Steinberg Nuendo 3 Operation Manual

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Synchronization 25 – 581
3.For Sony 9-pin timecode, select a port from the Serial Port pop-up 
menu. See page 588 for more on actually connecting 9-pin devices to 
your computer.
4.Close the Synchronization Setup dialog and open the Project Setup 
dialog from the Project menu.
5.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.
Most video projects have a program start time of 01:00:00:00 for convenience. It is 
recommended in most cases to have a project start time of 00:59:00:00 to allow for 
synchronizer lockup times, test tones, timing beeps and so forth.
•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. Move the project cursor to the desired 
position, select “Set Timecode at Cursor” and specify the corresponding timecode 
position in the dialog that appears – the Start value is adjusted accordingly.
6.In the dialog that appears, you are asked if you want to keep the 
project content at its timecode positions. Select “No”.
This will make all events and parts keep their positions relative to the project start. 
7.Close the Project Setup dialog.
8.On the Transport panel, activate the Sync button (or select Sync 
Online from the Transport menu).
Sync to 9-Pin activatedSelecting a serial port.
Set this to the timecode 
position where you want 
the project to start.   
						

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25 – 582 Synchronization
9.Start the tape (or video, or other master device) that contains the 
timecode. Nuendo starts playing when it receives timecode with a po-
sition “higher” than, or equal to, the project Start frame.
You can wind the device that sends the timecode to any position and 
start from there.
When the master device with the timecode is stopped, you can use the 
Nuendo transport controls as you normally do, when it is not synchro-
nized. 
You should also look into the Sync Options, see page 596.
The Sync indicator
On the Transport panel you can check the status of incoming time-
code by observing the sync indicator. 
•If you have selected MIDI Timecode as Timecode Source and MIDI 
Machine Control as Machine Control Option, the sync indicator 
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).
•If you have selected one of the 9-pin options as Machine Control 
Option, the following applies:
• When the Sync button is activated for the first time, the Sync indicator displays 
the name of the machine.
• When Nuendo is ready for synchronization, but no signal is coming in, the 
Sync indicator reads “Stopped”.
• When the Start button is pressed, the Sync indicator reads “Waiting”.
• When Nuendo is locked to timecode (when correct timecode was detected 
and the sequencer is running), “Locked” is displayed.
• While shuttling, the Sync indicator displays “Shuttle”.
• When you are rewinding, the Sync indicator reads “REW”.
• During Fast Forward, “FF” is displayed.
• If a communication error occurred, the indicator reads “Timeout”.
The Sync indicator  
						

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Synchronization 25 – 583
• If the external device is not in Remote mode, the indicator reads “Local”.
• If you are using an external tape machine and no tape has been inserted, the 
Sync indicator reads “No Tape”.
• While positioning on the external machine, the Sync indicator reads “Locate”.
• While using the Auto Edit function, “Auto Edit” is displayed.
Synchronizing other Equipment to Nuendo
You may have other MIDI devices that you want to synchronize to 
Nuendo. There are two types of synchronization that Nuendo can 
transmit: MIDI Clock and MIDI Timecode.
Transmitting MIDI Clock
If you transmit MIDI Clock to a device supporting this type of synchro-
nization signal, the other device will follow Nuendo’s tempo. The 
tempo setting in the other device is of no relevance. Instead it plays at 
the same tempo as Nuendo. If the device also reacts to Song Position 
Pointers (which Nuendo transmits) it will follow when you wind, rewind 
and locate using the Nuendo Transport panel.
• MIDI Clock transport commands include “Start”, “Stop” and “Continue”. 
However, some MIDI equipment (e.g. some drum machines) do not 
recognize the “Continue” command. If this is the case with your equip-
ment, activate the option “Always Send Start Message” in the Synchro-
nization Setup dialog (MIDI Clock Destinations section).
When this is activated, only the Start command is used.
Transmitting MIDI Timecode
If you transmit MIDI Timecode to a device supporting this type of syn-
chronization signal, the device will synchronize time-wise to Nuendo, 
that is, the time displays on Nuendo’s Transport panel and on the 
other device will agree. When you wind and locate Nuendo and then 
activate playback, the other device will follow from the same position 
(if it has this capability and is set up for it!).
• If you want to be able to loop, jump and locate during playback in Nuendo 
and have the other device follow, activate the MIDI Timecode Follows 
Project Time checkbox.
When this is activated the sent MIDI Timecode will follow the sequencer time position 
at all times. 
						

