The PERFECT Pocket Audio Recorder: TRACK E from Tentacle Sync

Review of the Tentacle Sync TRACK E, an incredible pocket audio recorder with 32-bit floating-point technology and timecode support.
🔗 Check out Storyblocks: www.storyblock...
🛒 Tentacle TRACK E: geni.us/JZLLaD
🛒 Gear I Use to Make Videos: bit.ly/3RlRmgx
🟣 Gerald Undone Merch: bit.ly/2ViBkcV
Review of the Tentacle Sync TRACK E, an incredible pocket audio recorder with 32-bit floating-point technology and timecode support.
=============================
Table of Contents:
=============================
0:00 - Intro & Disclosure
0:42 - Unboxing, Specs, & Setup
3:40 - Basic Operation
6:44 - 32-Bit Float Demonstration
8:52 - A Note on Timecode Syncing
9:27 - My Use Case / Perfect for Me
10:49 - Lav Mic Quality & Comparison
11:58 - Plug-in Power & Booming
13:21 - Noise Floor & Self-Noise
13:56 - Final Thoughts
14:57 - Outtakes
=============================
Gear Used to Make This Video:
=============================
Camera: geni.us/KVz6Au
Lens: geni.us/LB7iE
Microphone: geni.us/I40Dn
Recorder: geni.us/ZLyb
Key Light: geni.us/AQto9
Complete Gear List: kit.co/GeraldU...
=============================
Best Deals for Camera Gear
=============================
Gear Focus Marketplace: geni.us/gearfo...
Amazon Top Deals: amzn.to/3d9tdT4
B&H Deal Zone: bhpho.to/2SCDrnj
=============================
Music:
=============================
I use Artlist for my background music needs. Use this link to get two extra months when signing up: bit.ly/2TV5sYT
=============================
Follow Me:
=============================
Twitter: / geraldundone
Instagram: / geraldundone
Discord: / discord
=============================
Patreon & PayPal:
=============================
If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can use my Patreon page here: / geraldundone
Or directly via PayPal here: www.paypal.me/...
This is appreciated, but unnecessary, and no content will ever be behind a paywall.
=============================
Affiliate Links:
=============================
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
🛒 Amazon: geni.us/1m1G32
🛒 B&H Photo: bhpho.to/2MYRKBE
=============================
Recommended Channel Tools:
=============================
💬 Closed captioning provided by ONEXTRA: onextra.ca
🚩 If you're a fellow KZbinr, I highly recommend you try TubeBuddy. It's helped my channel immensely: www.tubebuddy....
=============================
#tentaclesync #tracke #audio

[@isaacbedford3644]

Everyone should know that the headphone out is disabled on the U.S. models. They're working on a live-monitoring solution via Bluetooth.

[@geraldundone]

Oh really? Is that because of that patent? I thought that was only for wireless, but I could see how this would apply. Thanks for the heads-up! 👍

[@cbob213]

Hmmm, why is that?

[@cbob213]

Oh, it looks like Mr Undone beat me to it

[@87solarsky]

@@geraldundone yes, one of them pseudo-inventions...

[@isaacbedford3644]

@@geraldundone Yes, it's because of a patent. Look at the bottom of this page. tentaclesync.com/track-e

[@curtisjudd]

Nice coverage of a great recorder - thanks Gerald! One note on setting gain - it may still be worth setting the gain on the app even in 32-bit float mode - worth some additional testing on that front to see whether the gain is analogue or digital post gain. If it is analogue, the character of the sound will potentially change at higher gain settings as the preamp saturates a bit. Also, a lot of that noise floor will drop with a high pass filter in case people are concerned about that.

[@denverbailey]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@AdrianChoPhotography]

Absolutely true. Tonal changes with gain on preamps is something many musicians are quite familiar with.

[@cameranerdsmedia]

The audio god is here 🙌

[@mmargan]

The noise floor seems a bit high though, it would be interesting to compare it to Tascam DR-10L or some similar audio recorder.

[@curtisjudd]

@@mmargan Lavalier mics often produce more self noise than booms so I suspect it will have a lot to do with which mic is used.

