms making motor attachments, synchronisers are perhaps best propelled by hand or driven by taking up slack film on reels placed on the right hand side of the synchroniser and gradually increasing the tension of the film until the wheels of the synchroniser begin to move. Motor drive units are available but as most of them drive the synchroniser and not the feed- and take-up reels their uses are limited. With practice you will find you can cut a film on a synchroniser alone. In television studios, where programmes often have to be produced against a very tight time schedule, there is sometimes no alternative.

SYNCHRONISERS

1. Four way gang synchroniser
Designed to hold four strips of film in synchronism. A footage or frame counter is standard equipment.

2. Four way picture synchroniser
Picture, in the front track, is illuminated by a small lamp (A) which shines through the film via a prism to a small screen. The lamphouse can be moved so that you can mark the film. Small magnetic soundheads are frequently set into the other tracks (B).