9.5

Table Of Contents
Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
Sync mode
If you activate “Use External Synchronization” on the Transport menu, the following happens:
Cubase awaits incoming timecode from the chosen timecode source defined in the Project
Synchronization Setup dialog in order to play.
Cubase will detect incoming timecode, locate to its current position, and start playback in
sync with the incoming timecode.
Working with VST System Link
VST System Link is a network system for digital audio that allows you to have several computers
working together in one large system. Unlike conventional networks it does not require Ethernet
cards, hubs, or CAT-5 cables; instead it uses the kind of digital audio hardware and cables you
probably already possess in your studio.
VST System Link has been designed to be simple to set up and operate, yet give enormous
flexibility and performance gains in use. It is capable of linking computers in a “ring” network (the
System Link signal is passed from one machine to the next, and eventually returns to the first
machine). VST System Link can send its networking signal over any type of digital audio cable,
including S/PDIF, ADAT, TDIF, or AES, as long as each computer in the system is equipped with a
suitable ASIO compatible audio interface.
Linking up 2 or more computers gives you vast possibilities:
Dedicate one computer to running VST instruments while recording audio tracks on
another(not in Cubase LE).
If you need lots of audio tracks, you may simply add tracks on another computer.
You could have one computer serve as a “virtual effect rack”, running CPU-intensive send
effect plug-ins only.
Since you can use VST System Link to connect different VST System Link applications on
different platforms, you can take advantage of effect plug-ins and VST instruments that are
specific to certain programs or platforms.
Requirements
The following equipment is required for VST System Link operation:
2 or more computers.
These can be of the same type or use different operating systems – it does not matter. For
example, you can link an Intel-based PC to an Apple Macintosh without problems.
Each computer must have audio hardware with specific ASIO drivers.
The audio hardware must have digital inputs and outputs.
To be able to connect the computers, the digital connections must be compatible (i. e. the
same digital formats and connection types must be available).
At least one digital audio cable must be available for each computer in the network.
A VST System Link host application must be installed on each computer.
Any VST System Link application can connect to another.
Additionally, use of a KVM switchbox is recommended.
Using a KVM switchbox
Whether you want to set up a multi-computer network or a small network in a limited space,
it is a good idea to invest in a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switchbox. With one of these you
can use the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control each computer in the system, and
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