[@GrantStinnett]

The commentary from Make Art Now just popping in randomly and casually like that is possibly the best thing I’ve ever seen in a gear review video.

[@Jason-hc5qx]

i like the general direction geralds taking his channel, more comedic and self aware

[@MiaogisTeas]

You must be new 😉 Gerald started off with comedy. He's honestly one of the funniest people on YT but his tech reviews are my favourite too.

[@cameraconspiracies]

I learn more from shouting Gerald.

[@stefanexplores]

This.

[@ju2705s]

What did he said?

[@mattjakubowski1154]

Maybe we can learn more from you if you shout too.

[@danjohnson4824]

No Tony’s here ... champ! 🤣

[@garrickmusic]

Can't wait to see your take on this product! Will you like it better than your sennheiser lav? Maybe Gerald can loan you one to try? :)

[@MAKEARTNOWCHANNEL]

Welp. still, don't have my mic. Just sayinnnnnnn

[@CollinShook]

I just saw him jump in a hot air balloon, probs headed your way!!

[@jdlmediaco3541]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@premiumparis]

How’s the springles ? 🤪

[@mistercohaagen]

Give me back my son!

[@desmondmacnamara6068]

STEAL. MICS. NOW.

[@evilarhan1]

Curtis Judd's videos about 32-bit float recording when it came out on the Zoom F6 had lots of shouting too, and it was genuinely hilarious to hear him yelling, given his usual demeanour in his videos. More shouty content please.

[@johnbernard6734]

No Marvel movies this year, but with guest appearances and cameos, we have the Undone Cinematic Universe building out nicely.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Gerald is Star Lord, man.

[@StetsonDoggett]

These videos just keep. Getting. Better. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@mattalber]

Thanks again Gerald! Just snagged me one of these little guys. I'm shooting a documentary series as a one-man-crew and realized there were a few more interview questions I wish I'd asked of one of the subjects. She lives out of state and now I have a solution for getting some great audio from her while I interview her over the phone. Just gonna send this TrackE to her and have her record herself and then pop it back in the mail to me. Sure beats flying back to Alabama with my gear!

[@KYLERHOLLAND]

I'm Gerald Undone and I shout in all my intros.

[@jabottom]

I also really enjoy how several videos have you reacting to packaging or equipment moving on its own by stopping and staring at it for a second. It’s a little touch, but it adds a tinge of comedy to your videos and style, and I like it. There is a good example in one of the studios undone videos somewhere that I remember laughing about as you pretended to dock points. It may have been Josh’s.

[@yucafries7681]

32 bit float is fantastic bc it means analog gain staging becomes about audio quality and not just about avoiding digital clipping

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

Mine show up today!!! Ordered them as soon as the webpage went live.

[@hariprudhvi9175]

Congratulations on 200k man!!⚡❣️

[@MattColbo]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO GERALD LOVED THE AD READ CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE SHOUTING CONTENT

[@SamEmilio2]

“I’m Gerald Undone, and you know I like me some purple”

[@pedromeditsch8612]

I own a Tascam DR-10L (I guess this is the one you mentioned) and I absolutely love it! I does not offer 32bit recording, but you can record two tracks simultaneosly with different levels (-6 or -12dB) and also use limiters and low-cut filters, so it's pretty safe. One thing I like about it is the small screen from which you can control all your settings without the need for any apps. I really like how it sounds too... I have the impression that it's a little brighter on the high frequencies than the TRACK E. It's also a lot cheaper, at $200. I am fan of these tiny recorders because they are easier to trust than wireless systems, and I was surprised to see that only a small number of people knew about them!! While everyone was going nuts with the Rode Wireless Go, Matt from Matt WhoIsMatt Johnson was already using the Tascam for wedding shoots. Gerald, do you thinks it's worth the time to make a comparison between the TRACK E, the DR-10L and the new Zoom F2? I'd love to see it!! Great vid, keep up the good work, love your stuff!

[@Rutgervano]

Can you also review the upcoming Zoom F2? It has about the same functionality and is just announced. Also it is half the price :D

[@PerryMulder]

this will be interesting, also since the price of the zoom f2 is cheaper

[@bentomlin]

But does it have Bluetooth timecoding?

