Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
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By Remedial Sun Jun 06, 2010 11:21 am
Okay, I've been trying to establish SMPTE sync between my 4k and Audiodesk (MOTU; basically a stripped down version of Logic mainly for audio recording) for the past 2 days, with no luck.

I've set the sync options on the 4k appropriately (25 frames), connected the necessary SMPTE out cable to my MOTU 828 mkII and enabled external sync and all the other necessary adjustments within Audiodesk that "should" allow this to happen.

But, no dice.

Audiodesk is primed and ready to receive SMPTE, but, it looks like the 4K is not sending it for some reason.

Is there anything that might be the cause?

Does the track have to be sent to a midi out port or can it still be directed to a drum program.

Please, any help or suggestions at all would be appreciated.
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By Grouphome Sun Jun 06, 2010 9:23 pm
the wat I work with smpte sync; I make the MPC smpte master and computer MMC master
The computer sends out the start message for the mpc, so when you start the computer, the mpc starts, and the computer waits for the sync signal and eventually picks up the sync.

don' forget to turn on sync on the mpc
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By dabmeister Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:31 am
Remedial wrote:I've set the sync options on the 4k appropriately (25 frames), connected the necessary SMPTE out cable to my MOTU 828 mkII and enabled external sync and all the other necessary adjustments within Audiodesk that "should" allow this to happen.


Is this about MTC (midi time code)? Hit your "midi" button on the 4k and see how things are routed.
By manny0888 Sat Jun 12, 2010 1:02 pm
just yesterdy i had a convo with someone who told me smpte sync would be the best sync but i wouldnt be able to do it with logic 9, and now i read this post, thinking is it possible? if so how are you syncing them? because he told me logic 9 doesnt have smpte
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By dabmeister Sat Jun 12, 2010 10:51 pm
^^^ SMPTE is the audio equivalent to Midi Time Code. It even mentions this in the Logic help center.

http://documentation.apple.com/en/logicpro/usermanual/#chapter=40%26section=2
By manny0888 Sun Jun 13, 2010 4:59 am
im new to all this stuff so im not sure what that means, are you saying smpte can be used? and is it better that was vs midi time code? because someone sent me an logic template that he uses for his mpc and logic and it was all audio tracks, but he says he doesnt use time code or clock, he connects his mpc and logic together with an mbox....is that the same?
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By dabmeister Sun Jun 13, 2010 5:31 am
Some folks don't like to deal with sync stuff and prefer to go freehand. I prefer to sync stuff myself but that's just me.

It makes for smooth and seamless edits, and your work is tighter because of everything locking to one master source.

I'm starting to think that maybe some options are missing because of the mix/match combo system you're using. Makes me wonder.

SMPTE & MTC are the same thing. One was around before the other. The older (anolog) technology was eventually incorporated into the newer midi technology.
By manny0888 Sun Jun 13, 2010 7:09 pm
what do you mean mix match combo im using? and with that being said which setup would you say i should try? and what would the connection (mp and audio box be) along with the settings in logic?
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By Remedial Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:03 pm
Grouphome wrote:the wat I work with smpte sync; I make the MPC smpte master and computer MMC master
The computer sends out the start message for the mpc, so when you start the computer, the mpc starts, and the computer waits for the sync signal and eventually picks up the sync.

don' forget to turn on sync on the mpc


Haven't tried using the computer as the MMC master. Was trying to use the 4k for that, but, no luck.

I will try this method and get back and let ya'll know if it works.
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By Remedial Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:04 pm
dabmeister wrote:
Remedial wrote:I've set the sync options on the 4k appropriately (25 frames), connected the necessary SMPTE out cable to my MOTU 828 mkII and enabled external sync and all the other necessary adjustments within Audiodesk that "should" allow this to happen.


Is this about MTC (midi time code)? Hit your "midi" button on the 4k and see how things are routed.


Nah. Strictly SMPTE. MTC works fine, but, I've always wanted to give SMPTE a try since I do have the option available to me.
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By dabmeister Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:56 am
Remedial wrote:
dabmeister wrote:
Remedial wrote:I've set the sync options on the 4k appropriately (25 frames), connected the necessary SMPTE out cable to my MOTU 828 mkII and enabled external sync and all the other necessary adjustments within Audiodesk that "should" allow this to happen.


Is this about MTC (midi time code)? Hit your "midi" button on the 4k and see how things are routed.


Nah. Strictly SMPTE. MTC works fine, but, I've always wanted to give SMPTE a try since I do have the option available to me.


Gotcha, I understand. I was using SMPTE whenever I had to lock my Adat MDM to the system.

It worked but having to wait for the transport to do its fast forwards & rewinds to follow the DAW's transport, just took too long but was tolerable.