What Is Timecode - Yamaha O2R Owner's Manual

140 Automix
02R User's Guide

What is Timecode?

Timecode is a signal that contains a chronological record of the absolute
time in a recording. It is used for synchronizing different recorders. It can
be used for electronic editing. Timecode was initially invented for the
motion picture business, as a method of synchronizing the pictures
recorded in the frames of a camera to the sound recorded on tape
recorder.
The 02R supports four types of timecode:
• SMPTE timecode
• MTC (MIDI timecode)
• Internal timecode (for leaning Automix)
• MIDI (MIDI Clock)
When you synchronize the 02R to an external device such as a multitrack
recorder or MIDI sequencer, the external device will provide SMPTE or
MTC timecode to allow the automix to synchronize with the data on the
recorder or sequencer.
Using SMPTE Timecode
SMPTE timecode is a synchronization signal developed for the film and
television industries (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers).
It is normally implemented as timing pulses converted into an audio
signal and recorded onto tape or film. Some devices are able to transmit
SMPTE timecode directly.
SMPTE indicates an absolute time in hours:minutes:seconds:frames.
There are four basic formats, depending on the number of frames that a
second is divided into:
• 24 frames per second
• 25 frames per second
• 29.97 frames per second (30 drop frame)
• 30 frames per second (29.97/30 non-drop frame)
Use SMPTE timecode when you want to synchronize an 02R automix
with video recorders, a multitrack recorder, or other film and video
post-production recorders.