The Ambient Recording ACN-CL Lockit is a wireless synchronizer designed to enable simple and stable synchronization of cameras and audio equipment in professional film and video production applications. Capable of generating timecode from 23.976 to 60 fps, genlock at 1080p or 1080i, and word clock up to 192 kHz, the ACN-CL Lockit provides the functionality of multiple devices in a single, compact, rugged aluminum body.

One-button syncing, dual LEMO 5-pin outputs, and 2.4 GHz wireless communication with other devices in the Lockit series make it easy to link up multiple cameras and digital audio recorders. The ACN-CL Lockit is powered via an internal NP-50 compatible battery, which is removable for convenience in the field. Charging and external powering is possible through a USB-C connection.

Timecode Generator with Genlock    Wireless Transceiver over ACN Network    Compact Form Factor with OLED Screen    One-Button Syncing    Supports 1080p/1080i for All Frame Rates    Supports Word Clock up to 192 kHz    Timecode Comparison via OLED Display    Dual LEMO Outputs for Multi-Device Sync    Internal Battery, External Power/Charge    Solid Aluminum Body

• Running off a changeable Li-ion battery that can be charged in the unit while operating makes sure you never be let down with depleted power.
• The supplied NP-50 type battery is not only widely available along with economically priced chargers but is also used by professional radio mic brands, which further reduces the variety of gear to carry along.

• Just like the NanoLockit, jamming units to "time of day" with the internal Real-Time Clock is a one-button experience, but with the additional perk of a crisp OLED screen.
• The Lockit can operate as the master by automatically jamming units that are added or restarted during the day.
• The OLED also brings the useful timecode compare tool (introduced with firmware 6.0), which makes it easy to determine if other equipment is still in sync—with an accuracy of 1/100 of a frame.

• While smaller Ambient units were always marked by a prefix such as Tiny or Nano, the ACN-CL proudly carries the name “Lockit” and it wouldn’t do so without supplying both timecode and sync signals.
• Designed for today’s equipment, it supports 1080p and 1080i genlock for project rates from 23.976 to 60 fps, while audio recorders are covered with word clock sample rates up to 192 kHz.

• Dual LEMO 5-pin output connections provide maximum flexibility and continued use of available cables. Timecode in and out follow industry standards and allow for syncing of two cameras in parallel or jamming via a cable while leaving the synced unit connected.
• The primary output carries timecode and genlock/word clock. This gives you the freedom to run it either on a Y-cable or two separate leads. In addition to offering timecode functionality, the second connector can connect to devices that support ACN for metadata transfer.

External power and charging are available through a common USB-C port. Connected to a macOS or Windows computer, the Lockit transforms into a MIDI timecode interface without additional configuration, allowing deep-level editing of the settings.

The sync LED is now full RGB for versatile status indication and party mode. This and more are found in the compact solid aluminum case, which makes the ACN-TL TinyLockit and ALL601 LancLogger look large by comparison.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can I use this to sync a video switcher, LED wall and cameras to get rid of the rolling bars or static bars associated with the frame rate on the LED wall?

A: No, this is used for synchronizing recording devices. Please reach out to one of our professional video experts for guidance specific to your case.

Q: 2. for virtual production volumes, can the device be synchronized to an evertz 5700 and then run standalone as a timecode and genlock generator on camera? also maintaining genlock that would normally come from evertz?

A: With the LTC output of the Evertz 5700, you can sync the Ambient Recording ACN-CL Lockit Compact Wireless Timecode Synchronizer in TX mode. As a TX master, the Lockit will adapt to the speed of the LTC signal, and it will regenerate and broadcast the time code and sync to all of the following ACN units. For virtual productions, I would recommend using the Lockit+ (B&H # AMACNLPE) as the TX master as it gives you more insights about the current sync status in its web interface.

Q: 3. Will this device accept an SDI signal as a genlock input, broadcast this over ACN, and output a wordclock referenced to it? I see lots of discussion of genlock output, but not input. I have a camera without genlock, and I want to avoid pops when combining HDMI + AES - SDI. Therefore I want to synchronize the audio ADC to the un-genlockable camera.

A: no this device will not work as a genlock for a camera without genlock, it's base/fundamental mode of synchronization is time code

Q: 4. Can it do pass-through charging? (i.e., is this fully functional while also plugged in to charge at the same time?)

A: No, the Ambient Recording ACN-CL Lockit Compact Wireless Timecode Synchronizer when plugged in will receive power but will not actively charge also. To charge, it will need to be powered in the off state.

Q: 5. If I sync nanoloskit from external clock does it sync all the time or just at the beginning? (My use case would be sending timecode from abletone to resolume arena but every song has it's own timecode) So would there be a need to resync for every song? Thank you

A: This will hold sync for as long as it is connected.

Q: 6. can I use a split cable to genlock 2 cameras ? Or do I need to devises ?

A: No, you can not split the output from the Ambient Recording ACN-CL Lockit Compact Wireless Synchronizer to sync multiple cameras at once.

Q: 7. Can the battery be user replaced when necessary?

A: The battery is built into the NanoLockit and not user serviceable.

Q: 8. It could be used to power the DJI Wireless Follow Focus Motor?

A: I don't think so, since this a custom cable to update firmware and provide power to a Tiny LockIt timecode generator (USB to LEMO 5 pin).

Q: 9. Can this record a timecode sequence on its own, not connected to any cameras or other devices, and then have its’ data overlayed over a separate timecoded sequence in post, with the green or red markers showing on the timeline?

A: The Ambient Recording NanoLockit Miniature Timecode Synchronizer with Logging Feature (Single Unit) will log markers based on timecode. As long as the timecode is jammed before recording, those markers can be imported into an Adobe Premiere Pro timeline. You can read more about that process here: https://bhpho.to/3xNZtLi

Q: 10. What is the relevance of genlock sync at 1080p or 1080i, can someone elaborate, why does it matter?

A: Cameras can be either set to progressive (p) or interlaced (i) recording format. Depending on the chosen format there is the need for an adapted genlock signal. Ambient Recording ACN-CL Lockit Compact Wireless Timecode Synchronizer are able to provide either p or i. So regardless the recording format all cameras are able to be synced wirelessly.