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Slaving directly to SMPTE

You can slave directly to incoming SMPTE timecode (LTC) via an analog input on a MOTU FireWire audio interface or a PCI-424-based interface.

This can be done with a number of applications; these instructions are for Digital Performer 4 and AudioDesk 2. For this FAQ, we'll use DP 4 and an 828mk2.

  • Connect the 1/4" SMPTE output of your SMPTE source (such as an analog tape deck) to the 1/4" SMPTE input on the 828mk2.
  • In Digital Performer, go to Setup menu > Configure Audio System > Configure Hardware Driver. Choose the 828mk2 as your driver and set the clock source to SMPTE.
  • Then choose Setup menu > Receive Sync. Set it to Sample Accurate, and set the SMPTE rate to match your SMPTE source; select OK. Choose Setup > Slave to External Sync. Press Play on DP's transport controls; it should flash, waiting for external sync. Press play on the SMPTE source.
  • Within a second or so, the 828mk2 and DP will resolve to the incoming timecode and DP will play in sync with the SMPTE source.
  • Note: If you have a PCI-424 card, you can assign any 1/4" analog input on any interface connected to the 424 card to be the SMPTE input port. Launch the PCI SMPTE Console and set "SMPTE Source" to be whichever input you would like, such as Analog 8.