Tascam DP24/32SD Tutorial 13: Midi Sync - old-school
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Part 13 - using an external MIDI-sync box to synchronise overdubs. Note these sync boxes can be difficult to find nowadays, but 2nd-hand ones crop up regularly if you are patient. Search for 'midi sync' boxes and make sure they have an audio/smpte in/out and a MIDI in/out. Don't confuse them with DIN Sync or Sync24 units as they use a different sync protocol. Here's a list of MIDI-sync boxes suggested by viewers: Yamaha YMC-10, Philip Rees TS-1, Midiman Syncman, MOTU Micro Express, Tascam MTS-30, Roland SBX-1. Please note that some of these can only handle one of the 2 protocols mentioned in the video - basic timing clocks vs. MIDI Time Code (MTC), so check the device you want to sync with can handle this. Some gear can only handle the simple timing clock protocol. Other alternatives are the Korg Volca or Electribe units (the newer ones, not older models such as the ER-1) which I'm informed use an audio-based sync signal so can be recorded/played-back directly - you should be able to use these instead of a MIDI-Sync unit (thanks to @James Weeks & @Orpheus Head for the info). You can confirm this by downloading the relevant user manual and seeing if it has sockets called Sync In/Out separate to the MIDI sockets.
This tutorial has taken a lot of time & effort to put together but is offered free, without adverts, for anyone interested. If you've found it useful and wish to donate anything, however small, it would be much appreciated; PayPal link is paypal.me/Phil... - I have no affiliation with Tascam.
Playlist for all parts - • Tascam DP-24SD/32SD Po...
Alternatively, you can buy video parts 1-14B as an MP4 file on a DVD or as a download, and/or a Step-by-Step guide (no references to the block diagram, just plain steps for lots of practical tasks) - full details are here www.philizound....
Thank you so much for this Video series, it has helped me understand the DP32sd far better than I could have on my own.. Just a Note: I got my DP32sd a few days ago and tried an experiment... I programmed a drum track in EZDrummer2, converted it to a 16bit stereo WAV file and transferred it to the DP32sd through the Audio Depot folder. I loaded the file onto Track 9/10 and it came right up in the monitors... I then opened the metronome and set the DP to measures. I then did a playback, and from what I can tell it appears that I am sync’d right up... the measures run true with playback.. Now this was only a 72 measure song, but the beats appeared right on throughout the entire track, as far as I could tell, this is not to say that if the song were much longer it might slip... I will need to do a longer experiment... But for now I think this method will serve my purposes... Thanks again for all your help..
@JP Illes thanks for the kind words and for sharing your findings. The real test will be if you can add another track from EZDrummer and get them to play in sync with each other. If so, then it's a good example to show that the lack of MIDI sync isn't the complete showstopper believed by some; it's only a problem for certain types of music or for long songs. Keep us posted with the results of the longer test.
Phil, thanks for your comment... Yes, if I were using another midi instrument or track that might expose any weakness in my methodology. In my case I don’t think that will be an issue because I record all of my other tracks live against the EZDrummer2 drum track... I think a better experiment would be if I decided to erase my original drum track and import another, using the same length and BPM. Then see if my live tracks would still be in sync... From what I understand from ToonTracks the exported WAV file always starts at 0:00. We’ll put that to the test, I’ll let you know... Another test might be to use EZDrummer to build a separate percussion track of exactly the same length and BPM as my original drum track, that would be a test inline with what you are saying...
@@jpi6668 Long time DP32SD user (down in New Zealand), I'm just interested to know if you ever tried the longer and/or multi-track test from EZ Drummer?
I would say one could expect that tempos are equal in different machines, because x BPM should be x BPM anywhere. However, when I tried to combine WAV-Files from Finale with such from Hydrogen Drum Machine, I learned that this is not necessarily the case. This might be due to Finale's being a notation programme in the first place and not a drum machine or sequencer. I have found several inadequacies in its playback. Logically speaking, there should be no deviation when transferring a drum track to another machine or programme, should there?
I love your videos on the Tascam DP24/32. They are most informative and your teaching skill is superb. In this episode you make me realize I had a lot to learn about the midi products I've owned for 30 years. Thank You Phil.
+SPOKENTUBE many thanks for the kind words. Still time to dust off that old gear :)
Thank you for looking at that. I have a dp32 SD on the way. Excited! Your channel is very good. Excellent presentation and content.
@Thad Hunsaker thanks for the kind words Thad. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the machine when it arrives. Would advise checking the firmware is the latest version before using it in earnest.
I've never ever understood MIDI time code until now - thanks for the very interesting explanation
@COV- EnanT! glad to be of help; thanks for stopping by.
I really appreciate how well you plan out your lessons in advance. This is exactly what I wanted to learn, with regards to my Roland SPD30 Octopad and DP-32. Your past videos on the DP32 was a great time saver! Again, thank you for your efforts..better yet, a proper thank you would be a donation. Already sent :-)
+MrPrincepop thanks for the kind words; glad the videos are useful... and many thanks for the donation; much appreciated :) Good luck with your musical ventures.
Absolutely gorgeous series of tutorials - theory + hands-on + comprehensive and deep in details. Love them. Please dont take them down off YT. I will be ordering one of these boxes soon - would use your videos as reference.
@Alex temp thanks for the kind words Alex. You can guarantee the videos for life with your own DVD version :) Full details at www.philizound.co.uk/freebies/dp24-32/dp24-32.html Hope you get a good bargain with the machine.
Great work Phil, concise and clear. I knew the concept from reading manuals but it's great to see it in action. Thank you!
@Recursor thanks for stopping by.
Terrific, sharing Phil. Nice drum machine.
@collinstanton sorry for delay Collin, have been on holiday. Yes that EMX-1 is a real keeper :)
Thanks, Phil. Your guides are fantastic!
+Pete Greenfield thanks for the kind words Pete.
Hey Phil I wanted to let you know I picked up a YMC10 off ebay and it worked like a charm. I wanted to be able to sync my yamaha moxf8 workstation synth. I soloed and laid down individually 9 tracks of a preinstalled song and it synced perfectly to the timeclock pulse. Thanks a lot I appreciate your videos. I bought your step-by-step instructions quite a while back and that too is a great resource.
@kevmay21 That's great news Kevin, thanks for sharing. Please spread the word... there are still people who won't touch the newer DP machines because they lack MIDI, but as you've found, it's not such a deal-breaker :)
Noticed some newer songs on your channel; a nice change from keyboard backing to guitar over the years. You are a very talented musician... and a powerful voice too. Look forward to hearing your multi-layered results. Thanks for your support, and best wishes to you.
tascam dp24sd hardware - my dp24 will be delivered tomorrow - great video series - thanks for creating these.
@Tulby exciting news, hope you have great fun with it :) Just 2 things to check before using it for serious stuff: firmware level and compatible sd-card. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks Phil.. It is good to see there is a midi work around.
@jcisme thank you Jeremy, much appreciated.
Phil you are the man, going to buy one of these sync units for my Akai mpc live.
+AkatsukiBK thanks for the feedback. Let us know if it all works out.
You gave away the secret. LOL. I loved teasing all the guys who never recorded on analog.
why?
@@DungeonsDeepRecords Because they purport such authority and know nothing. I'll give you a perfect example that happened to me 2 weeks ago. I called a studio to book time. Some young idiot answered the phone. Everything was going OK till I asked, " can you slave your system to my master MIDI clock". He got mad at me and said I was racist.
@@NelsonClick LOL. id love another example.
@@NelsonClick hahaaa that made me chuckle
Great as always, Phil. Happy New Year.
@tillober1240 thank you Till. Happy New Year to you too.
Hiya Phil, as of today 2023, would you buy this and do external midi sync or just go with the Zoom R20?
@Up Your Food Game Good question :) although the whole debate is very subjective. Short answer is I would buy the DP.
Long answer...
You need to ask what it is you really want; no point comparing features just for the sake of it. There's no 'perfect' solution out there, so your choice depends on your personal expectations and capabilities, including how much patience you have or if time is money to you. I would compare the non-MIDI features first, then decide if an external sync box with a DP-24SD/32SD is worth the extra hassle.
I don't know much about the R20 as Zoom only had the R16 & R24 when I was doing the research many years ago. The specs were very similar to the DP-24SD/32SD, but it was the build quality which swung it for me, and a slight bias against Zoom (maybe unfairly) as I'd found their PS-04 Palmtop very confusing to use. The DP certainly feels very substantial when you unbox it; 6.2Kg compared to 1.3Kg for the R24.
Re. the lack of MIDI, I've no issues with using an external sync box as it's something I'm used to from back in the 4-track analogue cassette days, even though it meant sacrificing a quarter of your track count for the sync track - it's pure luxury now with 20-odd tracks :)
If I had to choose now, I would still get the DP for the same reasons, unless the R20 has anything really special to offer. The spec says the weight is still 1.3Kg so I guess I would still find it 'flimsy'. I've never been bothered with DAW integration as the whole point for me was to avoid having the computer in the main workflow. I also have a pet hate with touch screens so that's probably the nail in the coffin for the R20 model. I had to return an Akai MPC ONE recently as I just couldn't get on with the screen. I kept accidentally brushing my finger against the screen and changing something or invoking a command. It had an Undo feature, but if you weren't sure whether what you'd done was actually an un-doable action (not all things are), you'd end up undoing something you really wanted... a nightmare for me, and yet some people crave them! It's definitely a personal thing :)
Good luck with whatever you end up with.
Hey Phil, Love your video and I just started watching it. I have background in electrical as well so you captured my attention. Looking forward to the MIDI sync.
@John Mills thanks for the feedback John. Yes they're fascinating machines from many perspectives.
Good morning Phil !
I'm seriously thinking about buying a Tascam DP 32sd , (I have a Yamaha AW16G which is getting old and have some problems with the Hard Disk...) but it is out of question for me to use a recorder without midi synchronization. So the technology you're presenting (Yamaha YMC10) is very interesting for me. Plus, you make your demo with an Electribe, and thank God, it's the sequencer I use to work on my music !!
