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BEING A TIMECODE MASTER

MIDI Timecode

• 4 2-byte messages per SMPTE frame
• 30 fps = 2 bytes every 8.333ms = 7.68% of MIDI bandwidth
• scheduling messages is difficult (more later)
• 30 fps = 8.33ms = 400 samples : not exactly a common interrupt interval for audio interfaces. (+ 24fps, 25fps, 30 fps drop, etc.)
• if they are not delivered on time, other devices will chase MTC, but will not lock to it. some refuse to enter record mode without a lock to timecode.

SMPTE

• a continuous audio signal
• much easier to deliver
• still trying to find code to generate it
• routing is an issue - which channel to send it on?