SMPTE - i'm confused....

I need to sync my MPC3000 with a multitrack recorder by using SMPTE.

Can someone please help and tidy this up for me once and for all!!

What I DO know is:
- I must generate the code from the MPC and record it onto an audio track on my multitrack recorder.
-It must be at a required level when going onto track
-This must be the length of the song if not more.
-I must then play back the track with SMPTE into my MPC via the sync in port
-I must adjust the sync level by turning the knob that's on the rear of the MPC.

Sounds easy? Always does...

But this is what I DON'T know:
-Do I have to record SMPTE to the track from the exact beginning? Or do I leave a few seconds before generating the code?
-Once recorded, how do I play it back to the MPC without hearing it? I mean, if I mute it, then surely the MPC won't pick it up? This part really confuses me!
- The offset setting.... Have not got a clue. It just confuses me more... which is quite funny because I'm not stupid.

Can someone clear this up in plain english please?

If I have to read over that same explenation on SMPTE timecode in the MPC manual once more!!!!!!!!!!!......................

Ahem..

Thanks for any response.
Peace + Love

I haven't done it in a long while. I would record SMPTE before I receorded anything else. Then I'd give the code 30 seconds or a little more to lead befoire I record anythoing to the tracks.

After it's down to tape, your SMPTE cable from the recorder is going into the MPC sync input. Don't mute anything. You don't really hear it yourself. The MPC does.

Offset....I forget.

Hope that was worth something. I'm sure there are some more knowledgable folks here to help.

Peace.

I'm using a digital multitracker which plays the code on it's way out of the machine to the MPC sync input. That's why I hear it.

What you say makes sense (that only the MPC should hear it) but I can't think of any other way.

I'm still kinda confused but I appreciate your help thus fair.

Any more suggestions?

hmm

try using the mixer of your multitracker to make sure it does send the signal over the channel wire, but not to your master output

Does the multi-tracker have midi also? If so, you can also use MTC. That could be less confusing. Also, have you contacted the manufacturer of the multi-tracker for tech support? They should offer you lots of suggestions, since they got that one way communication scheme.

Peace.