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The Sirius and Cubase:
The one question that is most frequently asked on our hotline refers to how our products work together with
a sequencer programme. Here we were able to notice that the Steinberg Cubase programme (also
recommended by us, by the way) is the most popular. We will therefore answer the most important
questions using Cubase for reference. Procedure and relevant parameters can in most cases be adapted for
use in other sequencer programmes ( for example Logic or Cakewalk) because the functions discussed are
practically a pre-requisite for any self-respecting software programme.
At this point we would like to advise that shareware-sequencers and Light- and Demo-versions have serious
operational restrictions. It is possible that such programmes can not process SysEx-data (important for MIDI-
data-Dump), or cannot be synchronised to external devices or perhaps cannot store files.
Caution: We urgently advise you not to work with pirate copies of Cubase or Logic. First of all it is
illegal, and secondly these "Cracks" are totally unstable as both the Edit and Storage capabilities
depend entirely on either a 'Dongle' or, usually in the case of Macintosh versions, an 'Authorisation
Key'. You are better off investing in a licensed version of the software which will provide you with regular updates and
saves you from system errors and data loss just when the pressure is really on.
Synchronisation of the Sirius to Cubase:
From time to time it is necessary to synchronise the Sirius with another MIDI-device (for instance a Computer
with Cubase or a drum computer). This means that the connected devices will be working to one midi-clock
and will therefore run at the same tempo. Another advantage of such Synchronisation is that you can start and
stop the devices simultaneously.
In order to set up a synchronisation you will first have to decide which device is to drive the beat, or in other
words, which device's midi-clock is controlling all the other midi devices. This device will then be the
'Master' and passes on all its clock information to the device or devices you want to synchronise it to. These
secondary devices are known as 'Slaves'. The Sirius can work as Slave or Master. Which setting is best for
which situation is also explained in this chapter.
Cubase offers a generous choice of different synchronisation procedures which for a non-professional can be
quite confusing. You have the options to synchronise your computer with tape machines, hard disc
recorders, even video decks. Sometimes External Sync sources can be formats such as SMPTE, LTC, VITC,
EBU or MIDI TIMECODE (MTC) and are often used to meticulously control a number of devices
simultaneously.
For our purpose (to synchronise the Sirius to Cubase) we have opted for the most simple Sync.format: the
MIDI-Clock. The MIDI-Clock consists of three important Parts: the "Start" command, the "Stop" command
and the tempo of the clock itself. This clock is sending tempo information with a gap of only one-96th of a
note as a synchronisation signal to the Slave(s). The Slave(s) will therefore always know exactly where the
Master is within each bar of the pattern or song. Both devices are then 'running in sync'.
To try out the following examples you must connect the MIDI-IN-socket of the Sirius to the MIDIOUT-
socket of the Computer and the MIDI-IN-socket of the Computer to the MIDI-OUT socket of the Sirius.
Examples, diagrams and instructions regarding the MIDI-connection of the Sirius with a computer
and other MIDI-devices can be found in the chapter called: "MIDI-connection-examples with the
Sirius"
The Sirius and Cubase
The Sirius as Slave:
In order to make the Sirius a Slave you simply press the SYNC.EXTERN-key. The key should now be
lit and the following is shown in the display:
1: Untitled EXT
(STOP) _______
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The Sirius and Cubase
See page 102
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