M-Audio Mac Syncman User manual

Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Panel Description - Fig. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dip-switch Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Typical System Set-up - Fig. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Typical System Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Recording a SMPTE Stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Syncing to a SMPTE Stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Other Tips on Syncing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Misc. Info - Remotely Writing SMPTE . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Sync Stripe Duplication and Regeneration . . . . . . . . 17
Duplicating a Stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Regenerating a Stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Some Popular Sequencers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Performer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Master Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cubase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Special Note on Tascam 238 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lifetime Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2
Overview
Mac Syncman is a professional quality, 1 Megahertz/RS-422, 2 In / 6 Out
Macintosh MIDI interface and synchronization box - all built into one.
Mac Syncman’s MIDI interface allows you to hook your Macintosh com-
puter up to any MIDI equipment by way of the modem and printer
ports. With 2 MIDI Ins, two different sources of MIDI information can be
recorded simultaneously. Or alternately, MIDI from one source can be
recorded through one MIDI In, while MIDI synchronization information
is being received from the other MIDI In. Two “MIDI Thru” switches
are provided which are used to switch the modem or printer ports
between MIDI use and normal use. This means that you don’t have to
unplug your computer or modem when you want to use your computer
for MIDI applications. And the Mac Syncman’s 6 MIDI Outs can be
used to interface your computer to practically any MIDI system without
the need for an additional MIDI thru box or patch bay.
Mac Syncman’s internal sync box can be used to stripe a tape with
SMPTE information. This recorded stripe can then be read back by Mac
Syncman and used to slave your computer sequencer (e.g. Performer,
Vision, Master Tracks, Logic, or Cubase) to tape.
IMPORTANT: Mac Syncman can ONLYread and write SMPTE when
the MIDI Time Code dip-switch is Down. Mac Syncman can read and
write a SMPTE stripe as long as the Off/MTC dip-switch is Down.
When this switch is Down (i.e. in MTC mode), Mac Syncman can read a
SMPTE stripe from tape and generate either MIDI Time Code (MTC) or
(for early versions of Performer) Direct Lock. If the Off/MTC is Down
and the DTL (Direct Lock)/MTC dip-switch is Down, Mac Syncman
generates MIDI Time Code. If the Off/MTC is Down and the DTL/MTC
dip-switch is Up, Mac Syncman generates Direct Time Lock.
When using Mac Syncman, check your sequencer manual to make sure
it supports either MIDI Time Code (MTC) or Direct Time Lock. If it does
not you may consider updating your sequencer if you wish to sync it to
tape.
Mac Syncman allows you to record sync information to any reasonable
quality tape recorder. Whenever syncing to tape, Mac Syncman “Jam”
syncs. The “Jam” Sync feature allows Mac Syncman to reliably sync to
tape even when the recorded tape sync stripe has been damaged or has
drop-outs.

3
Additionally, Mac Syncman has a very high quality, built-in SMPTE
regenerator. A SMPTE regenerator can take a bad SMPTE signal and
regenerate it into perfect SMPTE. This regenerator can be used to recov-
er an unreliable or damaged SMPTE stripe.
Additional Mac Syncman features allow you to meet practically every
common MIDI and tape synchronization need. It is well worth your
while to read this manual thoroughly and familiarize yourself with all
the Mac Syncman capabilities and features.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions we invite you to
contact us directly at:
MIDIMAN
45 St. Joseph Street
Arcadia CA 91006-2861
Sales: [phone]
Tech Assistance: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Web: www.midiman.net
E-Mail: [email protected]

