Fostex 8700 SMPTE: for Tascam 38??

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Timothy108

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Hey there, does anyone know if the Fostex 8700 SMPTE Time Code Generator would work okay with a Tascam 38 and my PC? I am totally new to the concept of SMPTE and just want to be able to synch my Tascam with computer recording. Cheers!
 
Does the 8700 output MTC?

In other words, will the 8700 take SMPTE timecode off analog deck and convert that to MIDI timecode (MTC), and what software are you running? Will it sync to external MTC?
 
I actually have no idea if it would output MTC...I saw it on ebay and it just got taken. I am new to the concept of SMPTE and just want to find something that will work. For software I am currently using good old Cool Edit Pro, but want to update to Audacity soon. Thanks for the reply!
 
Okay. Here's the deal.

You need to check and see if CEP or Audacity will sync to external or incomming MTC. Check the manuals or post on forums pertinent to those products.

Then you'll need a MIDI interface for your computer, and a basic interface that will generate SMPTE code (you record that on track 8 of an entire tape), read the SMPTE code and convert it to MTC. The computer then reads the MTC output by the synchonizer and stays in step with the SMPTE code on the analog deck assuming the software can sync to that external MTC.

What are the hardware specs of your computer?

The reason I ask is that you are more likely to have sync problems if your PC is older and/or not tuned for audio production. The analog deck is less acurate speed wise and the computer is adjusting to stay in step with the analog deck since the analog machine is the master. If your computer has trouble with these minor time variances where it has to adjust to stay in sync it can present itself as pops and clicks. Shouldn't be a problem with a more recent computer (the past several years for instance) and especially if it has been setup for audio. Many people do it this way, I just think it is important to understand the sync relationship you are setting up and that it is the analog machine that is the master.
 
I'm shooting from the hip here, a bit.

The Fostex 8700 is simply a time code generator. It will output the appropriate signal to stripe the tape with SMPTE timecode, no more/no less.:eek:;)
 
In regards to using Cool Edit Pro, it is possible, and I have done it with a Tascam MSR-16 and a Tascam Midiizer converting SMPTE to MTC. With that said, CEP is only so-so at doing the sync, because you constantly have to re-arm CEP in order for it to sync up with the tape machine. This is kind of a pain to do, especially considering that you have to do this after every time you stop the tape machine, but before you hit play on the machine again.

For about $40 you can get N-Track, which I've found does a really good job of syncing up with tape machines.

Just thought I'd throw that out there!

-MD
 
I used n-Track for years...buggy at times but very real-time personal support from the developer...lots of bang for the buck. Never used it with analog machines but you can take what MD said to the bank. I still have a copy of it. I primarily use Cubase now but that was an operational decision to take advantage of tighter integration with my Yamaha 01X mixer/controller/interface, not any dissatisfaction with n-Track.

Reel Person is right....the 8700 isn't a synchronizer.
 
Thanks for your advice guys! Currently I'm rethinking my whole set-up...it turns out my Tascam 38 isn't working as well as I thought (it starts slowing down when i get close to the end of a tape), my PC is actually about 10 or so years old and not tuned for recording. I have recently caught wind of a Soundcraft 762 24-track for sale, and beginning to dream! Gonna post a new thread about that one...
 
Right now I have a reel of 3M 996 Audio Mastering tape in the deck.
 
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