Protools Free & SMPTE

[Vik]

Can anyone tell me if there is a way to lock an SMPTE based video tape recorder/player to Protools free. Do i need any special midi interface cards or SMPTE-Midi converters? Is there any software solution for this problem?

[bigfrog]

It sounds like you need a sync box, that converts your SMPTE into MIDI timecode (MTC). The type of box depends on whether you're using vertical interval TC (VITC) or linear TC.

Feed the MTC into a MIDI port. PT Free should lock to incoming MTC when you put it online - small 'clock' on the left of the transport bar.

[Vik]

Thanks a ton. I'm not very midi savvy. Are there any generic brands that make this, like midiman? how much do they cost?

[bigfrog]

I don't know what's available in the US, but the cheapest boxes over here in the UK are probably the ones made by Philip Rees. They cost about £99 (around $140?) and can be used with linear time code.

They merge MIDI to allow simultaneous connection of a keyboard with only one MIDI IN port, if you need to do this.

All common frame rates are caterd for - 25/drop frame/30 etc. They are not designed to be thrown about, though - a bit fragile!

BF