Steinberg Nuendo SyncStation Operation Manual

							11
Introduction
For information on selecting a master clock source for 
the SyncStation, see “Clock 01 - Clock Reference” on 
page 26.
Frame reference (phase)
The timecode generator in the SyncStation generates 
timecode referenced to either an internal crystal clock or 
external frame reference signal. This frame reference is 
also used to align the audio clock to the edge of the time-
code frame.
There are four choices for timecode frame references:
•Internal
The SyncStation’s internal crystal clock will be used to align each frame 
of timecode. This is best to use when no additional external video equip-
ment is being used and only video within Nuendo is being played back.
•Video
This setting will use the black burst (bi-level SD video) or tri-level (HD 
video) sync present at the Video Sync In connector to align each frame 
of timecode. When external video equipment is being synchronized with 
Nuendo, this is the preferred setting.
•LTC
This setting will use the leading edge of an analog timecode signal as a 
frame reference. This setting is useful when the only positional and 
speed references both come from analog timecode such as syncing to 
an analog audio tape machine.
•MTC
When the only timecode information available is coming in via MIDI, this 
setting will align each timecode frame to MTC.
For information on how to set the frame reference, see 
“Unit 02 - Frame Reference” on page 24.
Machine control
The SyncStation can receive and transmit transport com-
mands and track record arming commands via RS422, 
MIDI, and USB.
Transport commands
Transport commands from the MIDI and RS422 inputs will 
be merged and routed to the Master and Timecode Source 
device as set in “Unit 01 - Master & Timecode Source” on 
page 23. For example, if the timecode source is set to 
RS422 Out, all transport commands from the MIDI input 
and the RS422 In will be routed to the RS422 Out.
Transport commands from the host Nuendo system can 
be routed independently to the MIDI Out, RS422 Out or 
the Virtual Master as set in the “Machine Control Output 
Settings” section of the Project Synchronization Setup di-
alog. For example, the timecode source could be the LTC 
reader but transport commands from Nuendo could be 
routed to the RS422 Out if needed.
Track arming commands
Each machine control input can have its track arming 
commands routed to a different destination. For example, 
the MIDI input could have its track arming commands 
routed to the RS422 output while Nuendo’s track arming 
commands (via USB) could be routed to the MIDI output.
For more information on how to route track arming com-
mands, see “P2in 02 - RS422-In Track Arming” on page 
33, “MIDI 03 - MIDI In Track Arming” on page 34, and 
“USB 03 - Nuendo Track Arming” on page 35.
Virtual Machine Master (VMast)
The SyncStation itself can act like a “virtual tape machine”, 
following transport commands from all machine control in-
puts and operate its internal timecode generator based on 
those commands (locate, play, record, stop, etc.).
Once the Virtual Master begins to run, timecode is gener-
ated at all outputs (USB, MIDI, RS422, and LTC) so that 
any connected device will play in sync with the internal 
timecode generator of the SyncStation.
!It is imperative that the clock and frame reference be 
tied together, running at the same speed. If indepen-
dent frame and clock references are used, they must 
reference a single clock source for correct operation 
of the SyncStation. 
						

