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Synchronizing separate audio and MIDI computers to each other and ADATs
10/30/2000

"I would like to run my sequencer from my old Mac 7500, while doing audio on my Mac G4 and two ADAT's. Is there a way to synchronize the two Macs along with my BRC? If so, how would you suggest going about doing it? Which would be the most logical master device?"

We actually run into lots of folks who use separate computers for sequencing and audio. It's less common today, but historically it has been a nice way to optimize each function and not bog down one system. The BRC probably still makes the best overall controller for the ADAT machines, but how it must interface with the computers depends on the software and hardware you are using with them. For example, one way to do it would be to have the BRC generate SMPTE time code and have the two computers just follow that. The BRC is the master, which can be convenient, but getting computers to chase SMPTE requires hardware with that capability. This then raises the question of how precise they need to be synced to one another. Do you need to transfer tracks back and forth between the ADAT system and the audio computer? If so, you have to play by a very specific set of rules, and even these will depend on whether you will do analog or digital transfers. Their clocks must stay locked together, which SMPTE alone will not accomplish. You can use MMC to start the BRC from either computer (depending upon your software) and then everything can chase the BRC as it outputs SMPTE or MTC. The reliability and accuracy of this for your audio computer depends on your hardware and software. Some programs do not reliably sync audio tracks to MTC. In those cases you need a way to sync the audio to some clock that is resolved with the time code or MTC. Again, if you need to transfer tracks you must lock the clocks of the two audio systems to one another (there are a several ways to do this in most systems). The MIDI system will be able to follow anything that can generate MTC or (if you have the hardware) LTC. This is one of those issues that's best solved through a conversation with a consultant or our technical support department. There's not one 'right' way to do it, and the solutions will depend on what the rest of your equipment is and exactly what you are trying to accomplish.





Other Techtips from October 2000:
October 31 - IDE Master/Slave support on Beige G3s
October 30 - Synchronizing separate audio and MIDI computers to each other and ADATs
October 27 - Word Clock or Video Sync when locking Pro Tools to a digital Beta deck
October 26 - Headphone outputs used as line outputs for line level gear
October 25 - Getting data off of your Roland BR8 or VS zip drive
October 24 - A word to the wise on price versus value
October 23 - How to use digital mic preamps in a digital system - issues with limiters & clock sourcing
October 20 - USB related Tech Support updates
October 18 - Basics of how to put audio and video on a disc together
October 17 - Sample Rate Conversion - what's the big deal?
October 16 - Transferring tracks from a digital multitrack to a Digi001 - synchronization issues
October 13 - Some possible solutions for clicks and pops in your host based PC recording system
October 12 - Mac OS X - boom or bust?
October 11 - Putting larger or faster ATA drives into your computer
October 10 - Long periods of delay when installing Pro Tools software
October 09 - Connecting two Mackie D8B mixers together
October 06 - New "error free" CD burning; is it for you?
October 05 - Phantom power voltage, and why some mics may not work
October 04 - Doing audio on a Powerbook; will Firewire drives work?
October 03 - Alesis' 20-bit Light Pipe is now 24-bit


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