Apple Logic Express 8 - Manual (Page 852)

852 Chapter 35 Synchronizing Logic Express
Validate MTC
The Validate MTC menu allows you to specify how often Logic Express checks for
incoming time code, in order to ensure synchronization integrity. In general, you
should leave this menu option on the “always” setting.
There are some devices, however, that generate time code pulses that may require a
specific number of frames to be set, in order to maintain synchronization. The “never,
Jam Sync” setting basically sets Logic Express to free-wheel if the synchronization
signal is lost. In other words, Logic Express will run on its own internal clock (at the
most recently received tempo) if the synchronization pulse is lost. This approach
ensures that recording will continue, even if the incoming timing pulse fails.
SMPTE Offset (Top Bar Position Row)
This is where you set the SMPTE offset for the project. As songs don’t always need to
start precisely at bar 1, you can select any bar position to be played at the set SMPTE
time.
The default is Bar Position: 1 1 1 1 plays at SMPTE 01:00:00:00.
The SMPTE offset of 01:00:00:00 (one hour) is normally used, because it allows you to
pre-roll an amount of time code.
SMPTE View Offset (Lower Bar Position Row)
If you want to see the absolute time from the start of the project in the time display,
rather than the actual SMPTE time, select the Enable Separate SMPTE View Offset
checkbox.
Then choose Bar Position 1 1 1 1 displayed at SMPTE 00:00:00:00 (preset). If necessary,
you can set other view offset values here.
The Tempo List always shows the real SMPTE time, never the SMPTE View Offset. The
SMPTE View Offset is used in all other windows (including the Transport).
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Tip: It is a common practice in many video (and audio) post production houses to set a
one hour SMPTE offset (01:00:00:00). This avoids a problem commonly referred to as
midnight, where a pre-roll passes through SMPTE time 00:00:00:00, which causes issues
with some tape machines (such as the ADAT).