Pro Tools & SMPTE

[ernstinen]

Hi Guys,I'm trying to do something in Pro Tools that I've done hundreds of times with an ADAT: Sync a recorded stereo track to SMPTE time code for purposes of sequencing samples.Here's my setup: A Digi002 with a PC; a MOTU Midi Express XT; and a Mac G4 running Performer.With the ADAT, I would record a SMPTE stripe onto a track, and set Performer to receive external sync. Worked perfectly, sequencing keyboard parts while recording live tracks on the ADAT.So I tried the same thing with Pro Tools. I recorded a stereo track off a CD, then recorded a separate track of SMPTE out of the Midi Express. I ran the SMPTE track back into the Midi Express, exactly like I would with the ADAT. Then I set Performer to receive external sync, pressed play on the Digi002, and --- Performer won't start. I've checked all connections, and nothing works.An engineer friend said that I can connect a Midi cable from the Midi Express to the Digi002, which deletes the need for a SMPTE stripe in Pro Tools. I tried it, and that doesn't work either. Maybe I don't have it hooked up right? The Midi Express has 1/4" phone jacks for SMPTE, and 8 Midi inputs and outputs. The connection to the Mac is a USB cable.Any ideas?Thanks in advance,Ern

[matto]

So can I ask why you're not just sequencing your midi in Protools? Or, if you prefer Performer for sequencing, why you don't just record the audio inside of that?

[ernstinen]

Quote:So can I ask why you're not just sequencing your midi in Protools? Or, if you prefer Performer for sequencing, why you don't just record the audio inside of that?Excellent question, Matt. But I would expect nothing less from you, my friend! --- Ah, there is a method to my madness, a long and tedious story.First of all, I've been using Performer for nearly 20 years, and know it like the palm of my right hand. BUT, I'm still using Performer 6.03. I've had Digital Performer in an unopened box for months, sitting in the corner of my studio weeping like an ignored toddler. That's because the hard drive in my Mac is dying a slow death, and I don't want to install DP until I upgrade my G4 with a new HD and video card (to take advantage of my new HP 24" monitor which pivots to portrait mode for scoring), add more RAM etc. etc.So although Performer 6.03 DOES have the capability of recording audio, it pales in comparison to Pro Tools, which I record in at 24 bit/96 kHz. Plus, I've been working on a HUGE orchestral score in MOTU's Mosaic on the Mac, which is still running OS 9.2.2. I ALSO have to switch to OS X, which I don't want to do until I upgrade the G4.Secondly, the PC which I use for Pro Tools has only 1 gig of RAM. I use it for mastering stereo tracks, but when I have over about 3 tracks and/or use more that 2 plugins, it starts complaining. I'd have to upgrade THAT 'puter also to do serious audio recording. (I told you this is a long story! ).So I'm trying to squeeze out one more project out of my G4 before I make big, life-changing modifications to my old way of doing things. I just finished my Mosaic orchestral score yesterday, all the while just hoping my HD didn't die in the process. I'm ALSO going to have to replace Mosaic (which has been discontinued) with Sibelius or Finale. That never-ending cycle of upgrading the studio has reared its ugly head and can't be ignored much longer.But the scientific side of my little pea-brain still needs to understand why this SMPTE idea doesn't work. It's just a temporary solution, but it bugs me that I can't figure it out. --- Does that make sense, or am I just whistling Dixie?Ern

[aubreyz]

About the SMPTE stripe-- if the output of the 002 is +4, and I'm guessing the 1/4" in on the MOTU is -10, then the digi will overdrive the input and the smpte will be unreadable. I've had the same trouble in the past trying to sync a video deck.However, you should be able to use MTC (midi time code) and MMC (midi machine control) with the midi cable. It's been a while, but several years ago I used logic the same way. You may have to set up a virtual IAC midi in/out in audio/midi setup. Digi doesn't make it easy unless you have their expensive Sync I/O.This link may help:http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?nav ... 27Aubbtw-- if the level is the smpte problem, an inline pad or direct box with a pad may fix it.

[mazz]

Ern,I'm not in front of my Mac right now but I use Digital Performer and the sync transmit/receive functions haven't changed much from older versions.I don't use this function at all anymore so I can't remember but don't you have to select a "receive sync from" input?If you want to use MTC, you'll have to make sure ProTools is outputting it and you've set up Performer to receive it in whatever menu is used for that. I think you might have to select an input source like I said above but I can't remember how to do it.Also, make sure your frame rate is the same. You probably already know that but I'm just brainstorming here.Good luck. If you can't get it resolved, I can check when I get home tonight and see if I can shed some light.Mazz

[matto]

Makes sense Ern. I agree with Aub that the SMPTE thing should work, most likely the levels are messed up. SMPTE is a bit fickle, if the signal isn't very clean there are problems, which is why analog multitracks often had the option to turn of the noise reduction just on the last track. If something like Dolby is enough to mess up the SMPTE signal, then a level mismatch or distortion certainly would.

[nickbatzdorf]

I haven't read the whole thread, but you don't need SMPTE. Just run MIDI between the computers. Hit command 2 in Pro Tools and tell it to transmit MTC over the MIDI port going to DP on the other machine. Put DP online.That's it.