Steinberg Cubase 8 Manual

Synchronization
The Project Synchronization Setup dialog
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Auto-Detect Frame-Rate Changes
Cubase can notify the user when the frame rate of timecode changes at any 
point. This is helpful in diagnosing problems with timecode and external 
devices. This notification will interrupt playback or recording. Deactivating this 
option will avoid any interruption in playback or recording.
IMPORTANT
If there is a discrepancy between the project frame rate in Cubase and 
incoming timecode, Cubase might still be...

Synchronization
The Project Synchronization Setup dialog
962
Number of Audio Tracks (Cubase Pro only)
The number of audio tracks should be set to match the amount of available 
audio tracks in the destination device. This setting determines how many 
record-enable buttons are shown in the MMC Master panel (see below).
MMC Master panel
The MMC Master panel can be opened from the Devices menu. In order to 
use the MMC Master panel, proceed as follows:
• Open the Preferences dialog, select the MIDI Filter...

Synchronization
The Project Synchronization Setup dialog
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IMPORTANT
The MMC protocol involves polling devices (requesting information) for their 
status which requires two way communication. While some functions may 
work with only one way communication, it is best to connect both MIDI ports 
(input and output) of MMC devices.
MIDI Timecode Destinations
Cubase can send MTC to any MIDI port. Use this section to specify the MIDI ports 
to which MTC is routed. Devices that can lock to MTC will chase...

Synchronization
Synchronized operation
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MIDI Clock Follows Project Position
Activate this option to ensure that the MIDI clock device follows Cubase when 
looping, locating, or jumping while playing.
NOTE
Some older MIDI devices might not respond well to these positioning 
messages and could take some time synchronizing to the new location.
Always Send Start Message
MIDI clock transport commands include Start, Stop, and Continue. However, 
some MIDI devices do not recognize the Continue command. By...

Synchronization
Example Scenarios (Cubase Pro only)
965
Cubase will detect incoming timecode, locate to its current position, and start 
playback in sync with the incoming timecode.
Cubase Pro only: In a typical scenario, an external tape machine (e. g. a VTR) has 
its timecode output connected to Cubase. Cubase is sending machine control 
commands to the deck. When Sync is activated and you click Play on the Transport 
panel, a play command is sent to the VTR. The VTR in turn starts playback, sending...

Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
966
2. Open the Project Synchronization Setup dialog and select “MIDI Timecode” 
as the timecode source.
When recording from the hard disk recorder into Cubase, Cubase will be the machine 
control master and the timecode slave, locking to incoming MTC.
3. In the “Machine Control Output Destination” section, select the “MIDI 
Machine Control” option.
Cubase will now send MMC commands to the hard disk recorder to locate and start 
playback.
4. In the “Machine...

Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
967
• Since you can use VST System Link to connect different VST System Link 
applications on different platforms, you can take advantage of effect plug-ins 
and VST instruments that are specific to certain programs or platforms.
Requirements
The following equipment is required for VST System Link operation:
• Two or more computers.
These can be of the same type or use different operating systems – it does 
not matter. For example, you can link an Intel-based...

Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
968
Making connections
Below, we assume that you are connecting two computers. Should you have more 
than two computers, it is still best to start with two and add the others one by one 
once the system is working – this makes troubleshooting easier if you run into 
problems. For two computers, you will need two digital audio cables, one in each 
direction:
PROCEDURE
1. Use the first digital audio cable to connect the digital output of computer 1 to 
the...

Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
969
6. Now you need to make sure that one audio card is set to be the clock master 
and all other cards are set to be clock slaves (i.
 e. they listen for the clock 
signal coming from the clock master).
The naming and procedure for this differs depending on the audio hardware – consult 
its documentation if required. If you are using Steinberg Nuendo ASIO hardware, all 
cards default to the AutoSync setting. In this case you must set one of the cards (and...

Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
970
To adjust the latency of a system, you adjust the size of the buffers in the ASIO 
control panel – the lower the buffer size, the lower the latency. It is best to keep to 
fairly low latencies (buffer sizes) if your system can handle it – about 12 ms or less 
is usually a good idea.
Setting up your software
Now it is time to set up your programs. The procedures below describe how to set 
things up in Cubase. If you are using another program on the other...