Tentacle Sync
Tentacle Sync GmbH designs and manufactures Bluetooth-enabled timecode generators, audio recorders, and displays, plus Sync Studio post-production software, for independent and professional filmmakers, location sound recordists, and mobile content creators worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersCologne, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Tentacle Sync does
Tentacle Sync GmbH is a Cologne-based private company, founded in 2014 by filmmakers Ulrich Esser and Maximilian Kaiser following a 2014 Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, with first devices shipping in 2015. The company designs, manufactures, and sells affordable Bluetooth Low Energy-based timecode synchronization hardware and software for the film, television, and broader video-production industries. Its product portfolio centers on four core hardware devices — the SYNC E LTC timecode generator, the TRACK E pocket audio recorder with 32-bit float recording, the TIMEBAR OLED timecode display/generator, and the Timecode Slate — supplemented by more than 15 camera-specific adapter cables, a macOS post-production application (Sync Studio), iOS/Android/Apple Watch mobile apps, and a lavalier microphone plus mounting accessories and spare parts. All devices share a SMPTE-12M-compliant LTC timecode backbone with sub-frame accuracy (<1 frame drift per 24 hours) and are configured via a single Setup App over Bluetooth 5/5.2.
The company makes money almost entirely through one-time hardware sales of devices, cables, accessories, and spare parts, distributed through its own Tentacle Shop webstore and a network of over 100 authorized resellers and service partners across 50+ countries on six continents; Sync Studio is bundled with every device rather than sold as a standalone subscription. Target customers are fragmented SMB and individual buyers — independent filmmakers, cinematographers, location sound recordists, YouTubers/mobile creators, and music-video production teams — rather than enterprise accounts. Tentacle's GTM combines product-led self-serve purchasing, channel-partner-led distribution, and event-driven demand generation (e.g., Broadcast Asia), supported by a multilingual marketing website, YouTube/Vimeo content, and ecosystem partnerships with Blackmagic Design, editingtools.io, Epic Games, Halter Technical, Auron Studios, and LateNiteSoft. Manufacturing is in-house in Cologne with most components sourced within 50 km, supporting a 10-year spare-parts guarantee and 2-year warranty.
Tentacle Sync firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Tentacle Sync
- Legal name
- Tentacle Sync GmbH
- Website
- https://tentaclesync.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Tentacle Sync GmbH designs and manufactures Bluetooth-enabled timecode generators, audio recorders, and displays, plus Sync Studio post-production software, for independent and professional filmmakers, location sound recordists, and mobile content creators worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Tentacle Sync industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Audio/Video Production Equipment
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring) (MPAIAJAD), Live Performance & DJ Software (Playback, Mixing, Lighting Control) (MPAIAIAI), Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices (HDACAFAH)
Keywords
Where Tentacle Sync is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cologne
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Tentacle Sync business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Device Sales: Tentacle Sync generates the majority of its revenue from selling physical hardware products — timecode generators (SYNC E, ORIGINAL), audio recorders (TRACK E), timecode displays (TIMEBAR), timecode slates, cables, accessories, microphones, spare parts, and batteries — through its own webstore (shop.tentaclesync.com) and a global network of over 100 authorized resellers across six continents. Hardware is manufactured in-house in Cologne, Germany, with most components sourced within 50 km of Cologne.
- Software Licenses: Every Tentacle device includes a license for Tentacle Sync Studio software for macOS, which provides timecode synchronization and transcoding for post-production workflows. Additional license purchases or updates are available through the company's downloads platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Hardware products (devices, cables, accessories) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Tentacle Sync product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Tentacle Sync designs, manufactures, and sells Bluetooth-enabled timecode synchronization hardware (SYNC E, TRACK E, TIMEBAR, Timecode Slate) and companion software (Sync Studio for macOS, Setup/Recorder/Timebar/Music Video Sync mobile apps) for film, television, and video production. The company offers over 50 SKUs including timecode generators, 32-bit float audio recorders, OLED timecode displays, a clapperboard slate, more than 15 adapter cables, mounting accessories, and a lavalier microphone, with all core hardware designed and assembled in-house in Cologne, Germany.
Product overview
Tentacle Sync is a German (Cologne) hardware and software company specializing in affordable, easy-to-use timecode synchronization solutions for filmmakers. The product portfolio centers on four core hardware devices: the SYNC E (LTC timecode generator with Bluetooth), the TRACK E (pocket audio recorder with 32-bit float and Bluetooth sync), the TIMEBAR (multipurpose OLED timecode display/generator), and the TIMECODE SLATE (an all-in-one clapperboard combining the TIMEBAR with a Filmsticks-designed slate board and clapper sticks). Supporting these are over 15 timecode adapter cables (covering LEMO, XLR, BNC, USB-C, and more for cameras from RED, ARRI, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic, DJI), the SYNC Studio macOS sync software, a suite of mobile apps (Setup, Recorder, Timebar, Music Video Sync), a lavalier microphone, accessories (brackets, handles, adapters, bags, cases), spare parts/battery kits, and branded merchandise. The ecosystem is controlled via the Setup App (iOS/Android/Apple Watch) and integrates with third-party apps including Blackmagic Camera, Live Timecode Notes, Live Link Face, WildTrax, and Video Assist.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Sub-frame timecode accuracy: less than 1 frame drift over 24 hours at temperatures from -30°C to +85°C
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Tentacle Sync
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Tentacle Sync technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature10 records
Tentacle Sync partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Blackmagic DesigncoreTentacle Sync collaborated with Blackmagic Design on their official Blackmagic Camera app (iOS and Android). The app supports full Tentacle Sync timecode via Bluetooth, recording timecode as metadata in video files. The app records in 10-bit Apple ProRes up to 4K. This is a flagship integration enabling iPhone and Android users to capture professional video with timecode.