So I'm sure it would work fine if I can get an YMC10.
I've search on the web and I don't find a store who sells this "YMC10". Do you know where I could buy one ? Or do you know another device which work as well ?
Thank you very much for your kind help Phil !
@Oceans Resurrection there are a few contenders, such as the Philip Rees TS-1, Midiman Syncman and the YMC10, but none of them are made any more, so just keep your eyes peeled on the online 2nd-hand stores, ebay, cash exchange shops etc. You shouldn't have to wait too long. In fact I looked for a sync box specifically to do the video as there were so many people moaning about how the lack of midi in the new DP models was a complete show-stopper... and got the YMC10 within a couple of weeks. This also rekindled my interest so I later searched for a TS-1 (which is what I used to have decades ago but sold it when I got rid of all my tape-based systems)... and managed to bag one of these just a few weeks later :) Look for 'midi sync' boxes and make sure they have an audio in/out and a midi in/out... and don't spend a fortune unless you're really desperate! Also don't confuse these with DIN Sync or Sync24 units as they use a different sync protocol. Good luck.
@@philtipping Thank you very much Phil for this answer very complete. I'm going to do exactly that. Thanks again and have a nice week !
Hi Phil ! I've just ordered a Tascam dp32sd, and know What ? Last Week, just a few minutes after our comments exchanges, I've found a Yamaha YMC 10 on "le bon coin" (an online 2nd hand website). I've just received it right now this evening. Things are going exactly as you said. In the coming days, I'm going to watch your tutorials to learn how to use those great devices. Thanks Phil !
@ Oceans Resurrection good news indeed :) Best of luck.
@@philtipping Yes thanks.
All this because they took midi away from the newer models...oy...
@louisg3598 Agreed it's annoying Louis, but it's not the show-stopper it's made out to be (imo). It's only the same process we used for years before machines had built-in sync, so even if I was buying now, I still wouldn't go out of my way to find a 2nd hand unsupported machine with an unknown history just for this feature. The whole process needs patience anyway, so this is just one of those things we have to cope with given the budget... like not having automation and motorised faders :) Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for this! It is a very clear explanation. I've got a midiman syncman on order, I'll report back if it works with my modest 8 track, the tascam dp008ex.
@Gerry Hawkins No problem Gerry, thanks for stopping by.
Dude those electribes with with tubes are SICK! I had the red one, the sampler.
@DJ Aiwas haha yes they're still sought after in the 2nd-hand market - built like tanks with their heavy metal casing :) Hope you didn't get rid of it! Thanks for stopping by.
I had the 688. Syncing with FSK.
It was exciting waiting as it ticked away before I could record guitars and vocals.
@Harris Frankou yes, we seemed to have more patience back then :) So many people want instant results nowadays and not having MIDI on the newer DP models seems to be a big turn off; they either give up or risk buying a 2nd-hand obsolete model with an unknown history. Thanks for stopping by.
@@philtipping I got so much more done.
Write a beat jam to it.
Add a bass.
Tweak the beat fsk sync.
7 tracks left.
I had one rack for aux out send.
I got songs in Life 101 with Corey Haim...and some songs I had only 5 used tracks!
I'm rearranging my studio.
I may need to write some different "recording rules"
To limit and edit my self.
I'll get a great rough A B mix on ableton and then tweaks for hours.
I got an APC 40.
I like ableton.... but its me in digital!
Waste time.
So I'm thinking of getting one of these and sending extra tracks to my pc or for sending off for mixing and mastering.
I even waste time on reverb eq and tails etc etc.
If I could write my spectrasonics drums in ableton and record on hard ware it would be better for me I think.
Thank you.
@Harris Frankou well you'll have plenty of tracks with the DP machines, not to mention the virtual tracks, giving you an additional 7 for every track.
Note if you're still deciding between a dp24sd and dp32sd, it's not simply just more tracks. The dp32sd has the ability to switch any or all of its 12 stereo tracks into monos, whereas the dp24sd is fixed at 12 mono + 6 stereo.
You only get one mono per stereo channel when you switch, giving you a max of 20 monos total, but it's very handy to be able to choose. That was the reason I went with the dp32.
Good luck with it all; you sound a busy guy :)
Van you make song structures and patterns? Or only a sequence with recorded audio tracks. How does this stack up against a behringer x32?
@janpieternieman5295 It has a variety of Track Edit functions such as copy/paste, move/paste etc. so you can build up a song structure that way. Sections of audio can also be copied to different parts of different tracks, so you can fade them in & out at relevant times during a mixdown or bounce. I don't know much about the X32 apart from noticing it is a lot more expensive and looks to have better integration with a DAW.
The DP-24/32 machines are complete studios in a box, so you only need a computer for backup purposes. The Tascam Model series removes some of the studio functions but provides live 2-way multi-track transfers to a computer via USB, so I guess this is closer to the X32. I don't know if the X32 has studio functions like the DP-24/32 such as assigning inputs to different tracks, bouncing, editing etc. but you can easily compare all the products by downloading the user manuals. You could also try asking in the Tascam forum as I think a few members have the X32.
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.
@@philtipping thanx for the explanation! :) So I can record my korg prologue Jupiter x cobalt8x Gaia juno ds microfreak and rd8 simultanously? Hows the build of this unit? How can it be so dirt cheap?
@janpieternieman5295 You can record up to 8 inputs simultaneously. All inputs are mono, so you'll need to use 2 of these if you want to record a stereo source. The Assign feature is like a patch panel which allows you to connect/route any input to any of the tracks for recording, so there's no need to plug/unplug inputs in order to record overdubs.
The build is very substantial - it's a heavy device and feels solid, and was one reason I chose it over the Zoom machines. The DP-32 has more tracks than the DP-24 (obviously!), but it also has a little-publicised feature of being able to switch any of its stereo tracks into mono mode. You only get one mono (not 2), but this still gives a lot more flexibility, and was my main reason for choosing the DP-32.
I guess the price is reflected in the pre-amps and hardware controls, and the built-in FX which are all done in firmware. The pre-amps are perfectly adequate but it depends how critical you are. You may find they are ok for your requirements. They're obviously not going to compare with a single pre-amp which could cost the same as (or more than) the whole machine, and they won't have the 'colouration' of some of the more esoteric ones. But if you are really critical about pre-amps, there's nothing to stop you using one or more high-quality external pre-amps just for the inputs which need it. In practice, that's what I would tend to do anyway, even with a high-quality mixing desk; just use an external unit on those critical signals which need it at that time.
Same applies to FX; the internal ones may be ok for you, but it's flexible enough for you to add your own extemal units; either in series with the inputs, or via the Send system - there are 2 sends to use how you like.
The other cost-saving is having the EQ, panning, sends, and FX controls shared between all the inputs and tracks. It's easy to operate though; you just press the track select button or input source button before turning any of those knobs. Contrary to some comments I've seen re. this being a hassle, you don't need to open the mixer screen first in order to do this. You get a small pop-up window showing the knob's position as you turn it. The main drawback is that you cannot see the settings for all the tracks at the same time; the mixer screen only shows the settings for the currently selected track.
Your comments are on the video about MIDI sync, so I'm assuming you are aware of the differences between the DP-24/32 and DP-24SD/32SD re. MIDI. If you want to sync, you either need the older DP-24/32 machine or use a sync box as shown in the video. The description lists a few different types of sync box.
Hope that helps. I would still ask on the Tascam forum and download the manuals for all the contenders before making a decision.
Thanks a lot Phil.
@warriskportfolio240 no problem, thanks for stopping by.
Does that Korg sequencer have stereo out, if so why only use the mono out of the sequencer? Thumbs up on: audio levels, lighting, camera and the best on instructor lead workshops.
@Bobcatt22 thanks for the kind words. Yes the sequencer has stereo outputs, but I used mono just to keep it simple as the video is all about sync. Stereo is covered in another tutorial. Thanks for stopping by.
If you can't find a compatible converter box, You can also Buy a Korg Volca series box (it doesn't matter which one it's so many of them) and use the "sync out" and record that unit's CV signal to a blank track on the recorder. So there is more than one way to skin a cat. As Phil mentioned in the video this process will work with any multitrack recorder/mixer.
@James Weeks absolutely right James, thanks for sharing. I'll add it to the info on the first/pinned comment.
This is making me wonder - since the Minilogue has both the audio sync in/out as well as a MIDI Out/Thru DIN, could it slave off the audio sync in and route the timing back out the DIN out, effectively converting it back to regular MIDI?
great video. Im assuming this work for an analog tape machine as well? sorry if you explained that already in the video.
@bromy2251 yes it works with anything which records analog audio, regardless of the media. Thanks for stopping by.
Well after seeing this and wanting to use it to sync my Yamaha PSR-SC900 keys and Alesis SR18 drum machine I found a Motu Micro Express that stripes and converts STMPE. Got it in and using a blank Tascam track recorded the timing track. Set the PRS to slave off the Tascam and it will not start the PRS. Same with the Alesis. So I hooked the Yamaha and Alesis together and they will slave/master either way I set them up. After some time on tech support they said that the Motu sends MTC midi time code and since neither the Alesis or Yamaha aren't responding they must be using MBT midi beat time so they are not responding to it. It's just a guess on their part I have not been able to confirm this. Looks like wasted money so make sure you check that out with your equipment.
@Scott Hodges Yes you're right, you must check the MIDI spec for each device you want to use. There is usually a MIDI Implementation Chart in the user manual for your MIDI gear, so this should be the first port of call. You may also need to configure the MIDI settings on each device to enable some of these options.
The video description has some words of warning re. the two different clock protocols - basic timing clocks vs MIDI Time Code (MTC); they are not compatible. The devices won't sync if they don't handle the same type of clock.
