SP Studio Systems SP-12 - Manual (Page 77)

MIDI, SYNC & SMPTE
© E-mu Systems, Inc. 1985 Page 77
Enhanced by The Emulator Archive 2002 www.emulatorarchive.com
6H WRITING A 24 PPQN CLICK SYNC TRACK ON TAPE
The SP-12 can write a Click track to tape (typically one track of a multitrack
recorder), to which the SP-12 can later synchronize.
1. Activate the SYNC module and key in 1 for Internal sync.
2. Program the desired tempo as described in Sections 1O and 3H, and
program the Metronome to generate a 214 pulses-per-quarter note click (this
appears at the rear panel MET OUT jack). If you want the click track to repeat
indefinitely, go into segment mode and press RUN/STOP. If you want to the
click track to last the length of a song, program the Metronome for a click
output, add a trigger output instruction to the song (Section 3K), and play the
song.
With the SP-12 set for Internal sync, SMPTE out generates a continuous 24
pulses-per-quarter note signal. This may also be used for striping tape if you
also need to have a metronome signal present, but generally using the MET
OUT signal is preferred.
3. Set up the tape recorder in record ready mode, and patch the MET OUT jack
to the track on which you want to write the click track (usually an outer track
such as 8, 16, or 24).
4. Press RUN/STOP to generate the click signal. Use this signal to set record
levels before rolling tape. Set about a -3 VU record level. After setting levels,
press RUN/STOP again to stop the click. Roll the tape back to where you
want the click track to start, enter record mode, leave a few seconds of blank
tape, and then press RUN/STOP to start recording the click track on tape.
Note that any tempo changes you make while the segment is running will be
reflected in the click track.
Always record more click track than you think you’ll need. You can erase it
later if you don’t use it, and if you ever need it you’ll be glad It’s there.
When finished, press RUN/STOP to stop writing.
Hint: After recording a click track, play it back into the SP-12 via the
CASS/SYNC/SMPTE IN jack and play a segment or song to make sure that the click
track was recorded at the right level and that there are no drop-outs or other
problems. The SP-12 requires a fairly hefty click in signal; with most -10 dBV
standard gear, the click signal will need to be pre-amplified in order to drive the SP-
12. Most +11 dBm standard gear delivers sufficient output to drive the SP-12. If the
click track bleeds over into other channels of the tape, try lowering the record level a
bit and amplifying the signal coming from the tape output.