Steinberg Nuendo SyncStation Operation Manual
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22 Menu Reference The following table shows the entire menu organization for visual reference: Following this overview of the menu system, each menu and its settings will be reviewed and explained. Most of the SyncStation’s settings can also be changed within Nuendo using the available settings window when the SyncStation is selected as the Timecode Source in the Project Synchronization Setup dialog. Following the description of each menu, the equivalent setting within Nuendo will be described. Unit Clock P2Out P2In MIDI USB 01–Master & Timecode Source01–Clock Reference 01–Record Tracks 01–Device ID 01–MTC -> MIDI Out 01–MTC -> Nuendo 02–Frame Reference 02–System Clock Rate 02–Position Request 02–RS422-In Track Arming02–Full Position -> MIDI Out02–Full Position -> Nuendo 03–Timecode Standard03–Audio Pull/Vari- speed 0.1 %03–Position From 03–MIDI In Track Arming03–Nuendo Track Arming 04–Reference Frame Rate04–Audio Pull/Vari- speed 4 %04–MIDI ID 04–Nuendo MIDI ID 05–System Link 05–Wordclock A05–USB Driver 06–System Link Input 06–Wordclock B 07–Install Template 07–Wordclock C 08–Line 2 Display 08–Wordclock D 09–AESA/AESZ Outputs 10–Opto/SPDIF Output 11–Wordclock Input Rate
23 Menu Reference Root menu DD/MM/YY Root Select Setup Required >Unit >Clock >P2out >P2in >MIDI >USB The root-level menu allows you to navigate between the various menus. Since this is for navigation only, there is no equivalent in Nuendo’s Project Synchronization Setup dialog. ÖNote that the date shown at the top left corresponds to the installed firmware version. Unit menu The Unit menu deals with the basic SyncStation settings and how timecode is generated in the unit. Unit 01 - Master & Timecode Source Unit 01-Master & Timecode Source >Nuendo >RS422-Out >MTC >VMast >LTC This is perhaps the single most important setting of the SyncStation. This determines the timecode source. In stand-alone mode it also determines where all the trans- port machine control commands will be routed. (In Nuendo it is possible to set a different machine control destination. See the Operation Manual for details.) There are five choices for the timecode source: >Nuendo When Nuendo is selected as the timecode source, the SyncStation will generate timecode based on the position of the cursor in the Project window and what the current Project Setup settings are regarding the standard and frame rate of Nuendo’s timecode. All transport commands will be routed to Nuendo via USB. The Machine Control Input must be set to SyncStation in order for Nuendo to receive these commands. >RS422-Out When using the RS422 Out as the timecode source, the SyncStation will lock to timecode that a connected 9-Pin device is being polled for. In order to have Nuendo control this device, the Machine Control Output in the Project Synchronization Setup dialog will have to be sent to the SyncStation’s RS422 Out port and “sync” must be en- abled in Nuendo. >MTC MIDI timecode can be the master timecode source. The SyncStation will lock to MTC received from the MIDI In connector. >VMast (Virtual Master) In this mode, the SyncStation’s internal timecode generator will be the master timecode source. The SyncStation acts like a virtual device and responds to machine control com- mands arriving from Nuendo via USB, MMC on the MIDI In connector, or RS422 commands from the 9-Pin input.
24 Menu Reference >LTC Analog timecode coming into the SyncStation via the XLR timecode input will be used as the master timecode source. Setting the timecode source in Nuendo Once the SyncStation has been chosen as the Timecode source within the Project Synchronization Setup dialog, all of the SyncStation settings become available to the left of the Timecode Source section. You can choose a time- code source for the SyncStation from the pop-up menu in the Steinberg SyncStation section. Choosing a timecode source for the SyncStation from the Project Synchronization Setup dialog. Unit 02 - Frame Reference Unit 02-Frame Reference >Internal >Video >LTC >MTC The frame reference for the SyncStation is used to align each frame in the timecode generator and also measure the offset for the extended System Link connection to Nuendo. This is the key to synchronizing with video. >Internal When the SyncStation is using the internal crystal-locked clock as a frame reference, the system can operate in a stand-alone fashion, without any external inputs. >Video Using a bi-level or tri-level video sync signal as a frame ref- erence is the best way to ensure proper synchronization with other video equipment. This is the primary function of the SyncStation, using a video sync source to generate ac- curate timecode and sample clock for Nuendo worksta- tions and other digital audio equipment. >LTC When necessary, the LTC input can be used as a frame reference. Analog timecode is not a good stable source for a frame reference but in certain situations, it might be the only reference available. If you are trying to synchro- nize to an analog tape machine that is free running with timecode recorded on a track, using LTC as a frame and clock reference will allow you to lock to it. >MTC Due to MTC’s inherent timing issues, it should only be used as a frame reference as a last resort. Changing the frame reference in Nuendo In Nuendo’s Project Synchronization Setup dialog simply choose one of the frame reference options from the pop- up menu. Choosing a frame reference for the SyncStation. !When LTC is selected as the timecode source, ma- chine control transport commands cannot be routed to any device (in stand-alone mode).
