SMPTEGenerator
SMPTEGenerator is not a real audio effect. It sends out SMPTE timecode to an audio output, allowing you to synchronize other equipment to your host application (provided that the equipment can synchronize directly to SMPTE timecode). This can be very useful if you do not have access to a MIDI-to-timecode converter.
Cubase LE |
Cubase AI |
Cubase Elements |
Cubase Artist |
Cubase Pro |
Nuendo |
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Included with |
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![](../../../../_shared_picts/picts/plug_ref/smptegenerator.png)
- Main timecode display
This display shows the current timecode.
If Link to Transport is deactivated, the generator is in free run mode. You can use the timecode display to set the SMPTE start time.
If Link to Transport is activated, you cannot change any of the values. This display shows the current timecode in sync with the Transport panel. Where applicable, the offset defined in the offset timecode display is taken into account.
- Frame rate display and pop-up menu
The frame rate shown to the right of the timecode display corresponds to the frame rate set in the Project Setup dialog. To generate timecode in a different frame rate (for example, to stripe a tape), select another format on the pop-up menu (only available if Link to Transport is deactivated).
NoteFor another device to synchronize correctly to your host, the same frame rate has to be set in the Project Setup dialog, SMPTEGenerator, and the receiving device.
- Offset timecode display
This display is only available if Link to Transport is activated. It allows you to set an offset with regard to the timecode used by your host application. The offset affects the generated SMPTE signal, the current cursor position remains unaffected.
For example, use this when playing back video using an external device, where the video starts at a different timecode position than in your host. A scenario could be as follows: You have placed the same video several times on the timeline, in order to record different audio versions for that video one after the other. However, since video playback is done via an external machine (replaying the same video), you need an offset to match the different timecode positions in your host with the (unchanging) start position on the external machine.
- Generate Code
If this button is activated, the plug-in generates SMPTE timecode in free run mode, meaning that it outputs continuous timecode independent from the Transport panel. Use this mode if you want to stripe tape with SMPTE.
- Link to Transport
If this button is activated, the timecode is synchronized to the Transport panel.
- Timecode in Still Mode
If this button is activated, the plug-in also generates SMPTE timecode in stop mode. However, note that this is not continuous timecode, but timecode generated at the current cursor position. For example, this can be useful when working with video editing software that interprets the absence of timecode as a stop command. By using this option, the video software can enter still mode instead so that a still frame is shown instead of a blank screen.
To change one of the timecode values (main and offset timecode displays), double-click on any of the timecode fields and enter a new value.