M-AUDIO Biport 2x4s - Manual (Page 43)

Syncing to a SMPTE Stripe
With a SMPTE stripe recorded on one track of your tape deck, you are
now ready to sync to tape. Set your sequencer to SMPTE/MTC clock,
making it a slave to the BiPort 2x4s. Since the BiPort 2x4s auto-detects
the frame rate of incoming SMPTE, it is not necessary to set the frame
rate of the BiPort when syncing. However, you may need to set your
sequencer program to the proper incoming SMPTE format.
Note: The BiPort 2x4s always stores its current configura-
tion when you exit Windows. Therefore, when you restart
Windows, the BiPort 2x4s recalls its last setup and you do
not have to modify it unless you want to change parameters
such as frame format or User Bits.
Make sure the BiPort 2x4s SMPTE In is connected firmly to the
Tape/Sync output of your tape deck.
From your sequencer, you should select the BiPort 2x4s SMPTE Input as
one of your input devices. Some sequencers will automatically detect
MTC streaming in from this port and sync to it. Others, such as Master
Tracks, require you to designate which input port MTC is coming in on.
If this is the case, make sure that you designate “BiPort 2x4s SMPTE In”
as your sync input.
In all sequencers you must set a SMPTE start time at which the sequence
will start playing. This sequencer start time, if not dictated by post pro-
duction requirements, should be set to a value at least a few seconds
greater than the SMPTE offset you used to stripe your tape with. For
example, if your recorded SMPTE stripe started at 1 hour you should
use a sequencer start time of at least 1 hour and 5 seconds. This small
additional time (pre-roll) gives your sequencer a couple of seconds to
lock to SMPTE and stabilize before it has to start playing.
If all of this is done correctly, and you start playing your tape, your
sequencer should start playing exactly at the set sequencer start time.
Your sequencer should stay in perfect sync with the tape, even if you
have a varispeed deck. If you fast-forward and then start playing your
tape your sequencer should “chase lock” exactly to the SMPTE on the
tape.
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