12.25

SYNCHRONIZATION AND ADVANCED MIDI608
About this chapter
This chapter describes how to synchronize Reason to external MIDI Clock or Ableton Link and how to sync external
equipment from Reason’s internal MIDI Clock. The chapter also describes how to use the External Control Bus inputs
for advanced MIDI routing.
Synchronization to MIDI Clock
What is synchronization and MIDI Clock?
Synchronization, in this context, is when you make Reason play at the same tempo as another MIDI device; where
both start, stop and can locate to certain positions, together. This is done by transmitting MIDI Clock signals between
Reason and the other device. MIDI Clock is a very fast “metronome” that can be transmitted in a MIDI cable. As part
of the MIDI Clock concept there are also instructions for Start, Stop and locating to sixteenth note positions.
You can set up synchronization between Reason and hardware devices (tape recorders, drum machines, stand alone
sequencers, workstations etc.) and other computer programs running on the same or on another computer.
Host/Device
In a synchronized system there is always one Host and one or more Devices. In our case, the host is the one that con-
trols the tempo. In other words, it is only the tempo setting on the host that is of any relevance, since the devices fol-
low the host's tempo.
• Reason can act as Host or Device. That is, Reason can transmit MIDI Clock signals and also receive them.
Using Reason as MIDI Clock Host
Reason can transmit standard MIDI Clock signal. It also sends Start, Stop, Continue and Song Position Pointer (SPP)
MIDI messages so that you can also control the transport functions of the synced equipment from the Transport
Panel in Reason. To set up Reason as a MIDI Clock host, proceed as follows:
1. Select the desired MIDI Port from the Output drop-down menu in the “MIDI clock sync” section on the Sync tab
in Preferences.
Selecting MIDI clock output port.
2. Close the Preferences window.