MIDI to SMPTE timecode boxes

JMacSTL wrote on 6/22/2006, 8:58 AM

I use a Midiman MIDI interface. It's serial, but they make all kinds of inexpensive USB Midi interfaces with SMPTE input . They convert SMPTE time code (on an audio 1/4" jack) to MTC (midi time code). Vegas happily will slave to this incoming MTC when set into EXTERNAL sync.

I have not successfully gotten Vegas to OUTPUT MTC to SMPTE however . It just won't do it.

MOTU makes several boxes with SMPTE in/out . They use the ASIO2 drivers, but Vegas does not support the external equipment smpte time code functions.

jmm in STL

newhope wrote on 6/22/2006, 9:47 PM

JL Cooper make a good box, the PPS2, which I've used with ProTools LE though not with Vegas.
It sells for around $159.00US at www.sweetwater.com

Newhope

JMacSTL wrote on 6/23/2006, 9:57 AM

So, are you implying that you can get ProTools LE to slave to incoming time code via a SMPTE to MTC converter? Really? Honestly? For real?

If so...that'd be pretty cool!.

tazio wrote on 6/23/2006, 5:08 PM

Don't know about ProTools, but I've used the JL Cooper box succesfully with Vegas to slave from and drive external hardware.

Hi there Steve, how goes it? I'm back in the freelance world now....

Go the Roos!

Phil

newhope wrote on 6/30/2006, 9:13 AM

Phil
OFF TOPIC.... doing a stint on 'Home and Away' for 7.
They bought 2 x ProTools HD and D-Controls for the program and I trained their Audio operators on PT but the install took a bit longer than planned so now I'm double shifting with them to get the schedule back on track.
Ah freelancing... never know what you'll end up mixing!!!!

Steve

newhope wrote on 6/30/2006, 9:21 AM

"So, are you implying that you can get ProTools LE to slave to incoming time code via a SMPTE to MTC converter? Really? Honestly? For real?" Are you taking the p*ss out of me?

Whether you are or not the answer is....

Yep, as long as you have DV Toolkit installed, which adds Timecode functions, along with OMF and Vocal Align, to ProTools then the JL Cooper will convert TC to MTC and PT will chase it.

Mixed Playhouse Disney on a (Mac based) PT LE system in at ATN 7 in Sydney using Quicktime DV files for images for tracking and mixing, played out through the firewire port and converted to analogue with a Canopus box (can't remember the model) onto widescreen TV monitor. Then layed the mix back to Digibeta chasing the ProTools to incoming timecode fed through the JL Cooper.
Two series of 50 by one hour programs for international release.

JMacSTL wrote on 7/6/2006, 8:38 AM

"..taking the p*ss outta me".... I've never heard that phrasology before. I'll have to start using it. Unless it would embarass me.

Well you sir, are one up on the digidesign folks. They swear that PT LE will not slave to incoming time code . They suggest purchasing a full blown HD system. I'll stick with Vegas for now...

thanks.

jmm in STL

newhope wrote on 7/9/2006, 1:43 AM

It's an Aussie term. The more polite American version would be 'taking the Mickey outta me'

Let's face it Digidesign are ALL about making money and purchasing an HD system is certainly more profitable to them than an LE.
By the way the DVToolkit 'optional' software from Digidesign that adds timecode functions to PT LE, along with some other useful software... Vocalalign, Digitranslator for OMF/AAF, DNIR Noise processor, convolution reverb etc, costs US$1295.00... not cheap seeing that Vegas has timecode functions built in.

Of course there are lots of other benefits to the end user on the HD but the dollars are really getting serious and again you still need to add Digitranslator for OMF/AAF.

If I can produce over 100 x 1 hour television programs, Playhouse Disney, for international broadcast by Disney on a Digi002 running PT LE 6.9 including full M+Es for international foreign language, laid back onto a Sony BVW-500 Digibeta chasing timecode off tape converted through a JL Cooper then I guess it works.

But then I use both Vegas and PT LE here in my studio, using the DIGI002R as the audio hardware for Vegas using it's ASIO drivers, and PT HD at broadcast and production houses. Horses for courses and budgets.

VideJoe wrote on 7/13/2006, 1:24 PM

Maybe a dumb question.
But how can you control synchronized video/audio capturing using MIDI control?
I want to use a HD recorder with a MIDI master clock like the Korg D888, but cannot figure out how to sync the D888 recording so that Vegas Captures audio and video simultaniously with the D888.
I use a laptop to capture from a DVX100 and a Edirol FA-66 as MIDI to FireWire controller.
This is the set-up I am considering.
Connect the FA-66 to the laptop, D888 to FA-66 by MIDI cable, DVX100B to the FA-66 (FireWire).
If I hit the Record Button of the D888 I want to start capturing to the laptop simultaniously so that all D888 audio tracks are in sync with the captured video.
What is wrong in this picture?