10.6

Table Of Contents
1039Logic Pro User Guide
24fps: Film, high definition video
25fps: PAL video/television broadcasts
30fps (drop frame): NTSC video/television broadcast; rarely used
30fps: High definition video; early black-and-white NTSC video; an older rate that is
rarely used today
29.97fps (drop frame): NTSC video/television broadcasts
29.97fps: Standard definition NTSC
23.976fps: 24fps running at 99.9%, which facilitates easier transfer of film to NTSC
video
Auto detect format of MTC checkbox: When selected (recommended), the incoming
timecode is analyzed and the correct frame rate set automatically.
Note that it’s not possible to automatically distinguish between the 29.97 and 30fps
MTC frame rates:
The MTC standard doesn’t allow a distinction.
A measured rate of 30fps could also be 29.97fps timecode running too fast, and
vice versa.
Logic Pro automatically interprets frame rates of “approximately 30fps” as either 29.97
(drop frame) or 30fps (non-drop frame), depending on whether or not the drop frame
format is used. This interpretation usually is correct, because these two formats are
used as a standard.
The “Auto detect format of MTC” option only switches to 29.97 (drop frame) or 30fps
(non-drop frame) if one of the other conventional formats was previously set. If you
want to synchronize Logic Pro to one of these nonconventional frame rates, you need to
define the format manually. This setting isn’t altered by the “Auto detect format of MTC”
function.
Validate MTC pop-up menu: Specifies how often Logic Pro checks for incoming
timecode, in order to ensure synchronization integrity. In general, you should leave this
option on “always.” There are some devices that generate timecode pulses that may
require a specific number of frames to be set, in order to maintain synchronization.
Bar Position plays at SMPTE sliders: Defines the SMPTE offset for the project. Because
projects don’t always need to start precisely at bar 1, you can select any bar position to
be played at the set SMPTE time.
The default is Bar Position:1 1 1 1 plays as SMPTE 01:00:00:00.
The SMPTE offset of 01:00:00:00 (one hour) is normally used, because it allows you to
pre-roll an amount of timecode.
Enable Separate SMPTE View Offset checkbox: Shows the absolute time from the start
of the project in the time display, rather than the actual SMPTE time.
Bar Position displayed as SMPTE sliders: Becomes available if you select the Enable
Separate SMPTE View Offset checkbox. Choose Bar Position 1 1 1 1 displayed as SMPTE
00:00:00:00 (preset). If necessary, you can set other view offset values here.
The Tempo List always shows the real SMPTE time, never the SMPTE View Offset. The
SMPTE View Offset is used in all other windows (including the control bar).