[@MrDivinemethod]

@@bentomlin they have a Bluetooth version that supports Bluetooth time coding.

[@ALMFoster]

Second this - would love to see these two devices go head to head, Undone style!

[@followtheboat]

Was searching the comments for this request. Also interested in a comparison 👍

[@Jbobonline]

I really think your channel has become my favorite. Rock on.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

These look awesome, Gerald! I could see deploying these all over the place for on-set live foley recording of a scene. The RODE Wireless GO in my first tricks video does alright until you start using 4+ of them in one scene with all the receivers going into a bag. But this... this changes the game with that 32-bit float feature! Thanks for always giving us the best! Greetings from the USA!

[@andreasbuder4417]

Hey there TLDR, nice to see you here :-) Greets from Germany!

[@HesitateFPS]

I think you've made my decision for me, I was leaning more towards the Zoom F2 with Bluetooth when they announced it.. but wow the Tentacle Track E is something else. Awesome comparison!

[@joenicklo]

Looking forward to more recorders having 32 bit float. Could see it really coming in handy for motorsports work where you never know when things are going to get extremely loud. I cant tell you how many times I'm recording a time sensitive interview at a track and some clown drives by us and revs their car thinking they're funny while the entire crew just looks at each other like "yep....that's gonna clip".

[@therealrealshocker]

🤣

[@keith-knittel]

Just made a video about a car, used a lav mic + recorder to record the exhaust sound while the car was moving. My first attempt was completely clipped - these probably would have come in handy with the 32-bit float. Not trying to be lazy with audio but as a one-man band most of the time - that would be pretty nice to have that safety

[@therealrealshocker]

💯

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Congrats on hitting 200,000+ subscribers. And great review. A great price for a 32-bit recorder, too.

[@damianseals]

dude that ad read was insane, you shouted and still no clipping whatsoever, 32 bit float is crazy

[@garrickmusic]

Sooooo glad I saw this video about this product that I had never heard of. I was looking at getting the Moman C2 wireless system after seeing a review on it, but I am sure this will be several times better to use and then worth the much extra $.

[@Sirnewtzz]

Lmfaooo I paused the video at 0:17 just to tell you that your intro is the best intro on KZbin. That was funny and im subscribing right now!

[@groovexmedia]

LMAO on the Make.Art.Now cameo 🤣 what a great product and again great video!

[@TheGalacticWest]

i love these crossovers

[@AlexTheGreatish]

Haha that Make Art Now part really got me

[@samuelsulaiman]

wow that sounds incredible. You got a good sounding lav in the package as well

[@dunnadidit]

This is very cool! I’ve been using the deity recorder/Tx for this but it’s quite bulky. Seems like a great solution!

[@cbob213]

These actually look really nice. I've used Lavs on people and just loaded up a recording app on their phone before just to make things easier. But that 32bit float is pretty nice, and somewhat more professional that telling talent to use their own phone and then send you the files when you're done 🤣 Great work Gerald. Grats on 200k

[@JonBear]

Gerald wins best Adread of 2020. And now I really really want this recorder

[@360fullhd]

11:16 that was EPIC I can't stop laughing !

[@TwaynePereira]

Honestly, as someone who does weddings, docs and interviews this does seem like the perfect solution. Normally I'd run the receivers and booms to a Zoom H6, so I could monitor. But with 32bit float I can set it and forget it and paired with the jam sync module post-production would be a breeze.

[@OmarSpruell]

I’m sold on this. Thank you!

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Bro, so good... I’m buying a couple for my weddings. Thanks Gerald!

[@aytothemm.1035]

Just what i needed for my new podcast show. Thanks mane! Bth i always smile on your intro when you say “lets get undone” best marketing slogan

[@DennisSchmitz]

Already have the Tentacle Sync E. These will be the perfect addition!

[@DennisSchmitz]

Included mic sounds quite good. Nice!

