Operating instructions

SMPTE SUPPLEMENT
© 1985, 1986, 1987 E-mu Systems, Inc. Page 215
SMPTE OVERVIEW
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers adopted SMPTE time code in order to
synchronize audio to video. Basically, SMPTE is a digital code that is recorded on audiotape or
videotape, or “burned into” film. This code outputs time information as hours, minutes, seconds,
and “frames” (1/30th of a second intervals). For synchronization, sophisticated machines “look”
at the SMPTE time code tracks on the audio and video machines to be synchronized, and
correct the speed of one unit vis-à-vis the other to maintain synchronization. These error
corrections are very subtle and are not noticeable.
The Emulator II uses SMPTE in conjunction with the Sequencer so that it may be started at a
specific frame of time code. Therefore, sound effects can be recorded into the Emulator II’s
Sequencer, and “dropped in” to a video or film production within one frame of time code.
SMPTE PROTOCOL
The Sequencer section mentions SMPTE basics; here is a more detailed overview.
Writing to tape: Recording SMPTE on tape is called “striping” the tape. First, choose the SMPTE
start point (which should be prior to the start of the Sequence) as described in SEQUENCER
SETUP 5, then select the frame rate in the EXT CLK sub-module.
Set the tape recorder in record ready mode, then prepare to write SMPTE by selecting the
“Write SMPTE Trk?” option while in the EXT CLK sub-module. Press YES to generate SMPTE,
and then check levels on the recorder Press ENTER to stop writing SMPTE. Start the tape
rolling in record mode, and press YES again. After striping the desired length of tape, press
ENTER. Hint: Always record more SMPTE time code than you think you’ll need. You can
always erase the excess, but it’s difficult to extend a SMPTE track if you decide to lengthen a
piece.
Reading from tape: Select “Clock Src=SMPTE” in the EXT CLK sub-module, and select the
frame rate of the SMPTE track recorded on tape. If you are working with a Sequence for the first
time, choose the SMPTE start point as described in SEQUENCER SETUP 5 (this start point will
be remembered when you come back to the Sequence in the future). When ready, make sure
the recorder is in playback mode, then roll tape.
Tape Chasing: If the SMPTE time being read from tape is earlier than the Sequence’s start
point; the PLAY light will blink until the tape catches up. Playback will then begin at the current
tempo. To change the tempo, use Slider A.
If the SMPTE time being read from tape is later than the Sequence’s start point, the Emulator II
will silently “fast-forward” through the Sequence to catch up with the tape. The point at which the
Sequence playback begins depends on the start point and tempo.
If the SMPTE time being read from tape is much later than the Sequence’s start point, the
Emulator II may need to silently “fast-forward” through the Sequence several times before it
catches up with the tape.