How to...

Send MTC to Pro Tools

Pro Tools is a special case among MTC-enabled sequencer and DAW applications, in that it takes a few extra steps to set up the proper MIDI routing and sync settings. Lockstep makes this easier by dealing with the MIDI routing behind-the-scenes.

1. Set Lockstep's output to "Lockstep IAC (to PT)". This will automatically enable the IAC driver in Audio/MIDI Setup (if necessary), create an IAC port (if necessary), and then select that port as Lockstep's MTC output.
2. In Pro Tools:
   • Go to Setup → Peripherals. In the Synchronization tab, set the MTC Reader Port to Lockstep's IAC bus.
   • Selection Options → Transport Online, or click on the Online button in the Transport window.

Troubleshoot a Dropout

Occasionally something goes wrong and a slave machine will suddenly stop syncing to timecode, or will have trouble syncing in the first place. Here are a few tips to figure out where the problem lies:

1. First check Lockstep's status display. If it reads "Receiving", the problem lies either in the MTC routing or in the sequencer's sync settings. Double-check that MTC is being sent out to a port that your sequencer can read, and that the sequencer is online. (See How to send MTC to Pro Tools above for help syncing Pro Tools to Lockstep.)
2. Check the level indicator on Lockstep's main window. If there is no level, Lockstep is not receiving a timecode signal. Some things to check:
• Make sure the correct audio input is selected in Lockstep
• Check the master computer's sync settings to ensure that timecode is being transmitted
• Check all physical connections along the audio pathway, and try a different cable if necessary
3. If there is signal coming in, but Lockstep's status display reads "Online - waiting", the timecode signal may be degraded somewhere along the signal path, or may be picking up interference. Double-check all connections and make sure no cell phones are on in the vicinity.