[@VideoBaseie]

The one thing i love with wireless audio is just the confidence check it gives you. Many times I've been able to catch issues like wind noise, or clothes ruffling while monitoring. This would be my only fear with the Track E. If you could monitor the audio somehow i'd be sold

[@osric70]

Agreed 100%. I'm failing to see the advantage. There are a couple of field devices which have 32 bit float.

[@tentaclesync3893]

You can monitor your audio on the App via BT, a bit of a delay but to check the audio it works

[@MiaogisTeas]

Dude! I'm putting together a motorcycle roadtrip vlog and was stressing over sound recording - I think you (and this product) just saved my arse!

[@mrspeeddemon727]

Purple is my favorite color too. This looks like a cool little device. I think you've convinced me to get one.

[@tobiasjones7242]

Josh Yo's cameo was comedy gold! That audio recorder looks amazing

[@TomaszBrodecki]

Thanks for the video, best sponsor plug I've seen :D

[@jannikjacyhde4711]

YAY you reached 200k followers! so deserved!

[@geoffreybassett6741]

Thanks for the incredible overview on these, will definitely be getting them.

[@Praxiszooms]

you are so enthusiastic! I love your videos and how you present yourself and the content in front of the camera! Because of you I also purchased a Teleprompter :D.

[@SavageWindsFilms]

These look incredible! I'm a one man team: I don't want to have to be a "pro" audio guy; I just want pro audio. Thanks for putting in the effort on these videos, and congrats on the 200K! Well deserved!

[@johnmellor932]

Know that nothing replaces experience. Mic placement and pro lavs (which cost more than these things) are still crucial. I'm buying these up but I'm a sound engineer and location sound recordist but only because it solves many problems other than clipping. For me it's not having to deal with the mine field of radio frequencies. Not being able to monitor live would have been a massive deal breaker had they not solved it with blu tooth. I wouldn't touch them otherwise.

[@JasonOFlaherty]

The Zoom F2 with 32bit was just released. I'd be interested to see a comparison

[@Free__Speech]

The build quality of Zoom F2 is poor

[@chrisbrockhurst]

This is an interesting little mic, I'm assuming the Tascam you're referring to is the Tascam DR-10L? The extra features on this definitely make it seem more appealing though, might nab a couple these for Weddings. Also worth pointing out that the Tascam does record at dual levels simultaneously so clipping never really is an issue, its not 32bit mind you!

[@Nighthawkinlight]

I'm happy with the dr-10L's myself. I appreciate the 10L's screen with all functions available without other devices. Enough of my gear is competing to have their app up on my phone to not need another.

[@mfreeman313]

Got a DR10L not long ago, used it once in the field for a personal project and it worked out fine. If you can't monitor then obviously simple-to-use dual-level is key. But 32-bit floating point is huge. It enables you to take chances you couldn't afford to before and be confident it's probably going to work out.

[@benpossehl]

Impeccable timing with the release of the new Zoom F2 which also records audio at 32-bit float for only $150

[@twosheafilms]

I freaking LOVE Josh Yo coming in!!! Hilarious!!

[@marcusrudd6675]

"I'm Gerald Undone and I'm head over heels in love with the bromance between me and MAKEARTNOW" - seriously you guys are adorable

[@robertfeliciano5723]

Zoom F2 with similar features at $199 was JUST announced. I'd like to see a comparison.

[@starpilotalliance]

I thought these would be a hundred bucks or something. $350...

[@tbip2001]

Wow just learnt about the zoom f2. That's a game changer for those on a budget.

[@Mustaferrr]

I was debating whether to get this to use with my Deity Mic as a potential boom setup and low and behold you literally do that exact thing in this video. Thanks for reading my mind again Gerald 🙃

[@danasuechilds]

Always entertaining when you bring in Josh! Love it! I like the blooper reals.

[@CallMeChato]

They look like the Tascam guts with extra electronics. I love my Tascams but this looks like a great upgrade. I prefer the wireless-less mics also. So much less grief. Thanks.

[@photojoseph]

Very nice. Just don’t forget to hit record! That’s why I like the wireless rig; the receiver goes into the camera or recorder, so that’s one less thing to have to worry about when shooting. But these are brilliant and timecode makes everything better.