							12
Introduction
ÖThe SyncStation always regenerates timecode at all 
its outputs regardless of what the timecode source is. The 
only difference when using the Virtual Master is that the 
SyncStation uses its internal generator as the source of 
the timecode and can respond to transport commands 
from any machine control input.
9-Pin RS422
The Sony 9-Pin RS422 machine control protocol is a tried 
and true standard for VTRs. The SyncStation can issue 
commands to 9-Pin devices (RS422 Out) and also re-
ceive 9-Pin commands (RS422 In) from other compatible 
controllers.
ÖMany large format film mixing consoles have transport 
controls built in to them for convenience. The console can 
act as the master controller, issuing commands via 9-Pin 
to the SyncStation to enter play or stop, for example.
MIDI Machine Control (MMC)
Transport and track arming commands can be sent and re-
ceived from the MIDI ports of the SyncStation. Third party 
implementation of the MMC protocol varies with devices. 
Certain MMC devices might have limited functionality.
Nuendo transport
When the Sync button is engaged on Nuendo’s Transport 
panel, all transport commands are sent to the “Machine 
Control Output Destination” found in the Project Synchro-
nization Setup dialog.
When this is set to “Steinberg SyncStation”, transport 
commands will go to either the Virtual Master, RS422 Out 
or MIDI Out. In most cases this should be set to the same 
output as the timecode source in the SyncStation. Addi-
tionally, actions that result in the project cursor being 
moved in the Project window will cause locate commands 
to be issued to the SyncStation.For example, in Edit Mode, the project cursor snaps to the 
selected event’s start point or sync point. This causes a “lo-
cate to…” command to be issued to the SyncStation which 
will route the command to either the RS422 Out, MIDI Out 
or the internal Virtual Master. That timecode source device 
will then move to the timecode position causing all con-
nected devices to move to the same position.
!Make sure that Nuendo’s Machine Control Destina-
tion is the same device that generates the timecode 
so that transport commands result in timecode being 
generated for the entire system to chase.
!If the timecode source is set to LTC, transport com-
mands from the MIDI and RS422 inputs will not be 
passed on by the SyncStation. In a special case, it is 
possible to have those transport commands issued 
to the RS422 Out while using the LTC input for a 
timecode source. For more information on this spe-
cial case, see the section 
						

							2
Connecting the SyncStation 
						

							14
Connecting the SyncStation
The inputs and outputs on the SyncStation rear panel
With a basic understanding of the SyncStation functions, 
connecting the hardware to your system should be straight-
forward. Once you have planned your system configuration 
and identified the various clock sources, timecode paths 
and machine control devices, you can start by connecting 
the SyncStation to the host Nuendo system.
ÖThe SyncStation does not need to be connected to a 
host Nuendo system in order to operate. With the front 
panel controls, you can change all pertinent settings and 
operate the unit stand-alone. However, the extended Sys-
tem Link connection requires the SyncStation to be con-
nected to Nuendo via USB in order to provide sample-
accurate sync.
USB connection
The USB port is used to connect the SyncStation to a 
Nuendo host computer. The USB connection creates two 
virtual MIDI ports in Nuendo which are used for sending 
and receiving transport commands and timecode informa-
tion. The extended System Link connection uses USB to 
send position correction commands from the SyncStation 
to Nuendo. It also allows you to display and alter most of 
the SyncStation settings remotely in Nuendo’s Project 
Synchronization Setup dialog.
ÖFor complete information on the configuration of 
Nuendo’s Project Synchronization Setup dialog, refer to the 
documentation provided with Nuendo.To connect the SyncStation to a host Nuendo system, 
proceed as follows:
1.On the host computer, make sure that Nuendo is not 
running.
USB connections can be made while the computer is on but Nuendo will 
not recognize the device unless it is plugged in before Nuendo launches.
2.Connect the power to the SyncStation.
The SyncStation should be on when it is first plugged into the host’s 
USB port.
3.Connect the USB cable from the SyncStation to the 
host computer.
It is advisable that you do not use a USB hub for this connection as it 
might affect the operation of the SyncStation.
4.Install the driver software provided with the Sync-
Station.
Steinberg’s driver software is required for error-free operation of the 
SyncStation. Make sure you are using the latest driver available by fol-
lowing the directions found in the section “Updating the SyncStation 
driver” on page 44.
5.Launch Nuendo.
6.On the Devices menu, select the Device Setup option 
to check if the SyncStation appears.
The SyncStation entry can be found on the Devices list, in the Transport 
category.
7.Click on the SyncStation entry to display the software 
and hardware version numbers for your unit. If the version 
numbers appear as all zeros, there was a problem recog-
nizing the unit. After closing Nuendo, try powering down 
and powering up the SyncStation first to see if the prob-
lem persists.
LTC GPIO
MIDI USBWord clock AES 2
RS422 Video 
SyncToslink 
OpticalSPDIF AES 1 
						

