Fantom 6 not sending clock, start, continue messages

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ChrisDuncan
Posts: 63
Joined: 03:10, 29 August 2023

Fantom 6 not sending clock, start, continue messages

Post by ChrisDuncan »

Hey, guys.

I've set Sync Mode to MASTER and Sync Output to ON. In Cubase, I'm able to record MIDI notes from the Fantom, so I know it's transmitting and connectivity is okay.

In Cubase, I've set it up to wait for the external sync before starting the recording. Normally, this means that as soon as the external device (in this case the Fantom) starts playing, Cubase starts recording and syncs to the external clock.

However, whether I play a loop or put it in a song and start the song, it doesn't trigger Cubase to begin. I've used Cubase for a long time so I'm fairly certain I have that end set up correctly, but the Fantom is new so I'm not sure what I'm missing.

Would appreciate any thoughts you might have.

Thanks,

Chris
ChrisDuncan
Posts: 63
Joined: 03:10, 29 August 2023

Re: Fantom 6 not sending clock, start, continue messages

Post by ChrisDuncan »

Because I've had driver problems, I have Cubase and the Fantom connected via 5 pin midi through my Focusrite audio interface.

However, I tested the drivers on another computer and was able to get them working properly. So, I then did the sync test and I get the same results over USB. I can't seem to get the Fantom to send the midi clock. Not sure why, since it's obviously supported in the Settings.
FGM
Posts: 1106
Joined: 14:41, 13 July 2020

Re: Fantom 6 not sending clock, start, continue messages

Post by FGM »

Oh, cheeeeses, all I know about clocks is the Circle of Fiths...

Billions of blue blistering barnacles, I am so sorry I myself cannot be of any help...

Software developers should make things easier, not just plug
and play but think and achive.

Meanwhile let's see what AI recommends....

I'm sorry to hear that you are having trouble with syncing your Fantom and Cubase via MIDI clock. I did some research and found some possible solutions for you.

- One thing you can try is to make sure that your Fantom is set to **Master** mode and Cubase is set to **Slave** mode. This means that the Fantom will send the MIDI clock signal and Cubase will follow it. To do this, you need to go to the **Sync** menu on your Fantom and select **Master**. Then, on Cubase, you need to go to the **Transport** menu, select **Project Synchronization Setup**, and under **Sync Source**, choose **MIDI Clock**. You also need to check the box for **MIDI Clock Follows Project Position**¹. This will ensure that Cubase will sync with the Fantom's tempo and location.
- Another thing you can try is to update your drivers and firmware for both your Fantom and your Focusrite audio interface. Sometimes, outdated or incompatible drivers can cause MIDI sync issues. You can find the latest drivers and firmware for your Fantom [here] and for your Focusrite audio interface [here]. Make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully and restart your devices after updating.
- A third thing you can try is to adjust the MIDI clock offset on Cubase. This is a parameter that allows you to compensate for any latency or delay in the MIDI signal. You can find this option in the **Project Synchronization Setup** window, under **MIDI Clock Out**. You can use a positive or negative value to shift the MIDI clock forward or backward in time. You may need to experiment with different values until you find the one that works best for your setup².

I hope these suggestions help you solve your problem. If not, you may want to contact Roland or Steinberg support for further assistance. Good luck! 😊

Source: Conversation with Bing, 9/2/2023
(1) MIDI Clock Destinations - Steinberg Documentation. https://steinberg.help/cubase_pro_artis ... ons_r.html.
(2) Sending MIDI clock from Cubase - Cubase - Steinberg Forums. https://forums.steinberg.net/t/sending- ... ase/611700.
(3) Cubase: Synchronisation Options - Sound On Sound. https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques ... on-options.
(4) How do I setup Steinberg Cubase to send out Midi Beat Clock to .... https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/ar ... yncronize/.

.................


I'm glad to hear that you have Cubase and the Fantom connected via MIDI. It sounds like you have done most of the steps correctly, but there may be one thing you are missing. According to the web search results, you need to select the Cubase MIDI output that is connected to the Fantom in the **Destinations** page of the **Project Synchronization Setup** dialog³. This will tell Cubase where to send the MIDI clock signal to sync with the Fantom. You can find this option under **Transport > Project Synchronization Setup > Destinations**. Make sure to check the box for **MIDI Clock** and choose the appropriate port for your Fantom. You may also need to adjust the **MIDI Clock Offset** parameter if there is any latency or delay in the sync². I hope this helps you trigger Cubase from the Fantom. If not, you may want to check your MIDI cable, your audio interface settings, or your Fantom firmware version for any issues. You can also contact Roland or Steinberg support for more assistance. Good luck! 😊

Source: Conversation with Bing, 9/2/2023
(1) External Synchronization - Steinberg Documentation. https://steinberg.help/cubase_pro/v10.5 ... ode_c.html.
(2) Midisport Fantom 8 "out" port inactive - Cubase - Steinberg Forums. https://forums.steinberg.net/t/midispor ... ive/809550.
(3) Synchronizing External Instruments - Cubase - Steinberg Forums. https://forums.steinberg.net/t/synchron ... ents/86839.
(4) undefined. https://steinberg.help/cubase_pro/v12/e ... tup_r.html.


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ChrisDuncan
Posts: 63
Joined: 03:10, 29 August 2023

Re: Fantom 6 not sending clock, start, continue messages

Post by ChrisDuncan »

Thanks, man. I do appreciate the effort to help, but I've done all those things and still no joy.

Most of the examples in the Google-verse are for the Fantom acting as a timecode slave to the DAW, when in fact I'm looking to do the opposite and drive the DAW from the Fantom song's timecode.

May have to email Roland support. All the obvious settings are there in the System menu, they just don't seem to work.

(And yeah, I agree about software developers since that's what I do for a living, but we're never given the time to do the things we want because Marketing is always in a hurry to rush it out the door.)
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