User manual

Table Of Contents
665
Synchronization
Activating VST System Link
To put all computers online, proceed as follows:
1. For all computers, activate the Online checkbox on the VST System Link page.
2. Start playback on one computer to check that the system is working – all
computers should start almost instantly and play perfectly in time, with sample-
accurate precision.
The Offset Samples setting allows you to adjust whether one machine will play
slightly ahead or behind the rest.
This is normally not needed, but occasionally with some hardware you may find
that the lock is a few samples out. For now, leave it set to 0 – it will most likely be
what you want.
The Transfer Bits setting allows you to specify whether you want to transfer 24 or
16 bits. This allows you to use older audio cards which do not support transfer of
24 bits.
VST System Link sends and understands all transport commands (such as play, stop,
fast forward, rewind, etc.). This allows you to control the entire network from one
computer without a problem – try it! If you jump to a locator point on one machine, all
other machines will also instantly jump to that locator point.
Scrubbing via VST System Link
You can scrub on one computer and have the video and audio on another computer
scrub along. However, the playback on the linked systems may not be perfectly in
sync while scrubbing and there are some further restrictions you should bear in mind
when scrubbing via VST System Link:
Use the jog/shuttle control on the Transport panel or a remote controller for
scrubbing.
Scrubbing with the Scrub tool does not work over a VST System Link connection.
Always use the system where you started scrubbing to control the scrubbing, e. g.
change the scrub speed or stop scrubbing.
Changing the scrub speed on a remote system will only change the speed on the
local system.
You can start playback on all systems.
This stops scrubbing and enters playback on all systems in sync.
Using MIDI
As well as supplying transport and sync control, VST System Link also supplies up to
16 MIDI ports, with 16 channels each. To set this up, proceed as follows:
1. Use the MIDI Inputs and MIDI Outputs value fields to specify the number of MIDI
ports you need.
The default value is 0 MIDI In and 0 MIDI Out ports.
2. In the Project window, create a MIDI track and open the Inspector (top section).
!
Make sure that all computers have their tempos set to the same value, otherwise your
synchronization will be seriously skewed.