User manual M-AUDIO MIDISPORT 8X8

[. . . ] 1 version: MS8-09092000 Midisport 8x8 TM MANUAL Table of Contents Introduction . . 25 Using the MIDISPORT in your Application Software . . 50 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the MIDISPORTTM 8x8/s multi-port MIDI interface for USB equipped PC and Macintosh computers. The MIDISPORT's high speed Universal Serial Bus connection to the computer assures reliable and speedy transfer of MIDI data. [. . . ] When the SMPTE Writer is running, the SMPTE reader is disabled. In fact, the SMPTE writer may override the SMPTE Reader at any time. While the writer is running, the front panel "Format" button is also disabled. The writer must be stopped before the output format may be changed. SMPTE Reader The SMPTE Reader locks to SMPTE time code coming into the MIDISPORT SMPTE In port, regenerates it to SMPTE Out, and converts it to MIDI Time Code (MTC). MTC is sent to the host computer whenever the MIDISPORT is in MIDI interface mode and detects valid incoming SMPTE. 23 The SMPTE Reader is capable of automatically detecting the incoming SMPTE format. When it does, it displays the format to the "Format" LEDs on the MIDISPORT front panel. Automatic format detection will take between 3 and 31 frames, depending on the incoming format and the value of the first SMPTE frame received. When using the MIDISPORT with a sequencer program synced to MIDI Time Code, at least 3 to 5 seconds of pre-roll are recommended for proper synchronization. IMPORTANT: When 29. 97 format code is received at the SMPTE In port, the MIDISPORT will indicate 30 fps. This is because MTC does not support 29. 97 ­ instead it uses 30fps format messages that run at the slightly slower 29. 97 fps rate. The SMPTE Reader has the ability to "flywheel" during periods of invalid incoming time code. Flywheeling is the ability to continue to generate sequential time code even during drop outs of the incoming SMPTE to which the MIDISPORT is synchronized. The SMPTE reader will continue to flywheel through a set number of SMPTE frames before deciding the SMPTE input stream is "dead. " If the incoming SMPTE becomes valid again in less frames than the flywheel setting, everything continues normally. However, if the number of invalid frames exceeds the flywheel setting, the SMPTE Reader will declare that it is no longer locked and then quit regenerating and sending MTC. The Flywheel setting is configured via the Remote Control software and may be set to anything between 0 and 127. "Jam sync" is equivalent to a flywheel setting of 0 frames (see the section "SMPTE/MIDI Time Code Tutorial" later in this manual) and allows the SMPTE reader to continue generating time code long after the incoming SMPTE data is invalid or no longer present. In fact, the generator will continue to put out correct sequential SMPTE and MTC time code indefinitely, or until you press the WRITE button to abort it. Once locked to a valid incoming SMPTE stream, the SMPTE Reader lights the "Locked" LED on the MIDISPORT front panel. Whenever invalid incoming SMPTE is detected, the "Locked" LED will blink for approximately 0. 25 seconds for each bad frame, or until flywheeling has completed. The SMPTE Reader is capable of decoding User Bits from the incoming SMPTE stream. The most current User Bits are stored to the MIDISPORT internally and may be used later during SMPTE writing. SMPTE "Write" Button The SMPTE "Write" button has two purposes: 1) to manually control the SMPTE writer, and 2) to stop the SMPTE Reader when it is performing a "jam sync. " When the "Write" button is pressed and immediately released, SMPTE time code starts writing at the preset start offset. The SMPTE Writer will continue to run until the "Write" button is pressed again. [. . . ] This driver is called "MIDISPORT8x8/s Sync/Status". 48 If the SMPTE can be heard on neighboring tracks (i. e. there is cross-talk), then try striping the tape at a lower level. The MIDISPORT8x8/s SMPTE waveform is specially designed to limit cross-talk (per the SMPTE specification). However, if it is recorded "too hot", the signal could bleed into other tracks just as any other audio signal could. Before Calling Tech Support It is best to be in front of the computer in which you are installing the MIDISPORT 8x8/s when attempting to reach Midiman Technical Support for help. [. . . ]