SoundCraft Ghost User Manual page 141

GHOST Application Guide
packages which generally do not send back any tally information. If the Ghost's
transport controls begin to flash when pressed, and seem to be stuck, this indi-
cates that they are expecting to receive tallies from the machine. In this case,
either select the correct machine, or try the Open Loop option.
T T i i m m e e c c o o d d e e R R e e a a d d e e r r / / G G e e n n e e r r a a t t o o r r
As part of the machine control, Ghost includes an illuminated timecode display,
(hrs:min:secs:frames) enabling tape position to be monitored even if the machine
itself is not visible. It also means that Ghost can provide its own Locate and Cycle
functions, eliminating in many cases the need for a bulky and inconvenient tape
machine remote. Timecode can also be generated by Ghost, under local control of
the transport buttons, so that the console can act as a master machine, supplying
the reference code for other devices in the studio. The timecode generator when
in LTC mode (see below) can be used for striping tape (i.e. pre-recording a spare
track with timecode for synchronising purposes).
Finally, the capability of reading external timecode can be used to fire pre-set
mute snapshots on Ghost at chosen points in the music.
Ghost's timecode reader is accurate to the nearest 1/4-frame. (or 1/100 sec. when
working at 25FPS).
Ghost generates and reads two types of timecode:
l LTC, or Longitudinal timecode, which is an audio signal connected to and
from the console by 1/4" unbalanced jack sockets.
l MTC, or MIDI timecode, the same timing information as LTC, but trans-
mitted/received instead via the MIDI interface, where it is interleaved with
other MIDI data such as MMC, program changes and note-on/off.
MTC is more convenient than LTC, as the same cables can be used to carry timing
and machine control information, but it may not be as accurate. Timing errors can
occur if the MIDI connection from console to machine is part of a bigger MIDI
loop which includes, for instance, a sequencer generating large amounts of MIDI
information. For this reason it is better to keep the machine control loop free of
sequencer data if possible.
Both types of timecode can be generated/read in the 4 most common frame rates:
l 24 FPS
l 25 FPS
l 30 FPS (non-drop)
l 30 FPS (drop-frame)
The most commonly used rate in the UK is 25FPS, while in the USA it is 30 drop-
frame. This difference is for historical reasons, based on the different AC mains
frequencies (50 and 60Hz respectively).
The desired frame rate is set for both generator and reader as a global parameter,
using Ghost's Setup page, and once set will be remembered until a different frame
rate is required.
9.7