4
Features
Interface Features
•1Megahertz RS-422 Mac serial interface.
•Adual 1 In/3 Out MIDI interface (2 MIDI Ins and 6 MIDI Outs - sup-
porting 32 MIDI channels in all). One of the MIDI interface channels
is connected to the modem port and the other to the printer port.
•One MIDI Out (modem port) and MIDI In (modem port) are into the
front of the Mac Syncman making it easy to plug in your master key-
board.
•Selectable MIDI routing. Mac Syncman can be set up as a 1 In/6 Out
or as a dual 2 In/3 Out MIDI interface.
•Serial Thru /MIDI switches. With these switches the Mac Syncman
MIDI interface can be bypassed, to go to the printer or modem, with-
out having to re-plug serial cables.
•MIDI In and Out indicator LED’s for both MIDI interface channels.
These indicators blink whenever MIDI is sent or received.
Note: These indicators work only if the Mac Syncman’s two left Serial
Thru/MIDI switches are in - enabling MIDI.
Sync Features
•Reads and writes with high reliability to most reasonable quality tape
recorders and media.
•Generates and reads all SMPTE formats including 24, 25, 30 and Drop
Frame. SMPTE Formats can be selected from dip-switches on the
front of Mac Syncman.
•Can generate a SMPTE stripe manually (with 0 offset), or remotely
with specified offset upon receipt of a MIDI Time Code Offset mes-
sage. This message can be sent from your sequencer or from an
appropriate DA.
•Converts SMPTE to either MIDI Time Code or Direct Time Lock (for
older versions of Performer).
•Built-in reshaper allows you to duplicate recorded SMPTE sync
stripes.
•When reading a sync stripe from tape a special Tape indicator LED
shows when sync is obtained or lost.
•Built-in automatic “Jam” Sync allows Mac Syncman to re-cover from
most normally encountered tape drop-outs.
•Built-in SMPTE regenerator. The Mac Syncman has a dedicated, high
quality regenerator which can be used to repair even badly damaged

5
SMPTE sync stripes.
•Selectable chase Delay time. Depending on the speed of your
Macintosh and program, a longer or shorter delay may be required
for the sequencer to properly “chase” when syncing to tape. The
Delay dip-switch allows you to set a long (when up) or short (when
down) delay time.

6
Panel Description - Fig. 1.
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7
Panel Description (see Fig. 1)
Front Panel
1. Serial Thru /MIDI switches. With these switches the Mac Syncman
MIDI interface can be bypassed so that the Mac can be routed direct-
ly to the printer or modem without having to re-plug serial cables.
There are two Thru switches - one each for the modem and printer
port. When either of these switches is In, the port becomes a MIDI
port. When either switch is Out, the port is routed directly to the
modem or printer. Note: The MIDI indicator lights will only func-
tion when these switches are In. These switches will normally be in
when using your sequencer and out when using your printer or
modem.
2. Routing Switch. The Mac Syncman can be configured as either a
dual 1 In /3 Out or as a single 1 In /6 Out MIDI interface. To config-
ure the unit as a 1 In /6 Out interface using the Mac printer port, set
this switch to the right position. To configure the unit as a 1 In /6
Out interface using the Mac modem port, set this switch to the left
position. To configure the unit as a dual 1 In /3 Out interface using
both the modem and printer port, set this switch to the center posi-
tion. The most common configuration is the dual 1 In /3 Out setting
(i.e. the center position).
3. MIDI In/Out Indicator LED’s. The Indicator LED’s will light when-
ever the Serial Thru switches are in and MIDI data is sent or
received at the corresponding MIDI port. For example, if your mas-
ter keyboard MIDI Out is connected to the Mac Syncman front panel
MIDI In (which is the modem input) and you play your keyboard,
the Modem In LED will flicker.
4. Dip-switch Group. Provides control of various Mac Syncman func-
tions described in detail below.
5. Tape Sync Read/Write Indicator Light. This LED will light when
either Mac Syncman is in Write mode and a sync stripe is being writ-
ten to tape, or when Mac Syncman is in Read mode and a pre-
recorded sync stripe is being read from tape.
6. Write (to Tape) Switch. When first pressed the Tape Indicator Light
will light and Mac Syncman will output the selected type of sync
tone for recording to tape. When this switch is pressed again, the
Read/Write Indicator LED will go off, and Mac Syncman will be
taken out of Write mode.
If you are striping SMPTE to tape the Write Switch has another use-
ful feature. When writing SMPTE, if the Write Switch is pressed in
and held for a prolonged time, the Read/Write Indicator LED will

