MIDI sync tempo fluctuation (OT+A4)

Elektron Gear Analog Keys/Four
1

Hi all,

I’ve been working with a new A4 and syncing it to my OT. I’m noticing a slight tempo fluctuation of around 1 BPM and was curious if anyone had any tips for reducing or eliminating the fluctuation.

Thanks!
Connor

2

[quote=“” sellanraa""]
Hi all,

I’ve been working with a new A4 and syncing it to my OT. I’m noticing a slight tempo fluctuation of around 1 BPM and was curious if anyone had any tips for reducing or eliminating the fluctuation.

Thanks!
Connor
[/quote]

Is this tempo fluctuation something you can hear, or is it just that the displayed value is fluctuating?

3

I can’t hear the tempo fluctuation unless I’m running some delays and then every now and again you can hear the tempo shift creating some wobble. Ultimately, it just strikes me as odd that it should fluctuate at all, but I’m definitely not a MIDI guy in general, so maybe this is more common than I realize?

Either way, I’d certainly appreciate any wisdom! :slight_smile:

4

In general, slaved instruments perform some short-term averaging of intervals between MIDI clock ticks in order to calculate the tempo. A slight hiccup in the incoming clock signal can therefore throw off the displayed tempo, even if the actual deviation from desired tempo is tiny.
Under normal circumstances, occasional small fluctuations will occur and I don’t know of any simple tips that can correct for them.