If your MOTU is definitely not compatible with your other gear, you should be able to re-sell it without losing out too much. Other types pop up now and again so keep your eyes peeled - I picked up the YMC-10 and TS-1 within a couple of months of each other. Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.
Hi Phil,
Thank you for your exceptionally valuable and easy to understand tutorials. You have a real talent, patience and kindness to help others which is really appreciated.
I'm considering purchasing a dp24sd.
From your experience if I were to record into the dp24 multiple times from the same equipment (3 synced together machines) at the same bpm on each take, would the additional takes drift from the original take if only matching by ear and not using an external midi device?
I would assume all takes would remain consistent as all source material would in theory have exactly the same bpm driven from the same machines but would appreciate your advice?
Thanks in advance.
Stuart
@Stuart Wilkes thanks for the feedback Stuart, much appreciated :)
The drift would depend on the stability of the clock used to sync the external gear versus the clock in the DP-24SD. My gut feel says it would be ok but I couldn't guarantee it as other factors such as temperature may come into play.
I guess you realise that you'd have to move/paste each take so the start points line up as you're unlikely to get everything started exactly in sync, but this should be no problem if you zoom in to the highest resolution.
In theory, if the clocks are stable, any discrepancy will be consistent at each take, so there should be no audible impact throughout the song. Even if there is a variation, it may not be audible depending on the material you are recording on each pass. If the instruments are different each time or notes don't coincide time-wise, you may not notice anything. It's only when you get similar sounds overlapping that you may get flanging effects.
If your purchase depends on this, I would try to replicate the multiple takes on another free-running recorder. For example you could download the free Audacity (if you don't already have a DAW) and record multiple passes to your computer via the audio-in socket. It won't be the best quality, and your computer clock may drift in a different way to the Tascam, but it might be enough to make a decision. If you're still not sure after this, you could still get a 2nd-hand MIDI sync box which would eliminate all drift issues... or maybe an older DP machine with MIDI (although 2nd hand brings its own set of issues), or go for a Model 12 which apparently has MIDI sync - but you need to confirm this first.
Good luck, and hope it works out :)
@@philtipping You're a legend Phil. Thanks a million, really do appreciate it. Makes perfect sense, will do as you kindly advise and hope for the best 👍
Hi Phil,
Another excellent tutorial, thanks.
Do you know if it’s possible to do this with a Tascam DP-03SD? I’m thinking that getting the sync track audio back out to the MIDI sync box might be an issue because it doesn’t have the send system of its 24 track big brother shown here.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks,
John
@John Topley thanks for the kind words John. I had a look at the DP03 manual but you're right in that there are no other outputs apart from the main L/R outputs... but there may be a compromise solution if you treat L & R separately, e.g. pan the sync track playback fully to the left and connect the L output to the MIDI sync box. Pan the signal from the audio track being recorded (and any other tracks you want to hear at the same time) to the right side. Panning won't affect the recording but it will allow you to monitor things via one side of your headphones/speakers.
If you are using headphones, you should hear the sync tone in one ear and the audio in the other, so external speakers may be more practical for monitoring - just use the right hand side speaker.
I don't have a DP03 machine to verify this, so keep us posted if this is workable solution.
@@philtipping Thanks for the reply, Phil. I hadn’t considered using panning, but I think that would work.
Another idea I had was to rehearse without the sync box to get the input gain levels correct, but then to set the track’s volume faders to zero when recording the MIDI instrument so the only audio the sync box receives is the sync signal.
Now to source a suitable sync box! Thanks again.
thank you. I've been using a sync track from my boombox into my Moog. got it to work, but I can't use my sequencer. this vid gives me ideas....
@ken brisby Glad it helped Ken. Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.
Hallo, Thank you for the executive instruction. Unfortunately, the YMC 10-converter is no longer available anywhere. Is there another device around my Yamaha QY 100-sequencer with the Tascam DP-24SD to tact ? Thanks and happy weekend, Fred.
@oktofred thanks for the feedback Fred. There are a few devices - they're all listed in my reply to the first (pinned) comment. Good luck.
@@philtipping Thank You for the quick response. I read what You mean. Happy weekend, Fred.
Thanks Phil for your method of syncing. I cant find the old used midi gear any where.
I also feel so dumb right now. I dont get how The Korg Volca can help me sync my Zoom R 24 to my drum machine. How can it start my drum machine after i record a signal on track 24? Did i miss something?
@mel nollem you may need to be a bit patient :) Try setting up an email search alert on eBay (or other 2nd-hand sites) for MIDI Sync boxes and one will pop up eventually. I bought 2 different types within the space of a couple of months.
I didn't mean to imply that a Volca could be used *instead* of a MIDI sync box to synchronise other devices. I meant that the Volca itself can be sync'd to a recorder. I don't know first hand, but I'm told the Volca is one of a few types of sequencer which can use audio bleeps for sync in & out as opposed to MIDI. This means you should be able to record a sync pulse timing track directly from the Volca without using a MIDI sync box. When you play this track back into the sync input of the Volca (assuming you set the Volca as a slave device), it should start/stop and remain in sync with the recorder.
If the Volca had MIDI outputs as well, it might be possible to use it as an intermediate sync box, but only if it can output MIDI while it is receiving the sync pulses from the recorder. If so, you would connect this MIDI output to the MIDI input of your drum machine. I'm not familiar with the Volca so you'd have to check.
Thanks for stopping by.
I have one available
Phil ! I love your tutorials. I use mid clock to drive an array of chained key board sequencers. MTC and Midi clock don't seem to play well together. I am trying to use a DAW ( Reaper ) with a 2488neo (with midi in out) , this hardware works fine as a master using mtc to drive both. My problem is that my alesis sr16 , korg x3 and korg m1 are old school midi clock driven devices. Is it possible to create both clock and mtc timing from one device, driving both old school and daw at the same time? Love this tutorial , should I use this method to drive my recording sessions?
@Joseph O'Sullivan thanks for the kind words. I don't know if any of these sync boxes can handle both time codes simultaneously. They are different MIDI messages so I can't see why they couldn't both be present, but obviously it depends on the sync box design. A DAW may be able to generate both - you may find it has options to enable both, so you could try an experiment to see if a slave device using MIDI click stays in sync with an MTC master (although even if this *does* work, it won't help with the DP machine if the sync box can't handle both - the DP machine with sync box combination can only be a master).
If not, I would try configuring everything to the basic MIDI clock as this is more likely to be supported on all your devices. You'll lose the ability to make overdubs part way through a song so you'll have to rewind all machines to the start each time, but at least they will remain in sync throughout the song.
There's a 3rd option I didn't mention in the video which is 'song position pointer' (SPP). This uses yet another type of message which allows devices to position themselves to a specific location, but as with MTC, all devices must be able to handle it for it to work.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
@@philtipping what i'm going to try. my 2488neo does sync eithe rclock or mtc , the daw only hears mtc . so im going to try your method of striping the track and syncing that way using the yamaha external sync while sending mtc time code to the daw (chasing) as a slave. they should run parallel . keep up the good work.
Hey man. Really appreciate your videos. I had a slight concern. I don't think yamaha makes a converter like this anymore; do you know of any other boxs like this still on the market ??
@CyberSinZProductions thanks for the feedback. A few people have suggested alternatives so here's the list so far: Yamaha YMC-10, Philip Rees TS-1, Midiman Syncman, MOTU Micro Express, Tascam MTS-30, Roland SBX-1.
There may well be others so keep an eye on the 2nd-hand sites - look for 'midi sync' boxes and make sure they have an audio in/out and a midi in/out. Don't confuse them with DIN Sync or Sync24 units as they use a different sync protocol. Don't forget some of these can only handle one of the 2 protocols mentioned in the video (basic timing clocks vs. MIDI Time Code (MTC), so check the device you want to sync with can handle this. Some gear can only handle the simple timing clock protocol. Other alternatives are the Korg Volca & Electribes; these use an audio sync signal so you can you record/playback this directly without needing a MIDI-Sync unit (thanks to @James Weeks & @Orpheus Head for the info).
@@philtipping Many thanks, man. Keep up the great work.
@@philtipping Yes ... here is what I mean. Good luck, Fred.
@WirlMoi yes it's an audio signal. Pages 12 & 13 in the micro express manual show how to connect the 2 sockets cdn-data.motu.com/manuals/midi/MOTU_USB_MIDI_Interface_User_Guide_Mac.pdf - just saw your NVM - oh well :)
Hi Phil
I have a problem with my tascam dp32 sd , after overdubs , writing failed appears on the screen and the recorder locks , the z file total reaches 600 or so , any ideas .
I bought this Korg drum machine back in 2003. it was pretty great. I think I'm the only person in America who had one, every one I've seen on you tube is someone from the UK 😂 they must've been much more popular there.
@Ben Taylor I hadn't noticed that Ben. I got mine 2nd hand in 2014 just to see what all the fuss was about - never played with a beat-box before :) It's certainly a lot of fun but I never got near the skill level of some of the youtubers. The mark 2 version came out later, but I'm hanging on to this one as it's rare to find a machine built like a tank with a proper metal chassis. More knobs, less menus I say :) I wrote an EMX1 editor (free) for organising the songs & patterns if you're interested www.philizound.co.uk/freebies/software/emx1config/emx1-config.html
Thanks for stopping by.
I'm guessing you'd need multiple midi converters to record multiple drum machines at once? Is there a multi channel midi converter out there?
@wr4 no, there can only be one master so only one sync box (and one timing track) is required. If you have multiple drums machines, nominate one as the master and set the others as slaves. You may need a midi thru box to send the midi from the master drum machine to the sync box *and* to the other drum machines if you want to record them all during the first pass. When you've recorded the master timing track, the dp machine and its sync box is then the master, so connect the sync box midi output to *all* the drum machines, which must now all be slaves.
The new Tascam model 12 has midi sync integrated. But it’s more of a mixer, right?. I’m liking the workflow on the dp24 better for a solo home recording solution. Why do they skip midi?. It’s so dumb!.
