Syncing MIDI-TapeUsing the TASCAM MTS-30

MIDI clocks are themselves a computer type digital language and cannot be recorded on analog tape; it is necessary to convert them to recordable FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) signals using an appropriate converter, such as the MTS-30.

The MTS-30 is not a mere MIDI-FSK converter but translates MIDI clocks into an FSK sync signal containing score "bar" information or "Song Position Pointer", allowing the associated MIDI equipment to stay in sync and follow the tape no matter where you move the tape within a given song. The maximum stability or resolution of the synchronization is ensured by a TASCAM-exclusive error correction circuit in the MTS-30.

1.Connect the TAPE OUT of the MTS-30 to the SUB IN "R" of the 424 MKIII, and the TAPE OUT 4 of the 424 MKIII to the TAPE IN of the MTS-30.

2.Set the TRK 4 RECORD FUNCTION switch to BUSS R.

3.Locate the DBX NR switch on the back panel and set it to the SYNC position. This defeats the dbx encode/decode for track 4 only.

When recording FSK signal, adjust the MASTER fader of the 424 MKIII to get a reading on the track 4 meter of from -10 to 0 dB.

We suggest that you input the "virtual" tracks from the MIDI system to

STEREO INPUTS 7 and 8. Set the ASSIGN switch of these inputs to

MON while recording, and to L-R position on mixdown.

Troubleshooting

Problem

Possible Cause

 

 

Playback sounds dull

Dirty heads

 

 

Playback level is low

Dirty heads

 

 

Transport keys not effective

Power turned off, or tape not loaded

 

 

No tape motion

PAUSE pressed

 

 

 

RECORD FUNCTION set to SAFE,

No recording

cassette tab broken, or REHEARSAL

 

engaged

 

 

Wrong tracks recorded

PAN improperly set

 

 

Incorrect playback pitch

PITCH CONTROL set to a different

 

position than during recording

 

 

Feedback occurs during ping-pong

Level is too high or EQ HIGH is

recording

excessively boosted

 

 

Problem

Solution

 

 

Old tracks are always recorded along

Use the TAPE CUE section instead of the

with new material.

main mixer for monitoring previous tracks.

 

 

 

Make sure all mixer channel INPUT switches

 

are in the OFF position except ones you are

Recording is noisy.

using. Also, increase the volume faders of

 

the instruments themselves — the 424 MKIII

 

channel and master faders should not have

 

to be "full up" at any time.

 

 

Incorrect tape sync.

Try re-recording sync tones by adjusting

 

the MASTER fader between –10 to 0 dB on the

 

track 4 meter.

 

 

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Tascam 424MKIII Syncing MIDI-Tape−Using the Tascam MTS-30, Troubleshooting, Problem Possible Cause, Problem Solution