Specifications

Chapter 34: Synchronization Concepts 539
Chapter 34: Synchronization Concepts
This section is designed to give you a basic un-
derstanding of synchronization as it relates to
Pro Tools.
If you are using a device that sends or receives
time code (such as a video tape recorder or MIDI
interface), refer that device’s documentation for
information on how it generates or receives
time code and how to configure its options.
Synchronization
Requirements
Synchronization requirements and support vary
among different Pro Tools hardware systems.
This guide notes whenever a feature requires a
synchronization peripheral (such as a Digide-
sign SYNC I/O, or equivalent). See the guides for
these peripherals for details on their installation
and configuration.
We strongly recommend that you research your
synchronization requirements thoroughly. For
example, if you are using Pro Tools for audio
post production work for video, consult your
video engineer or editor to determine what time
code format will be used. Also, there may be ad-
ditional time code issues that affect how you use
synchronization (such as pull-down). Your
Digidesign dealer may be able to offer sugges-
tions about working with synchronization in
your studio.
Synchronization Peripherals
Synchronization peripherals include a wide va-
riety of devices, ranging from simple MTC-capa-
ble MIDI interfaces, to high precision time code
synchronizers capable of handling many profes-
sional time code and clock standards used in the
music, television, and film industries.
Though many devices are capable of providing
synchronization, only the Digidesign SYNC I/O
and USD peripherals deliver frame-edge accu-
racy when synchronizing Pro Tools TDM sys-
tems to external time code sources.
Aspects of Synchronization
Synchronization in a digital audio workstation
has two concepts that need to be independently
considered:
◆ “Where are we?” This is called the Positional
Reference.
◆ “How fast are we going?” This is called the
Clock Reference.
To synchronize Pro Tools to another device
(such as a tape machine or VTR) accurately over
an extended period of time, Pro Tools needs to
know where the device is and at what speed it is
running. Some peripherals can provide only one