8
blink once, twice, three times, etc. If you then let the Write Switch
up the Mac Syncman will start writing SMPTE from a SMPTE offset
of 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, or whatever number of times the
Read/Write LED blinked. This feature gives you some control of
SMPTE offset right from the front panel.
7. MIDI In - modem port. The MIDI In for the modem port. This MIDI
In would typically be connected to your master keyboard MIDI Out.
Note: this MIDI In will only be functional if the Routing switch is set
to either the left or center position.
8. MIDI Out - modem port. One of three MIDI Outs for the modem
port. This MIDI Out would typically be connected to your master
keyboard MIDI In. The other two MIDI Outs for the modem port are
on the back of the unit.
Rear Panel
9. MIDI In - printer port. The MIDI In for the printer port. This MIDI
In would typically be connected to your secondary keyboard con-
troller MIDI Out - if you have one. Note: this MIDI In will only be
functional if the Routing switch is set to either the right or center
position.
IMPORTANT: Any MIDI sync information, such as MIDI Time
Code, decoded by the Mac Syncman is sent to the Printer Port
MIDI In. This MIDI sync info is merged with any other MIDI data
received at the printer port MIDI In.
10. MIDI Outs (3) - printer port. The three MIDI Outs for the printer
port. These MIDI Outs would typically be connected to the MIDI Ins
of various synthesizer modules.
11. MIDI Outs (2) - modem port. Two of three MIDI Outs for the
modem port. These MIDI Outs would typically be connected the
MIDI Ins of your various sound modules. The other MIDI Out for
the modem port is on the Mac Syncman.
12. Tape In Jack. RCA phono jack. This jack will usually be connected to
the Line Out of the tape deck track on which the sync signal is
recorded. This track is normally the last track on your deck.
13. Tape Out Jack. RCA phono jack. This jack will usually be connected
to the Line In of the tape deck track on which the sync signal is
recorded.
14. Serial In - modem port. This will normally be connected to the
modem serial port on your Mac. The Mac Syncman sends and
receives MIDI over either or both serial ports.
15. Serial Out - modem port. This will normally be connected to your
modem - if you have one. When the modem Serial Thru switch on
the front panel is Out, the Mac Syncman is bypassed and the Mac is

9
connected directly to your modem. Because of this unique serial
Thru feature, you do not have to unplug and re-plug cables to
switch between the MIDI interface and your modem.
16. Serial In - printer port. This will normally be connected to the
printer serial port on your Mac. The Mac Syncman sends and
receives MIDI over either or both serial ports.
17. Serial Out - printer port. This will normally be connected to your
printer. When the printer Serial Thru switch on the front panel is
Out, the Mac Syncman is bypassed and the Mac is connected direct-
ly to your printer. Because of this unique serial Thru feature, you do
not have to unplug and re-plug cables to switch between the MIDI
interface and your printer.
18. Power Supply Jack. 9 to 12 volt dc, wall mount supply.
Dip-Switch Descriptions
Frames (SMPTE Format). When Mac Syncman is in SMPTE Mode
(i.e. when the Off/MTC switch is Down), these dip-switches allow
you to select the SMPTE format that Mac Syncman will write to and
read from tape. All standard SMPTE formats are supported includ-
ing 24, 25, and 30 frames per second, and Drop Frame. If the Mac
Syncman Off/MTC switch is up, these Frame switches are ignored.
The Frame Switch positions and corresponding SMPTE formats are
as follows:
The most commonly used SMPTE format is 30 Frames. To set the
Mac Syncman to 30 Frames both of the Frame switches should be
down.
Off/MIDI Time Code Switch (Off/MTC). This Switch would nor-
mally be set to MTC (Down). Mac Syncman is in SMPTE Mode
whenever the Off/MTC switch is Down. Mac Syncman cannot read
or write SMPTE when this switch is Up. We recommend that you
leave the Off/MTC switch DOWN.
Direct Lock/MIDI Time Code Switch (DTL/MTC).This Switch
Frames
24 Frames
Frames
25 Frames
Frames
Drop Frame
Frames
30 Frames
Frames

