M-AUDIO Biport 2x4s - Manual (Page 8)

BiPort performs the following functions:
• Acts as a SMPTE writer. The user may manually configure, start and
stop the SMPTE writer from the BiPort’s front panel. The SMPTE sig-
nal appears at the SMPTE Out jack.
• Acts as a SMPTE reader/regenerator. If the BiPort is not writing
SMPTE, whenever a valid SMPTE signal appears at the BiPort’s
SMPTE In, the BiPort will synchronize with and read the incoming
SMPTE signal. It will also automatically regenerate SMPTE to the
SMPTE Out jack.
• Outputs MIDI Time Code (MTC) on MIDI Out-A. Whenever the
BiPort is reading or writing SMPTE it will convert the SMPTE infor-
mation to MTC. The MTC will exit the BiPort at MIDI Out-A.
• Monitors MIDI In-A for SYSEX information from an external source.
An external MIDI device may use SYSEX commands to configure,
start and stop the SMPTE writer.
• Acts as a “thru box” for Mac printer or modem operation.
• All front panel buttons are active in this mode. Only MIDI ports In-A
and Out-A are active.
MIDI Interface Mode
When connected to a PC or Mac host computer, the BiPort may be com-
manded into Interface Mode by that host computer by launching a MIDI
application that utilizes the BiPort driver. When it does, it will indicate
the host type by lighting either the “MAC” or “PC” LED on the BiPort
front panel (these will light in Stand-Alone mode when accessing the
Remote Control software). As an interface, the BiPort 2x4s acts very sim-
ilar to the Midiman Portman 4x4/S
TM and other MIDI/SMPTE interfaces.
In MIDI Interface mode, the BiPort performs the following functions:
• Acts as a 2-input 4-output MIDI interface. Data is routed between
the host and all MIDI ports simultaneously. Each port is capable of
independent 16-channel MIDI operation.
• Acts as a SMPTE writer. The SMPTE writer may be configured, start-
ed and stopped by either the front panel controls or by Remote
Control software. The SMPTE signal appears at the SMPTE Out jack.
• Acts as a SMPTE reader. Similar to Stand-Alone mode, the BiPort
monitors incoming signals at the SMPTE In jack and locks to it when-
ever valid code is detected.
IMPORTANT: In order to guarantee full MIDI bandwidth on
all ports and accurate SMPTE regeneration, Interface Mode
does not regenerate incoming SMPTE. Only Stand-Alone
Mode regenerates SMPTE.
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