MIDI, SYNC & SMPTE
© E-mu Systems, Inc. 1985
Page 76
Enhanced by The Emulator Archive 2002 www.emulatorarchive.com
6G WRITING SMPTE TIME CODE ON TAPE
The SP-12 is a SMPTE time code generator that can write SMPTE time code on tape
(typically one track of a multitrack recorder), to which the SP-12 can later
synchronize. Recording SMPTE on tape is called “striping” the tape.
1. Choose the desired SMPTE start point and frame rate as described in Section
6E. When you write SMPTE time code, it will start from this point and at the
specified frame rate.
2. Set up the tape recorder in record ready mode, and patch the
CASS/SYNC/SMPTE OUT jack to the track on which you want to write the
SMPTE time code (usually an outer tape track such as 8, 16, or 24). Prepare
to write SMPTE by activating the SET-UP module and keying in 23 (special).
Next, key in ill to write SMPTE; the SP-12 will start writing SMPTE from the
specified SMPTE time point, as indicated by the display.
Use this signal to set record levels before rolling tape. A level below –3 VU
seems to work well, although you will probably need to experiment to
determine the optimum level (high enough to provide a strong output signal,
yet low enough to not bleed over to other tracks). After setting levels, press
ENTER to stop writing. Roll the tape back to where you want the SMPTE to
start, go into record mode, leave a few seconds of blank tape, and then press
14 to start recording the time code on tape.
Always record more time code than you think you’ll need. You can erase it
later if you don’t use it, and if you ever need it you’ll be glad it’s there. In fact,
many people simply stripe an entire tape with SMPTE time code as soon as
they take the tape out of the box.
When finished, press ENTER to stop writing.
Hint:
After recording SMPTE time code, play it back into the SP-12 via the
CASS/SYNC/SMPTE IN jack and play a segment or song to make sure that the time
code was recorded at the right level and that there are no drop-outs or other
problems. The SMPTE input is optimized to respond to SMPTE signals, and does not
need that much level in order to obtain sync -- even -10 dBV standard gear can drive
the SP-12. If the SMPTE time code track bleeds over into other channels of the tape,
try lowering the record level a bit and amplifying the signal coming from the tape
output.
If the display occasionally flashes “Awaiting SMPTE” while being driven from the
SMPTE track, you have either insufficient level or problems with the tape itself.
Finally, SMPTE signals are rather “fragile.” Avoid putting them through boards or
processors; a direct connection from recorder output to SMPTE reading devices is
preferred.
