Reference Guide

1161
MIDI synchronization
Synchronizing your gear
Using MIDI Sync with drum machines
The most flexible way to use a MIDI drum machine is to record the notes it generates into SONAR,
then use that machine as a MIDI playback device. This lets you edit, cut, paste, and copy your drum
parts like any other clip. You can use MIDI Sync to record the notes from the drum machine into
SONAR as follows:
1. Use the drum machine’s pattern-composing facilities to compose your drum part.
2. Configure the drum machine to be a slave device that receives MIDI Sync messages.
3. Configure SONAR to send MIDI Stop/Start/Continue/SPP messages.
4. Record the drum part from SONAR. The drum machine starts automatically when recording
begins and stops automatically when you press Stop.
5. Switch the drum machine out of MIDI Sync mode so that it acts simply as a sound-producing
module.
Troubleshooting MIDI Sync
If you experience problems with MIDI Sync when SONAR is the master device, verify that your
external devices are configured correctly to respond to MIDI Sync. Most devices have a Clock
option that should be set to External or MIDI.
If SONAR does not respond to MIDI Sync as a slave device, verify that your external devices are
configured correctly to transmit MIDI Sync. Remember that only one external device can be used as
the master clock source.