DIN sync

SYNC standard, often referred to as DIN Sync sync24 or less frequently referred to as sync48, defines an interface between electronic musical instruments. 1980, it was presented by the company Roland to synchronize sequencers, drum machines, arpeggiators and similar devices. A formal interface definition on the part of Roland does not exist. The following information is taken from the service manual, the Roland TR -808 drum machine.

With "DIN Sync" does not mean that the standard was developed by the German Institute for Standardization, but only that it uses DIN connector.

Definition

The interface transfers between a sender ( "master" ) and a receiver ("slave " ) the pace of the sending device. In addition, signals for the function "Start / Stop", and optionally transmitted for " reset start" and " fill-in ".

The SYNC standard uses a five-pin DIN connectors according to DIN 45322nd The assignment is:

• Pin 1 = Start / Stop ( Stop = 0 volts, start = 5 volts)
• Pin 2 = Ground (Ground)
• Pin 3 = clock (square wave 0 / 5 volts, symmetrical pulse width, the positive edge determines the clock time )
• Pin 4 = Reset - Start ( optional; technically as start / stop, the positive edge determines the reset)
• Pin 5 = Fill-In (optional; technically as start / stop, the rising edge activates the " fill-in " feature )

At the Roland machines The clock signal (pin 3) provides 24 pulses per quarter note. Some devices of Korg work with 48 pulses per quarter note. In theory, the assignment is to musical patterns but not fixed.

If a device transmitter of DIN sync, it must be restarted with the positive edge on the start line, the clock signal is reset and with a delay of 9 ms.

Relationship to other clock systems

Other Clock Systems

The MIDI interface uses the same connector, but electricians not compatible with DIN Sync. In the MIDI protocol MIDI clock is defined, which works well with 24 so-called "ticks " per quarter note ( one tick corresponds to a nibble of the protocol ).

So-called " analog clocks " correspond to the clock signal on pin 3 on the DIN Sync interface. The clock frequency is, however, generally higher than for the DIN Sync. Typical are 48, 96 or 192 pulses per quarter ( examples Oberheim DMX, DX, DSX; Linndrum 1 and 2).

So-called " analog trigger " transmit one pulse per musical event. For example, a step of an analog sequencer or arpeggiator, a step in a rhythm pattern. Typically run analog trigger with four pulses per quarter note.

Combination with other clock systems

The combination with other clock systems can either be via a conversion of format and / or clock rate ( see below) or by issuing different clock types through a central unit (so-called master clock ). Last is usually done in conjunction with a time-based synchronization, such as Synchronization with a tape recorder or video.

Typical devices for such master clock functions: Roland SBX80, SBX10; Friendchip SRC; Yamaha MSS1. Many drum machines that have both DIN Sync and MIDI Clock connections can act as a master clock for both of these formats.

Conversion from and to other clock systems

Although DIN Sync and MIDI clock have the same clock rate, but require a format conversion in a microprocessor or similar For the conversion of MIDI clock in DIN - Sync, there are many industrial devices. For conversion from DIN sync to MIDI, there are currently on the sync SPLIT2 the company Innerclock system, as well as two devices are no longer manufactured: Roland SBX10, Korg KMS30.

You can trigger or analog clocks from the clock signal from the DIN Sync interface with digital frequency division or frequency multiplication gain .. Industrial finishing equipment is the author unknown.

Units with DIN - Sync

Some devices have both a SYNC input and output, others only one slot, in which you can switch between input and output. In a third variant, the signal direction is determined by the used plug.

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