Protools not Syncing to Studer 2" w/ USD

[Faulty Records]

I am having sync problems using a Studer 2" machine feeding SMPTE (30 non drop) directly patched to the SMPTE input of my USD. The USD sees the time code, but the PT 5.1 sits idle with the 'clock' flashing (waiting for timecode).

We have double checked all the session details (start time, frame rate, sample rate), confirmed the firmware on the USD, and are using the latest software.

USD locks fine and SMPTE shows up properly in session set up window and on faceplate of USD.

Has anyone else had these problems?
Here's the layout:

MacG4 533, 384 meg
PT 5.1
USD (5.0.1 firmware)
Connected to core card serial port

[Disco_Doctor]

Make sure that the preference "Record online at timecode/ADAT lock" is checked, not the "Record online at insertion point" preference". (that's not the exact wording of the prefs - but you probably know what I mean).

[jeffpeff]

Have you checked your Peripherals setup and OMS (or FreeMIDI) to confirm that everything is as it's supposed to be? This sounds obvious, but it seems relevant, as the USD is appearing to behave properly. Also...Make sure you're not feeding your PT session timecode that precedes the start time of the session.

[Rob Macomber]

I am guessing you have the peripherals/sync( setup menu) setup correctly....then in your session setup window, you should see USD parameters in the bottom of the window. ( click upper right corner if not) You should set the Clock Reference and Positional Reference to LTC....(in your described situation)

If this is all set up correctly....and still nothing....I would guess that your Studer transport is NOT ROCK SOLID. Meaning....Pro Tools is looking for its clock reference from the frequency of the LTC coming in. If it is at all unstable....Pro Tools won't lock....or will drop out.

Pro Tools works on a trigger with timecode. The only way you can have true sync is when The USD and the Master (Studer) are resolved to the same (stable) Clock. Like Vid. Ref. ...and using LTC for positional Reference only.

I often Sync to a Studer that is controlled( speed) by a Timeline Lynx...that is inturn referenced to House Sync. LTC from the Studer ( reshaped by the Lynx ) is fed to the USD... which is Referenced to the same House Sync as the Lynx. When Pro Tools and the Studer are running at the same speed...and locating to the same addresses....everybody is happy.

R

[ekuehnl]

Actually, the USD has a pretty wide tolerance for LTC speed fluctuation as long as there are no LTC dropouts. You should be able to flange the 2" reels with your finger and still get rock solid sync through the USD. Pretty amazing, really...

Faulty - Do you have PT machine control? If so, try disabling it in the peripherals menu. Machine control connected to a device other than the Studer will cause the exact problem you are having.