Syncing To A Smpte Stripe; Other Tips On Syncing - M-Audio Mac Syncman Manual

Syncing to a SMPTE Stripe

IMPORTANT: Make sure to look at the "Some Popular Sequencers" sec-
tion in the back of this manual to see specific details on how to best set-
up your sequencer.
1. Make sure the Tape Out from your tape deck is connected to the
Tape In on Mac Syncman.
2. Put your sequencer in MIDI Time Code (MTC) sync mode with the
MIDI Time Code coming from the printer port.
3. Make sure your sequencer MTC SMPTE format is set to the same
value as that set on the front of the Mac Syncman (we recommend
30 frames - i.e. two left, most dip-switches both up).
4. In your sequencer set your SMPTE song-start to 5 seconds, i.e. so the
start reads 00:00:05:00 (hours/minutes/seconds/ frames).
5. Start your tape deck playing back.
6. You should see your VU meter come up at the place you started
recording your sync stripe. When you see this you should also see
the Tape Read LED on Mac Syncman come on indicating that it is
receiving a sync signal.
7. As SMPTE is being read from tape you should see your sequencer
screen display indicate MIDI Time Code being received. At the song
start time you set your sequence should start playing.
8. Now fast forward your tape deck and hit play again. Your
sequencer should correctly "chase" along with your tape deck.
You have now synced your sequencer to tape.

Other Tips on Syncing

IMPORTANT: If the Tape Read/Write Indicator goes out or flickers AT
ALL during playback, you have some kind of tape reading problem
which should be fixed. If you encounter such a problem consult the
"Trouble Shooting" section of this Manual to find the cause. When play-
ing back Mac Syncman sync stripes this indicator should be steadily lit
or you may not achieve reliable performance.
When syncing to either a SMPTE you can shuttle your tape deck for-
ward and backward to any place you desire.
When first learning to use your Mac Syncman, don't hesi-
IMPORTANT:
tate adjusting the various Level settings on your tape recorder to find
the best Level for your particular system. Don't be afraid to experiment.
However, keep in mind that contrary to conventional wisdom, hotter is
not better.
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