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Synchronization
Timecode Preferences
When MIDI Timecode is selected, additional options be-
come available in the Cubase section, providing several
options for working with external timecode.
Lock Frames
This setting determines how many full frames of timecode
it takes for Cubase to try and establish sync or “lock”. If
you have an external tape transport with a very short start-
up time, try lowering this number to make lock-up even
faster. This option can only be set to multiples of two.
Drop Out Frames
This setting determines the amount of missed timecode
frames it takes for Cubase to stop. Using LTC recorded
on an analog tape machine can result in some amount of
drop outs. Increasing this number allows Cubase to “free-
wheel” over missed frames without stopping. Lowering
this number causes Cubase to stop sooner once the tape
machine has stopped.
Inhibit Restart ms
Some synchronizers still transmit MTC for a short period
after an external tape machine has been stopped. These
extra frames of timecode sometimes cause Cubase to re
-
start suddenly. The “Inhibit Restart ms” setting allows you
to control the amount of time in milliseconds that Cubase
will wait to restart (ignoring incoming MTC) once it has
stopped.
Auto-Detect Frame-Rate Changes
Cubase can notify the user when the frame rate of time-
code changes at any point. This is helpful in diagnosing
problems with timecode and external devices. This notifica
-
tion will interrupt playback or recording. Deactivating this
option will avoid any interruption in playback or recording.
MIDI Timecode Destinations
Cubase can send MTC to any MIDI port. Use this section
to specify the MIDI ports to which MTC is routed. Devices
that can lock to MTC will chase Cubase’s timecode
position.
Ö Some MIDI interfaces send MTC over all ports by de-
fault. If this is the case, only select one port of the interface
for MTC.
MIDI Timecode Follows Project Time
Activate this option to ensure that the MTC output follows
Cubase’s time position at all times including looping, lo-
cating, or jumping while playing. If not, MTC will continue
on without changing locations at a loop or jump point until
playback stops.
MIDI Clock Destinations
Some MIDI devices like drum machines can match their
tempo and location to incoming MIDI clock. Select any
MIDI ports that you wish to output MIDI clock.
MIDI Clock Follows Project Position
Activate this option to ensure that the MIDI clock device
follows Cubase when looping, locating, or jumping while
playing.
!
If there is a discrepancy between the project frame
rate in Cubase and incoming timecode, Cubase
might still be able to lock to the incoming timecode. If
the user is unaware of these differences, problems
can arise later in postproduction.