I Am A MIDI Dunce

[Mark]

Background. After 3 years of being functionally non-functional I finally got my Tascam 388 working again. The first thing I decided to do was to stripe timecode (FSK) to track 8 with the aim of using it to trigger my RX8 drum machine so I don't have to commit it to tape straight away.

Here's what I did

• Connect MIDI out of Yamaha RX8 to MIDI in of Tascam MTS-30
  Connect MIDI out of MTS-30 to MIDI in of RX8
  Connect tape out of MTS-30 to PGM buss in 8 on 388
  Connect PGM Buss out 8 to tape in of MTS-30
  Set MTS-30 to Save and set level for track 8 to -5 dB
  Set RX8 to Internal Clock
  Press play and record on 388
  Press play on RX8
  Record timecode for first song
  Return to zero, set MTS-30 to load, RX8 to MIDI clock. Press play on tape deck

And... Nothing happens. I checked that I'd actually recorded the sync track by listening to track 8 with the drum machine and MTS-30 both switched off; so I know it's been recorded. So what am I missing?

[jacksaturn]

I don't have firsthand experience with the Tascam MTS-30, but looking at the description of your setup, wouldn't the Yamaha RX8 need to be connected to MIDI Out from the MTS-30, rather than MIDI In?

-Jack

[Mark]

You mean connect the MIDI out of the RX8 to the MIDI out of the MTS-30?

Seems counter-intuitive

[Mark]

Turns out I should have been using the tape out of track 8 rather than the PGM buss out.

Working like a charm now

[vvv]

"I Am A MIDI Dunce" - you should write and record that song.

Perhaps in the inimitable Devo-stylee.

[Mark]

[drumsound]

"I Am A MIDI Dunce" - you should write and record that song.

Perhaps in the inimitable Devo-stylee.

I second this idea.