[@jeanpierreisyou2]

32-bit float is incredible for field recording, especially for gun shots and explosions! Back in the day recording those sounds for film needed a limiter like the Magna-Tech 31b, that ran on 160vdc for massive analog headroom, to be able to capture those levels. Avid just dropped their Carbon interface with 32-bit float as well. Seems like the industry is moving forward with it and that's a great thing!

[@johnmellor932]

But you would still need a limiter in post because you would have to bring it right down with clip gain to reveal all the peaks leaving nothing of the body of the SFX, so you may as well record with a limiter, because the end is the same.

[@alesko5]

Congrats on 200K - woohoo!!!

[@insanejughead]

Gerald:. I have found the perfect device! *It has wires* The tech-obsessed world: 😳😱🤯

[@petero1068]

Congrats on the 200k subs. 32 bit is the dynamic range for audio. R.I.P MixPre II

[@johnmellor932]

Not sure about anywhere else. But in Europe they've released the 'Basic Box' version. It comes without the Lav and accessories. You just get the Track E. But it's a £100 cheaper. Useful if you don't need their lavs. Also it now has blu tooth monitoring.

[@stevenkralovec]

Whoa that device sounds very appealing! Also this video was hilarious. So good with the Josh Yeo bits, also great ad read 😂

[@gomezcreativemedia]

MR. Undone, I wished I had this new recorder on my doc shoot yesterday!!! My producer and I weren't able to book a professional Sound Mixer, and My Producer learned production sound 24 hours prior to the shoot?!?

[@lexecomplexe4083]

That cameo was amazing

[@ArielZestyandSpicy]

Thanks for the video! I LOOOOOOVE these mics! So easy to use. Anyways, great review!

[@itskareemelsayed]

I need a prerequisite video to understand why this is so great. When it comes to audio I could use some Gerald Undone teaching the basics!

[@benscanlon8312]

Have no need for a pocket mic yet but these videos are great to watch. 👍 Best information regarding anything camera/audio/lighting etc. related on the internet. Just bought the VL150 thanks to you mate.

[@mikascreative]

was this the best ad read I ever sat through? yes. yes it was.

[@mattyrossfilms]

Perfect video just what I was looking for thanks!

[@TheSeanBampton]

Now Tentacle needs to make the Track E with a white case, for wedding filmmakers. Zoom makes the F2 in black and white for just that reason.

[@mrheng562]

Bruh!!! I’m considering selling my AVX now, and I LOVE that system. Thanks for the review and stop yelling at me!!!

[@MikeLindup42]

Great great great. Thank you, Gerald, your enthusiasm is much appreciated. It's The Answer!

[@LookitsTook]

This video just blew my mind.

[@HyperspeedMedia]

I've waited over a year for this. Finally they release it

[@villadsengel]

Please remember this seems easy and nice, but you should always monitor your audio during or worst case before shooting. If you are rubbish at mounting or hiding your mics you will be thrashed by clothes rattling etc.

[@tentaclesync3893]

you can monitor wirelessly via App to check for rattling or similar, that also applies for US devices

[@wielandsmith]

Wow, I'm getting these. I do most of my shooting, audio, everything myself run gun style on construction sites... so I'm usually walking around like some kind of bionic woman with the camera, gimbal, recorder/receiver, and headphones hanging off of me (not to mention hard hat, safety glasses, and other ppe). These would save me a lot of headache, especially if they sound decent.

[@ReallyRayan]

Well this one is going on my wishlist now lol

[@charlieross-BRM]

Good one Gerald. I was just given notice on a forum today of this product and a product from another main manufacturer very similar in features to this. Thanks to COVID-19 I'm still waiting to apply all the other gear I bought in the last 12 months to expand my audio capabilities, and these come along.

[@remektekmedia6641]

Monitoring is important to get alerted to things like clothes rubbing on the mic, bad crackly connection, etc.. Having said that the Track E seems like the best addition to anyone already using the Sync E devices.

[@georgesousterlife9330]

Love to hear your thoughts on the new similar product from zoom, the F2... looks interesting! Great video thanks Gerald!

[@1stElement]

And a lot cheaper...

