Synchronization Overview - CAKEWALK SONAR User Manual

:

Synchronization Overview

SONAR supports several different types of synchronization, which rely on a variety of different clock
sources:
Clock source...
Internal
Audio
MIDI Sync
SMPTE/MIDI Time Code (MTC)
When you use either the internal or audio clock, SONAR can control other MIDI devices using MIDI
Sync. In this case, SONAR is the "master" device and the other MIDI devices are the "slaves."
When MIDI Sync is the clock source, SONAR operates either in response to incoming MIDI messages or
as the sender. In this case, SONAR can be either the master or the slave. Note that audio playback is
not supported when using MIDI Sync with SONAR as the slave.
When SMPTE/MIDI Time Code (SMPTE/MTC) is the source of timing information, SONAR operates in
response to incoming MTC messages. These messages could be generated by:
• An external MIDI device that is capable of generating MIDI Time Code (like the Roland VS880)
• A MIDI interface that is converting other time code signals (like SMPTE, EBU, or film time code)
into MIDI Time Code
When you use some of these synchronization options, some SONAR commands work differently. This
chapter describes each of the synchronization options, how and why each is useful, and the effect each
option has on other features and commands.
The Sync toolbar lets you change back and forth quickly between the different clock settings:
You can also choose the sync mode as follows:
1. Choose Options-Project, and click the Clock tab.
2. Choose the desired clock source from the Clock list.
3. Click OK.
The clock source and the type of synchronization that is used are options that are stored as part of your
project files. For example, one of your projects might be set up to use the internal clock; a second might
use the Audio clock and MIDI Sync with SONAR as the master timing source; and another might use
SMPTE/MTC Sync as the clock source.
528
Timing is determined by...
The clock on the computer motherboard
The clock on the computer's sound card
The clock on an external MIDI device
A time code signal (in SMPTE or some other
format) recorded on some external medium or
SONAR
generated and sent by