@Tahiche Guillem Barrocal yes the Model series are mixers with an attached recorder and have more inputs and knobs per channel than the DP series but... they miss out on many 'studio-like' features. They are aimed at a different market, and in my view shouldn't be called portastudios as they are not 'portable studios' - you still need a DAW for all the 'extras'.
As to why they dropped MIDI, who knows. It does seem a crazy decision, but I have no connections with Tascam.
Hope you find something suitable for your workflow. Thanks for stopping by.
that was awsome, can this yamaha midi -sync box work with Alesis sr 16 drum machine circa 1998?
+Clinton Dawkins thanks Clinton. I don't have an sr-16 but according to its manual, it can send & receive MIDI clocks and start/stop messages so should work ok.
Hey Phil,
I was searching for a video on integrating the regular DP-32 (not SD, but has an SD slot w/midi i/o) to a DAW but wasn't really sure how to set the settings on the 32. Can you send me a pm? Thanks
+Frank Jaegr I've not used the dp-32 MIDI model so may be better if you ask on the Tascam forum; there are quite a few members with that model. If you really get stuck, you can use my email as shown on the philizound.co.uk web site.
If im using a sequencer with 3 machines connected routed to the midi port then connect another 2 slaved to the midi clock on one of the machines connected to the sequencer but connected to 2 of the 1 to 8 ports will they sync?
Hope that makes sense ! I have 5 Korg Volcas which can midi sync perfectly to one another externally. Just not sure if they would inside the DP routed to different inputs.
Thanks.
@Baz Brown not quite sure unless you draw a diagram for me :) ... but the basic rule is one master and all the others slaves. The DP 'sd' machine is unable to act as a slave to a clock, so it has to be the master once the sync track has been recorded. You can have as many slaves as you like. If this doesn't help, give me a shout via email - it's easier than TH-cam comments. My address is at the bottom of any page on my philizound.co.uk website.
Brilliant thank you Phil😀
+Jon Binnie thanks for the feedback Jon.
Thank you Phil !!
@SEBANET thanks for stopping by.
Hello Phil Thanks for your work. Will this method allow automation via midi? Let's say if I wanted to automate the mixdown via a DAW?
@Benu I think the answer is no. The DP machines as shown in this video can record and playback MIDI messages, but they do not understand what they are. So if you move faders on the DAW, the DP machine would not respond to them; it will just record them. I believe the older DP machines *can* be automated as MIDI is built-in and their controls can be adjusted via MIDI messages.
Conversely, if you move the faders on the DP machine, it will not send MIDI messages so you couldn't automate a DAW this way. Again, the older DP machines may be able to do this, but you need to confirm.
The newer Model series (I think the Model 12 specifically) has proper DAW integration, but I don't have one of these so you'll need to confirm.
Thanks for stopping by.
@@philtipping thanks for the prompt response!
Hey Phil, do you have any suggestions as to how to best set the volumes for each channel o the DP24 during mixdown (or other). My problem is that I keep recording songs which have the vocals too loud. Do you have any suggestions?
+Jon Binnie when you say too loud, do you mean they clip and distort? If so, then just use a lower recording level. There's no need to get the meters anywhere near the 0dB mark - it's not like analogue/tape recorders where a bit of overload could enhance the sound. With digital, if you go into the red, you get horrible distortion so this must be avoided at all costs. There's no harm with using a very low level as there is so little noise in digital systems, unlike tape recordings. The videos (or the step-by-step guide) show a suitable level to use. If you're monitoring the vocals while recording, you can always turn up the track faders if the level isn't loud enough - these do not affect the recording levels. If your vocals are very peaky, you could either manually turn down the trim at the loud parts, or use a compressor to do this automatically. Using the track fader and/or a compressor also applies for playback/mixing if your vocals do not clip, but are still too loud in the mix. When you're mixing, the track faders control the relative levels for each track so turn the vocal track(s) down if they're swamping the other parts. EQ and other FX on the vocals and/or other parts can also help to keep the vocal clarity without needing so much volume. You're then into the realm of mixing techniques so search the web for info/advice in this.
@@philtipping thanks my challenge is that during mixdown you can't easily balance the audio between each channel. For example the mixer shows the input per channel but not the output, this is only at the master left and right signals. Do you have any tips? Here is my offending song in question th-cam.com/video/FLtU8jlQcIY/w-d-xo.html
Jon, yes the lack of metering on each output can be a problem. The combined mix levels appear in the right-hand L/R monitor meters so you could solo each track and compare the levels. Another option which would avoid soloing is to send the tracks to one of the send buses, then use the monitor select button to monitor the send-1 or send-2 as reqd - whatever is being monitored will appear on the L/R meters. You're still limited to seeing one track at a time though so it may not be very practical. I noticed there is a loud bass part so maybe this is preventing your backing track(s) from being louder. You could try isolating this and/or compressing to allow it to sound louder - this would be easier if it was on its own track; increasing the whole backing level would avoid the vocals dominating.
@@philtipping great thanks Phil. I will give it a go. Did you mean the bass drum or bass guitar?
Could be a drum but not too sure - laptop speakers are pretty poor. Can't monitor things very well at the moment as we've recently moved house and the studio is way down on the priority list for being rebuilt!
Hiya Phil. Just purchased a Tascam DP 32 sd machine. Your vids are going to be most useful. Grand. I am just wondering what kind of SD card will work best and how much recording time will i get ? Many thanks
@Sean Wilson Thanks for the support Sean. The card recommended on the Tascam user forum is the Sandisk Extreme Pro 32GB (gold lettering on black). The way to calculate the recording time is shown in the videos. It depends on the quality settings you use for the song - there are 4 possibilities. The sampling frequency gives the no. of samples per second, the bit rate gives the no. of bytes per sample (16 bits = 2 bytes, 24 bits = 3 bytes). So just multiply these together to get the no. of bytes needed per second for each mono track. Stereo tracks write 2 files so need twice as much space. A 32GB card can hold approx 123 hours at the highest quality setting, but note there is a max limit of 4GB on each file size, so this caps the recording time per track to about 7 hours. When you get the machine, make sure the firmware is up to date. How to do this and lots more is in the Step-by-Step guide, full details here: www.philizound.co.uk/freebies/dp24-32/dp24-32.html Good luck when it arrives - you'll be impressed the moment you lift it out of the box :)
@@philtipping Phil thank you so much for your response. Really appreciate your help and time. Will check out the link. Must admit I'm a wee bit daunted as I'm not the most technically minded of geezers but am itchin to learn. Again many thanks. I'll try not to pester you with too many questions . Also , are you from East Lancs ? Cheers cocker
@@ellisgarner6496 no problem Sean. The guide may be just the job for you as it shows lots of practical tasks but doesn't swamp you with information. All the background info and explanations are in a separate section so you can look these up as & when you're ready for them. There's no mention of the block diagram either! :) The videos are quite in depth so may be a bit daunting at first... but if you start with the guide, and then come back to the videos later, you'll learn about the signal paths and be able to fully exploit this powerful machine. If you buy the guide, I'm happy to answer as many questions as you like via email. I'm from Somerset originally, but did spend my working life up t'north... Huddersfield and Manchester. Have we met?
@@philtipping Nah mate we've not met. You just had a hint of a Darwen accent ( where i am originally from ) . Maybe Huddersfield plus Manchester plus Somerset = a Darwen accent.
Thats great mate. I'll get crackin with the guide . Thanks also for offer of further help. Really appreciate it. Catch ya in a bit cocker 👍🤘
I have a MidiMan Syncman universal synchronization box. I don't have the book to show me how to connect it to Tascam DP24SD and my Korg Krome EX Music Workstation. Can you help me Step-by-Step please?
@Charles W. Shepard I don't have either of these so would need some time to research your answer. If you'd like to pop something in my donation box, I'll take a look for you paypal.me/PhilTipping
Thank you Charles. I'll send you an email shortly.
Sir, I like the videos you doing but I have one question about the tascam dp-24sd or DP-32sd. When you save everything on the card does it load back the same way you saved it.
@Jesse Stevens Hi Jesse, thanks for stopping by. Yes pretty much everything is saved. The only exceptions which spring to mind are the physical faders and the trim knobs, but all other settings such as input assignments, EQ, FX, pan and send levels are all preserved. Hope this helps.
@@philtipping I understand but when you reload it to the tascam does it load as you saved it .
@@jessestevens460 Yes.
Good morning Phil.
I have a question : Do you think it is possible to use just the DP32SD metronome to control the YMC 10 ? The idea is to be perfectly synchronized with the tempo map (measures) of the dp32 .
What do you think ?
Thank you very much !
@Oceans Resurrection I don't think this is possible. The YMC10 uses special patterns of pulses corresponding to MIDI messages such as Start, Stop, Clock. 'Normal' audio such as that from the metronome won't be understood by this type of sync box. I believe some Korg gear (Volcas etc) are able to sync using simple short audio sounds such as drum hits, so you may be able to sync those devices from the metronome signal (this would bypass the YMC10 completely), but I've never tried it.
@@philtipping Thank you very much for answering so fast. I've another idea : trying to record the metronome on a track, and then use it as a track message to the YMC10.
@@Oceans_Resurrection This is what I thought you were asking before, so the answer is still the same! If you listen at approx 8:45, you'll hear the tone/warble that the YMC10 uses to represent the MIDI messages. A metronome signal sounds nothing like this... but try it, you may surprise us all :)
@@philtipping After many weeks of electric problems in my appartment, I have come back to my music. I've understood today why the idea I had can't work. It's a problem because the editing functions of the tascam won't be very easy to use, as the tempo clok of the device won't match with the tracks recorded... Anyway I thank you for the informations you have given in this tutorial. I've finished a new piece of music. It wil be on my TH-cam channel very soon.
