What do I need to know about syncing?

[The549]

I have a TOA MR8T 8 track cassette recorder....it has an rca in and out for a sync input. What was that used for, and what can it be used for? Can I hook it up to any new digital equipment? Looked for a manual for this machine but can't find one.

thanks!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

The sync input/output is for laying down a time code track on the 8th track of the recorder so that you could hook it up to run it in sync with midi gear, other tape recorders or a computer but this would require additional equipment to generate the time code and control the deck to work in harmony with all the other gear you wish to sync it to.

If you're not in possession of a bank of midi sequencers and sound modules, that leaves the option of other recorders or a computer.

What most people are doing these days with analog recorders is starting their sessions on tape and then simply transferring it into a computer where they can cut and paste their way to happiness...if that's what you're into?

What sort of projects do you envision doing in your studio? Lavish 200 track projects or just honestly playing your bands parts down on tape for a demo or keepsake? The answer to that question will determine just how complex you need your set up to be.

Cheers!v

 

[The549]

...What most people are doing these days with analog recorders is starting their sessions on tape and then simply transferring it into a computer where they can cut and paste their way to happiness...if that's what you're into?

What sort of projects do you envision doing in your studio? Lavish 200 track projects or just honestly playing your bands parts down on tape for a demo or keepsake? The answer to that question will determine just how complex you need your set up to be.

Cheers!v

Damnit I wanted to have a more complex setup. Yeah I'll probably end up doing just that. But I was wondering if I could add it on to my digital setup as 7 additional synced channels.

But if I did want to use a sync, what kind of midi play would i run through that channel?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Something as simple as a TASCAM MTS-30 midi-tape synchronizer should do the trick for laying down an MTC, (Midi Time Code) data track which would give you a song positioning pointer signal to tell your outboard midi synchronizer when to start playing or if midway through a song on the tape, tell the midi device to start playing it's parts from that point in the tune.

I'm no expert in the field of sync so perhaps others can chime in here with their thoughts and ideas of what else could be used and how to use it.

Cheers!

 

[Marcel-X]

Just for the record.

Before I started reading a decent article about tape sync, I thought the Tascam MT-S30 was perfect.

Well in historical context the MT-S30 with CLS (Chase Lock Sync) is an improvement over Midi Sync and FSK (Frequency Shift Keying). But for more convenient use you will need a SMPTE to MTC (MIDI Time Code) stripe writer. Absolute timing will also allow tempo change!

 

[Marcel-X]

6th post, so now I am allowed to post a link!

http://www.textfiles.com/music/syncinfo.txt

 

[Beck]

Damnit I wanted to have a more complex setup. Yeah I'll probably end up doing just that. But I was wondering if I could add it on to my digital setup as 7 additional synced channels.

It will be easier to conceptualize if you look at things in terms of adding digital to your analog setup in this case, since the TOA can only be master. Your digital rig will need to be capable of following some kind of time reference (some don’t).

If I know what digital system you have I can give you some specifics on what sync device to get.

 

[stevieb]

Son of a gun! I have one of those! Never used it! Not even sure if I HAVE a use for it.

Only gear I have that I think it might be useful for is the Ensoniq ESQ-1 or the Fostex D8 open reel recorder...

What should I do with this thing? Anybody want to buy it? Trade?

Something as simple as a TASCAM MTS-30 midi-tape synchronizer should do the trick for laying down an MTC, (Midi Time Code) data track which would give you a song positioning pointer signal to tell your outboard midi synchronizer when to start playing or if midway through a song on the tape, tell the midi device to start playing it's parts from that point in the tune.

I'm no expert in the field of sync so perhaps others can chime in here with their thoughts and ideas of what else could be used and how to use it.

Cheers!