10
would normally be set to MTC (Down). When this switch is Down,
and the Off/MTC Switch is Down, Mac Syncman will generate
MIDI Time Code whenever a SMPTE stripe is read. MIDI Time
Code is used by almost all Mac sequencers including Vision,
Cubase, Logic, Master Tracks and newer versions of Performer.
When the DTL /MTC switch is Up, and the Off/MTC Switch is
Down, Mac Syncman will generate “Direct Lock” Time Code instead
of standard MIDI Time Code. Direct Lock Time Code is used by
older versions of Performer, instead of MIDI Time Code. We recom-
mend that you do not use Direct Lock unless you have a version of
Performer earlier than 3.3.
Delay Switch. This Switch would normally be set to Off (Up). If
your sequencer sounds as if its laboring or having great difficulty
starting to sync to tape but from then on seems to sync fine, there
may not be enough delay between the time when Mac Syncman first
sends sync information and when it sends the first MIDI Timing
bytes. If this is the case, you can flip the Delay Switch Up and dou-
ble the delay time. If you do set this dip-switch Up you will always
experience a longer pause when syncing. We recommend you leave
this switch Down unless you are experiencing some difficulty.
Regenerate Switch. This Switch would normally be set to Off
(Up). When switched Up, allows you to use Mac Syncman to regen-
erate and reconstruct SMPTE stripes. Mac Syncman is capable of
regenerating even horribly damaged SMPTE stripes. When regener-
ating a stripe you have to play the old stripe while recording the
new stripe onto another track of your tape deck. Because of this an
additional track of your deck has to be free in order to regenerate.
When the Mac Syncman is regenerating a stripe, NO other syncing
activity is possible. So if you are not regenerating a stripe MAKE
SURE this switch is Up.
Duplicate Switch. This Switch would normally be set to Off (Up).
When switched to Up this switch allows you to use Mac Syncman to
duplicate SMPTE stripes onto another track or onto another tape
deck. Mac Syncman will duplicate SMPTE stripes without any other
switch selections. When Switched On (Down) any Mac Syncman
tape Sync information coming in the Mac Syncman Tape In, will be
reshaped and sent, at a dubbing level, out the Mac Syncman Tape
Out Jack.

11
Typical System Set-up - Figure 2
Tape Deck
Tape In
Tape Out
MIDI
Out MIDI In
Master Keyboard
MIDI In
Sampler
Out In Out In
Print Modem
Serial
Out In
Tape Out Out Modem
MIDI
Mac
Syncman
(front panel
)
(top view)
Out Out Out In
Printer
MIDI
MIDI
Modem
In Out
Modem
Printer
Macintosh
Serial Port
s
Typical Set-up
(back panel)

12
Typical System Set-up
(see Figure 2)
ATypical System Set-up (see Fig. 2) consists of Mac Syncman, a Mac
running some sequencer program, a tape deck, a master keyboard and
one or more MIDI sound modules. Additionally, you may have a printer
or a modem in your set up which you occasionally use for musical or
non-musical applications (as hard to believe as this may be). We suggest
that this Set-up be connected as follows:
1. Connect the MIDI Out of your master keyboard to the modem MIDI
In on the front panel of the Mac Syncman.
2. Connect the MIDI In of the master keyboard to the modem MIDI
Out on the front panel of the Mac Syncman.
3. Connect the modem MIDI Outs on the back of the Mac Syncman to
the MIDI Ins of any additional MIDI sound modules you may have.
4. Connect the Tape Out on the back of the Mac Syncman to the Tape In
of the last (or sync) track of your tape deck.
5. Connect the Tape In on the back of the Mac Syncman to the Tape Out
of the last (or sync) track of your tape deck.
6. Connect the Modem Serial In on the back of the Mac Syncman to the
modem serial port on your Mac.
7. Connect the Printer Serial In on the back of the Mac Syncman to the
printer serial port on your Mac.
8. Connect the Modem Serial Out on the back of the Mac Syncman to
the your modem.
9. Connect the Printer Serial Out on the back of the Mac Syncman to
the your printer.
If you are ready to sequence and do not need to use your printer or
modem at this instant go ahead and press in the two Serial Thru
Switches on the front of the Mac Syncman. Remember, when these
switches are in, the MIDI interface is selected - rather than the serial
thru. We also recommend that you set the Routing switch to the 2 x 3
(center) position, since this configuration is the most common and offers
the most versatility.
Also, if you are using Master Tracks, Vision, newer versions of
Performer, Logic, Cubase, or any other MIDI Time Code capable
sequencer, we suggest you set the front dip-switches as follows.

