26
MIDI Functions (Continued)
MIDI TIME CODE (MTC)
Introduction to MIDI Time Code
MIDI Time Code (MTC) is a synchronization standard found on more advanced keyboard workstations and software sequencers. MIDI Time Code works in much the same way as SMPTE time code, counting time in a video based language that looks like this:
HOURS : MINUTES : SECONDS : FRAMES
While hours, minutes and seconds are familiar, the frame category may be new to you. The frame counting refers to the individual still pictures in a moving picture reel.
For instance, a standard US film (NTSC format) uses 24 frames per second. This means that 24 still images are flashed every second to create the moving image you perceive on the screen.
This section cannot cover the entire scope of time code rates, their development and the reasons people use any particular rate, but there are some guidelines on which rate you should probably be using:
30fps - Music project with no video.
29.97dfps - Television work in the US (NTSC format) 25fps - Film or Video in Europe (PAL format)
24fps - Film in the US (NTSC format)
If you're just recording for your own use, just use 30fps. The other rates are specifically for dealing with projects for film and video production. If you're working on a project for film or video, ask the project manager what type of code they want to use.
In the MIDI Time Code sync chain, the 788 should probably be the master. Your sequencers and other workstations should chase the 788. Probably the only time you will want the 788 to chase MTC is if you are locking multiple 788s (or similar machines) together.
MTC Offset Explained
The 788 time readout always starts at a time location of 00:00:00:00. If the project you are working on starts at another time location, you can have the 788 automatically "offset" the internal time code locations from the incoming MTC signal. For example:
If you want the time code of the project to start at one hour, you can instruct the 788 to use an offset of one hour (01:00:00:00). This way, when the incoming MTC is registering 01:00:00:00, the 788 will chase a time location of 00:00:00:00.
Section VI
Setting the 788 to Generate MIDI Time Code
The 788 needs to be set to generate MIDI Time Code. To make that setting:
1)Press MENU.
2)Select 
with the JOG/DATA dial and press ENTER/YES.
3)Select 
with the JOG/DATA dial and press ENTER/YES.
4)Make sure 
is set to 
(internal clock),
and 
is set to 
(MIDI Time Code).
5)Select your frame rate for the project. If you don't
have video in the project, the best bet is 
.
(30 frames per second.. the ND stands for
6)Press ENTER/YES to leave this screen.
Setting the 788 to Chase MIDI Time Code
The 788 needs to be set to chase MIDI Time Code. To make that setting:
1)Press MENU.
2)Select 
with the JOG/DATA dial and press ENTER/YES.
3)Select 
with the JOG/DATA dial and press ENTER/YES.
4)Make sure 
is set to 
(external clock);
the 
setting should be set to 
.
5)Select your frame rate for the project. If you don't
have video in the project, the best bet is 
.
(30 frames per second.. the ND stands for
6)If you want to create an MTC offset, go ahead and enter the amount at the bottom.
7)Press ENTER/YES to leave this screen.
8)Press PLAY to tell the 788 to follow incoming MTC. The PLAY light will flash indicating the 788 is waiting for incoming MTC. When incoming code is received, the 788 will chase it, and the PLAY light will go solid when it locks in play. If you want to take the 788 "offline" so that it won't follow incoming MTC, press STOP. The play light will go out.
MIDI Functions | TASCAM 788 Operational Tutorial • 8/2000 Edition |