Pilottone

Pilottone (or Pilotone) and the related neo-pilot tone are specialized synchronization signals used in analog audio recording systems. These signals, often associated with double-system recordings, were primarily developed for motion picture production to maintain synchronization between sound and film when recorded on separate media. Before the widespread adoption of timecode in the film industry, pilotone synchronization was the standard method used on nearly all 1/4-inch magnetic double-system sound recordings for motion pictures from the late 1950s through the late 1980s. Prior to the use of 1/4-inch audio tape, sound recordings were made on 35mm optical film and later on 16mm or 35mm magnetic film. The first 1/4-inch recorder capable of recording a sync track to regulate playback speed was developed by Rangertone, which introduced a precursor to the Pilotone system.