Nice informative video. I have a quick question, I have a MOTU Midi TimePiece and a DP-24 /midi. MOTU seems to have a few audio jacks and even video jack on the old beast even works in w11. I have used if for multi midi ins and outs and not for Master time control or midi sync? or timing transfer. I would open the coffee stained thick old manual and learn all that if I know if is possible. Thank you.
@Gregory Nelson Only had time for a quick look at the MOTU manual, but it seems you can use the SMPTE audio in/out for recording/playing a sync track with *any* audio recorder, so that's similar to the method shown in this video.
If your DP24 already has MIDI sockets, it should be possible to use them directly with the MOTU device. I'm not 100% sure as I need to study the MOTU manual more, but it would be an easier solution as you wouldn't need to dedicate a track for the timing guide, and you wouldn't have to fiddle with its recording/playback level.
I don't have either device so can't give you exact details, but I do know there's a MIDI settings page in the DP24/32 where you define master/slave modes etc.
You may have to dust off that MOTU manual as the settings at both ends need to be compatible :)
Good luck.
@@philtipping Thank you very much. That helps a lot, now off to buy more midi cables and unchain my midi and re-rout everything. Also I see what you mean, I didn't realize the SD doesn't not have midi in. sound like a project for me get the timepeice to sync my live, DP-24, synths and Digitak. The less I have to open Abelton the better, after staring at a computer screen all day.
@Gregory Nelson Ahh I see. When you said you had the "DP-24 /midi" I thought you meant it *had* MIDI. I blame Tascam for using confusing names for their machines :) The DP-24 has MIDI but the newer DP-24SD does not... yet they *both* use SD cards - go figure!
No worries, it should still be possible as long as all the other gear is capable of running in slave mode. The method shown in the video definitely works with the newer DP-24SD and DP-32SD models (or in fact *any* recorder which accepts plain old analogue audio - I used to use it with cassette tape). The only restriction is that the recorder has to be the master.
Will be an interesting project to get it all sync'd :) Keep us posted.
@@philtipping Update have Motu as universal clock with sync input CCC mode. My Berringer semi modular rack in chain all channel one with my MPC live as the sequencer works good, deep mind12/12d combo work good and can use keyboard as rack input no problem with full pedals on the fly and fully pachabable and sync start stop. Ok on dp-24 and getting a very large syn file with unit as slave with all options on. but digitak and tone starts good, but after any input the time goes to 256 beat then too a high pitch whine and have to restart the electron units as unresponsive. Thinking its master salve and midi option or chaining problem. This is were im at haven't started meaningfull recordings untill i am sure a beat sync wont mess all my work up. lost a lot of work to MPC live going to 256 and stupidly having auto save on.
update two after monitoring the midi information, looks like my live is shooting out spuratic 32ms pulses instead of a constant note on rare occasion, I have noted 128 midi output @ 1/2 note, 1/16 notes looks also like a problem.
Akai problem? miss configuration or improper mpc setting, busted unit? Think working on old Crypto and Satcom equip. was less complicated at least millstd 188 or rs232 didn't have compatibility problems.
Good to see you again,.. not sure why they banned me from the facebook page.... but nice to see a new video form you!!
+G.B.Daniello thanks George. Yes I see you are no longer a member but didn't know you were banned - you must have been up to mischief :) Try a pm to Bill Kellum. Good luck with the new uploads - some nice tracks there, and treasured memories of your father.
Hahaha, thank you very much. no, no mischief. haha :D
I appreciate that very much, thank you Phil !!
The question is why Tascam has removed Midi on board from DP series?
@Marius Video you'll have to ask Tascam - we can only speculate :) Either way, it's not the big showstopper it's made out to be. This video shows a technique we used before any recorders had built-in sync and it was fine back then. The only thing it can't do is to synchronise multiple dp24/32sd machines together as they can only act as 'masters' when using an external sync box. If you don't need to sync multiple DP machines, I would rather buy a new, supported DP machine and put up with the minor inconvenience of using a sync box, as opposed to taking a risk buying a 2nd-hand DP24/32 with MIDI. Some machines seem to get a lot of abuse so I would be wary of 2nd hand unless you're prepared to fix them or clean dirty contacts etc... but that's just my 2 cents.
Hope you've got to grips with your machine Marius. I notice from earlier comments you've had one for a couple of years now so hope it's all going well :) Best wishes to you.
@@philtipping Dear Phil unfortunately I have sold the DP24-SD to buy something other for my homestudio but now I have the DP03-SD that I like very much like the sound (I find that is less "grainy" than dp24) and the higher portability, It offers a good compromise and nice editing features of the tracks (cut, copy, silence etc...)like the DP24-SD, the feature that missing me is the division in BARS to display, the dp03 offer only Time H:M:S:F.
I don't hide to You that the DP24-SD missing to me and I am evaluating to rebuy a new one (not used or old model) when possible.
For Sync, I have seen your video and You're a master for us :) no doubt...
Many thanks for your answer and your work!
@@MariusVideoOfficial Thanks for the update Marius. Good luck and hope you manage to find a good bargain :)
Would this work with a Tascam Model 16/24?
@Dennis Cahn yes; *any* audio recorder can be used. It's the same method we used to sync up old analogue cassette and reel-to-reel tape machines.
@@philtipping thank you sir!
@@philtipping hi man was t if it’s possible to sync the model 24 and the dp24sd together
@Craig Hughes -shug Unless they've updated the Model 24 recently, then no. Looking at the manual, it seems the Model 24 can only *send* MIDI time code; it cannot receive MIDI or sync to it. This means that although you could record a timing guide track onto the dp-24sd as shown in this video (you'd still need a sync box to convert the MIDI from the Model 24 into audio tones for the dp-24sd to record), when you come to play it back, the Model 24 would be unable to sync to it.
@@philtipping hi man thanks for taking the time and getting back to me, your videos are really good and make the block diagrams also easy to understand for someone with no electronic background
Does VITC work as well for that purpose?
@ac ab Any sync protocol will work as long as you have a device which converts it to and from an audio signal. The dp machines just record and playback audio, nothing special... even an old cassette recorder would work. The sync box does all the magic.
I use a MOTU Midi TimePiece AV that reads anything. My Roland VS880, my Tascam DP02
but this DP24 sends nothing, regardless what I set MTC or MMC to. I wont drive my Mac.
I know theres no clock being sent because the TimePiece has LEDs to monitor incoming MTC,
any ideas on how to sync this via MIDI OUT? Cuz this isn't happening.
@Dave Chmela I don't have one of these models but have you done the following?
Is the firmware up-to-date?
Have you tried a Factory Initialise?
Have you confirmed the MIDI cable is ok?
Have you tried MMC Master, MMC device = All, Sync Generator -> MTC master, Midi clock master?
If you've done all this, it does sound like a fault on the dp24... but try asking on the Tascam forum for more ideas.
Oh wait... ! Now I've lost ALL input and outputs, cannot get an input reading at all, tried condenser w/48v and a guitar and why not... a 58.
Redid factory initialize.....they are telling me to send it to California.
( I am not happy, this thing is mint...) I specifically bought the older model with Midi IN / OUT, looks like I have to remember how to stripe SMPTE on a tape deck. unbelievable. Thank You for answering me . appreciate that.
Youre using the current model, and running SMPTE , maybe Ill get one of those, I am a MIDI specialist and really not into learning a DAW at 69 yrs old.
@@davechmela8773 if it was definitely unused, that's a real downer if it's faulty. If it was pre-owned, I'd check/update the firmware and re-format the card before starting. Hope you get it sorted.
You are very kind to offer more advice. Yes I have no extra money at this point , even mailing it x-country not knowing the outcome is a drag. This was preowned, but its absolutely pristine, theres not even a hairline scratch on it anywhere. It fired up the first day I got it and has been sitting in its box still in bubble wrap! An electronics repair friend of mine said it could be a wire came loose off the "rail" on the input output board, or something may have popped. Because its an " older" unit Tascam starts up with the " well we may not have the parts depending on whats wrong". Places in NYC, ( Im an hour north of there in the woods) charge $160 an hour to work on these. Yes, the problem is buying it @$400 , doesnt make much sense getting a repair of $320 plus travel etc. Which may end up ....throwing a pristine unit in dumpster? Ive used Teac Tascam all my life, and tho I love the stuff, they just kill you on repairs and refurb costs. And, btw, WHY, would they pull MIDI IN /OUT off a unit like this?
@@davechmela8773 I feel your pain Dave. A lot of gear seems to cost an arm & a leg to get repaired nowadays. Can only suggest you try posting on the Tascam forum and ask if anyone can recommend a local repair shop - nothing to lose. Shame you're not closer to Wales, UK! Good luck.
Boom top job 👍
Hello Phil,
In alternative to ymc10 box what there's as equivalent and cheep brand ?
@Reinaldo Altamura - try Philip Rees TS-1 or Midiman Syncman. There are a few others. Just be patient and keep looking on 2nd-hand websites and you'll spot a cheap one eventually. Look for 'midi sync' boxes and make sure they have an audio in/out and a midi in/out. Don't confuse them with DIN Sync or Sync24 units as they use a different sync protocol. Good luck.
Phil Tipping. Hello Phil, I just saw a Tascam MTS-30 Midi Tape Synchroniser. Would you know if that would fit the bill? Thanks
@@T0rdyJ yes this should work.
Thanks for the swift and positive response Phil,
John T
@@T0rdyJ Hello Phil sorry I not understood your questions! you want say me how much cost the mts-30 synchronizer? this is your question? Or simply you want say me if this synchronizer il complain whit the digital 24 track recorder?
I would love one but I use ableton with RMX drums.
I'd love to have Spectrasonics run on my daw and sync it with RMX via ableton and use the Tascam
I mean I used to use FSK SYNC for my 688.
If tascam made midi sync easy the would crush the saw business model.
@Harris Frankou yes it seemed a strange decision to drop it. Maybe they'll see sense eventually, but they seem to have drifted away from the self-contained units in favour of the Model series :( Thanks for stopping by.
@@philtipping getting an SSD PC this week.
