swm@drutx.UUCP (McGowanSW) (10/22/85)
>> As a word of caution, you might want to be aware of the fact that >> syncing your drum machine to this external clock automatically dis- >> ables your MIDI clock capabilities. This will probably be of no >> consequence until you try syncing up with a synthesizer or other >> MIDI compatible equipment, at which time your only option will be to >> start over using a different sync method ........[Steve McGowan] >................ But it seems that you could lay down a sync track with >something like a TR707, use the sync track to later drive the TR707 through >other material (to be recorded later) and/or have the TR707's MIDI out >serve as the clock for a sequencer or other device. [Rich Rosen] I'm not familiar with the TR707, but I'm reasonable sure this is a valid assumption. The literature I have implies that it has full tape/MIDI sync capabilities. The Yamaha, however, is an either/or choice unless you add additional hardware such as a MIDI interface device. The only tape syncing mechanism used is a square wave signal (frequency is pro- portional to tempo) that comes out the "cassette out" jack and can be recorded onto tape. This sync pulse can then be used to supply the clock for the drum machine by feeding it back into the "cassette in" jack and selecting the "external clock" option. However, in this mode the MIDI clock is disabled and your sequencer/synth just sits there waiting for instructions while the drum machine bangs away. I had no problems with this until I decided to expand my facilities by adding the sequencer/synth. After realizing what was happening, I added a Korg MIDI interface device between the RX-15 and the tape machine. The Korg converts the MIDI information to some sort of data signal to be stored on tape, and visa-versa for playback. The drum machine is now put in the "MIDI clock" mode, and all MIDI information is passed along to the rest of the gear. I wish Yamaha had included this in their machines, I would have gladly paid the additional cost just to have less boxes/switches/patch-cords to mess with. Steve McGowan AT&T-ISL Denver