No SMPTE Output :'-(

Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
 Reply Share on Facebook

No SMPTE Output :'-(

ByAnon_48483Fdi3 Sat Aug 09, 2014 1:49 pm
Hello everyone,

I purchased an MPC4000 a few weeks ago, and have been learning how to use it with this excellent little forum. However, I am currently facing one last issue.

I would like to sync the SMPTE output of the MPC to my DAW. My DAW is setup and capable of receiving SMPTE, but the MPC doesn't seem to output it. {looking for MPC master, DAW slave]

I have enabled sync, master temp, SMPTE [30FPS], but there is no output signal from the SMPTE out on the MPC. Even putting headphone into the socket, I hear no SMPTE. For some reason it just does not transmit.

Does any one have experience of this? Is my SMPTE output physically broken? How can I check? Been driving me crazy this one. :WTF:
User avatar

Re: No SMPTE Output :'-(

By SimonInAustralia Sat Aug 09, 2014 6:07 pm
charlieocali wrote:What daw, what Os, what interface? These questions May help get you an answer faster.

Not if the SMPTE output aint outputtin SMPTE.
User avatar

Re: No SMPTE Output :'-(

By Lampdog Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:19 pm

http://www.platinumaudiolab.com/free_st ... manual.pdf

pg 77 4k manual

Synchronizing an external device to the MPC4000 You can use MIDI clock, MTC, or SMPTE to synchronize an external device to the MPC4000. Note: In order to synchronize operation with an external device, you must also make synchronization settings on that external device.

1.Connect the MPC4000 and external device as appropriate for the synchronization method you want to use. To synchronize the external device using MIDI clock or MTC Connect the MPC4000’s [MIDI OUT] connector to the external device’s MIDI IN connector. To synchronize the external device using SMPTE Connect the MPC4000’s [SMPTE OUT] connector to the external device’s SMPTE IN connector.

2.Access the Sync page.

3.If you want to use MIDI clock as the synchronization signal, move the cursor to the MIDI clock field, and select the MIDI connector that will transmit MIDI clock messages. If you select MIDI clock, make sure that the time signature of the MPC4000’s sequence/song matches that of the external device. If the time signature does not match, locate operations will not occur correctly.

4.If you want to use MTC as the synchronization signal, move the cursor to the MIDI time code field and select the MIDI connector that will transmit MTC messages.

5.If you want to use SMPTE as the synchronization signal, move the cursor to the SMPTE field and turn the setting ON.

6.If you are using MTC/SMPTE, move the cursor to the Frame rate field and use the [JOG] dial to set the frame rate to match that of the external device. If the frame rates of the MPC4000 and the external device do not match, correct synchronization will not be possible.

7.When you have finished making settings, access the Main page.

8.Make sure that the cursor is located at the Sync field, and turn the [JOG] dial to switch the setting ON.

9.Make settings on the external device so that it will follow the type of synchronization signal you selected in steps 3–5, and put it in playback-ready mode. 10.If you want the external device to synchronize to an MPC4000 sequence, go to the Main page and select the sequence that you want to play. 11.If you want the external device to synchronize to an MPC4000 song, press the [SONG] key and select the song that you want to play. 12.Press the [PLAY] key to play back the sequence/song. The external device will operate in synchronization with the MPC4000. If you perform a locate operation on the MPC4000, the external device will also change its location.

Re: No SMPTE Output :'-(

ByAnon_48483Fdi3 Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:43 pm
I appreciate the responses, and yes I have read the manual. The problem is that the MPC is not sending the SMPTE signal. It should be audible.

My set up is Pro Tools 10/Reaper, Motu PCI 424 and two motu 24 ios.
User avatar

Re: No SMPTE Output :'-(

By SimonInAustralia Sat Aug 09, 2014 8:54 pm
Yep, being able to hear the SMPTE audio output is what you need.


Are you doing this bit?

7.When you have finished making settings, access the Main page.

8.Make sure that the cursor is located at the Sync field, and turn the [JOG] dial to switch the setting ON.


Maybe another 4000 owner can test it and have a listen to the SMPTE output, to see if theirs is working?

Re: No SMPTE Output :'-(

ByAnon_48483Fdi3 Sat Aug 09, 2014 8:56 pm
Yeah, I am. I really don't know what I've missed. I'm thinking it's a hardware problem now
 Reply
Return to MPC4000