Can you please do the same thing with the mpcx
@Jesse Stevens I don't have one of those... but if you want to buy me one... :)
@@philtipping I wish I could but I'm trying to get one for myself & trying to see if the dp-24sd will work with it.
@@jessestevens460 Have just downloaded the manual and it appears to handle both MIDI timing clock and MIDI Time Code (MTC) so you could use any of the sync boxes mentioned in the video description. Just follow the basic principles outlined in this video. Good luck.
no wonder the sd models won't get sold out, who wants a studio recorder with no timing. you just can't sync multiple recordings. that's just stupid. it should stay with the BAR and midi clock function. i would have even added a trs sync like the volcas on top of the midi in/out jacks. and even clock offset in the software, noooo they just chopped its most important function. witch why i was so interested in. you can't even start a recording as soon it hears a sound, that you set the trigger volume,(punchin connected to volume raise on inputs). guess the older models are just much better and cheaper.
@stefaan adriansens yes it's annoyed lots of people and it's unclear why they dropped it - not sure if there's an alternative (apart from 2nd-hand gear) if you want a non computer-based setup. I like your idea of an automatic 'start recording' feature :) To be fair though, not everybody wants to overdub electronic instruments which have their own timing clocks. There are lots of people recording/overdubbing live instruments with no problems - the players just 'sync' to the previously recorded takes or guide tracks in their headphones (even if those were generated from an electronic source), and they know when to start as you plan ahead and record a count-in which can be edited out afterwards.
Thank you!!!
@uhoh007 thanks for stopping by.
You want old school... do this with a tape machine sync!
@Morbid Man Music haha, well these sync boxes were what we used back in the cassette days, so what was used before that?
Roland SBX-1
@Old Nik IX thanks for the info. I'll add it to the list of candidates in the description.
Hello, Just wondered if i could get some help here. I watched this video and as my Tascam Model 24 has no MIDI so thought if i got a MIDI sync box i could do as you have.Bought a Midiman Syncman basically the same as the YMC-10. So i've got it set up and using a drum machine(DrumBrute) to send the MIDI to the box Audio all set up correct but... If i set the DM to 140BPM record and play back it only plays at 75BPM .I tried it at 280BPM to see if it halved the timing but it still reverts to 75BPM. Am i missing something here? Thank you for your video i wouldn't have got this far without it!! :)
@Mr Feenix as long as the sync box and the drum machine are both set to the same sync method, the only other factor is the signal levels. Maybe the playback level from the Tascam is too low to trigger the syncman, or too high and it's overloading it.
If you have a choice of sync methods, use the simplest to start with, i.e. MIDI clocks as opposed to MTC, and make sure both the DrumBrute and Syncman are set to use that mode.
Do the start & stop messages from the Tascam get through ok to the DrumBrute?
It's easier for me to use emails, so if you want to discuss this further, my email address is on the bottom of the page on my philizound.co.uk website.
@@philtipping Thanks . Triggers fine took some time to get the levels but like i said just won't play correct tempo. I will have another look later and email if thats ok.Thanks again for your help (the guy i bought it of just said look online so no help there).
@@mrfeenix1 No worries. If it's the syncman III, I think you need the song-position sync mode. Keep me posted.
@@philtipping Hi , just tested it with my Beatstep pro sequencer and the same thing happened .Whatever tempo is recorded only 75bpm is returned. So either the box is not working or neither hardware understands the protocol . While i was writing this i tried once more and now the Syncman only records for 10sec then stops sending any signal so probably the box is not working properly :(
@@mrfeenix1 Just checked the Beatstep Pro manual. I presume you're using the MIDI sockets on it (with Jack-to-DIN adapters) and not the Clock sockets?
Have you tried using the Beatstep as a MIDI master and get the DrumBrute to sync to it as a slave? This will prove the DrumBrute is configured correctly.
The DrumBrute MIDI manual looks very similar.
If the Yamaha box is working intermittently, it could still be a signal level problem. If the sync tone shows a decent level on the Tascam meter bars, e.g. between -12dB and -6dB and definitely not going into the red, try playing it back using a few different output levels.
Are you using PRE or POST for the send signal?
If you use PRE, you can eliminate the track fader... the output send level will be controlled only by the track send knob and master send knob.
Do you have any other tracks or inputs with their send levels turned up? If so, these may interfere with the combined send output to the Yamaha box.
If you set the Monitor Select to Send-2 (or Send-1, whichever one you're using), you can confirm the output level is what you expect on the right-hand meter bars. If you listen to it on headphones you can hear if it sounds clean or distorted.
Hope you get it working. Good luck.
Update - just realised you're using a Model 24 and not a DP-24/32 so my notes about send controls above may not apply to your machine. There should be similar options though.
miss my korg electribe. bought it for 200€ new and sold it for 800€ years later without even using its real potential.
@David Stone wow, that's a great profit, although I know what you mean. There's quite a lot of old gear which is much coveted now so I think unless you're really desperate for the cash, I would hang on to everything. If you re-read old reviews on gear you've already got, it seems to make it more desirable again :) Thanks for stopping by.
@@philtipping sadly thats true but i thought the person buying it was better of because he used it instead of getting dustier on my shelf over the years.
I'll be damned if I go through all of this crap to get MIDI sync. Tascam just lost a couple of sales because they were stupid. Now I have to buy from the second-hand market. Bad Tascam Bad!
@Robert Wicker agreed. Would be interesting to know why they did it - write to Tascam. Can't imagine it saved much in production costs - wouldn't be surprised if the boards inside were still tracked for MIDI. A few components, a couple of MIDI sockets and a firmware update... maybe?? :)
Robert Wicker
Your comment reads like you lost your mind or something. Not sure why you are crying. Just sync up your ish with your SMPTE sequencer by striping a track. If your sequencer doesnt have SMPTE, get one that does. Problem solved!!!!! After all, DP models are digital multitrack recorders with mixing boards. How tf do you think it was possible to do transfers and overdubs with Adats, DA88s, and Studer reel to reels????? There are no midi inputs or outputs on those mf multitrack recorders. I didnt hear about anyone crying about a lack of midi back in those days. You look like you are old enough to have been around during that time period. You should know better. SMMFH
Diane V “sync up your ish ... by striping a track... problem solved”. If you’re gonna be patronizing and treat people like children, at least be a good teacher and explain it properly. What’s wrong with you?. I cry about lack of midi sync too, any decent human being should.
You sound like Tyson Furry
Maybe I won't be switching to a DAW after all!
@Matt Spazmatic haha, yes the box has plenty of potential... just depends on your ingenuity and patience versus all the bells & whistles (and distractions!) of a computer/DAW :) Thanks for stopping by.
@@philtipping Thank you! You're series on the Dp24 has been a big help. I only briefly researched a midi sync box and I'm not sure what I've found actually qualifies. Do you know of any that are on the market today in roughly the $100 usd range? I'm willing to spend more for a quality product though. Thanks again!
@@mattspazmatic Cheers Matt; glad they helped. There's a list of sync boxes I've accumulated from viewers in the video description. Not sure which ones are still in production though. I would keep an eye on the 2nd-hand market and try and snap up a bargain; they pop up fairly regularly. Good luck.
@@philtipping Great! Thanks again, and thanks for the replies. Have a nice weekend!
Really good tuto, I don’t understand why Tascam « delete « the two midi plug of this machine😡!!!
@MusicIsAll thank you. Yes, lots of people are unhappy with this change. I've never seen an official reason why they did it. On the plus side, this old-school technique still works so it's not as bad as it seems. Thanks for stopping by.
Many thanks for this series Phil. MOTU still make a sync box - Micro Express. It's not cheap but enables SMPTE striping - giving full chase lock sync as well as sophisticated MIDI facilities. I can confirm it works brilliantly with the DP-32SD enabling you to stripe a track up front and sync the DP-32SD to any midi device and also incorporate tempo changes, record sections of songs from any point and stay in sync with say a sequencer programme. Because SMPTE is simply telling about time, not bars and beats, it doesn't much care about tempo. You could also sync the DP-32SD with an old multitrack or other tape based system. Unlike syncing to tape in the old days, the digital recordings on the DP-32SD do not suffer from drop outs or age related deterioration. As an alternative, some sequencer programmes can also generate SMPTE stripe tracks that can then be copied to the DP-32SD, obviating the need to copy a new one each time - you can just keep a selection of pre-recorded SMPTE stripe tracks of appropriate lengths.
@Steve Wragge-Morley that's useful information Steve, so many thanks for sharing... and thanks for the feedback.
Just note my message above. I grabbed a Motu Micro Express only to discover my Yamaha top line PSR workstation and Alesis drum machine use MIDI Clock for timing and the Motu only sends MTC so they do not work together. Check what type sync code.
Thank you phil" your the best!!!👍👍👍👍👍
Works like a charm. Thanks🎶🔥👍
+Dontylar White thanks for the feedback; nice to hear someone else still uses this 'old' tech :)
Why they wouldn't add midi ports to the newer models makes absolutely no sense. Feels like a downgrade. I bought an older model specifically to get the midi port. But if the new little 8 tracks tascam had a midi port they'd be amazing with how small they are now.
@Xanaduum yes it's been a gripe for many users over many years, but there's no sign of the feature re-appearing. I've never had the older version so don't know if there were unresolved issues with it which may have caused them to abandon it... or maybe they just read the market differently? As far as I know, even the MIDI version can only be used as a master device, so for me, an external sync box is an acceptable compromise.
Thanks for stopping by. That's a fascinating channel you have with all those art forms; it's going to take some exploring :)
I used the metronome going at 4/8 and connected a 1/8" cable from the headphone output on the DP24 to the "Sync In" on my Korg equipment. (Also I used a 2-way headphone splitter coming out of the TASCAM so I could plug in effects and hear the click if necessary.) Then I hooked my monitors up to the "Effects Send" outlets so that the recorded synthesizers don't effect the tempo which is running off the clock metronome. You can record multiple layers of drum machine/synth w/ the Tascam's metronome as the clock.