							15
Connecting the SyncStation
ÖThe SyncStation has two USB identification modes: 
“MIDI Class” and “Steinberg”. While the default setting is 
“Steinberg”, it may be necessary to try “MIDI Class” in or-
der for Nuendo to recognize the SyncStation. Refer to 
“USB 05 - USB Driver” on page 36 for more information.
Frame and clock reference inputs
There are several inputs on the SyncStation that can be 
used as frame or clock references to the system. Your 
particular setup will determine which of these connections 
you will use.
The following inputs are available:
• Video Sync In
• Word clock In
•AES 1 In
•AES 2 In
• SPDIF In
• Optical Toslink In
• MIDI In
•LTC In
• Sony P2 (9-Pin, RS422) In
Slave clocks (outputs)
Slave devices need to have the same clock reference as 
the SyncStation. The rear panel offers multiple clock out-
puts to connect various devices in your system to the 
SyncStation, ensuring accurate speed between devices.
The following outputs are available:
• Four separate word clock outputs, each with its own multiplier.
• AES 1 Out (XLR)
• AES 2 Out (BNC)
•SPDIF Out
• Optical Toslink Out
Each of these connections can function as a clock refer-
ence for another digital audio device.
Machine control
External machines can be connected to the SyncStation 
using the MIDI and Sony P2 (9-Pin RS422) connections. 
The RS422 In should be connected to a master controller 
device that will control the selected timecode source. The 
RS422 Out should be connected to any 9-Pin device that 
you want to control.
GPIO (General Purpose Input Output)
The GPIO interface uses the D sub 25 pin connector on 
the rear of the SyncStation. The GPIO logic can be uti-
lized to remotely control the SyncStation, connect record 
and “on air” indicator lights and other custom applications. 
The pin assignment is provided in the section “Specifica-
tions” on page 42. Refer to a qualified engineer or elec-
tronics specialist to connect and use the GPIO interface.
!Please note that the SyncStation back panel optical 
connector can only be used for SPDIF signals (and 
not for ADAT signals). 
						

							3
SyncStation Controls 
						

							17
SyncStation Controls
Front panel controls
The front panel of the SyncStation contains a two-line dis-
play, four cursor buttons, a Cursor indicator light, three sta-
tus lights and a recessed Reset button.
Cursor buttons and indicator
The four cursor buttons are used to switch between the 
different display options, navigate the various menus and 
change SyncStation settings.
The Cursor indicator light found just below and to the left 
of the cursor buttons, informs the user when the Sync-
Station is in Settings Menu display mode. When lit, you 
can use the cursor buttons to navigate the menu system 
and change settings.
When the Cursor indicator light is unlit, the up and down 
arrow keys change what is seen on the second line of the 
display. The left and right arrow keys function as stop and 
play buttons (respectively) for the selected timecode 
source.
The left and right arrow keys generate machine control 
“stop” and “play” commands that are merged with all the 
other machine control transport commands and sent to 
the selected timecode source device. This provides a sim-
ple way to test a configuration directly from the front panel 
of the SyncStation.
Status LEDs
The three status LEDs on the right side of the front panel 
indicate the presence of various signals and the status of 
the SyncStation in relation to those signals. The indicators 
are as follows from left to right:
1.Frame reference
The green LED lights up when the chosen frame reference has been de-
tected. It will flash while the SyncStation is in the process of locking to 
that signal.
2.Clock reference
When the chosen clock reference signal is present, this LED will flash or-
ange while the SyncStation locks its sample clock to the reference and 
will be solid when the unit has locked.
3.System Link
The blue LED is lit when the extended System Link connection has been 
made to the SyncStation. When flashing, the Precision Timing option has 
been turned on but either the System Link signal is not present or is not 
in sync with the other frame and clock references.
ÖThese indicator lights are duplicated in the SyncStation 
Status window and Project Synchronization Setup dialog in 
Nuendo.
Reset button
The Reset button resets the USB bus and the LCD screen. 
This is equivalent to power cycling the unit. Nuendo must 
be shut down before performing this reset of the Sync-
Station. Otherwise the program would loose its connection 
to the SyncStation.
Cursor buttons Status LEDs
Cursor indicator Reset button 
						

