Question about syncing several devices

Easyjoey · 2014-08-22T13:47:02.000Z

I have some questions regarding connecting several devices so they clock together without the use of a computer. Currently in my studio, every midi device is connected to a MOTU midi patch bay and the computer sends clock to everything and I have no issues… however I want to connect all of these devices without a computer. Here is what I want to connect:

DSI Tempest

Elektron Analog Four

Roland TB-3

Moog Sub 37

What I want to do is allow each of these devices to run their own step sequencer but everything be in time via clock. How would you connect them? Which device would you use as a master? Would you use a midi patch bay or daisy chain everything together? If I choose to daisy chain everything will there be latency?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Joe

jeffe · 2014-08-22T14:09:04.000Z

Personally i dont think that’s too much gear to daisy chain, but i guess you will find out soon enough.

So my first suggestion would be to just try different things (get off the internet for a second and do it vs talk about it). You’ll learn best that way. Not to mention I’m not sure if all those devices do IN+THRU so the hardware limitations might quickly give you some clues as to what will work best.

As for the master, I’d probably say the tempest - considering Dave Smith helped invent midi, i’m gonna put my money that the clock in there is really good. Not to mention the tempo knob and transport on a drum machine are usually the most accessible controls.

Now I don’t know much about that midi patchbay, but if it can be used without a computer, go ahead and do it…while I don’t think you’ll get too much slop daisychaining, you are getting into that territory, so might as well bypass that if you can.

Good luck!