25 Menu Reference Unit 03 - Timecode Standard Unit 03-Timecode Standard >Pal >NonDrop >Film >Drop The timecode standard determines the frame count that the SyncStation will use. This is not to be confused with the frame rate or speed of the video reference signal. >Pal (P in SyncStation display) 25 frames per timecode second. >NonDrop (N in SyncStation display) 30 frames per SMPTE second. NTSC standard. Usually runs at a frame rate of 29.97 fps. >Film (F in SyncStation display) 24 frames per timecode second. Also used for 24 p HD video. >Drop (D in SyncStation display) Still 30 frames per SMPTE second, but specific frame num- bers are skipped in order to bring the timecode clock in line with real-time while the frame rate is 29.97 fps NTSC. The SyncStation recognizes the timecode standard com- ing from Nuendo, MIDI In, RS422 In, and LTC In. Depend- ing on the standard, either a F, P, N, or D is displayed next to the timecode source name on the LCD. This setting changes the standard for the SyncStation’s Virtual Master if it is running stand-alone and not connected to a Nuendo system. If the frame reference is set to Internal and the SyncStation is connected to Nuendo, the Virtual Master will follow Nuendo’s Project Setup settings. Unit 04 - Reference Frame Rate Unit 04-Reference Frame Rate >25 >30 >24 >24.98 >29.97 >23.98 The SyncStation automatically recognizes the frame rate coming from Nuendo and will match the setting made in the Project Setup dialog. Any changes made to this set- ting will only be effective if the SyncStation is not con- nected to Nuendo and running in stand-alone mode. Unit 05 - System Link Unit 05-System Link >Off >On This setting activates the Precision Time Alignment for sample-accurate sync to the video frame edge. >Off The extended System Link is not active. The SyncStation will still provide excellent sync, just not sample-accurate to the frame edge. >On When the extended System Link is activated, the Sync- Station will receive sample-accurate timing information from Nuendo and compare that with the frame reference to generate a correction that will precisely align playback to the sample. Setting up System Link from Nuendo In the Project Synchronization Setup dialog, click the “Open SyncStation Settings” button to reveal more set- tings. Select the “Send Data via System Link” option to turn the extended System Link on. Once System Link is turned on, you will see options for setting up outputs from your audio cards and inputs to the SyncStation. Unit 06 - System Link Input Unit 06-System Link Input >AES1 >AES2 >Opto >SPDIF When System Link is active in the SyncStation, one of the four digital audio ports must be selected to receive the signal from Nuendo. >AES 1 The AES 1 input uses the XLR input on the SyncStation. System Link signals will always be sent on the right chan- nel for all audio inputs. >AES 2 This AES input uses the BNC input. BNC connections with coaxial RG59 or higher resolution cable can be run over greater distances than XLR balanced lines. This facil- itates remote placement of the SyncStation in the ma- chine room of larger facilities. A transformer adapter may be used to convert XLR AES signals to BNC Coaxial.
