Zoom manual Reference Metronome/MIDI, Synchronizing an external device to the MRS-4

Reference [Metronome/MIDI]

This section describes how to make metronome settings and how to synchronize operation of the MRS-4 with other MIDI devices.

HINT

When the metronome is on and playback is started from a point midway in a song, no precount clicks are heard. Depending on the start position, the metronome sound may start partly through a beat.

Synchronizing an external device to the MRS-4

You can synchronize operation of an external MIDI device such as a rhythm machine or

Reference

Basic metronome settings

You can set the metronome tempo, time signature, volume, and precount.

1.While the main screen is shown, press the [SONG/UTILITY/TUNER]

key.

The number of the currently selected song appears on the display.

SONG01

2.Use the left/right [PARAMETER/ VALUE] keys to bring the indication

"MEtro" (metronome menu) onto the display.

METRO

3.Press the [ENTER/YES] key.

The first item of the metronome menu is shown.

LVL 10

4.Use the left/right [PARAMETER/ VALUE] keys to select the item,

and use the up/down [PARAMETER/ VALUE] keys to change the setting value.

Available items and their setting range are shown in the table below.

5.When the setting is complete, press the [EXIT/NO] key several

times to return to the main screen.

HINT

The metronome time signature and tempo settings serve as reference for the measure/time signature information shown on the display of the MRS-4, as well as for the position information and clock information provided to external MIDI devices.

When you press the PLAY [R] key at the metronome menu, the metronome sound only is heard. This is convenient for checking the tempo and level.

Functions available with MIDI

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard that allows various types of messages such as playing and timing information to be exchanged between devices such as electronic musical instruments and computers.

The MRS-4 supports MIDI, and can transfer the following messages to another MIDI- compatible device via the [MIDI OUT] connector located on the rear panel.

●Timing clock

Timing information used for synchronization of MIDI devices such as rhythm machines and MIDI sequencers. The internal metronome of the MRS-4 divides a quarter note into 24 ticks and sends this as a timing signal.

●Song position pointer

A message that specifies the current location in measures and beats, counted from the start of the song. The measure and beat count uses

MIDI sequencer to the song of the MRS-4.

1.Connect the MIDI IN connector of the other device to the [MIDI OUT]

connector of the MRS-4. (For information on connections, see page 8.)

2.Set the rhythm machine, MIDI sequencer, or other MIDI device to

synchronize with an external MIDI clock.

For details, refer to the documentation of the rhythm machine, MIDI sequencer, or other MIDI device.

3.Set the metronome tempo and time signature setting of the MRS-

4 as required for the music piece that you want to synchronize.

When synchronizing an external device to the MRS-4, the measure/beat position information is referenced to the internal metronome of the MRS-4. Therefore a matching setting should be used. (For information on how to make metronome settings, see page 50.)

Reference

[Metronome/MIDI]

Metronome items and setting range

Item	Display	Setting range	Description
LEVEL	LVL	0 – 15	Adjusts the metronome level.
BPM	BPM	40.0 – 250.0	Adjusts the metronome tempo.
(Tempo)
SIGNATURE	SIG	0-4 – 8-4	Sets the metronome time signature. The
(Time signature)			setting range is 0/4 to 8/4.
PRECOUNT			Sets the number of beats for the precount.
	PRCNT	oF, 2 – 8	Available settings are oF (no precount) and 2
			– 8 beats.

the time signature of the internal metronome as a reference.

●Start/Stop/Continue

Message that controls transport movements of a device.

By sending the above kinds of messages for example to a rhythm machine or MIDI sequencer, the external device can be synchronized to the song of the MRS-4.

NOTE

The MRS-4 supplies the above MIDI messages at all times. When not wishing to receive these at an external device, disconnect the MIDI cable.

4.Return to the start position of the MRS-4 song, and start playback.

When the precount is finished, a start message is sent to the external device, and the device operates in sync with the MRS-4. When the song is stopped at the MRS-4, the external device is also stopped.

HINT

When the song is stopped midway, a song position pointer indicating the current position is sent. Consequently, provided that the metronome time signature setting matches, the external device will start playback from the same position even if playback of the song at the MRS-4 is started midway.

[Metronome/MIDI]

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