[@TripleFork]

I was amazed by them. Only negative is the price. The are expensive. And then I saw you discord remark. WOW these Zoom F2 field recorders are amazing!!!

[@jabottom]

Woohoo! Creeping closer to the 1mil subs you deserve, Gerald!

[@FishyBusiness]

Just what I was looking for thanks

[@POLARICED]

I think this could be a great system for broadcast when you can't have a traditional wireless system in place or when it is hard to get the signal in crowded environments. Will definitely check it out and test it. Thanks for the great review!

[@RICHARDVINCSNIPERV]

A well deserved 200k G. Cheers from Qc, Canada.

[@fodsonmedia]

GREAT VIDEO, CONSIDERING GETTING ONE MYSELF AFTER THIS! LOVING THE HUMOROUS ELEMENTS TOO! HAHA! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE! CHEERS /FRED

[@bigshooter461]

I love the simplicity of this recorder ot peeks my interest in how you would recomend recording surround sound in the field with either with these recorders synced in that 32bit floating floating format or if there are other multi chanel tools that handle this better.

[@artisarium]

Big Congrats To 200K!

[@amritpalbharajvideoproduction]

When he said adjust your headphones for the sponsored part, I turned up my volume all the way and was impressed xD wasn't bad at all

[@KonFilms]

Interesting! I currently use Tascam DR10L however the float recording and the app connectivity is making me want to switch over. Also, did you say this has a 10 hr battery life? Questions: 1. Is there a limit to how many mics you can connect to the app at the same time? 2. Does it connect via Bluetooth? 3. What are the transfer speeds like over USB- C compared to copying directly from card ( Tascams are awful coming at 3mbps ) 4. How reliable is the wind muff once its connected ( Asking as the Rode Go ones are pretty flimsy and tend to fall off) 5. How durable is the lav clip? Is it made from metal or plastic? 6. Is there a limit to the capacity of SD card you can use? 7. How long do they take to charge?

[@triskadecaepyon]

First we got shouting Curtis Judd videos for clipping tests, and now shouting Gerald videos to match!

[@charlieross-BRM]

Up until this, two of the most reasonable, balanced individuals I enjoy.

[@neofilm]

Years ago when I was a wedding videographer I used my suoer small Olympus recorder with a rode pin mic on the groom more than may more expensive Senhieser wireless. It was risky though because one time the groom turned it off to pee before the ceremony and didn't turn it back on. And I had no monitors so... but, at least that was his fault. I was using my Senhiesers for weddings less because one time I got some major interference that just destroyed my audio. So, yeah, I can see how these could be the best of both worlds...

[@jpemile]

The ZOOM F2 though. It feels like they were just waiting for your video.

[@hfoslayer6195]

Hey Gerald! Great review on a product I didn't know I'd need. Anyway, just to comment on not having wireless transmission, I feel like having any sort of back up/redundancy is a saving grace for a lot of people. But then again, if it's not recording on the device itself, I don't think having any amount of redundancy is useful :P

[@skymakai]

If you’re reviewing it, it’s worth buying... usually!

[@JamesWilliams-rw6qc]

If you use a bit of velcro you could attach a rode wireless go to the back of it and plug it into the headphone socket, having the wireless solution if you already have one at hand, you're then getting a belt and britches approach as you have the backup if you need it on the recorder, but also have the link to the camera for a quick edit. I always have a couple of backups for sound normally and insure I have a fair bit of reverent b-roll and often shoot with two cameras that way if I need to move or reposition, or something goes wrong I've got something to cut to, the sound is always my number 1 worry from experience/cock-ups. With fewer things to worry about it means you can concentrate on getting a good performance from the talent or/and better shots.

[@cyanidex]

Sadly, this isn't possible with the US version of these thanks to a patent and lawsuit from Zaxcom, preventing small recorders with a pass-through from coming to the US market. If you buy these in the US, the audio out feed is disabled during recording. :( Edit: This is listed on their website: "IMPORTANT NOTE: All TRACK E units that are going to an US address, will be an US version. This US version will have the headphone output deactivated during recording." Good thing I live in Canada. :P