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25 – 584 Synchronization
Setting Up
1.Connect the desired MIDI Outputs from Nuendo to the device(s) that 
you plan to synchronize.
2.Open the Synchronization Setup dialog from the Transport menu.
3.Activate the sync outputs by using the corresponding checkboxes in 
the lower right part of the dialog.
You can output any combination of MIDI Timecode and MIDI Clock to any combination 
of outputs (however, you probably don’t want to send MTC and MIDI Clock to the 
same output).
Some MIDI Interfaces will automatically send MIDI Clock to all MIDI out-
puts, regardless of the MIDI Clock Port selection you make in Nuendo. If 
this is the case, you should only select one MIDI Clock Port (consult the 
documentation of the MIDI Interface if in doubt).
4.Set the other device(s) to their “external synchronization” mode (or 
some other mode with a similar name) and activate playback on them 
if necessary.
5.Activate playback in Nuendo, and the other device(s) will follow.
MIDI Timecode transmitted 
to Outputs 1 and 2.
MIDI Clock transmitted to 
Output 3.  
						

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Synchronization 25 – 585
Machine Control
Machine Control commands can be sent using one of two different 
protocols: MIDI Machine Control (MMC) or Sony 9-Pin. The setup 
procedures are slightly different for the two formats:
MIDI Machine Control
1.Set up and test basic timecode synchronization, as described earlier 
in this chapter.
2.Connect a MIDI Out on your MIDI interface to MIDI In on the tape re-
corder (or similar device).
If you have not already done so (when setting up for MIDI Timecode), also connect a 
MIDI cable from the MIDI Output on the tape recorder to a MIDI In on the computer.
3.Make sure you have timecode recorded on the tape recorder, and that 
it is set up to use MMC.
4.Open the Synchronization Setup dialog on the Transport menu in 
Nuendo.
5.In the Machine Control Options section, select “MIDI Machine Control”.
6.In the Machine Control Settings section, select the correct MMC 
Inputs and Outputs from the respective pop-up menus.
7.Make sure that the MMC Device ID corresponds to the ID of the con-
trolled device.
If more that one machine is connected or if you do not know the Device ID, this can be 
set to “All”, the “Broadcast” device ID.
8.Set the “Number of Audio Tracks” setting to the number of tracks on 
the external tape recorder.
MIDI ports selected 
for MMC  
						

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9.Open the Preferences dialog from the File menu (on the Mac, this is 
located on the Nuendo menu), select the MIDI Filter section and make 
sure Sysex is activated in the Thru section.
This is necessary since MMC uses two-way communication (the tape recorder “replies” 
to the MMC messages it receives from Nuendo). By filtering out Sysex Thru, you ensure 
that these MMC System Exclusive replies are not echoed back to the tape recorder.
10.Close the Preferences and open the Project Setup dialog from the 
Project menu.
11.As when synchronizing without using transport control, use the Start 
value to specify which frame on the tape should correspond to the be-
ginning of the project.
12.Close the Project Setup dialog.
13.Pull down the Devices menu and select MMC Master.
The MIDI Machine Control master transport panel appears.
It is now possible to control the external tape recorder independently 
or together with Nuendo:
•If you activate the Online button on the MMC Master panel you can use 
the transport buttons on the panel to control the transport of the device.
•If you activate the Sync button on Nuendo’s Transport panel, the 
MMC Master transport buttons (or the buttons on the main Transport 
panel) will control the external tape recorder and Nuendo in sync.
•You can also use the buttons to the left on the MMC Master panel to 
arm tape tracks for recording.
The number of record arm buttons depends on the “Number of Audio Tracks” setting 
in the MMC section of the Synchronization Setup dialog.
•The “A1, A2, TC, VD” items refer to additional tracks usually found on 
video tape recorders.
Refer to the manual of your VTR device to see if these tracks are supported.
•Whenever you want to turn off the synchronization between the tape 
recorder and Nuendo, simply deactivate Sync on the Transport panel.  
						

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Synchronization 25 – 587
Nuendo as MMC slave
This is set up in the Machine Control Settings section in the Synchro-
nization Setup dialog.
Some mixers support the MMC-Master protocol for controlling exter-
nal devices, including Tascam DM-24, Yamaha DM2000 and SSL. 
This means that Nuendo can be used as a “recorder”, where track 
arming and transport commands can be sent from the master device. 
In addition, some digital audio workstations (DAWs) can only operate 
in MMC-Master mode.
Connecting a Sony 9-pin compatible device
On Windows computers
The serial port (9-pin D-SUB connector) of your computer is used to 
establish communication with your Sony 9-pin compatible device (VTR, 
DAT, Multitrack etc.). However, PCs provide an RS-232 signal at the 
serial port, not the RS-422 signal expected by Sony 9-pin devices. Ex-
ternal RS-232 to RS-422 converters are available from various manu-
facturers at your local dealer or can be purchased via the internet. If you 
are planning to cover distances exceeding a few meters please make 
sure that this adapter also balances the signal.
On Macintosh computers
The serial port of your computer is used to establish communication 
with your Sony 9-pin compatible device. As newer Macintosh com-
puters do not provide serial ports, you have to install extra serial ports 
on these Macintosh computers using one of the following methods.
•Stealth Serial Port.
This is a very common device used to provide a serial port on Macintosh 
computers lacking this kind of connectivity. This card can be bought in 
Macintosh stores or via the internet. It is inserted in the modem slot in-
side your Macintosh and is recognized by the operating system as a 
serial port. The signal present at the 9-pin D-SUB connector is already 
RS-422 but you need to adapt between the 8-pin Mini DIN connector 
of the Stealth Card and the 9-pin D-SUB connector found on your 
Sony 9-pin device using an appropriate cable. 
						