26 Menu Reference >Opto The Toslink Optical input. This is a stereo AES Toslink in- put and not an ADAT Lightpipe compatible one. >SPDIF The consumer digital audio connection using the RCA in- put will be used for System Link. Choosing the SyncStation System Link input in Nuendo Pop-up menus in the SyncStation Settings pop-up win- dow let you choose the System Link input used on the SyncStation. You must also choose an output from your audio card that will be connected to the SyncStation’s digital input by using the Nuendo pop-up menu. Choosing a digital input for System Link. Unit 07 - Install Template Unit 07-Install Template >No Change >Factory >Test This is used to recall the factory settings and for testing purposes. Do not change this setting unless you want to recall the factory settings. Unit 08 - Line 2 Display Unit 08-Line 2 Display >Normal >SL >TC >DDR >TCG >USB >Frm >A1 >A2 This setting should be set to Normal as the other options are only used for debugging and testing. Clock menu This menu deals with the audio clock and how it is han- dled in the SyncStation. Clock 01 - Clock Reference Clock 01-Clock Reference >Frm >W/C >AES1 >AES2 >Opto >SPDIF The clock reference is used to generate all the audio clocks coming out of the SyncStation. This is critical to the audio performance of any studio system. The optimal situation is to have a central clock generator that outputs video sync and audio word clock together from a single crystal clock generator. Then you can use the word clock input as the clock reference for the SyncStation, ensuring the best pos- sible audio performance. There are, however, many situations where the ideal is not possible. Even if only LTC or MTC is available, the Sync- Station can use it as both a frame and clock reference, al- lowing you to provide the best possible sync in any condition. >Frm (Use Frame Reference) This setting uses whatever signal is chosen as the frame reference to derive the audio clock. If a high-quality video sync is used as a frame reference, the derived audio clock can be quite good and provide excellent sync. If only one signal is available to the SyncStation, use this option to utilize that signal for all references. >W/C (Word Clock) This is the ideal clock reference. The word clock needs to be derived from the same source as the frame reference for proper operation. >AES 1 Uses the AES XLR as the clock reference. >AES 2 Uses the AES BNC as the clock reference. >Opto Uses the Toslink Optical input as the clock reference. !The SyncStation always uses the right channel of the selected digital input for System Link.
27 Menu Reference >SPDIF Uses the SPDIF input as the clock reference. Setting the clock reference in Nuendo In the Project Synchronization Setup dialog, you can choose one of the six Clock Reference options from the Steinberg SyncStation section. Choosing a clock reference for the SyncStation. Clock 02 - System Clock Rate Clock 02-System Clock Rate >48kHz >44.1kHz >32kHz The SyncStation runs internally at one of three clock rates or sample rates. Other sample rates are derived from these base rates through the use of multipliers. >48kHz This is the standard video and film sampling rate. Most au- dio post studios will use this as the standard operating clock rate. >44.1kHz This is the audio CD standard sampling rate and is used mostly for music recording. There are exceptions and cer- tain video productions might use this rate for certain appli- cations. >32kHz You never know when you might need this sample rate. Even though it is not a professional standard in common use today, it is included to provide comprehensive support for legacy devices.ÖThe SyncStation uses a multiplier system to achieve high-resolution clock rates, see “Word clock” on page 10 for details. Clock rate in Nuendo When the SyncStation is connected to Nuendo and the clock is not derived by any other signal (Frame Reference set to Internal and Clock Reference to Use Frame Ref), the clock rate will be determined by the Project Setup set- tings. If the sample rate is above 48 kHz, the SyncStation will choose the rate that is an even multiple of the project’s rate. For example, if the project is running at 96 kHz, the SyncStation will be set to 48 kHz. Clock 03 - Audio Pull/Varispeed 0.1 % Clock 03-Audio Pull/Varispeed 0.1% >Off >-0.1% >+0.1% When dealing with audio transfers from a film shoot, it can be necessary to pull the audio clock down by 0.1 % in or- der to match the speed change resulting from a film trans- fer to NTSC video. Or you might be correcting for a poorly performed transfer and have to pull-up the clock rate. ÖThere are two audio pull settings in SyncStation, one for 0.1 % and another for 4 %. The combination of the two pull settings yields all the possible pull-up and pull-down settings. >Off The audio clock runs at the chosen rate. >-0.1 % The audio clock is slowed by 0.1 %. For example, using 48 kHz as the clock rate with a -0.1 % pull-down results in a sample rate of 47.952 kHz. >+0.1 % The audio clock is sped up by 0.1 %. 48 kHz pulled-up yields 48.048 kHz. !If you are using higher sample rates, you will have to properly set the word clock and AES/SPDIF output multipliers to ensure your devices are getting correct clock rates.
