Dumb question on SMPTE codes

  • Thread starter Thread starter nate_dennis
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nate_dennis

nate_dennis

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I'm about to start a session tomorrow and will (for the first time) be utilizing my JL Cooper PPS-100 in conjunction with my drum machine. When the PPS instructions tell me to "program" the SMPTE time that I want the song to start can I just look at the time on the tape? I mean does the SMPTE time equal the elapsed time on the tape?

I worry I'm not being clear, but maybe you all can help any way. Thanks.
 
The PPS-100 has no idea what the tape counter says...it is talking about the time of the timecode you strip on track 8. That's the only time it knows about. What it is asking for is the offset. Do you want it to lock at 0:00:00.00.00? Or something else? it is how you can shift how the tape and the drum machine are relating in time.
 
Right. (I didn't explain myself very well. :o)

If i have my deck synced to the PPS and I push play .. . will the PPS show me what the SMPTE time is? Sorry . . . . and thanks.
 
I don't know...do you have the manual? Is there a numerical LED readout on it?
 
nate_dennis said:
Right. (I didn't explain myself very well. :o)

If i have my deck synced to the PPS and I push play .. . will the PPS show me what the SMPTE time is? Sorry . . . . and thanks.
Click to expand...

Yes, in hours, minutes, seconds and frames, like so...

00:00:00:00

:)
 
So i have to appologize. I asked questions before I really worked it out myself. My PPS100 does show what frame etc it is on when synced. I'm sorry for wasting all of your time.

I also want to just let you know how giddy I was to have my drum machine play without touching it b/c of the syncronization. So a small tip to anyone new to analog.

Program your drum machine to play a basic beat over and over again. Sync your deck to your drum machine and track your basics (guitar, bass, etc) to the basic drum track. THEN go back and do your "heavy" programming. This saves you from having to sing the song in your head while programming and what not. Just thought I'd throw it out there. (I know I didnt' create this concept but I just thought I'd share it.)

Nate
 
Nate...I totally know that giddy feeling. I remember chuckling like a kid the first time I pressed PLAY on my DAW remote control and had my 58 transport jump into PLAY mode too. :)
 
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