2013

Synchronization 275
MIDI Clock
MIDI Clock only contains the SPP (song position pointer) and the start/stop signals.
There is no continuous timing information embedded in the MIDI clock signal, nor is
this transmitted. This type of synchronization is principally therefore only suitable for
starting and stopping. The greatest drawback of this type of synchronization is the
fact that Samplitude Music Studio 2013 can verify though whether the audio tracks
are played back in full sync, but MIDI Clock does not provide further continuous time
information to allow the internal position to be compared with the external signal.
You can use this type of synchronization if your system combination shows no timing
changes.
MIDI Time Code (MTC)
If you require a reliable integration of the MIDI tracks of an internal sequencer into
Samplitude Music Studio 2013's audio tracks, use of the MTC format is
recommended.
MIDI Time Code or “MTC” includes so-called time information in addition to the
MIDI Clock signals, although only start synchronization occurs in Samplitude Music
Studio 2013. It is therefore important that both systems have a word clock or are
connected to any other type of digital audio clock. This helps to successfully avoid
drifting.
Chase Lock Sync
If fluctuations in speed occur, Samplitude Music Studio 2013 can make adjustments
in slave mode that ensure exact temporal synchronization. This function is called
"chase lock". The settings can be changed in the Synchronization dialog. This option
should always be used if a part of the synchronization cannot be clocked centrally via
black burst, word clock, or the digital input, and Samplitude Music Studio 2013 is the
"slave". This is the case if the timecode is located on a track featuring a multitrack
machine. If the systems are coupled via a central digital audio clock, then chase lock
should not be activated. Please note that resampling to the recording in real time
according to the timecode fluctuations will be applied if "Chase Lock" is active. This
causes increased CPU load and may result in unwanted changes to the audio
material, if this is played later with other timecode references.
Samplitude Music Studio 2013 supports real "Chase Lock" synchronization, i.e. audio
playback can be controlled precisely by a received timecode signal (MC or MTC). In
this case not only the starting point of audio playback is controlled externally, but
sync also controls playback speed if "Chase Lock" is activated. Samplitude Music
Studio 2013 is therefore capable of following analog tape devices or VCRs that always
have some slip for longer periods.