SMPTE on reel to reel sync to Cakewalk

[gmp]

It's been almost 30 years since I had to sync  SMPTE on reel to reel  to Cakewalk. I've looked through my old notes and can't remember where to plug the cord with the  SMPTE tone recorded on track 8 of a 8 track reel to reel to Cakewalk. I have an old WIN 98 computer that I used last time and the midi interface and a Layla sound card. I want to transfer the audio from the 8 track reel to reel to Cakewalk. It's been way too long

[DeeringAmps]

SEMPTE IN and OUT should be on the MIDI interface somewhere. Here's a link to the MOTU MIDI Express.

Set Cakewalk to follow SEMPTE in PREFERENCES>Sync and Caching.

HTH,

t

[msmcleod]

1. Connect the output of the tape track that has SMTPE on it to the input of your SMTPE unit.
2. Connect the MIDI output of your SMPTE unit to the MIDI IN on your MIDI interface.
3. Within Cakewalk/Sonar, go to  Preferences->Project/Clock, set Source to SMTPE/MTC  - adjust the PPQ/Time Format to match the SMPTE code  (if you can't remember, just match it to whatever the SMPTE unit is currently set to).  Bear in mind, the SMPTE unit might actually be sending MTC rather than SMPTE - I know my old PPS100 was set to do that - so you might get away with not having to adjust anything.
4. Press Play in Sonar
5. Press Play on the tape machine

If you're transferring stuff from tape, then replace step 4 with:

4.1  Connect your tape outputs to audio interface inputs
4.2  Add the required number of audio tracks to match the tape's audio tracks - set the sources to match the audio interface inputs
4.3  Arm the tracks
4.4  Press Rec in Sonar

[gmp]

Got it working but the 1/4 tape which was 32 years old, just started flaking and deteriorating. So it was a lost cause. But I learned a lot and resurrected my Win 98 computer, midi interface with SMPTE and Layla card.  I did this 11 years ago and the tape was ok, so 16 years worked, but not 32 years

[57Gregy]

15 minutes ago, gmp said:

Got it working but the 1/4 tape which was 32 years old, just started flaking and deteriorating. So it was a lost cause. But I learned a lot and resurrected my Win 98 computer, midi interface with SMPTE and Layla card.  I did this 11 years ago and the tape was ok, so 16 years worked, but not 32 years

If you haven't thrown it away yet, put the tape in your freezer for a few days or years and try again.

[gmp]

next time I'll do the freezer thing, this time it['s already in really bad shape - thanks for the tip[

[Max Arwood]

I think most people bake old tapes. 

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+restore+old+reel+to+reel+tape+that+is+flaking

I am a jeweler/musician - I have a vacuum chamber! (for lost wax casting) If  you were closer we could try this method too