Should I Use Drop Frame; How Does Smpte Synchronization Work; How Does A Motu Synchronizer Work; What Is Midi Time Code - MOTU micro express User Manual

SHOULD I USE DROP FRAME?

Use Drop Frame time code only when it is absolutely
necessary. Drop Frame is required only with color video
projects in which the SMPTE time code numbers must
precisely match the actual elapsed time, such as when
preparing a television broadcast. Otherwise, we suggest
that you use 30 Non-drop time code because of the slight
inaccuracy mentioned above, as well as the confusion that
drop frame can cause.

HOW DOES SMPTE SYNCHRONIZATION WORK?

The syncing process is straightforward. It involves one
device following another. As you play back a tape with
SMPTE time code on it, the SMPTE feeds into a hardware
device called a SMPTE-to-MIDI converter. The converter
translates the SMPTE audio signal into MIDI Time Code
and sends the MIDI Time Code to a MIDI device such as a
sequencer. The MIDI device receives the time code and
adjusts its playback position to match the time code. All of
this happens very quickly, around 30 times per second,
which is fast enough so that the MIDI device follows the
tape smoothly.
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Certain phrases are often used to describe synchroni-
zation. The tape deck to which the MIDI device is
synchronized is called the synchronization master; the
MIDI device, which follows, is called the slave. The MIDI
device is slaved to the master. The converter, which reads
the time code on tape, is locked to tape, or when using
SMPTE time code, locked to SMPTE.

HOW DOES A MOTU SYNCHRONIZER WORK?

The MOTU MIDI Express XT and micro express
interfaces function as a SMPTE-to-MIDI converter. When
they receive SMPTE time code, they convert that signal
into MIDI Time Code, which is then sent to MIDI devices
connected to the network. These devices, in turn, slave to
the MIDI Time Code.

WHAT IS MIDI TIME CODE?

MIDI Time Code is time code in the form of MIDI data
that matches the format of SMPTE time code: time is
expressed in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. Your
MOTU Express interface can send MIDI Time Code over
MIDI to a sequencer, which follows the MIDI Time Code.
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