I'm gonna lose my mind over this MIDI clock thing...

[Invisible Man]

Someone please help me before I go crazy. I'm trying to sync my whole board to MIDI clock, and there's always a goddamn hiccup. Here's the deal:

I love my Pitchfactor, and I'm thinking of going back to it after I sell my H9. I want to link up:
1) Moog Delay
2) Moog MuRF
3) Boomerang
4) EHX 8 Step

Right now I'm using a Molten Voltage Tempode to send MIDI clock to a splitter; the splitter isn't powered, so it doesn't really work.

Anyone using a Pitchfactor as a MIDI clock master? How's it workin? What are you sending the clock pulse to?

[digi2t]

You need this;



or



Or something similar. I'm using a Master Control, which I sent MIDI clock to nine different effects. In my case, I have a DMC MX-8 handling the rack chores, while a Midi Solution Thru box sits on the floor.

The problem with a simple splitter is that the clock data gets corrupted by all the other data that's flying in and out of all the units. A Thru unit acts as a traffic cop of sorts, ensuring that all the data stays together, and doesn't go where it's not supposed to. Even using the thru on each unit, and daisy chaining, is a chancy proposition since some units will prioritize their data over another units, thus corrupting data downstream.

In your case, get a thru box, feed the midi clock into it, and then branch it to the other effects. Just make sure that you configure all your effects to listen for midi clock, and not their internal clock. This should solve your problems.

As an additional note, thru boxes also help ensure proper program change, or CC message integrity. I use A LOT of midi gear, and when you start sending CC's to a lot of gear, simultaneously, you need thru units to ensure that the data is getting to the right place. If not, you'll find CC's controlling the wrong units, or the wrong units responding to PC's. I abandoned daisy chaining a long time (and much hair loss) ago.

[tuj]

I have used midi solutions bus-powered splitter as shown above in a 1>2 config and it was fine. I don't know about 1->4... You probably want a buffered midi patchbay. They are super cheap on eBay.

[digi2t]

I have used midi solutions bus-powered splitter as shown above in a 1>2 config and it was fine. I don't know about 1->4... You probably want a buffered midi patchbay. They are super cheap on eBay.

He mentioned that his splitter was not powered, so I'm assuming that it's passive. Like I said before, that won't work. A midi thru provides the buffering needed to ensure data integrity.

The 4 output thru will work just as well as the 2 output. The Midi Solutions boxes are powered via the midi line itself, and the buffering works the same way, just more of it. In the case of the Peavey box I pictured, it has it's own power supply. For a simple clock transmission application, a patchbay would be overkill. The DMC MX-8 for instance, besides being a rack unit, would be like trying to kill a mouse with a nuclear bomb.

[Invisible Man]

Thanks for the responses. I am using the MIDI Solutions Quadra Thru already. The Molten Voltage Tempode doesn't send power to the Quadra Thrua, which is a passive splitter. Does the Pitchfactor send power via MIDI? If so, then I can use the Quadra Thru, no issues. If not, then I need to pick up a powered splitter, I think.

http://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/ ... ru-5.shtml

Don't see any 'Murrican products that will do the trick.

So that's all I really need to know, I guess.

[digi2t]

If the little red light on the Quadra is not lit (or flashing) when the Tempode is plugged into it, then you do have a problem. The QT is midi powered. I'm not sure of the specs on the Tempode, so you may wish to contact MV about that.

Otherwise, the Kenton is an excellent product as well. I use a Kenton USB to midi convertor, and it works very well. That fact that it's externally powered should solve your issue, if indeed the Tempode only supplies clock pulse, and nothing else.

[Invisible Man]

I've been in touch with Molten Voltage (great product, and Bill is great to work with). The QT does flash, but--as I understand it--the Tempode does not pass power, so the signal is too weak to be split to the other pedals. If the Pitchfactor supplies power, I'm all set. That's what I'm trying to figure out.

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

if i had an eventide, i would test it for u real quick. my guess is that most pedals w/ midi wouldn't have the power pin connected on the midi jack tho.
did u try sending eventide an email? or is there like a music shop near u that has them? u could bring your QT and test it out real quick.


i had a similar thing going on w/ my setup and the QT. i got this lil guy instead so that i could just avoid the power thing all together

http://amptonelab.com/midi-splitter.html

it can be powered via 9v battery or onespot, etc. and is about the same size as the QT.
now my setup is more flexible since i don't have to worry about the master midi device supplying power thru the midi din.

just thought i'd throw it out there in case u have to go that route.

theres also apparently a power adapter u can purchase from midi solutions to get power to your QT, but seems kinda stupid
http://www.midisolutions.com/faqs.htm#Power

hope u get it sorted. midi headaches are lame.

[tuj]

I know I keep dropping the nuclear option, but this WILL solve your problems.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OPCODE-STUDIO-6 ... 3a703ae3d7

[univalve]

I have two of the Kenton 5 thru thingies and they work fantastic.

[sonidero]

Can't go wrong with a Midi Motu...

'member, it's just Musical Instrument Digital Interface...

[Invisible Man]

Thanks, everyone, for the help with this. Eventide told me that the PF *should* pass power to the splitter, but...I am skeptical. I don't have access to one here locally, so I'll just make the trade and see if it works.

Worst case scenario: it doesn't, and I pick up a Kenton 5 Thru for a couple bucks. I wish that MIDI was a little more consistent in its implementation--it's still the wild west with this stuff, it seems.