User manual

425
Synchronization
Making connections
The following connections are required for external sync
via a synchronizer, including resolving of the audio card.
For details on audio card and synchronizer settings and
connections, see the manuals for these devices.
• Route the master clock signal (LTC, VITC, etc.) to an in-
put on the synchronizer.
• Connect the word clock output on the synchronizer to a
word clock input on the audio card.
• Connect the MIDI Timecode (MTC) output on the syn-
chronizer to the corresponding input on the computer.
• Set up the synchronizer and make sure the frame rate
settings are in accordance with the master clock.
A typical synchronization setup.
Synchronization settings
In the following sections you will find a description of how
to set up your system for the different timecode sources:
Internal Timecode
In this mode, Cubase is the master. When working with
MMC (see “Machine Control” on page 429), the external
device gives the start and stop signals, but is synchro-
nized by Cubase.
Use the “MIDI Timecode Destinations” and “MIDI Clock
Destinations” sections to specify which devices should be
slaved to Cubase.
Synchronizing other Equipment to Cubase
You may have other MIDI devices that you want to syn-
chronize to Cubase. There are two types of synchroniza-
tion that Cubase can transmit: MIDI Clock and MIDI
Timecode.
Transmitting MIDI Clock
If you transmit MIDI Clock to a device supporting this type
of synchronization signal, the other device will follow Cu-
base’s tempo. The tempo setting in the other device is of no
relevance. Instead, it plays at the same tempo as Cubase. If
the device also reacts to Song Position Pointers (which
Cubase transmits) it will follow when you wind, rewind and
locate using the Cubase Transport panel.
Ö MIDI Clock transport commands include “Start”, “Stop”
and “Continue”. However, some MIDI equipment (e.g.
some drum machines) do not recognize the “Continue”
command. If this is the case with your equipment, activate
the option “Always Send Start Message” in the Project
Synchronization Setup dialog (MIDI Clock Destinations).
When this is activated, only the Start command is used.
• Activate “MIDI Clock Follows Project Position” if you
want the other device to follow when you loop, jump and
locate during playback.
When this is activated, the sent MIDI Clock signals will follow the se-
quencer time and tempo position at all times.
Transmitting MIDI Timecode
If you transmit MIDI Timecode to a device supporting this
type of synchronization signal, the device will synchronize
time-wise to Cubase, that is, the time displays on Cubase’s
Transport panel and on the other device will agree. When
you wind and locate Cubase and then activate playback,
the other device will follow from the same position (if it has
this capability and is set up for it!).
Ö If you want to be able to loop, jump and locate during
playback in Cubase and have the other device follow, ac-
tivate MIDI Timecode Follows Project Time.
When this is activated, the sent MIDI Timecode will follow the sequencer
time position at all times.
!
Please note that some external devices may not react
smoothly to these repositioning messages. Espe-
cially when working with some older devices, it may
take some time for them to synchronize accurately to
the project time.