Generating Timecode while DP plays?

[matwell]

Hello all,

I have yet to figure out a way to generate SMPTE timecode AS DP IS PLAYING. I use Pro Tools regularly and generating timecode while playing can be very useful rather than having to print it to an audio track (especially under a deadline).

Anyone have success in this area with DP? If you've found a way to do this, please let me know exactly what setup you are using. Thanks!!

Michael

[matwell]

** bump **

Surely there are DP users out there who are generating timecode with DP! Please chime in if you are.

Thanks,
Michael

[fm_xtk]

I am new to DP and don't know the answer. However, I am sure it all depends on the sync box you are using.

Sync IO and USD obviously support generating TC. On the other hand, in the old days I never got it to work on my Mix Plus with an MTP AV (under OS9).

[dweiss]

Michael,

DP doesn't ouput audio smpte. It outputs MIDI time code which is a variant of it. If you're actually syncing to a machine that requires audio smpte you have to convert it with a synchronzer or a MIDI or audio interface that ouputs audio smpte. You turn MTC on in the "transmit sync" menu item.

<small>[ March 15, 2005, 01:50 PM: Message edited by: Dan Weiss ]</small>

[Tim]

The 2408MkIII will output LTC (smpte) that follows the DP sequence, otherwise only MTC output is available.

<small>[ March 15, 2005, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Tim ]</small>

[m2]

Your MidiTime Piece will generate syncronous TC. Set it up in the box.

[matwell]

Thank you for the responses!

Tim: So, the 2408mkIII will generate SMPTE timecode while DP is playing? Remember, I don't want to stripe code to a track, I want to generate it in realtime as DP is playing. If you have done this with a 2408mkIII, then please confirm that. Thanks again!!

Best wishes,
Michael

[matwell]

I have learned the answer to this from MOTU's Tech Support, as well as testing it on a friend's system. I am posting my findings here, to benefit anyone else searching for this.

I have verified that the 2408mkIII can generate timecode while DP is playing. There is an option in the MOTU SMPTE Console to "Generate from Sequence". When this is checked, DP will generate SMPTE timecode out of the 2408mkIII's SMPTE out.

I have also received a response from MOTU with a solution for MIDI Express XT users. Here it is:

"You can set this up by using DP's transports to command the Express XT via MMC, which will then generate LTC for your external devices and MTC for DP. Here's how:

- In Clockworks, make sure Computer on the left is connected to MMC on the right, and MTC on the left is connected to Computer on the right.
- Set the Express XT to Internal, and the frame rate as needed (I'll assume 30 fps).
- In DP, go to Setup > Receive Sync and choose Type of Sync as "MTC" and Sync to Port as "Any". Set the frame rate to match the Express XT.
- Then go to Studio > MIDI Machine Control. Press the button next to the Express XT and the big button next to MMC to enable them both.
- Then press Play in DP."

Once again, I am posting this information here to benefit other people who may be trying to generate timecode while DP is playing.

Best wishes,
Michael

[dweiss]

Thanks for the info. I'm curious what you are generating SMPTE for.

[Tim]

Originally posted by Michael Atwell:
Thank you for the responses!

Tim: So, the 2408mkIII will generate SMPTE timecode while DP is playing? Remember, I don't want to stripe code to a track, I want to generate it in realtime as DP is playing. If you have done this with a 2408mkIII, then please confirm that. Thanks again!!

Best wishes,
Michael

Yes, every day.

As if an audio track was striped with code.

For me it's been unreliable using the spdif/smpte rca output (works fine, then nothing), so I have to use one of my audio outs.

[dave pine]

>>>>For me it's been unreliable using the spdif/smpte rca output (works fine, then nothing), so I have to use one of my audio outs.<<<

same here, that's a bug motu needs to fix.

[matwell]

Dan Weiss:

I work on a lot of live stage shows for theme parks like Disney, Universal, Six Flags, etc. Currently I use Pro Tools exclusively for assembling these shows, but I've been looking at DP as an alternative.

So, once the show is assembled, it is usually transferred in real-time over to some other playback system. (Tascam MX2424, etc.) With Pro Tools, you tell the Sync I/O to generate SMPTE as Pro Tools is playing and you can have the recorder slave to that timecode. So I've been trying to find out if that is possible with DP. I'm glad to find that it is!

Everyone:

Thanks again for your input. I will keep an eye on the bug with the SMPTE out on the 2408mkIII.

Best wishes,
Michael

[dweiss]

Oh, I see. That would work, though wouldn't it be more typical for DP to be the slave? DP could sync to any incoming MTC generated by the destination machine. Just a thought as there might be less hardware required.