MIDI Time Code (MTC)

A common approach is to use a SMPTE to MTC converter in order to control Metrofrom a multitrack tape recorder or external device.

To sync Metro to incoming MIDI Time Code:

  1. Set up your SMPTE to MTC converter (refer to the converter box owner's manual for specific configuration instructions).

  2. Choose MTC Sync from the Sync setting pop-up within the expanded Transport window.

  3. Choose MIDI Setup from the Setup menu and verify that the Receive Sync button is enabled for the proper port.

    note02.gif Note: OMS/MSS users should verify METRO’s Receive Sync From setting under MIDI Setup (Setup menu). “MTC capable MIDI devices” must be specified within the Current Studio Setup document.
  1. Choose Time Code from the Setup menu and enter a SMPTE Start Time in the corresponding fields; then choose the incoming MIDI Time Code type by selecting the corresponding radio button, and click OK.

    note02.gifHint:If you experience problems when syncing to MTC, you may wish to experimentwith the Wait 'N' seconds before stopping on dropout and/or Tolerate 'N' errors before syncing settings.

  1. Metro will automatically begin playback when it receives MTC and the correct SMPTE Start Time has transpired.

Once synced to MTC, Metro's transport functions will be completely controlled from the master syncing device. Metro will begin playback when MTC is sent, and Metro will stop playback when MTC has stopped. In other words, the transports of your multitrack recorder, or master syncing device, will also function as Metro's transports.

exclaim2.gifImportant: When you are syncing METRO and DECK II to MTC, always set up DECK II to receive sync. All MTC synchronization settings should be configured within DECK II, andMETRO should be set to Deck Sync (not Clock Sync or MTC Sync). All you need to do in METRO is choose Connect to DECK (Switches menu). When you choose Connect to DECK, DECK II handles all synchronization tasks (including SMPTE Start Time); METRO essentially gives up its clock and uses DECK II as master. Therefore, make absolutely sure that METRO's SMPTE Start Time (Setup menu) is set at 00:00:00:00:00 when Connect to DECK is enabled.

The Wait 'N' seconds before stopping on drop-out field in Metro's Time Code dialog box (Setup menu) is particularly useful if your master tape is plagued with tapedrop-outs, or your SMPTE signal has been degraded or recorded at a low level. Settingthe Wait 'N' seconds before stopping on drop-out value to a larger number will cause Metro to compensate for that amount oftape drop-out time when synced to incoming MTC.

note02.gifNote: Setting a high 'drop-out time' will delay the response of METRO's 'stop time' by the amount of the specified drop-out time.

The Tolerate 'N' errors before syncing field allows Metro to ignore bad quarter frame messages without re-syncing. For example, setting Tolerate 'N' errors before syncing to a value of 5 instructs Metro to ignore 5 quarter-frame errors beforere-syncing. If only 4 errors were encountered before MTC gets back in sync, Metrowill continue to play and reset its error count back to 0.

MIDI Time Code (MTC)