What Lockstep Is

Lockstep allows other software on your computer to lock to incoming timecode by converting LTC (linear or longitudinal time code) to MTC (MIDI time code). By accomplishing this step entirely in software, Lockstep eliminates the need for expensive hardware timecode converters.

Although LTC is a digital format, it is designed to be carried on an analog audio connection. Lockstep takes advantage of this by reading LTC from any input of any CoreAudio-compatible audio device. This could be as fancy as a 1/4” or XLR input on a Firewire audio interface, or it could be as simple as the built-in input mini jack on a laptop. (Note, though, that dedicated LTC/SMPTE inputs are not visible to Lockstep.)

What Lockstep Is Not

Lockstep is not a clock source, and won't guarantee that the slaved machine won't drift over time. If you need to maintain drift-free sync over a fairly long period of time, you'll also need to set your audio hardware to resolve to an external clock source such as word clock.