Steinberg Cubase SX/SL 3 Operation Manual

CUBASE SX/SLSynchronization 28 – 681
Synchronizing the transport vs. synchronizing audio
How timing is handled in a non-synchronized system
Let’s first look at the situation where Cubase SX/SL is not synchro-
nized to any external source.
Any digital playback system has an internal clock that ultimately affects 
the playback speed and stability, and PC audio hardware is no excep-
tion. This clock is extremely stable.
When Cubase SX/SL is playing back with no external synchronization, 
all playback is...

CUBASE SX/SL28 – 682 Synchronization
Resolving to word clock
The solution to this problem is to use one external clock for all compo-
nents in the system. One master clock is used to derive whatever type 
of clock signal each component in the system needs. For example, 
something called a house clock can be used to generate sample rate 
clocks for the digital audio hardware and timecode for Cubase SX/SL. 
This ensures all components in the system use the same reference 
source for their timing....

CUBASE SX/SLSynchronization 28 – 683
About the ASIO Positioning Protocol (APP)
ASIO Positioning Protocol requires audio hardware with specific ASIO 
drivers. As of this writing, APP is not available for audio hardware with 
non-ASIO drivers under Mac OS X.
The ASIO Positioning Protocol is a technology that expands on the 
type of sync described above and makes sample accurate positioning 
possible.
When transferring audio digitally between devices, it is important that 
synchronization using word clock...

CUBASE SX/SL28 – 684 Synchronization
• For information about which audio hardware models currently support APP, 
see the Steinberg web site (www.steinberg.net).
The ASIO Positioning Protocol exploits the specific advantage of having 
an audio card that has a built-in timecode reader. With such a card and 
the ASIO Positioning Protocol, you can achieve constant sample accu-
rate synchronization between the audio source and Cubase SX/SL.
Machine control
Cubase SX/SL can control external tape transports and...

CUBASE SX/SLSynchronization 28 – 685
Window Overview
The Synchronization Setup dialog
This dialog is used for setting up everything that has to do with the 
synchronization of Cubase SX/SL to other units. You reach it from the 
Transport menu.
Settings for 
sync to exter-
nal timecode.
Options for 
incoming 
timecode.Input and Output 
for MIDI Machine 
Control messages.
Note that the “Num-
ber of Audio Tracks” 
option is valid for 
Cubase SX only.
Outputs for 
MIDI Clock.
Outputs for MIDI 
Timecode....

CUBASE SX/SL28 – 686 Synchronization
Operations
Making connections and basic settings
The descriptions below are for a basic setup with a separate synchro-
nizer and audio card. Depending on your exact situation and require-
ments for communication with external devices, there are endless 
variations on this theme. Please consult your dealer for more detailed 
recommendations.
The following connections are required for external sync via a synchro-
nizer, including resolving of the audio card. For details...

CUBASE SX/SLSynchronization 28 – 687
Setting up the audio card for external synchronization
1.Open the Device Setup dialog from the Devices menu and select the 
VST Audiobay page–name of your audio interface subpage.
2.Click the Control Panel button to open the card’s proprietary setup 
dialog.
If this card is accessed via a special ASIO driver (as opposed to MME or Direct X), this 
dialog is provided by the card, not by Cubase SX/SL. Hence the settings vary with the 
card brand and model.
3.Adjust the...

CUBASE SX/SL28 – 688 Synchronization
3.Close the Synchronization Setup dialog and instead open the Project 
Setup dialog from the Project menu.
4.Use the Start value to set which frame on the external device (e.g. a 
video tape) should correspond to the beginning of the project.
•You can also set this with the function “Set Timecode at Cursor” on 
the Project menu.
This is useful if you know that a certain position in your project would coincide with a 
certain timecode position in the external device....

CUBASE SX/SLSynchronization 28 – 689
The Sync indicator
On the Transport panel you can check the status of incoming timecode 
by observing the sync indicator. It switches between “Offline” (not 
waiting for sync), “Idle” (ready for sync but no signal is coming in), and 
“Lock xx” (where xx is indicating the frame rate of the incoming signal).
Synchronizing other Equipment to Cubase SX/SL
You may have other MIDI devices that you want to synchronize to 
Cubase SX/SL. There are two types of synchronization...

CUBASE SX/SL28 – 690 Synchronization
• If you want to be able to loop, jump and locate during playback in Cu-
base SX/SL and have the other device follow, activate the MIDI Time-
code Follows Project Time checkbox.
When this is activated the sent MIDI Timecode will follow the sequencer time position 
at all times.
Setting Up
1.Connect the desired MIDI Outputs from Cubase SX/SL to the device(s) 
that you plan to synchronize.
2.Open the Synchronization Setup dialog from the Transport menu.
3.Activate the...