MIDI Synchronization Using the MIDI Clock

You can use the MIDI clock to synchronize this unit with sequencers (etc.) that are not MTC (MIDI Time Code) compatible. A tempo map must be created in order to use the MIDI clock.

Notes

When using the MIDI clock for synchronization, be sure to create the tempo map before you start recording (see ”Creating a tempo map” to the right for details). Also, be sure to listen to the MIDI sound source coming from the sequencer before you start recording.

It is extremely difficult to create a perfect match between a recorded song and the timing of the tempo map. Therefore, if you create a tempo map after recording, the synchronization will be incorrect.

Tempo information will not be stored on the disc if you create a tempo map but do not make an actual recording.

When using a sequencer that supports MIDI clock and MIDI song position, you can start playback from an arbitrary position in the song. At this time, the sequencer locates the current song position and starts running in sync. Some sequencers, however, may not be able to follow this unit when you use this unit’s locate function. Be sure to check the sequencer’s search before sychronized operation.

Connections

Use a MIDI cable to connect this unit to a MIDI compatible sequencer (etc.).

Synchronization with MIDI Equipment

Creating a tempo map

Setting up tempo information creates the standard signal for synchronization and allows you to use the MIDI clock for synchronization with an external sequencers (etc.).

You can assign up to 50 tempo maps to each song.

EXAMPLE: Suppose we create the following tempo maps.

Bar 1

Bar 9

 

 

 

 

Bar 17

 

 

4/

 

 

 

 

 

 

4/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

=120

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

=100

 

 

 

16

 

 

=90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this case, the tempo will change as shown below

Bar 1~8

4/

4

time

 

 

=120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bar 9~16

4/

4

time

 

 

=100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bar 17~

16/

16

time

 

 

=90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

10

3,4,6,

8,9

 

 

2,5,7,

 

9,11

MDM-X4 (this unit)

MIDI

MIDI

OUT

IN

MIDI signal

Sequencer (etc.)

The following step show you how to make the tempo map shown in the previous example.

1Press EDIT.

[EDIT] appears in the display.

Setup

1Set this unit’s “SYNC” system setting to MCLK. See “Changing a Setting” (page 18) for details.

2Set the sequencer to accept external MIDI clock synchronization.

This enables playback of MIDI song data.

Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your sequencer as well.

3Start playback from this unit.

The sequencer starts playing in sync with this unit.

2Turn the jog dial so that “Song Tempo” appears in the display.

The name of the edit function starts blinking in the display.

(continued)

53EN

Page 53
Image 53
Sony MDM-X4 operating instructions Midi Synchronization Using the Midi Clock, 53EN, Creating a tempo map

MDM-X4 specifications

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