- 1). Link all MIDI devices with standard MIDI cables in one of two ways: the star configuration or the daisy-chain configuration. Use the star configuration in situations where all MIDI data is transmitted to a computer running a digital audio workstation (DAW) application such as Logic. Each MIDI device is connected to its own MIDI IN/OUT ports on a MIDI interface connected to the computer. Use the daisy-chain configuration in the absence of a DAW. The MIDI Clock master connects via its MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN port on the next device that connects to the next via its MIDI THRU port and so on.
- 2). Determine which device will be the MIDI Clock master. A DAW is a the most common choice. All DAW applications have a MIDI Clock function. Alternatively, if you are working with a collection of synthesizers and drum machines not connected to a DAW, choose the instrument that dominates the song. If a particular synthesizer is producing most of the sounds, choose that as your MIDI Clock master.
- 3). Set the MIDI Clock master's hardware options to send MIDI Clock data. The procedure for doing this will vary from device to device. Consult the device's documentation for information on setting it as the MIDI Clock master. In most DAW applications, there will be a MIDI Clock option in the MIDI section of the preferences.
- 4). Set all other connected MIDI devices to receive MIDI Clock data. Consult the devices' respective documentation for information. In many cases, this will be a matter of simply pushing a button, but there may be more steps involved.
- 5). Send a MIDI Clock initiation message from the master device. This procedure will vary depending on the device. Consult the documentation for instructions. In most cases, this will involve simply pressing the "Play" button in the master device's transport. All connected MIDI devices that have been correctly set to MIDI Clock slave mode will now be synchronized.
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