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25 – 588 Synchronization
•USB to serial adapter.
These USB devices are used to provide a serial port on Macintosh 
computers lacking this kind of connectivity. Such devices are avail-
able from various manufacturers at your local dealer or can be pur-
chased via the internet. Make sure to install the driver of the device 
properly so the operating system can register the device as a serial 
port. The Keyspan USB to serial converter USA-19W has been used 
in this capacity with much success.
Depending on the kind of product you are using, the electrical signal 
available at the 9-pin D-SUB connector of the adapter can be either 
RS-422 or RS-232. Refer to the technical specification of the adapter 
used to find out more. If an RS-232 signal is used, you must convert 
this to the RS-422 signal expected by your Sony 9-pin device. Exter-
nal RS-232 to RS-422 converters are available from various manu-
facturers at your local dealer or can be purchased via the internet. If 
you are planning to cover distances exceeding a few meters please 
make sure that this adapter also balances the signal.
Setting up Sony 9-Pin
1.Set up and test basic timecode synchronization, as described earlier 
in this chapter.
2.Connect an unused serial port (COM port) on the computer to the ex-
ternal tape transport.
As mentioned earlier, you may need a RS-232 to RS-422 converter or conversion cable.
A typical Sony 9-Pin setup.
•Note that you can have two separate 9-Pin devices connected to the 
computer when using Nuendo!
Synchronizer MIDI Interface Video transportMIDI TimecodeWord Clock
to audio card Sony 9-Pin via serial connection (possibly with conversion cable, etc.)
LTC Timecode 
						

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Synchronization 25 – 589
3.Make sure you have timecode recorded on the tape recorder, and that 
it is set up to utilize Sony 9-Pin.
4.In the Synchronization Setup choose either 9 Pin Control 1 or 2 from 
the Machine Control Options.
5.Use the Serial Port pop-up menu to select the correct serial (COM) 
port.
By selecting different ports for the two 9-Pin Devices, you can separate two different 
external tape recorders, video systems, etc. The other options in this dialog are de-
scribed on the following pages.
6.Set the number of audio tracks available on the 9-pin device by click-
ing on the arrows in the respective field or by entering a number di-
rectly. There can be up to 48 audio tracks for each 9-pin device.
You will be able to remotely arm each audio track for recording from the 9-pin control 
window. This is very handy when working in a large facility that utilizes a common ma-
chine room where all the tape machines are located.
7.Click OK to apply your changes and close the Synchronization Setup.
8.Open the Project Setup dialog from the Project menu.
9.As when synchronizing without using transport control, use the Start 
value to specify which frame on the tape should correspond to the be-
ginning of the project.
10.Close the Project Setup dialog.  
						

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11.Pull down the Devices menu and select “9-Pin Device 1” or “9-Pin 
Device 2”.
The corresponding 9-Pin Device control panel appears. This has a separate set of 
transport buttons, for controlling the transport in the 9-pin device. There’s also a sep-
arate Online button, above the transport controls.
The 9-pin control panel. Most professional video tape machines have four audio tracks 
and if they are digital, use a 48k sampling rate. Tracks 1 and 2 are record enabled.
It’s now possible to control the transport and track arming of the 9-pin 
device independently or together with Nuendo:
•If you activate the Online button on the 9-Pin Device control panel you 
can use the transport buttons on the panel to control the transport in 
the device.
•If you activate the Sync button on Nuendo’s Transport panel, the 9-Pin 
Device transport buttons (or the buttons on the main Transport panel) 
will control the 9-pin device and Nuendo in sync.
•When using Sony 9-Pin it is possible to advance the external transport 
frame by frame by using the Nudge Position buttons on the Transport 
panel. You can assign a keyboard shortcut for this as well.
•Whenever you want to turn off the synchronization between the tape 
recorder and Nuendo, simply deactivate Sync on the Transport panel.
9-Pin Setup Options
In the Device Setup dialog, you will find two additional options for each 
9-pin device:
•“Control Playback Speed”.
This checkbox instructs Nuendo to attempt to control the playback speed of the 9-pin 
device in order to keep it in sync with Nuendo’s internal clock. This should be a last re-
sort option as it is very difficult to achieve acceptable results. Use this if there is no other 
way to lock to timecode coming from the 9-pin device other than through the 9-pin con-
nection. This option is also available in the Synchronization Setup dialog.