13
Frames: Both Down . . . . .for 30 frames/second
Off/MTC: Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .for MTC
DTL/MTC: Down . . . . . .for MTC (not Direct Lock)
Delay: Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .this should be off
Regenerate: Up . . . . . . . . . .must be Off to sync at all
Duplicate: Up . .turn off to avoid any possibility of
feed back
Ordinarily, when syncing to tape you need to first record a SMPTE sync
stripe. Occasionally, you may be given a tape with a SMPTE stripe
already recorded onto one of its tracks. However, this is the exception,
not the rule. After a SMPTE stripe has been recorded to tape you can
“slave” your Mac sequencer to tape.
If you are going to use Mac Syncman in a more extensive MIDI set-up
with multiple MIDI Sound Modules, you should make sure that all of
the various sound module MIDI Ins are connected to either the modem
or printer port MIDI Outs. If you use the printer port MIDI Outs with
the above set-up, you will have to make sure that your sequencer pro-
gram sends the appropriate MIDI information out the printer port. If
you don’t do this you won’t hear the modules which are connected to
the printer port.

14
Operation
To begin using Mac Syncman, make sure you have read the preceding
sections of this manual. Your System should be set-up along the guide-
lines out-lined in the “Typical System Set-up” section above.
Set the Mac Syncman switches to the positions indicated above, or
which are appropriate for your application. If you are going to use Mac
Syncman in SMPTE/MIDI Time Code Mode be sure the Off/MTC
switch is Down.
With the Macintosh there are very few sequencer programs that do not
support MIDI Time Code. If you are using one of these non-MTC capa-
ble programs you will need to upgrade your program to be able to sync
to tape.
To use Mac Syncman to sync to SMPTE, via MIDI Time Code (MTC),
you need to first have a SMPTE stripe on one track of your tape. You
may have been given a tape with a previously recorded stripe or you
may have to record a SMPTE stripe yourself. In any case you must be
sure Mac Syncman is set to the same SMPTE format as that recorded
on tape. Usually a SMPTE format of 30. However, you may be told
what SMPTE format to use. In any case, make sure the Mac Syncman far
left, two dip-switches are set to the desired format. If you are just start-
ing out, use a format of 30.
Next, follow these easy instructions for recording a SMPTE stripe:
Recording a SMPTE Stripe
1. Set Mac Syncman to the desired SMPTE format using the two, left
most dip-switches. If your work doesn’t require any specific kind of
SMPTE format use a format of 30 (both switches Down). Mac
Syncman will sync equally well to any of the four SMPTE formats
as long as the format dip-switches are set to the same format as
that recorded on tape.
Make sure the Mac Syncman MTC switch is on (Down).
2. Make sure the Mac Syncman Tape Out is connected to one track of
your tape deck’s Tape In. Most modern multi-track decks have one
track that is designed to record the sync stripe. If you are unsure
which track this is, check the user’s manual for your tape deck.
3. Put your tape deck into record.

15
4. Press the Mac Syncman Write switch. This starts Mac Syncman out-
putting a SMPTE signal which will be indicated by the Write LED
going on.
5. Adjust your recording level to around - 5 dB.
6. Continue recording several minutes of SMPTE stripe. Naturally, you
will need a stripe longer than the piece you are going to sync.
7. When done recording the stripe, again press the Mac Syncman Write
switch.
8. Take your tape recorder out of record.
9. Rewind your tape to just before where you started recording the
sync stripe.
That’s it — that’s all there is to recording a SMPTE stripe. You now have
a SMPTE stripe to sync to.
If you are using an older version of Performer which uses Direct Lock
(older than v 3.3), turn the DTL/MTC dip-switch Up. However, if not
using Performer make sure the DTL/MTC switch is Up.
NOTE: Mac Syncman transmits MIDI Time Code when the SMPTE
stripe is being written (as well as when it is being read). This means
you can easily trouble shoot any MIDI Time Code capable sequencer
without having to go to tape. This is done by simply pressing the
Write switch on Mac Syncman, generating MIDI Time Code into your
sequencer and debugging it.
To check the integrity of your sync tone, rewind the tape to somewhere
before where you started to record the tone. Make sure your Mac
Syncman is not in Write Mode and that the Tape Read/Write Indicator is
Off before you try playing back the tone. Now, press play on your tape
deck. When you reach the location on the tape where you began record-
ing the sync tone, the Tape Read/Write Indicator will light, showing that
a Mac Syncman sync signal is being read from tape. For the most reliable
performance, you should play the entire stripe back and make sure the
Read/Write Light never blinks.
When playing back the sync stripe, the tape light should never flicker. If
it does make sure your heads are clean, all of your cables are good, all
EQ (if you have gone through a mixing board) is flat, and that your tape
is good. After doing this try re-recording the sync stripe.