+DiceChild8000 thanks for sharing this. It certainly avoids the complication of using an external converter. Do you know if other makes of gear are able to sync directly to audio pulses, or is it just Korg?
@@philtipping I only have Korg gear but I wonder if it could be possible with other synths/drum machines with MIDI In by using a 1/8" to MIDI adapter.
@@PersFin I don't think this is possible - MIDI inputs only understand hi/lo levels with the correct timing as shown in the video so you cannot record & playback an audio signal which is directly compatible. Looks like quite a few Korg units have this special 'audio sync' feature though, e.g. volca, monotribe, monologue, minilogue etc , but there may well be others. Some say the audio level is critical, and it's worth experimenting with different sounds to give a sharp well-defined pulse like a hi-hat or snare sound. Unfortunately all my Korg units are very old (obsolete!) and only have MIDI sync so I have to use a separate sync box with those.
@@philtipping I actually tried this with my Volca equipment and it didn't work as well. The one machine that I've been lucky with is the Electribe Sample. Maybe some of the other Korg machines also work with this trick. Its not ideal but it works pretty decently.
Hello Phil
thanks for your tutorial.
I bought a Tascam MTS30 to synchronise dP32SD.
Is anybody managed to use them together. I didn't manage. There is no swih to reverse the signal. I changed manually but i'm disappointed.
If anybody succeed, thanks a lot to indicate me the solution.
Best regards
Take care
@warriskportfolio240 I've just had a quick look at the MTS-30 manual and it should work ok, and you should be able to switch from record to playback modes without having to move the cables. There's no slide switch like the Yamaha unit, but the TAPE button does the same thing. Which part are you having problems with? Are you able to record a timing guide track? Get back to me if you still have problems.
sick
Very happy that I have the DP-32!
+MJ Klein yes, the older MIDI models are becoming much sought-after! Thanks for stopping by.
@@philtipping one just sold on Yahoo Japan for about 300 USD.
Two follow-up questions I’m hoping someone can answer- 1) the lack of MIDI ports on the newer Tascam Portastudios shouldn’t matter for this process since only the audio-Ins are being used on the Tascam, correct? 2) The description mentions Electribes not needing the syncbox. Can anyone expand on how this would work? I’m using an Electribe ER-1, and itd be great if I didnt need to buy a syncbox.
@D Knox You are correct about the process only using the audio inputs and outputs on the Tascam machine... that's all it's got :)
The USB connector is only for transferring files to and from the sd-card.
I've just downloaded the manual for the Electribe ER1 and it does *not* have audio sync connections, only MIDI, so it won't work without a sync box.
I think the user who supplied that information must have meant the new Electribe model(s). I checked the manual and it does indeed show separate Sync In/Out sockets as well as standard MIDI, so I'll edit the description to clarify this.
Disappointing news I'm afraid, but if you keep your eyes on the 2nd-hand web sites, a sync box is sure to pop up.
Good luck.
@@philtipping Awesome thanks so much for the reply! That's extremely helpful info :D
@@evekay33 the next gen Tascam SD models without the midi seems like a set back to me.
@@philtippinghi again! i finally just obtained my own YMC-10 and I’m excited to start using it. i have 2 more questions that I was hoping you might be able to answer.
1) is your cable setup here two midi cables (drum machine to sync box in/out) and two 1/8” to 1/4” cables (sync box to recorder in/out)?
2) i understand that not all drum machines can read MTC as it’s a more modern form of timecode, but should any drum machine (particularly newer ones) be able to be synced via this old school sync box method? im looking to add a more modern drum machine/groovebox to my setup to layer with my electribe on recordings, and its been hard to find an answer on this!
cheers, and thanks again for making such a good tutorial :D
@yerghost49 Great news!
1. Yes I used 2 MIDI and 2 audio cables, but my YMC10 has RCA/phone sockets for the audio in/out, so double-check before buying any cables (you mentioned 1/8").
You can get away with 1 MIDI and 1 audio cable, but you'd need to re-plug them after recording the timing guide so it's more convenient having 2 sets.
2. The only definitive answer is to check with the manuals; most vendors have them online. There will usually be a section on MIDI and/or a MIDI Implementation Chart at the back. Some may also have a separate manual for MIDI; search for your model plus "MIDI Spec".
Let us know how you get on. If you get stuck, let me know what device you had in mind and I'll see if I can find out. Best to use my email address patipping (at) gmail (dot) com, as I don't get TH-cam notifications for some reason so may not see your comment for a while.
Hardware recorders are returning in a big way as many people are going "DAWless" (making music without computer).
So we can only wait for new portable multitrack recorders with MIDI clock/sync.
It should be very easy to integrate in a unit, especially with the newer minijack format.
@Morten that's good news, thanks for sharing :)
Just Stopping By To Say Thanks For All your video's and help with DP/32sd Happy New Year Phil
@KountryCuz1 many thanks Danny. Happy New Year to you too and good luck with your music store for 2019. Bit of a coincidence you having a side-line in cigar box guitars - my wife just bought me a 3-string version for Xmas - should keep me busy :)
Thank you so much for this video. I was given your name by a viewer in Montreal. I purchased a Aphex Studio clock second hand for $ 40.00 Canadian and I look forward to trying all this out. Its a shame that the DP24/32SD had the midi ports removed. I look forward to your many videos. again, Thank you.
@David Anderson thank you David. The lack of MIDI is a not a big a deal as it's made out to be - imho :) These old-school methods show how it's perfectly possible to sync things; just needs a bit more patience and an understanding of signal flows - something which seems to be lacking in today's budding 'recording engineers' :)
Season's greetings to you.
I’ve got an old drum machine with smpte in/out, midi in/out/thru, 8 tracks out, mix out (of the 8 outs), and a metronome out. I’m looking into getting a tascam 488 cassette 8 track recorder. The 488 does 8 tracks but only 4 at a time. The 488 also has a sync in/out. Can I connect the SMPTE with the 488 sync and record 3 tracks + the sync track, then go back and record another 3 tracks? Would SMPTE and tascam 488 sync work together or will I need a sync box in between?
@Newse Neus yes they should work ok.
The smpte in/out from the drum machine will be an analogue audio signal, usually on 1/4" jack sockets. This sync signal is what a sync box generates so you won't need a separate box.
I don't have a 488, but the manual says its sync connectors are basic audio input/outputs which bypass the mixer to minimise crosstalk with normal audio tracks, so they should be fine connected directly to the smpte sockets on the drum machine.
As with any audio sync system, you may have to experiment with the signal levels to make it work reliably.
Good luck.
Hi Phil, I own the Tascam -32SD and am continually learning it thanks to your great videos and your outstanding "followers". Can you or anyone else "bottom line" this issue for me? I'd like to get a unit that I could "stripe" a track to and then use to send out a midi signal that will maintain the timeline without starting at the beginning of the track. Is STMPTE the key to achieve this? I've read all of the prior posts and am guessing that the Motu Micro Express may fit the bill? I'm seeking advice for this best option and am ultimately willing to spend a bit more for this best option (Other than buying a new multitrack recorder). Kind regards and Happy New Year!
@Chris Ross Hi Chris, SMPTE (or MTC, which is SMPTE over MIDI) is the best way, but an alternative is SPP (song position pointer), which may be supported by more devices. Don't forget, even if the sync box can generate the stripe codes, they won't work unless the device you are trying to sync can also understand them. A lot of my old MIDI gear can only understand basic timing clocks and some SPP, but only a few can handle MTC... but if you're using modern gear and/or soft sequencers & drum machines, I guess they'll all handle MTC. I've only had experience of the Philip Rees TS-1 when using MTC (it handles both MTC and basic clock + SPP). I've had a look at the MOTU manual and it seems to have more facilities when a computer is involved, including USB, so if MTC is what you want, this sounds a good choice... albeit a tad expensive unless you can find a 2nd hand bargain :) Good luck, thank you for your continued support, and Happy New Year to you too.
Hi Phil, I just wanted to point out to you a little trap I fell into, everyone should be careful not to get caught: When I did a drum overdub, one of the tracks I was recording on had the send effect 2 open, (the one on which the midi signal is sent): consequently, this disturbed the transmission of the time code, and the rhythm machine stopped. It took me ten minutes to figure this out, and when I set the send effect for this recording track to off and zero, everything worked normally. This reminds us to be attentive, every detail counts! Good day to you all.
@Oceans Resurrection this is an excellent point Christophe, thanks for sharing.
Absolutely brilliant tutorial Phil. You are a fantastic teacher. Well done that man.
Synchronization and USB has been the bane of my life lol.
Considering getting a HW multitrack, so tired of DAWs and the unreliable usb sync when interfacing with my HW instruments.
Great voice-over voice for docs you have also, strokes chin.
Singing your praises.
@Si Noble thank you Si, much appreciated. Hope you find something suitable - not a lot of choice nowadays.
Use the click count off from your sequencer,for each track, dump it to a computer and line the tracks up. Your making music stage is done at this point, you should be mixing and editing the tracks you recored. Make sure your daw is flat when you dump your tracks.
@Deejay Facts this is ok for lining up the start points manually, but it won't prevent drifting throughout the song. As mentioned, drifting may or may not be a problem depending on the length of your song and the type of music... you may even be lucky and your two clocks happen to run at the same speed :) If you don't use a sync system like this, the only way to fix drifting is to split the tracks into shorter sections on the DAW and line up section by section, but this needs a lot more patience. Thanks for stopping by.
Dear Sir, I am excited - the sync possibility you've provided in this tutorial is simply fascinating. I'd like to purchase the same device you used (Yamaha ymc 10 ) but it is impossible to be had in my country and e.bay sellers are far away or beyond means to send it abroad... Could give me some advice which other device could serve the same purpose ? Many thanks in advance. Ludek from Prague
@Ludek Kolenatý try Philip Rees TS-1 or Midiman Syncman. There are a few others. Look for 'midi sync' boxes and make sure they have an audio in/out and a midi in/out. Don't confuse them with DIN Sync or Sync24 units as they use a different sync protocol. Good luck.
