O
PERATION
The RH301 enables you to accomplish a couple of different tasks, including converting clock signals from
different formats into other formats. The RH301 can work with and be synced to analog clocks, MIDI and
the DIN Sync format.
For most applications it is necessary to achieve two things: First, sync the tempi of two or more pieces of
gear so that they are running at the same speed. The second thing you need to achieve is to have the two
synced tempi run in phase, i.e. let them start running at the same time. These two steps are solved
differently in the three clock formats that the RH301 is compatible with.
Fig. 2 The difference between MIDI, DIN Sync and Analog Clock Signals
MIDI
is a digital communication standard from the 80s, coming in the flavor of a serial protocol. With MIDI
clock the clock signal itself consists of 24 pulses (called 'ticks') per quarter note to sync the tempi together.
For a synchronized start and stop of sequencers, LFOs or other functions, start and stop bytes are sent
over the same cable.
DIN Sync
is an even older synchronization possibility from pre-MIDI ages. It usually uses 24 pulses
(sync24 – seldom sync48, sync96 or even sync192) per quarter to sync tempi together. For the
synchronized starting and stopping of devices a gate signal is used. If the gate is high it means start/run,while
if it is low, it means stop.
KOMA Elektronik RH301 – Rhythm Workstation / Utility Tool
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