Tentacle Sync

Capabilities

The Tentacle Sync provides two capabilities to Pixelrush:

• Timecode — the device emits master timecode that Pixelrush reads over MTC (USB) or LTC (audio).
• Framerate — read automatically over MTC, or set manually on the connection over LTC.

Add the Tentacle Sync

The Tentacle Sync can deliver timecode to Pixelrush over MTC (USB) or LTC (audio). MTC requires less setup: framerate is carried in the stream, no audio interface is needed, and macOS's microphone permission gate does not apply. Use LTC if running USB to the Pixelrush machine isn't practical, or if timecode is already distributed through your audio chain.

MTC (USB)

Before connecting, enable MTC output on the Tentacle Sync; it is off by default. MTC output is only available on the SYNC E mk2 with firmware 1.2.1 or later. The toggle lives in the Tentacle Setup app (available for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows). Refer to the manufacturer's documentation for the current steps.

1. Connect the Tentacle Sync to the Pixelrush machine via USB.
2. Confirm the device appears as a MIDI port in macOS Audio MIDI Setup.
3. Open Settings → Connections.
4. Select Add Connection. If a Connection Type field appears, choose MIDI Timecode.
5. Fill in the form:
   • Connection Name — a short label, for example Tentacle MTC.
   • MIDI Input Port — select the port that corresponds to your Tentacle Sync.
6. Select Add Connection. The status indicator changes to Connected once Pixelrush opens the MIDI port.

LTC (audio)

1. Set the Tentacle Sync's 3.5 mm output to LINE (or AUTO) in the Tentacle Setup app — the output is switchable between AUTO, LINE, and MIC, and a mic-level signal will be too quiet for the LTC decoder to lock to.
2. Connect the Tentacle Sync's 3.5 mm output to a line-level input on your audio interface.
3. Open Settings → Connections.
4. Select Add Connection. If a Connection Type field appears, choose LTC Reader.
5. Fill in the form:
   • Connection Name — a short label, for example Tentacle LTC.
   • Audio Input — select the audio interface input carrying the LTC signal.
   • Framerate — select the framerate that matches your master timecode rate.
6. Select Add Connection. macOS may prompt for microphone access on first use — allow it. The status indicator changes to Connected once Pixelrush opens the audio input.

Verify the connection

On Settings → Connections, the row for the Tentacle Sync shows a live timecode value next to its name. The value updates in real time when frames are arriving. If it is frozen or blank, see the Troubleshooting guide.

Once the timecode value is running, assign this connection as the Timecode Source when you start or edit a session.