16
Syncing to a SMPTE Stripe
IMPORTANT: Make sure to look at the “Some Popular Sequencers” sec-
tion in the back of this manual to see specific details on how to best set-
up your sequencer.
1. Make sure the Tape Out from your tape deck is connected to the
Tape In on Mac Syncman.
2. Put your sequencer in MIDI Time Code (MTC) sync mode with the
MIDI Time Code coming from the printer port.
3. Make sure your sequencer MTC SMPTE format is set to the same
value as that set on the front of the Mac Syncman (we recommend
30 frames - i.e. two left, most dip-switches both up).
4. In your sequencer set your SMPTE song-start to 5 seconds, i.e. so the
start reads 00:00:05:00 (hours/minutes/seconds/ frames).
5. Start your tape deck playing back.
6. You should see your VU meter come up at the place you started
recording your sync stripe. When you see this you should also see
the Tape Read LED on Mac Syncman come on indicating that it is
receiving a sync signal.
7. As SMPTE is being read from tape you should see your sequencer
screen display indicate MIDI Time Code being received. At the song
start time you set your sequence should start playing.
8. Now fast forward your tape deck and hit play again. Your
sequencer should correctly “chase” along with your tape deck.
You have now synced your sequencer to tape.
Other Tips on Syncing
IMPORTANT: If the Tape Read/Write Indicator goes out or flickers AT
ALL during playback, you have some kind of tape reading problem
which should be fixed. If you encounter such a problem consult the
“Trouble Shooting” section of this Manual to find the cause. When play-
ing back Mac Syncman sync stripes this indicator should be steadily lit
or you may not achieve reliable performance.
When syncing to either a SMPTE you can shuttle your tape deck for-
ward and backward to any place you desire.
IMPORTANT: When first learning to use your Mac Syncman, don’t hesi-
tate adjusting the various Level settings on your tape recorder to find
the best Level for your particular system. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
However, keep in mind that contrary to conventional wisdom, hotter is
not better.

17
Misc. Info - Remotely Writing SMPTE
SYNCMAN is also capable of writing a SMPTE stripe with any specified
Offset. When SYNCMAN receives a Time Code Off-set message it will
automatically start writing SMPTE with the correct, specified Offset.
When started remotely, SYNCMAN will continue to write SMPTE until
a MIDI System Stop message is received or until the SYNCMAN Write
button is pressed. Mac Syncman comes with a utility that allows you to
control these and other functions right from the computer.
The MIDI messages that Mac Syncman responds to have the following
format:
• MIDI Time Code Offset Message (in Hex):
$F0-$7E-00-04-00-00-%0ffhhhhh-Mn-Sc-Fm-
00-00-00-$F7
where hhhhh = hours (0 to 23)
and ff = SMPTE format*
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ff = 00 is 24 frames/sec
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ff = 01 is 25 frames/sec
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ff = 10 is 30 Drop frame
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ff = 11 is 30 Non-Drop frame
* IMPORTANT: Bits 5 and 6 of the hours byte contains the
SMPTE format of the SMPTE which will be written. Therefore
these bits must be set correctly to the desired SMPTE format.
• MIDI System Stop Message (in Hex):
$F0-$7E-00-04-04-00-$F7
Sync Stripe Duplication and Regeneration
On occasion you may have to duplicate a sync stripe. This may is some-
times required if you have to move a SMPTE stripe from one tape to
another, or from one tape deck to another. The Mac Syncman Duplicate
feature only reshapes, it does not repair. If you need to repair a dam-
aged SMPTE stripe you will need to regenerate the stripe, not duplicate
it.

