Hi
Anyone sync'd up a Tascam 688 midi studio to Sonar Platinum. I remember using this years ago by recording on track 8 and then sync'n it up to an old Atari without any timing issues. It seems that Sonar can't repond to the sync and reverts to it's own time code, although it will start and stop from the 688 without probs. I think I've covered all the bases within sonar (clock, sync etc) but I can,t get it to respond to the master time code (from 688) when Sonar is the slave.
 

I used to do this with Cakewalk 3.0 and a MOTU MidiXpress. What are you generating the timing code with?
Using SMPTE or the midi code?
I always used SMPTE.
T

It still works?? I have 2 644s and a 238 that suffer from tape speed control failure. I've heard it's due to the capacitors drying out. Since I live in a climate with a humidity never exceed limit of 20% it's probably true.
 
I loved using the 644's mixers which still work but don't know who can fix them. Their only real downfall is the lack of phantom power.

TOM DEERING
Sonar P is the generator for various time codes, I have tried MTC and SMPTE via midi out to the 688 which 'records' this signal to a dedicated track (8). Then rewinding the tape to start and setting the 688 to load/send this time code back to Sonar P. By setting sonar to start by waiting for an MTC code, when the tape is run Sonar will start and stop under control of the 688 but the problem is that it reverts to it's own beat/timing. I have two 688's and the quality produced by these machines cannot be matched by many of the open reel type recorders, My studio is a blended one of analog and digital so it would be great if this problem were solved. ******
SOENS
Regarding your problem with the 644's which I beleive run at normal cassette speed, and given my experience of repairing my 688s I think you should check the capstan belt which may have stretched over the years and if so will cause speed fluctuations making it impossible to use. It is a 'fiddly' job to replace the belt (check Ebay for 644 spares) but if you get them going again very worth while.
 
 

Supa,
What does your Preferences>Audio>Sync and Caching look like?

SONAR has to "switch" clocks here, you'll have to "cut and try" so to speak.
Its been a long time since I used the 688, loved it though!
ProAudio 9 is where I really began to "understand" how to make
music "in the box". Made some "bad" recording before.
Of course, that's about the time processing power, ram and drive space really became
"adequate" for the task, for me anyway.
HTH

Many thanks Tom for the input and time responding. I have tried changing variables without much success regarding tempo. My thinking is that I'm asking to much of the 688 or maybe Sonar P ... but I'll play around a bit and see. I agree with you regarding the 688, I paid just under four grand many many years ago for 2 of them and still think it was money well spent even though I've made one a donar!

SONAR will most definitely "sync" to SMPTE.
But: "Sonar P is the generator for various time codes"
I always "striped" track 8 with the MOTU.
**SONAR (Cakewalk 3 for me) "reads" the code.**
 
That's incorrect, the MOTU "reads" the analog signal and passes it along to the SONAR.
Mine had a parallel printer port, I tried one that was USB and never got it to work.
 
"MTC and SMPTE via midi out to the 688"
I could be wrong here, and I sold the 688 years ago so I can't test.
BUT, MTC and SMPTE are analog signals, out via midi; I don't think so.
I "recorded" it, I don't have a manual anymore, but it was an analog input.
Do you have any old cassettes that have time code?
(added)
As far as I know you'll still need hardware to sync the computer and the 688.
 
You need to go here http://motu.com/products/midi/micro_usb
 
T

SupaReels Music
SOENS
Regarding your problem with the 644's which I beleive run at normal cassette speed, and given my experience of repairing my 688s I think you should check the capstan belt which may have stretched over the years and if so will cause speed fluctuations making it impossible to use. It is a 'fiddly' job to replace the belt (check Ebay for 644 spares) but if you get them going again very worth while.

Not to hijack Tom's thread but...
 
The 238 runs at 2x speed (3¾ ips)
Motor hums loudly
Tape speed - overly fast (no fluctuations)
VARI speed control - not working
 
The 644s are switchable from 1x (1⅞) to 2x (3¾)
644-1
Motor hums (pitch changes with VARI speed control)
VARI speed control - works
PLAY - not working
FF - works
REW - works
Main output wire - broke
LEDs - work
External PSU - works
 
644-2
Motor is quiet
VARI speed control - works
PLAY - not working
FF - works
REW - works
Main output wire - broke
LEDs - work (some lenses broke)
External PSU - not working
 
Motor symptoms came on instantly not gradually.
 
 

not to derail....
 
but i had a 688 for a few years,
that was an excellent sounding machine.

TOM
Thanks Tom, your dead right! I pulled a thread from a Home recording website and the reason for this problem is due to Sonar P is sending SMPTE/MTC or MIDI Sync. The tascam is 'recording' the midi beat clock and converting it to an FSK tone. Sonar is responding to the start continue and stop although (as you have said) I would need something to convert the O/P (FSK) from the Tascam to an MTC or SMPTE signal.... So I might invest or I might not I'll see, depends on how much of this 'old stuff' I wanna keep. Of course the get around is just to record anolog straight to Sonar P and retime then mix! Cheers good thread
 
SOENS
As I never owned a 238 I have no input to help, as regards to the other 2 recorders (And sorry I thought the 644 was one speed ie 1⅞) The No 1 still could be the drive belt, but in both cases I would research in detail various faults and carefully attampt a home repair ... whats to loose!