User guide

Chapter 35 Synchronizing Logic Express 863
Synchronization Problems and Solutions
Given the number of different synchronization types that are available, and different
implementations by various manufacturers, you may occasionally encounter timing
issues when running Logic Express synchronously with other devices or applications.
This section will help you to overcome some common synchronization problems.
Faulty Digital Synchronization
If Logic Express is synchronized to external Word Clock (Audio Sync Mode: External or
Free), you must ensure that a valid digital signal is always available. If you encounter
error messages such as “Sample Rate xxx kHz recognized” it may be that the DAT
recorder (or whatever clock source you have connected to your audio hardware’s
digital input) does not transmit Word Clock in stop or pause mode (or has switched
itself off).
Faulty Synchronization to an External Tape Machine
Create a new project, make a new recording and see if that does the trick. Why? If an
old recording on tape was not properly synchronized to time code, you won’t be able
to use it. One basic rule: the playback situation must be identical to the recording
situation.
If everything is working fine with the new recording, this means the present setup is
okay. Next, check whether anything has changed in your global setup. Has the frame
rate changed? Has the tape speed changed? If you have changed a 30 fps setting, try
variations such as 30 drop or 29.97.
If MIDI and Audio Are not Synchronized
Open the File > Project Settings > Synchronization > Audio tab and select the MTC
Continuous or MTC Trigger + Auto Speed Detection mode.
If your audio hardware doesn’t support either mode, you should cut extremely long
regions into shorter sections.
If MIDI and SMPTE Are not Synchronized
Check all frame rate settings. The frame rate of all connected devices must be identical,
including the time code on the tape machine, the synchronizer, and in Logic Express
itself.
Some synchronizers encode the wrong frame rate in MTC. In this situation, open the
Tempo Editor, switch off the Detect option, and set the correct frame rate manually.