Question regarding Model 16 and Sync

[coop]

Hello!
I’m likely to purchase my very own Model 16 when more are in stock, but had a few questions that I’m hoping to have answered.

So here’s the deal…

I’m looking at the Model 16 because it has the appropriate amount of input I’ll need for tracking. I’m looking to go as DAWless as possible with my modular rig. I’m currently using the Hermod+ as my main sequencer, which slaves the rest of my system and modules together. I’m curious if the USB output on the Tascam 16 can be used exclusively to transmit MTC (forgoing its ‘sound card’ function), as the hermod has a midi device/host port which can recognize. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to plug this directly into the Hermod to control playback.

I’ve already reached out to the people at the Squarp forums to see if they have any info on this, but thought I’d see if anyone here has any experience with this or something similar.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Max Relic]

@coop, welcome to the forum.
The Model 16 has no MIDI sync capability on its own; when connected to a computer it can send MIDI Time Code over USB as a regular MIDI device (MTC send must be enabled in the menu).
Other MIDI equipment can be synchronized with the audio tracks on the Model 16 using the same technique used with tape recorders: record a sync signal on a track and play it back to synchronize the MIDI equipment. You may need a Sync-to-tape device like the Midiman SmartSync or Tascam MTS-30, or a '80-90s drum machine or sequencer with tape sync capability like the Yamaha QX5 or Alesis MMT-8.

 

[coop]

Hmm, just to clarify - you say it can be set to send MTC ‘As a regular midi device’ - what do you mean by this? That it is recognizable then as a midi device to receive MTC from?

I ask because Hermod can be set to receive midi time via usb.

Was just curious about whether people have had luck plugging the mixer’s usb into anything other than a computer

 

[Max Relic]

you say it can be set to send MTC ‘As a regular midi device’

I quoted the owner's manual, which hopefully you should read to get an idea before buying.

It means that the Model 16 can transmit MIDI Time Code from the USB, under the condition that it is connected to a computer; regular MIDI device is something that is recognized as a valid entity by connected devices (drum machines, sequencer, sound module...).
It's unclear if Tascam had in mind "specifically and only a computer" or "anything capable of MIDI communication over USB like a computer".

 

[coop]

Gotcha.
I suppose it depends on what's happening on Hermod's end then. I'm watching a video where a guy is plugging in the Tascam directly, via USB, to an Akai Sampler... so it may be possible! I'll reach out to Squarp and see what they think. Thanks!

 

[Max Relic]

I think it's an Akai MPC (MIDI Production Studio). I took a quick read of the Hermod+ manual but didn't find if it accepts MIDI Time Code as a clock source (that's another thing than MIDI Clock); fortunately the Hermod+ can sync to an audio sync signal via one of its CV inputs, in the online guide there is a link to a special sync audiofile for this purpose. If you find a valid solution don't forget to keep us updated, it will be of help for other people!

 

[coop]

Hey Max,

I received a message from the guys at Squarp explaining what you had mentioned: the unit is looking to receive midi clock NOT midi-time code, so my plan to plug direct will not work.

Thinking though, would there be a way to import a audio sync signal to the SD can and output from the 16 to my hermod? I'm trying to avoid interfacing with my computer as much as possible. Any suggestions would be helpful!

Thanks

 

[Max Relic]

Yes it's easy to import on the Model 16 a wave file recorded elsewhere, but my guess is the Hermod+ isn't able to understand a regular FSK MIDI-to-tape audio track. If you want to try an experiment I can make a sync track for you, just give me the time to find my Midiman synchronizer.

 

[Max Relic]

Anyway the Hermod+ manual explains in detail how to sync to audio, they provide even a link to a sampled 120 BPM audio file:

Hermod+ Manual | Squarp instruments

Squarp Instruments dream up the hardware musical interfaces of tomorrow. Makers of Hapax, Pyramid, Hermod & Rample.

squarp.net

 

[Max Relic]

I recorded a sync track on the Model 12 for you to test:
120 BPM MIDI Clock + Song Position Pointer wav file

 

[coop]

So what would the process be to sync this using the Model-16. I'm thinking I would require one track to host the sync file, sending one of the aux/mon outputs, then going direct into the Hermod? Does this sound about right?

Again, thanks for all the help with this. It's a large purchase, and it's very helpful to figure out if it'll even work with my system

 

[Max Relic]

Correct. Use one mono track for the sync signal, then switch the channel mode from Live to MTR (MultiTrack) and send the signal through one AUX output to the sequencer CV INPUT. The sync channel must not be assigned to any bus, if the AUX out is pre-fader just keep the channel fader down otherwise raise it to 0 dB.
The principle is simple, but you have to do your homework before embarking in such adventure.