Reference Guide

1083
MIDI synchronization
Synchronizing your gear
Figure 311. The Sync module.
A. SMPTE/MTC format B. Incoming timecode C. Sync type
To use the Audio clock source
Do one of the following:
•Go to Edit > Preferences > Project - Clock and select Audio.
• In the Control Bar’s Sync module, click the Sync Type button and choose Audio Sync on the
pop-up menu.
MIDI synchronization
MIDI Synchronization, or MIDI Sync, is usually used to synchronize SONAR with drum machines,
stand-alone MIDI hardware sequencers, and sequencers built into MIDI keyboards. SONAR can
slave to MIDI Sync, and can send MIDI Sync on multiple output ports.
When MIDI devices are synched, the master device sends messages to all other devices to start and
stop playback and to keep all the devices in sync. To change the tempo of a project, you adjust the
tempo on the master device. The playback tempo on all slave devices is then set automatically.
The following MIDI messages are sent by the master device to support MIDI Sync:
Message How it is used
Start This message tells slave devices to start playing from the beginning of the
currently loaded sequence.
Stop This message tells slave devices to stop playback.
Continue This message tells slave devices to continue playing from the current
location in the currently loaded sequence.
Song Position Pointer (SPP) This message tells slave devices to change the current location to the
designated point in the project. SONAR normally issues an SPP message
immediately prior to any Start or Continue message.
Clock The master sends clock messages to each slave device at the rate of 24 per
quarter note. The slave devices use these messages to establish the tempo
and stay in sync.
Table 199.