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Analog Sync

The T1 provides 3.5 mm Sync connections for clock In/Out so you can synchronize with modular systems, drum machines, and other hardware that accepts an analog clock. Use analog sync on its own, or combine it with MIDI and Ableton Link when your setup spans multiple timing domains.

  • Clock Out: sends a pulse clock from the T1 to external gear
  • Clock In: receives a pulse clock from external gear into the T1

Analog sync carries clock pulses only (no audio or note data). Use standard 3.5 mm mono (TS) patch cables for these connections.

Quick start​

T1 as the master clock (Clock Out)​

  1. Set the T1 clock source to Internal.
  2. Connect T1 Clock Out → external device Clock In (3.5 mm).
  3. Choose an appropriate clock rate (PPQN) in the T1’s clock/sync settings.
  4. Press Play on the T1. The external device runs in time with the T1.

T1 following an external analog clock (Clock In)​

  1. Set the T1 clock source to External (Analog).
  2. Connect external device Clock Out → T1 Clock In.
  3. Set the expected clock rate (PPQN) in the T1’s clock/sync settings.
  4. Start the external device. The T1 follows the incoming clock.

If tempo seems doubled or halved, adjust either device’s clock rate setting (PPQN) or use a clock divider/multiplier so pulses per quarter note align.

Clock rate and division (PPQN)​

Analog clock systems use pulses per quarter note (PPQN). The T1 lets you configure the clock rate and apply divisions/multipliers so it can match different ecosystems (e.g., modular clocks, drum machines, desktop grooveboxes).

  • Set PPQN to match the external device (when the T1 is master) or the incoming clock (when following).
  • Use division/multiplication to create musically related tempos (e.g., half‑time or double‑time) without changing the source tempo.

Exact PPQN values and options can vary by firmware. Match the rate on both sides, and use clock conversion when bridging different standards.

The T1 can be the timing hub that ties together multiple clock types:

  • Analog ↔ MIDI: Send or receive analog clock while also sending/receiving MIDI Clock.
  • Analog ↔ Ableton Link: Keep analog hardware in sync with a Link session over Wi‑Fi.
  • Mixed setups: Use the T1 as a bridge between analog clock, MIDI clock, and wireless Link.

See “Clock Conversion” for strategies to maintain stable timing across domains.

Example setups​

  • Modular rig (T1 as master)

    • T1 Clock Out → Eurorack clock module or sequencer Clock In
    • Set the T1 to Internal clock and choose the PPQN your rack expects

  • Drum machine clocked from T1

    • T1 Clock Out → Drum machine Clock In
    • Configure the drum machine to receive external clock

  • DAW and modular together

    • DAW ↔ T1 via USB MIDI (MIDI Clock)
    • T1 Clock Out → Modular Clock In
    • Optionally use Ableton Link if your DAW and T1 share a network

  • External clock source driving the T1

    • Hardware master Clock Out → T1 Clock In
    • T1 distributes timing to MIDI and other analog devices

Related Pages

SyncClock ConversionMIDI Connectivity