18
Mac Syncman can regenerate or duplicate a SMPTE stripe. If the stripe
is fine and you need to copy it you should probably duplicate it. If the
stripe is damaged you will have to regenerate it.
When Mac Syncman is regenerating, this is all it is doing - it cannot
regenerate and sync at the same time. So if you need to sync to a badly
damaged SMPTE stripe you need to regenerate it and then sync to the
newly regenerated stripe.
Duplicating a Stripe
To duplicate a SMPTE stripe onto another track of your tape deck, you
need to route the Tape Out of the recorded sync track on your deck to
the Mac Syncman Tape In. Next, route the Mac Syncman Tape Out to
the Tape In of the track on your deck you would like to duplicate the
Sync stripe onto. Make sure the Mac Syncman Duplicate Switch is On
(Down). You are now ready to duplicate your recorded Sync stripe.
Put the track you are duplicating the sync tone to into record and put the
track you are reading the sync tone from into play. Now start your tape
deck and play through the entire sync tone you are duplicating. After
you are done duplicating the sync stripe remember to turn the Duplicate
feature off (Up).
IMPORTANT:When duplicating a sync stripe, make sure your output
level is high enough to “fire” Mac Syncman’s reshaping circuitry. If the
Mac Syncman Tape Read LED flickers during duplication then the
duplicated stripe has some error. If you duplicate the damaged stripe
the error will also be duplicated.
Regenerating a Stripe
To regenerate a SMPTE stripe follow the instructions given above in
“Duplicating a Stripe.” However, instead of setting turning the
Duplicate switch On (Down), make sure to turn the Regenerator On by
setting its switch Down. No matter how badly the SMPTE stripe is dam-
aged regeneration will restore it to a usable condition.
IMPORTANT: Since the Mac Syncman cannot do any syncing when
the Regenerator is On (Down), you must set the Regeneration Switch
back Up after you are done regenerating.

19
Trouble Shooting
If you have any problems using Mac Syncman you should first check the
following:
1. Are all of your cables working and plugged in properly?
2. Are you using a high quality tape deck and tape? Have you tried
using high quality Metal Tape?
3. Have you discovered the best Input and Output level settings on
your tape deck. You may need to spend some time playing with dif-
ferent playback and record levels to find the most reliable settings. If
the level of the signal is too high or too low you may encounter
problems. You should play with the record and playback levels until
the Tape Read/Write Light does not blink, indicating tape drop out,
at all during playback.
4. Is a dip-switch in the wrong position for your application? See the
“Dip-Switch Descriptions” section of this manual.
5. Mac Syncman records information to tape as data. If your recorder
uses noise reduction, such as DBX or Dolby, when writing or read-
ing Mac Syncman Sync tracks, the data may be corrupted and the
results may be unacceptable. We recommend that you NOT use
noise reduction when writing or reading Mac Syncman Sync tracks.
6. If you are recording any kind of a sync stripe and going through a
board to set levels make sure any EQ is off or flat.
Should you continue to encounter any difficulties after checking all of
the above items AND after reading this manual thoroughly, we suggest
you contact us directly.

20
Some Popular Sequencers
Vision
With Vision we recommend that you use Mac Syncman in
SMPTE/MIDI Time Code Mode. To do this, make sure that the
OFF/MTC and DTL/MTC dip-switches are both Down. On Mac
Syncman select the SMPTE format you wish to use. We suggest 30
Frames which means the two left most dip-switches should both be
Down. Now, with Vision, do the following:
Go into the Options Menu and:
Set Receive Sync Mode to MIDI Time Code.
Set Receive Sync Port to printer port.
Set SMPTE Format to 30 Non-drop (or whatever other . . . . . . . . . . . .
SMPTE your job may otherwise dictate)
Go into the Sequence Window and:
Click on the Offset Value and:
Set to the desired value (we recommend that you set . . . . . . . . . . . . .
this to around 5 seconds.).
Press Play on the Transport.
Optional - Go into the Options Menu and:
Select Counter display and:
Set to Both (SMPTE & Mes/Bts/Pulses).
Performer
With Performer versions 3.3 and later we recommend that you use Mac
Syncman in SMPTE/MIDI Time Code Mode. To do this, make sure that
the OFF/MTC and DTL/MTC dip-switches are both Down. On Mac
Syncman select the SMPTE format you wish to use. We suggest 30
Frames which means the two left most dip-switches should both be
Down. Now with Performer do the following:
Open a File (or select New)
Go to the Basics Menu and:
Select MIDI Interface and:
Make sure this isn’t set to Jam Box
Select Receive Sync and:
Set Sync to Port to printer.