Synchronization Problems

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Todzilla

Todzilla

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Here's what I'm trying to syncronize:

1) MOTU Performer-> JL Cooper Datamaster ->ADAT

or

2) ADAT-> Datamaster -> MOTU Perf

I don't have manuals, so I am kind of guessing how to do this. I've formatted the ADAT tape, which I assume puts time code on the tape. Then I cabled the 9 pins bi-directionally from ADAT to Datamaster. I set up MIDI cabling bidirectionally from the Datamaster to my Mac's MIDI interface (MOTU microexpress).

For option 1, I configured Performer to transmit sync. I set up the Datamaster so it thinks the ADAT is a slave. I assume that the ADAT would wait for MTC to be generated by Performer before starting. No dice. She just cranked right up regardless of Perf's state.

For option 2, I configured Performer to receive MTC sync. I set up the Datamaster so it thinks the ADAT is the master. As the ADAT rolls along, Perf is waiting and waiting for sync clock. No dice.

I've had much success with R2R SMPTE syncing with MOTU Performer, with typical dropouts and such, and I figured MTC would be the way to go in this case. I haven't gone the SMPTE route yet, but I figured that just introduced a new level of imprecision into the process.

A possible clue is that the Datamaster has a screen which says something like "Looking for ADATS" and never lists a number for my ADAT. This suggests that the Datamaster never sees the ADAT in the first place, which would explain all my troubles.

Does anyone have ideas, a PDF manual or hints on how I might resolve this issue of vintage mid 90s technologies?

Thanks in Advance,

-Todzilla
 
It should work pretty much the same as using a R2R. I would look more into why the JLC isn't recognizing the ADAT when it boots up. You may have to enable the ADAT to receive sync or remote control. It's been a long time since I synced an ADAT but it wasn't that big of a deal.

You might experiment with the order of powering on the ADAT and JLC. It may make a difference.
 
Tex,

I think you're probably right. I need to spend more time looking at the interactions between the DataMaster and the ADAT.

I have an ADAT manual because ALESIS HAS PDFs OF MANUALS FOR ALL THEIR DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS. I'm not a huge Alesis fan, but I have to give a lot of credit to any vendor that does this simple, cheap and invaluable service to their customers. Most vendors would rather spend their energy pretending they never sold that old product.

I'll give this a try and let you know...
 
Chalk One Up for the Dumbass Awards!

I figured it all out...

My cables were switched. In fairness, in the cramped space behind the sync box, all I could read on the back panel was "sync out" and "sync in." Above these labels were the all important "To ADAT" which made the full description "To ADAT sync out."

Usually I do the ol' out to in from unit to unit. JL Cooper tried to prevent that, but didn't count on my 74" frame having to stoop and read in a cramped setting.

For the record, the Cooper box works great now, although it's adding an hour to the time code and I can't seem to figure out how to squelch it. So, I just have MOTU start an hour into the clock.

On top of all this, the two channels on my Yammy digital board that were totally crapped out just started working like a champ again.

...ever have one of those nights where everything worked?

Thanks for the input folks.
 
Glad you got it working. There should be a SMPTE Offset to change that 1 hour setting.
 
Todzilla said:
Chalk One Up for the Dumbass Awards!



For the record, the Cooper box works great now, although it's adding an hour to the time code and I can't seem to figure out how to squelch it.
.

Daylight savings time?
 
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