							18
SyncStation Controls
The SyncStation display
The main display has two modes:
•Operation display
• Settings Menu display
You can use the down arrow key to switch between the 
two display modes:
•Press the down arrow key for more than one second.
The cursor LED lights up, indicating that you have entered Settings 
Menu display mode.
•Repeat this process to return to Operation display mode.
Operation display mode
The Operation display shows current timecode values for 
Nuendo, SyncStation’s Virtual Machine Master, MTC, 
9-Pin, and the LTC reader. It also displays the multiplier 
status of the word clock outputs and the digital audio 
outputs.
The top line of the display (line 1) displays the selected 
timecode source device and its status.
Timecode source
Starting from the left side, the name of the timecode 
source is displayed first.
Timecode standard
To the right of the timecode source name, a letter repre-
sents the current timecode standard being used by the 
timecode source:
• P = PAL 25 fps
• N = NTSC SMPTE 30 fps
• D = SMPTE Drop-frame 30 fps
• F = Film 24 fps
Transport status
To the right of the timecode standard, the transport status 
for that timecode source is displayed using several icons:
•> = Play
•[ ] = Stop
• > = Fast Forward
• Jg = Jog
• Sh = Shuttle
• !> = Not locked to running timecode
Current position
The current position for the timecode source is displayed 
in the center of the screen.
USB status
Next is shown the USB status, indicated by either a # or *.
• # = USB is connected
• * = Incoming data from the host system
Frame reference or Frame rate
To the right of the USB status one of the following frame 
references is displayed:
• Internal
•Video
•LTC
•MTC
If the clock reference is set to “Use Frame Ref”, this part of 
the display shows the current frame rate of the timecode 
source.
ÖIt is possible that the timecode standard does not 
match the current frame rate! This may be necessary for 
some pull up/down operations or to correct for errors in 
timecode use, but make sure in most conditions that the 
current frame rate matches the one for the chosen time-
code standard.
TC standard Clock 
referenceClock rate Current 
position
USB 
statusFrame reference 
or frame rate Timecode 
sourceTransport 
status 
						

							19
SyncStation Controls
Clock reference
The clock reference is shown beneath the frame reference/
frame rate on line 2 of the display. When “Use Frame Ref” is 
selected, the chosen frame reference is displayed. Other-
wise, the selected clock reference is shown:
•W/C
• AES 1
• AES 2
•SPDIF
•Opto
System clock rate
At the very right of the display, the system clock rate is 
shown (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHz). When set to these 
standard clock rates, the top line reads “Clock” and the 
bottom line shows the sample rate.
When using a pull up/down or varispeed setting, the top 
line reads “Pull” and the bottom line shows the percentage 
of speed change (+4.17 %, -0.1 %, etc). For more informa-
tion on how to use pull up/down and varispeed settings, 
see “Clock 03 - Audio Pull/Varispeed 0.1 %” on page 27 
and “Clock 04 - Audio Pull/Varispeed 4 %” on page 28.
ÖThe range of varispeed is +12.5 % to -12.5 %.
Line 2 display
Using the up and down arrow keys, the Line 2 display can 
show the timecode and status for one of the following:
•Blank
Line 2 will display different kinds of status information, e. g. GP In com-
mands.
•Nuendo
This will display the current position, timecode standard and transport 
status of the connected Nuendo system.
•Clock outputs status
When selected, both lines of the LCD are used to display the status of 
the four word clock outputs plus the AES output, System Link port and 
the clock rate of the SyncStation.
•Reader (LTC)
The status of the LTC reader.
•Virtual Master
The internal timecode generator’s status.
•MTC
Status of incoming MTC.
•RS422
This will display the status of the device connected to the RS422 output. 
If there is nothing connected, the display will show “!No Machine”.
Settings Menu display mode
To alter the SyncStation settings, you must enter the Set-
tings Menu display mode. This is described in the section 
“The SyncStation display” on page 18.
In Settings Menu display mode all of the SyncStation’s 
settings can be accessed via the front panel controls us-
ing the menu system and cursor navigation. When you 
first enter the Settings Menu display mode, the Root menu 
is displayed.
The Settings Menu display
Root menu
The Root menu helps organize settings as they relate to 
the various parts of the SyncStation. Using the left and 
right cursor keys, you can navigate to each of the root-
level menus. The down arrow key will step through each of 
the setting menus. The up arrow key will return you to the 
root level, stepping back through each setting menu.
The six root-level menus are the following:
•Unit
•Clock
•P2 Out
•P2 In
•MIDI
•USB
Each root-level menu contains settings that relate to the 
category heading. For more information on the options 
available in each menu, see the chapter “Menu Reference” 
on page 21. 
						