I used to do this way back in the 90s using a 424 MKII, but it didn't require a converter. Strange that Tascam missed adding MIDI as a feature--The Zoom R16 has it. Tascam makes fantastic equipment, but here lately it seems if they have lost touch with the base user's needs in a lot of respects, and this is a prime example--why not add a midi time clock--2 connectors a driver and a wee bit of code that is quite likely open source in multiple languages(it's literally just writing midi data to a wav file)? They didn't add it though, and it makes you wonder why not. I have other critiques of some of their other products too, and most of them are along the same line of being a basic feature, that is commonly used, easily implemented, and totally overlooked.
@Glitch Tulsa yes I've always wondered too. It crossed my mind that maybe it wasn't 100% reliable and they decided it was simpler to drop it than spend effort fixing it for the newer 'SD' models, but this is all just speculation.
I believe the PCBs are still tracked for MIDI so it *may* be possible to retro-fit the components... but not sure if the firmware would detect it automatically or whether you'd need a different version, so it would be a bit of a gamble.
Anyway, the old-school method is still doable if you really need MIDI so it's not a showstopper (for me anyway). Thanks for stopping by.
Hi. I've been using this method after watching this video. I now want to add an external effects processor. Does this mean I won't be able to as the send effects 2 is being used?
@DeJarreVu you could use send effect 1 if you're not using the internal send effect.
There's a myth going around social media that you can only use send-2 for external effects - this is not true. Both sends are connected to the sockets at the back so either can be used. The only difference is that send-1 is *also* connected to the internal send effect. You can turn the latter on/off but it makes no difference to the routing.
If you're still short of sends, you could separate the two processes, i.e. record the audio from the sync'd devices, then connect up the external effects afterwards.
@philtipping Ah ok, thanks a lot. Yeah I've seen a couple of videos that have said send effects 1 only goes back into the recorder.
Hello I have a novation SL 25 mkii can I connect it straight into the midi in port of my tascam 32 SD recorder. any advice would be gratefully received
@The Big Reveal Do you mean DP-32? There are no midi ports on a DP-32SD recorder. Confusingly, both models use SD cards, but only one of them has SD in its name.
If you mean DP-32, then yes, you can connect midi cables from the SL25 to the DP-32, but it can only be used for synchronising; the DP-32 cannot record the actual midi notes. Just as this video shows, you need an audio connection as well if you want to record sounds.
The midi settings in the DP machine must match those in the SL25 as regards which is master and which is slave. The slave device needs its midi clock set to external as opposed to internal. I've not used a DP-24/32 so don't know if there are any preferences for being a master or a slave.
If you get stuck, try the Tascam forum.
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.
Well explained and shown. Thanks.
@RecordingStudio9.com thanks for stopping by.
Hi Phil, do you happen to know if a MOTU Micro Express might have similar functionality as the Yamaha YMC 10 with regards to striping a midi track on the Tascam dp 32 sd?
@Thad Hunsaker Hi Thad, just checked the spec for the Micro Express and it has 1/4" sockets for SMPTE timecode in & out, so this should work fine with the dp32sd - or indeed any audio recorder. It should be more versatile than the YMC 10 as it says it handles MIDI Time Code (MTC) so contains absolute time information as opposed to simple timing clock pulses (MIDI Clock). Not sure if the Micro Express can be switched to simple mode, so you may need to check your MIDI gear (drum machine, synth etc) is also compatible with MTC - some devices can only handle MIDI Clock. Season's greetings to you.
I know a lot about midi and I did not know this! This is fire dude !!! Thank you so much 🎉
@Aaron Regan Yes there are a lot of 'forgotten' old-school techniques which are still relevant today :) Thanks for stopping by.
Brilliant video. Never got my head around midi tape sync, this makes things clear, excellent, thank you Phil.
@markominelab thanks for the kind words. It's an old technique, but surprisingly few people know about it. There's a lot of negativity re. the latest 'sd' models because they don't have built-in sync, but there's really no need to take a gamble on 2nd hand machines just for this reason!
Hi Phil - I also want to thank you for your videos! I bought a DP32SD used locally and was disappointed it didn't have a MIDI interface. I previously had a Roland VS1680 with MIDI. I purchased a MOTU Micro Express USB to sync as you show, and am having a difficult time syncing to my Boss DR880. I'm interested in finding out more from those who read these messages and have experience with the MOTU on what I'm missing.
@Paul Johnson thank you for the feedback. I don't have either of these, but just had a quick look at the DR880 manual and page 128 shows it can sync using basic timing clocks as well as start & stop.
The MOTU appears to only support the more advanced MTC or SMPTE time code which contains absolute time message containing hours mins & secs etc. as opposed to simple regular clock ticks ('timing clocks').
If the MOTU unit is unable to handle basic timing clocks, I don't see how it can work with the DR880. It does seem surprising that such an advanced device like the MOTU cannot handle the basic stuff, so I may be wrong here, but as mentioned in the video, both devices must be able to handle the same sync protocol.
I would try and contact the people who mentioned the MOTU unit in these video comments to check this - not sure if TH-cam will still let you send private messages, but worth a try. Good luck.
@@philtipping Thank you!
Hello Phil! Thank you so much for your dedication to explaining the DP series! I'm thinking of getting a DP-32 SD, but I first want to make sure it can do what I want it to, especially regarding MIDI sync. I have an E-RM multiclock, which can receive a series of simple audio pulses (24 pulses per beat), and it will then start generating MIDI clock as soon as it receives the first pulse. This should work with the method you explained in this video. The thing is, I would like to be able to loop a section of the song (let's say a 4 bar pattern), and have my MIDI sequencers play in sync with that loop. To do that, the DP needs to be able to do two things:
1. Set precise start/end locators of the loop, aligned with the clock pulses.
2. Loop this song segment without glitches (and be able to record while looping).
Can the DP do this? I saw a video with someone setting start/end locators visually by scrubbing through the audio waveform. If you dedicate a separate track for a metronome click (let's say 1 click per beat, in sync with the 24ppq sync track), it should be pretty easy to quickly find the start and end points of a certain beat-aligned song segment, right? So I think it should work. Not as conveniently as in a DAW (which I'm trying to avoid 🙂), since you have to set the locators manually every time you want to loop a different segment, but it should be possible I think? Cheers!
@Adam Danielsson There should be no problem setting the time markers with approx 3ms resolution, but if you were planning to use the Repeat function to loop it, it's not guaranteed to loop seamlessly in all cases.
It seems the Repeat function was designed for practicing or recording auto-retakes, and not for accurate looping as it may leave a small gap each time round the loop.
However, you *can* make seamless loops with the Track Edit copy/paste function. There's an option to do multiple paste operations, so you'd end up with a long track containing as many copies of the loop you like. If you set the 3 values for this correctly (the start & end of the section, and the start point for the first paste operation), it will give you a seamless loop.
You imply you want to do this using various sections of the song, in which case you'd want to keep the original track(s) intact. This is no problem as the copy/paste function allows you to paste onto a different track.
Note I've not tried doing this myself with a MIDI sync track, but it sounds feasible in theory.
@@philtipping Thank you!
Is the tape Sync box still required if the DP-24 already has MIDI IN/OUT sockets?
+Richie Vega if the dp-24's midi sync does what you want and works ok with your drum machine or sequencer then you don't need an external box. I don't have an earlier dp24 model so don't know how reliable or useful the built-in sync is, but there's nothing to stop you using an external unit if you prefer.
Phil could I use my Native Instruments Maschine controller to control the transport functions of my Tascam DP-24? I have an original DP-24 with MIDI. If so how would I go about doing this?
@Leo Go Live! if the Maschine sends MIDI start & stop messages, it should be possible. I've never used the MIDI version of the DP24/32 but the manual shows how to adjust the MIDI settings. Transport control comes under the MIDI Machine Control (MMC) heading, and this is described in the section called 'MIDI remote control'. You need to set the DP-24 to be an 'MMC slave' so it will respond to the messages *from* the Maschine (which will be acting as the master). There's also a 'Remote Control' setting where you can get the DP-24 to respond to program-change and control-change messages from the Maschine, assuming it sends these as well.
There's another section in the manual called 'MIDI Sync', which allows timing messages to be sent from the DP-24 to other devices for synchronisation, but it looks like this only operates one-way so the DP-24 can only be a master for this function. Note this is a separate feature from MMC and Remote Control.
If you have problems, try asking on the Tascam forum. There are several members who have the same DP-24 as you so should be able to offer more help.
@@philtipping Thanks Phil! I’ll try this and let you know what happens.
hey phil did they ever release a firmware update that resolves this within the dp24
@iamexodusnow Tascam have not added MIDI to the DP-24SD and DP-32SD models, as of Jan 2021.
Is there anyone who can help me please. I’m trying to synchronize my drum machine to the tascam DP32. It has a midi cable but I don’t know what settings to put to get it to play on a track.
@Adam Lopez I don't have that model so any advice I give will just be from reading the manual. Basically you set the dp32 to be the master, so connect the MIDI cable from dp32 output to your drum machine input, then configure the dp32... go to Menu, MIDI and set the MMC control to Master, and MMC ID to All (page 71). That means the drum machine will start & stop when your press the transport controls on the dp32. You also need to set Sync Clock to Master so the drum machine stays in sync throughout the song (page 70). Your drum machine also needs to be configured as a slave so set its clock to External (as opposed to Internal) so it responds to these messages. How you do this depends on your particular drum machine. The video shows how to do this with the EMX1. If you still have problems, try asking on the Tascam forum - there are lots of people there using the older dp machine with MIDI.
Thank you so much! I got it to sync with the metronome. I haven’t tried syncing it to where I can pause and start the drum machine with the recorder but i will try what you said. I appreciate your reply.