Steinberg Time Base User Manual

 
TIME BASE
Package Contents and Installation 2 – 11 
Important Safety Instructions
 
• Do not leave the power cable where people walk, in order to avoid any 
accidental interruption of power. If an extension block is used, then care 
should also be taken that all the connected devices do not together ex-
ceed the maximum safe current draw.
• Disconnect the power before cleaning.
• Take care that no foreign objects get inside the machine. They could come 
into contact with current-conducting components...

 
TIME BASE
2 – 12 Package Contents and Installation 
Driver Software Installation
 
Windows PC Drivers
 
When you connect Time Base to your computer for the first time, Windows 
will recognize the new hardware component and start its “Add New Hard-
ware Wizard”.
• Insert the Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive and follow the instructions 
displayed on your computer screen.
 
The necessary driver software – a Firmware Loader and the actual Time Base driver – will 
now be installed during two separate...

 
3
 
Features and Basic Settings 

 
TIME BASE
3 – 14 Features and Basic Settings 
Time Base – Brief Overview
 
Time Base is a universal synchronization and control device for digital audio 
and video in all fields of studio production.
Time Base combines the following four functional domains in one compact 
device:
 
• Time code
• Word-Clock (AES/EBU digital zero or AES/EBU for VST System Link)
• Machine Control (MMC and P2 protocol/9-pin-control)
• Virtual Machine (emulated 9-pin/P2 machine)
 
Time Base offers the following functions:...

 
TIME BASE
Features and Basic Settings 3 – 15 
Basic Settings
 
Before each session, the following basic settings should be made or 
checked. Both of the following settings would normally be set according 
to the standard settings used in the respective country:
If the Time Base is being driven by video sync, the Time Code frame rate 
will be automatically set to the video frame rate.
 
❐
 
The frame rate of the connected devices must be set to the same value!
 
❐
 
The Sample of synchronized devices...

 
TIME BASE
3 – 16 Features and Basic Settings 
In the case of incoming pre-produced material, all three parameters 
should be set to match, or the delivered material should be converted to 
the “house” standard (if the latter, please do so while synchronized!).
 
• When you install and check out Time Base for the first time, it is a good idea to 
start out with one of the Time Base presets (see page 65). The individual Time 
Base parameters are described in detail on  page 37.
 
Time Base 
Display...

 
4
 
Typical Setup Examples 

 
TIME BASE
4 – 18 Typical Setup Examples 
Basics
 
A few words of introduction to the technical problems which can occur in 
synchronization in an all-digital or hybrid analog/digital studio setup:
Basically, there are two different synchronization procedures.
 
One of the available audio or video machines becomes the master. 
 
But the type of Time Code often used, LTC, contains two information 
streams:
 
• The visible time information (hh:mm:ss:ff).
• The invisible tempo information (Clock).
 
The...

 
TIME BASE
Typical Setup Examples 4 – 19 
Computer Connection
 
Time Base must be connected to the computer via its USB port which is 
located on the rear panel. USB is used to transfer control and configura-
tion data.
VST System Link is used for synchronization. All time-related data is 
therefore transferred via VST System Link. 
Synchronization via USB-Serial-TC is also possible, if necessary.  

 
TIME BASE
4 – 20 Typical Setup Examples 
Settings in Nuendo
 
❐
 
A detailed description of the Time Base Setup windows in Nuendo can be 
found in the documentation and Online Help systems of the corresponding 
 
– Time Base supporting – program versions.
 
1. Switch on Time Base, then start Nuendo.
 
Various setup parameter sets are available in Nuendo’s Devices Setup dialog for the differ-
ent Time Base setup options.
 
2. You can open this dialog by selecting “Device Setup…” on the Devices 
menu.
3....