What Is SMPTE Timecode, and How Can I Use It?

SMPTE (pronounced “simpty”) is a standardized timecode signal that keeps multiple devices—like fireworks systems, lighting controllers, and audio players, in perfect sync. It’s often used in film, music, and live events to ensure every cue happens at the right moment.

To human ears, SMPTE sounds like a harsh electronic tone, but to connected systems, it acts like a precise clock. Each tick of the signal tells every device exactly where it is in the show’s timeline, keeping everything aligned with your music or soundtrack.

How does SMPTE work?

SMPTE works like a timing track that runs alongside your music. The audio is split between the Left and Right channels: the Left channel plays your music, and the Right channel carries the SMPTE timecode.

As the song plays, the Left channel outputs the music while the Right channel sends a steady stream of time updates. While your audience hears the soundtrack, your systems hear “1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds…” all the way through.

If you skip ahead or rewind, SMPTE instantly jumps to that exact point in time. This keeps connected systems, such as lights or fireworks, perfectly synced no matter where you start or stop playback.

How do I use SMPTE to sync my show with other systems?

To use SMPTE, split your MP3 into two channels following the steps in How to Add SMPTE to My IGNITE Show. Place your soundtrack on the Left channel and the SMPTE timecode on the Right channel.

When you’re ready to fire, start your third-party systems first. Systems configured to receive SMPTE will wait for the signal before starting, ensuring your show begins exactly when you press Fire in the IGNITE app.

You can deliver audio and SMPTE using a hardwired connection with an audio splitter from your phone, or through IGNITE LIVE!, which can stream your show’s audio, timecode, or both to multiple devices.

Simply assign which channel each device should play, and they’ll start automatically when your IGNITE show begins. This is especially useful when your equipment is spread out and hardwired connections aren’t practical.

Tip:

For more information on IGNITE LIVE! and how to connect it to the IGNITE app, see How to Enable IGNITE LIVE! on the IGNITE App.

Systems that support SMPTE

Several systems and programs can use SMPTE to sync with IGNITE. Examples include:

COBRA: The COBRA 18R2 controller supports SMPTE timecode, allowing you to synchronize your IGNITE modules with a COBRA show for precise timing. Connect directly from your smart device to the 18R2’s RCA SMPTE port using an audio splitter.

Light-O-Rama: Light-O-Rama is a popular lighting and display software used for synchronized light shows. You can integrate your IGNITE show with Light-O-Rama to keep fireworks, music, and lights in perfect sync. For step-by-step instructions, see How to Integrate Light-O-Rama with IGNITE.

As long as the system you want to sync with your IGNITE show supports timecode input, it should work seamlessly.

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