SoundPool Sync-Box and Sync-Box Pro -

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SoundPool Sync Box MIDI Time Code Synchronizer

The SoundPool Sync-Box and Sync-Box Pro: product information courtesy of SoundPool GmbH, Zaberfeld-Germany

Comparing the Sync-Box and Sync-Box Pro

The Sync-BoxPRO offers all functions that are required in typical recording situations. It offers basic functions like writing and reading SMPTE/EBU code as well as MIDI time code output. The additional MIDI merge function and the MIDI time code to SMPTE/EBU (LTC format) converter solves all sync problems in your MIDI recording studio. If only the special MIDI time code to SMPTE/EBU converter function is required, the Sync-Box (low budged version of Sync-BoxPRO) will do the job.

Code: Select all

Functions			Sync-Box Pro		Sync-Box
Converts MTC to SMPTE		YES			YES
MTC THRU			YES			YES
All formats 24, 25, 30, 30d	YES			YES
Read LTC with MTC Output	YES			NO
Generate LTC			YES			YES (only when receiving MTC)
MIDI Merger '+'			YES			NO

Sync-Box and Sync-Box Pro Specs

Power supply: 6V, 300 mA, + ring /- tip
SMPTE Input: -12 dB
SMPTE Output: line level -6 dB
Dropout correct: max. 20 FRS
Variospeed: +/- ca. 10% MTC included
MTC Input: MTC max. jitter +/- 3 ms as code source

The LEDs

• The yellow LEDs display which code format is selected.
• A red LED indicates the time code not present or instable code with dropouts.
• A Flickering red LED means sync controlling activity
• A faint glowing red LED means in sync

More About the Sync-Box

The Sync-Box converts MIDI-Timecode into a SMPTE/EBU signal in LTC format. In this way SMPTE controlled systems can be syncronized to the computer. For example Notator SLTM with UnitorTM can be synced to HD recording systems with MTC output such as AudioTracker. Similarly SMPTE controlled mix automations, tape and HD recorders and displays can be connected.

General Setup:

• Connect the MIDI output of your computer (MTC source) to the input MTC IN.
• Further devices can be connected to MIDI THRU.
• Connect the SMPTE/EBU output to the input of your SMPTE slave (e.g. UnitorTM, display or mix
• automation)

MTC IN

All data will be routed to the MTC THRU output. MTC code will be converted to SMPTE-EBU Code (SMPTE output). All formats will be detected and processed automatically (even in variospeed).

Please note: If the red LED starts flashing and the Sync-Box fails to generate SMPTE/EBU signal, this indicates that the Sync-Box is receiving unstable MTC which can not be used for reliable syncronization. Please check your software and make sure to select the highest priority for MTC output. If you got different MIDI OUTs, please make sure to use one output for MTC only.

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Features of the Sync-Box Pro

Professional SMPTE/EBU syncronizer and generator with comprehensive features for syncronization of computer controlled MIDI systems to audio tape. With drop-out correction and TC-refresher, MIDI merger and MTC to SMPTE converter (like Sync-Box).

LTC MODE

In LTC MODE (MODE selector switch in upper postion) the Sync-Box Pro syncronizes MIDI system to tape recorders.

Setup for LTC MODE:

• Connect the SMPTE/EBU OUT to the input of your tape recorder (e.g. the last channel).
• Connect the output of the tape recorder (SMPTE track) to SMPTE/EBU IN.
• Connect the MIDI output + OUT to the MIDI input of your computer.
• The masterkeyboard can be connected to the additional input MIDI IN.

All timecode formats are supported. The required code format has to be pre-selected in MTC MODE (refer to the section MTC MODE).

MTC IN is routed to MTC THRU. The code at the SMPTE/EBU IN jack will be converted to MTC and merged with the MIDI IN data. All MIDI data will be routed to the + OUT output.

Please note: As long as no SMPTE/EBU signal is connected to the input, all MIDI data received at MIDI IN will be transmitted to + OUT. When SMPTE/EBU reading starts, the transmission of SYS-EX data will be cancelled. Stop syncronization and switch your sequencer to internal clock when recording SYS-EX data.

Please note: Don't change the Sync-Box mode during MIDI data transmission. This could lead to MIDI errors.

Dropout correction and TC refresh: So called dropouts of the source code will be ignored up to 20 frames. You will find a new generated code at the SMPTE/EBU OUT (code refreshing).

This function can be used to renew old time code tracks.

GENERATE MODE

Setup for generate MODE:

• Connect the SMPTE/EBU OUT to the input of your tape recorder (e.g. the last channel).
• Connect the output of the tape recorder (SMPTE track) to SMPTE/EBU IN.
• Connect the MIDI output + OUT to the MIDI input of your computer.
• The masterkeyboard can be connected to the additional MIDI IN input.

To record timecode please enable record of the SMPTE/EBU track of your multi track recorder. Start the recorder and activate generation with the MODE switch on your Sync-BoxPRO.

The generator starts with 09:59:55:00. SMPTE/EBU code with 25 frames will be generated. There are no MIDI functions in this mode.

Please note: In generate mode the Sync-Box PRO generates 25 frames format only. If other frame rates are required select the desired frame rate on the MTC generating device and switch the Sync-Box to MTC mode. The sync-Box will now output SMPTE with the desired frame rate.

MTC MODE

Setup for MTC MODE:

• Connect the MIDI output of your computer (MTC source) to the input MTC IN.
• Further MIDI devices can be connected to MIDI THRU.
• Connect the SMPTE/EBU output to the input of your SMPTE slave (e.g. UnitorTM, display or mix automation)

In MTC MODE (Mode switch in mid position) MIDI data from MTC IN is always routed to MTC THRU. MTC code will be converted to SMPTE/EBU (refer to Sync-Box).

Please note: The last selected code format is valid for LTC mode. To switch to an other format, please select the required format in MTC mode. The default format after switching power on is always 25 frames.

MIDI data from MIDI IN is always routed to the output + OUT without adding a timecode signal.