							20
SyncStation Controls
Changing Settings
Once you have navigated to the appropriate menu, the left 
and right arrow keys are used to change settings. In order 
to make changed settings active, exit the Settings Menu 
display mode and return to Operation display mode.
Resetting the SyncStation from 
Nuendo
In a situation where you need to reset the SyncStation 
hardware, you can do so from the SyncStation Settings 
pop-up window by pressing the Reset Hardware button in 
the Hardware Unit section. This will reboot all the Sync-
Station’s systems except the USB driver and LCD screen. 
This reset will maintain the USB connection to Nuendo so 
restarting the application is not necessary after a reset.
The Reset Hardware button
If for some reason, the USB bus and LCD need to be re-
set, press the Reset button on the front panel, see “Reset 
button” on page 17.
The SyncStation 9-Pin window in 
Nuendo
On the Devices menu in Nuendo, there is a “SyncStation 
9-Pin” option. It opens a window that provides direct ma-
chine control over the SyncStation and devices connected 
to its MIDI and RS422 Out ports.
Transport controls in this window are used to remotely 
control a RS422 device, MIDI Machine Control device or 
the internal Virtual Master. Pressing the Online button 
connects the transport controls to the remote device, al-
lowing you to control its transport functions.The track arming buttons put record tracks on the remote 
device into record status. Each button will light red when a 
track is in record.
Auto-Edit
Most VTRs support Auto-Edit mode where the deck will 
automatically enter record on record-enabled tracks at a 
given timecode value and stop recording at another time-
code value. The record in and out points are defined by 
the left and right locators in Nuendo.
When sync is engaged in Nuendo’s transport panel, re-
cording commands will be routed to the record arming des-
tination device. If that device is a VTR that supports auto-
edit, the deck will enter record at the left locator and stop 
recording at the right locator. This facilitates automatic lay-
back of audio to specific timecode values on the VTR.
SyncStation 9-Pin window
The SyncStation Status window in 
Nuendo
The SyncStation Status window in Nuendo is available 
from the Devices menu. It duplicates the status LEDs of the 
SyncStation front panel and features a Varispeed indicator 
and two status lines that display the current state of both 
the SyncStation and Nuendo. An “H” on the Frame indica-
tor is shown if the SyncStation is receiving an HD video 
signal. A question mark on any of the indicators means that 
the corresponding LED on the SyncStation is flashing.
Various messages regarding the status of the SyncStation 
will be displayed here including precision alignment 
changes and generator lock status.
!When the SyncStation is connected to Nuendo, mak-
ing changes to settings via the front panel may create 
conflicts with the settings made within Nuendo.
Track arming 
buttonsTimecode 
position
Record arming 
destination Transport 
destination
Online button Transport controls Auto-Edit