- LateNiteSoft (REC - Pro Video Camera)secondaryTentacle Sync partners with LateNiteSoft to integrate timecode synchronization into the REC - Pro Video Camera app for iOS. The REC app synchronizes its video files to Tentacle timecode broadcast over Bluetooth from SYNC E, TIMEBAR, or TRACK E devices.
- editingtools.io (Live Timecode Notes)secondaryThe iOS app 'Live Timecode Notes' by editingtools.io integrates with Tentacle Sync timecode via Bluetooth for live note-taking, scene logging, and post-production documentation. Notes can be exported as PDF, CSV, SRT, DS SubCap, ALE files, and timeline markers for Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
- Epic Games (Live Link Face)secondaryLive Link Face for iOS/iPad enables facial animation capture for Unreal Engine's MetaHuman Animator or real-time facial animation streaming. The app is synchronizable with Tentacle Sync timecode, allowing timecode-tagged facial performance data for animation pipelines.
- Halter Technical (WildTrax)secondaryWildTrax is a macOS multitrack recording app supporting 2 to 512 tracks with seamless Tentacle Sync integration via Bluetooth, LTC (cable), or MIDI timecode. Enables synchronized recording across cameras and audio devices with integrated metadata tools.
- Auron Studios (Video Assist)secondaryVideo Assist by Auron Studios transforms iPad into a professional on-set monitor and playback system. Version 2.2 adds seamless Tentacle Sync integration via Bluetooth or USB, enabling timecode-aware recording for complete proxy workflows. Clips are recorded with matching timecode and camera file names.
- FilmstickssecondaryFilmsticks is a slate maker that collaborated with Tentacle Sync to design a custom holder and the Gripcase Cover protective bag for the TIMEBAR Timecode Slate. The custom-designed holder/mount enables the TIMEBAR to be attached and detached from the slate, functioning independently. The Gripcase Cover is co-branded and sold through the Tentacle Sync shop.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Tentacle Sync competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Atomos: Manufacturer of Shogun/Ninja monitor-recorders with integrated timecode and multicam sync features — competes indirectly by bundling timecode into higher-priced video recorders purchased by Tentacle's same indie/pro production customers.
- Sound Devices: Established US maker of MixPre and 8-series professional audio recorders with integrated timecode — broader portfolio but overlapping location-sound and documentary customer base that also evaluates TRACK E.
- RØDE Microphones: Dominant prosumer microphone/audio brand (Wireless GO, VideoMicro) — broader consumer/pro audio portfolio but increasingly competing with TRACK E on portable recording workflows used by vloggers and YouTubers.
- Tascam (TEAC): Major pro/consumer audio recorder manufacturer (DR-series) with timecode-capable models — broader portfolio than Tentacle but overlapping portable location-recorder use case and indie filmmaker customer segment.
Direct peers
- Ambient Recording: German manufacturer of Lockit timecode boxes and ACN communication networks used on professional film sets — directly comparable hardware category, overlapping customer base of sound mixers and DITs.
- Zaxcom: US maker of wireless lavalier systems and audio recorders with embedded timecode (Deva, Nova) — directly comparable pro-audio + timecode hardware addressing film and broadcast sound recordists.
- Denecke Inc. Long-standing US manufacturer of timecode generators (SB-T, GR-2, Dcode) used in film and broadcast — comparable LTC timecode generator product line serving overlapping production customers.
- Deity Microphones: Maker of the TC-1 timecode box and BP-TRX wireless audio with embedded timecode — competes head-to-head in the affordable Bluetooth-timecode and on-set audio recorder niches that Tentacle's TRACK E targets.
- Timecode Systems: Timecode Systems (UK) makes SyncBac Pro, :pulse and :wave wireless timecode generators over Bluetooth — the closest direct competitor to Tentacle's SYNC E, targeting the same film/TV production users with similar SMPTE LTC workflows.
Emerging players
- Hollyland Technology: Shenzhen-based maker of wireless video/audio transmission systems increasingly adding timecode features (Pyro, Mars 4K) — emerging threat in the affordable content-creator and mobile-broadcast segments where Tentacle's TIMEBAR also competes.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Tentacle Sync social profiles
Digital presenceTentacle Sync financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Tentacle Sync leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Tentacle Sync funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Tentacle Sync M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Tentacle Sync
What does Tentacle Sync do?
Tentacle Sync designs, manufactures, and sells Bluetooth-enabled timecode synchronization hardware (SYNC E, TRACK E, TIMEBAR, Timecode Slate) and companion software (Sync Studio for macOS, Setup/Recorder/Timebar/Music Video Sync mobile apps) for film, television, and video production. The company offers over 50 SKUs including timecode generators, 32-bit float audio recorders, OLED timecode displays, a clapperboard slate, more than 15 adapter cables, mounting accessories, and a lavalier microphone, with all core hardware designed and assembled in-house in Cologne, Germany.
Is Tentacle Sync a public or private company?
Tentacle Sync is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Tentacle Sync founded?
Tentacle Sync was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Tentacle Sync based?
Tentacle Sync is headquartered in Cologne, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Tentacle Sync make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Hardware Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses.
Who are Tentacle Sync's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Atomos, Sound Devices, RØDE Microphones and Tascam (TEAC). Direct peers are Ambient Recording, Zaxcom, Denecke Inc., Deity Microphones and Timecode Systems. Hollyland Technology is listed as an emerging player.
Does Tentacle Sync have an API?
No public API is recorded for Tentacle Sync.
What industry is Tentacle Sync in?
Tentacle Sync's product category is Professional Audio/Video Production Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAB, Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors), with a secondary code of MPAIAJAD, Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring). Its NAICS code is 33431.