M-AUDIO Biport 2x4s - Manual (Page 15)

• The tape deck Tape In (or Sync In) is connected to the BiPort 2x4s
SMPTE Out.
• Additional MIDI devices may be directly connected to the BiPort
2x4s MIDI In-B, MIDI Out-B, MIDI Out-C and MIDI Out-D jacks.
In this example, the BiPort 2x4s provides several functions: 1) it acts as a
multi-port MIDI interface between the host computer and the connected
MIDI keyboards and sound modules; 2) it synchronizes the host com-
puter to the tape recorder by converting the tape recorder’s SMPTE sig-
nal into MIDI Time Code for use by the host’s MIDI sequencer applica-
tion; 3) it acts as a SMPTE striper for writing a SMPTE track to the tape
recorder. While connected to the host computer, the BiPort 2x4s may be
controlled by either the front panel pushbuttons or by Remote Control
software running on the host computer. Before connecting each piece of
equipment, it is a good idea to verify that each piece is powered down.
After all connections are made, apply power to each device once again.
NOTE: The BiPort 2x4s may be left attached to a computer
that is turned off. However, the BiPort 2x4s should always
be powered up before the computer. The BiPort-to-Host
serial cable should not be connected or disconnected while
either is powered up.
In order for MIDI Interface mode to properly operate, there are addition-
al steps that must be taken to configure the host computer. Each of these
steps is only required once. After that the host computer will remain
configured for operation. The steps in configuring the host computer for
MIDI Interface mode are:
• Selecting a PC or Mac host serial port and connecting to it.
• Running the included diagnostic software to ensure reliable connec-
tion between the BiPort and the host computer.
• Installing the provided software drivers on the host computer.
• Installing the Remote Control software.
• Configuring the host MIDI application(s) to use the BiPort 2x4s as its
MIDI interface.
Each of these steps is described in its own section that follows.
BiPort to Host Connection
There are two steps to physically connecting the BiPort 2x4s to your host
computer: 1) selecting the host serial port, and 2) connecting the BiPort
to the host with the proper cable.
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