How to configure Source-Connect 4 Studio/Facility to send timecode via MTC and Pro Tools to send MTC
Important Note on Pro Tools Synchronization:
Pro Tools handles MTC and LTC synchronization differently:
- MTC (MIDI Time Code): Pro Tools does not continuously chase MTC. Instead, it positions itself to the incoming timecode and then runs at its own sample clock rate, assuming it will stay in sync. There is no continuous adjustment to maintain lock.
- LTC with Supported Hardware: When using Pro Tools' LTC-capable hardware interfaces in the appropriate sync mode, Pro Tools will actively adjust its sample clock to continuously chase the incoming LTC signal, maintaining true continuous synchronization.
For applications requiring tight, continuous sync, using Pro Tools with LTC hardware synchronization is recommended over MTC.
Follow the instructions below:
- In Source-Connect, click the “Send” button - it will turn green.
- In “TIME REFERENCE INPUT”, select “MTC” and the name of your MIDI device (we had named it “MIDI SC4” above).
- Select the appropriate FPS.
- On Pro Tools, click “MTC” and the clock icon next to it. If you don’t see these options, right click the area at the top (next to Play/Pause) and ensure that “Synchronization” is ON.
- Click “Setup” > “Peripherals”. Set “MTC Generator Port” to “IAC Driver, MIDI SC4” and then click “OK”.
- Go to “Setup” > “Session” and make sure the timecode rate is set to the same FPS rate you set in step (4).
- Connect to your connection partner.
- Play the timecode in Pro Tools.
In the example below, Pro Tools is sending timecode using “IAC Driver, MIDI SC4”, which is visible in the SYNC tab of Source-Connect 4. User “Armel” is sending the timecode:
The talent (Amber, who is on Source-Connect Studio) is receiving the timecode:
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