MIDI Integration. Obviously, in the days before DAWs (somewhere between 1990 and the Stone Age), we ran MIDI-based sequencers on a Mac or PC, and used timecode or a similar sync reference to lock the output to analog or digital playback. The current paradigm uses MIDI to trigger samples as well as music events, a scenario that makes much more sense when using integrated software within an environment on the same computer platform.

But, if we prefer to use a favorite sequencer that runs on an older type of computer, or one which offers creative features not available on newer systems, then there is no reason to think this cannot co-exist alongside current technologies. Just remember that separate clocks need to be locked very accurately, and compensate for latency problems between two interconnected computers.

Timecode/sync Capabilities. It goes without saying that if we are working with a separate digital mixer, recorder and editing system, these different components need to be locked together using an accurate synchronization signal – either timecode and/or a word clock. And if you are transferring materials between digital recorders (tape/MDM and PC-Based species, for example) and a PC for editing, then a reliable and highly accurate sync reference is essential if all these elements are to remain locked together. The same goes for audio designed to be locked to companion video material; here, of course, we need exact knowledge of the frame rate (and any pull-up/downs) plus the project’s overall sample frequency.

As we can see, it is possible to live in what I might describe as a transitional world; using a hard-disk recorders in conjunction with a PC-based editor, for example, or an analog/digital mixer with a combination recorder/editor. While these cannot offer the same one-stop, versatile functionality of a fully integrated workstation, they represent cost-effective starting points.

Next Time: A closer look under the hood – “System Architectures: Appliance-specific versus Computer-centric Solutions.” Then: “System Topology: Native versus DSP-based processing.”

©2001 Mel Lambert/Media&Marketing. All right reserved

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