28 Menu Reference Clock 04 - Audio Pull/Varispeed 4 % Clock 04-Audio Pull/Varispeed 4% >Off >-4.0% >+4.1667% 4 % pulls are most often associated with PAL video trans- fers. For example, when transferring PAL video to film, a -4 % pull down is applied to achieve 24 fps. >Off The audio clock runs at the chosen rate. >-4.0 % Used for PAL video to film. >+4.1667 % Used for film to PAL video. There might be situations where you need to use a combi- nation of both 4 % and 0.1 % pulls to correct for a prob- lem. The SyncStation allows you the flexibility to do just that. Audio pull in Nuendo Nuendo’s Project Setup settings include a “Pull Up/ Pull Down” menu to make the pull settings. The various combi- nations are made in Nuendo with single choices instead of separate settings for 4 % and 0.1 % pulls. Audio pull in the Project Setup section Varispeed in Nuendo It is possible to run the SyncStation in full varispeed mode. This gives you the option to vary the clock speed ±12.5 % in increments of 0.1 %. In this state, the SyncStation can- not lock to timecode and the clock generator will run inde- pendently of the clock reference. Varispeed is accessed from the SyncStation Settings pop- up window in the Audio Pull section. Choose Varispeed from the “Hardware Pull Settings” pop-up menu and enter a varispeed amount in the field below. Varispeed setting in the SyncStation Settings pop-up window Clock 05 - Wordclock A Clock 05-Wordclock A >Off >W/C In >1x >2x >4x >256x The Clock 05 to Clock 08 settings deal with the way the clock is generated at the word clock outputs. Each output can be individually configured to provide much flexibility for various studio setups. >Off When set to “Off”, that word clock output will not have any signal at all. >W/C In When the word clock output is set to “W/C In”, it will echo whatever word clock signal is coming in via the word clock input. This is important when you are using the word clock input as the clock reference. For the best audio fidelity, use this option in order to have the cleanest word clock signal pass through the SyncStation to your audio device. !The Nuendo pull up/down settings will only be trans- mitted to the SyncStation if the
29 Menu Reference >1x When set to 1x, the word clock output signal is generated by the SyncStation and referenced to the chosen clock ref- erence. It will run at the rate set in “Clock 02 - Clock Rate”. >2x The 2x setting multiplies the master clock rate in the Sync- Station to output a rate twice as fast. If the clock rate is set to 48 kHz, the word clock output would run at 96 kHz for example. >4x The 4x setting allows word clock output rates up to 192 kHz. >256x The 256x multiplier is a special use for synchronizing Digidesign hardware units that use this proprietary word clock signal. Clock 06 - Wordclock B Settings for the second word clock output. Clock 07 - Wordclock C Settings for the third word clock output. Clock 08 - Wordclock D Settings for the fourth word clock output. Changing the word clock output in Nuendo In Nuendo’s Project Synchronization Setup dialog, click the “Open SyncStation Settings” button to access the word clock output settings. SyncStation Settings pop-up window with “Word Clock Output” setting menu All four word clock outputs can be linked together so that changing the setting of one output affects all others in the same way. Word clock output link Clock 09 - AES 1/AES 2 Output Clock 09-AES1/AES2 Output >Clk Ref I/P >Slink I/P >1x Clk >2x Clk The two AES outputs can be set to follow the clock refer- ence input, the System Link input or the internal generator running at 1x or 2x rates. >Clk Ref I/P (Clock Reference) The AES clock will be generated from the clock reference input as set in menu Clock 01. >Slink I/P (System Link Input) The AES clock will be generated from the System Link in- put set in menu Unit 05. The extended System Link does not have to be active in the SyncStation. However, other System Link signals will be passed from the AES inputs to the outputs so that normal System Link operation is possi- ble through the SyncStation. >1x Clk (Clock) The AES output will be generated by the SyncStation at the master clock rate. >2x Clk (Clock) The AES output will run at twice the master clock rate.
30 Menu Reference Setting the AES clock outputs in Nuendo The AES clock output setting can be found below the “Word Clock Output” settings in the SyncStation Settings pop-up window. The AES output settings Clock 10 - Opto/SPDIF Output Clock 10-Opto/SPDIF >Clk Ref I/P >Slink I/P >1x Clk >2x Clk The SPDIF and Toslink outputs can have a separate set- ting from the two AES outputs with the same choices for clock generation (see above). Both outputs will use the same setting. • Clk Ref I/P • System Link I/P •1x •2x Setting the Opto/SPDIF outputs in Nuendo The Opto/SPDIF output setting can be found right next to the AES settings in the SyncStation Settings pop-up win- dow (see above). Clock 11 - Wordclock Input Rate Clock 11-Wordclock Input Rate >1x >2x >4x >256x When using the word clock input as the clock reference, it may be necessary to determine its input divider if using word clock rates above 48 kHz. >1x 44.1 or 48 kHz standard rates do not need a divider. >2x 88.2 or 96 kHz rates divided by two equal 44.1 and 48 kHz, respectively. >4x 172.4 or 192 kHz rates when divided by four yield 44.1 or 48 kHz respectively. >256x The 256 divider is for Digidesign Superclock only. Changing the clock input divider in Nuendo In Nuendo’s Project Synchronization Setup dialog, this option only becomes available when word clock is chosen as the clock reference. Setting the word clock input divider. !Please note that the SyncStation back panel optical connector can only be used for SPDIF signals (and not for ADAT signals).