Steinberg Nuendo 3 Operation Manual

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Timecode, MIDI clock and word clock
Basically there are three types of synchronization signals for audio: 
timecode, MIDI clock and word clock.
Timecode (SMPTE, EBU, MTC, VITC etc.)
Timecode appears in a number of guises. No matter which “format” it 
has, it always supplies a “clock on the wall” type of synchronization, 
that is, a synchronization related to hours, minutes, seconds and two 
smaller units called “frames” and “subframes”.
• LTC (SMPTE, EBU) is the audio...

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MIDI Clock
MIDI Clock is a tempo based type of synchronization signal, that is it is 
related to the number of “beats per minute”. MIDI Clock signals are 
suitable for synchronizing two devices that agree on tempo, such as 
for example Nuendo and a drum machine.
MIDI Clock is not suitable as a master sync source for an application 
like Nuendo. Therefore Nuendo will transmit MIDI Clock signals to other 
devices, but it will not receive MIDI Clock.
Word Clock
Word clock is...

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Synchronizing Nuendo’s playback
Let’s assume now that we use external timecode synchronization, with 
Nuendo. For example, we might synchronize playback to a tape re-
corder.
Timecode coming from an analog tape recorder will always vary slightly 
in speed. Different timecode generators and different tape recorders 
will also supply timecode with slight differences in speed. In addition, 
the shuttling of tape mechanisms due to overdubs and re-recordings 
can cause the...

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If you aim to perform synchronization to external signals, we strongly 
recommend that you obtain proper synchronization equipment. This 
encompasses:
• An audio card that can be slaved to external word clock.
• A synchronizer that can read timecode (and possibly house clock) and gener-
ate the required sync signals from that, such as the Steinberg TimeLock Pro.
or...
• An audio system with complete built-in synchronization possibilities, prefera-
bly supporting the ASIO...

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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 and...

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• 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 Nuendo.
Machine control
Nuendo can control external tape transports and similar devices...

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Sony 9-Pin
This is a standard protocol established by Sony, for controlling audio 
and video tape transports. It is implemented via regular serial port 
communication (RS-422). The correct cabling varies between com-
puter platforms and models. Please refer to page 587 to find out more 
about the correct setup for your computer.
• If your Sony 9-pin device supports RS-232, you need a “null modem cable”.
• The Sony 9-pin device most likely needs to be switched from local...

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Window Overview
The Synchronization Setup dialog
This dialog box is used for setting up everything that has to do with 
Nuendo’s synchronization to other units. You reach it from the Trans-
port menu.
Settings for 
sync to exter-
nal timecode.
Options for 
incoming 
timecode.Machine Control 
Settings/
Machine Control 
Options.
Outputs for 
MIDI Clock.
Outputs for MIDI 
Timecode.
Input port for 
MIDI Timecode.  

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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 syn-
chronizer, including resolving of the audio card. For details on...

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Setting up the audio card for external synchronization
1.Open the Device Setup dialog from the Devices menu and under “VST 
Audiobay”, select the subpage with the name of your audio interface.
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 Nuendo. Hence the settings vary with the card 
brand and model.
3.Adjust the...