SMPTE - 1word... 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

what type of recorded are you using? Please tell me this so I can assist you further...........




Phatz

To bypass the sound so you dont hear it you should be able to bus it. Now it has been years - Since 94 to be exact. If I remember you can send it through your mixer and rout it out like an effect send and mute the channel on your mixer so only the mpc will hear it. Use that send to go directly to the mpc. This requires you have more than 2 outs on your recorder. If I made this way to difficult forgive me. It has been a loong time I have messed with this. Just shooting from the hip and probably missed but worth a try.
Record the smpte first the lengh of the song plus 2 or more bars then add a few bars at the beging of your Song mode in the MPC. I am assuming you are using an adat with a BRC. If that is the case are you trying to conect directly from the BRC to the MPC then you should be able to turn the signal down at the MPC.

Thanks, both of you for trying to help.

In regard to Phatz and Ron, I'm using a roland VS2480CD as my digital multitrack.

I hear what your saying Ron but being as complex as the Roland is, it might not be as straight foward since, in a sense, it's not a traditional mixer I'm dealing with.

Have you had any experience with such devices? Digital multitracks to be exact?

Please do not double post, thanks.