Clock Conversion
The T1 can act as a clock bridge, translating between different timing domains so hybrid rigs stay in sync. Use it to share tempo and beat phase across:
- Ableton Link (Wi‑Fi)
- MIDI Clock over USB and 3.5 mm TRS Type A (DIN via adapters)
- Analog Sync (3.5 mm clock In/Out)
This page explains core concepts, common conversions, and practical setups.
Clock conversion deals with tempo and beat phase. Transport (Start/Stop) handling can vary between protocols and apps. If strict transport sync is required, consider routing MIDI Start/Stop alongside tempo sync.
Core Concepts
One Clear Master
- Pick a single master clock (DAW, T1, or external hardware) and let everything else follow.
- Avoid feedback loops (e.g., DAW → T1 → DAW).
MIDI Clock
- Sent at 24 pulses per quarter note (24 PPQN).
- Separate MIDI messages control Start/Stop/Continue.
Analog Clock (Sync)
- A pulse‑based clock. Devices may expect 1, 2, 4, 24, or 48 PPQN (varies by brand/ecosystem).
- Sometimes a Reset/Run line is also used (device‑specific).
Ableton Link
- Shares tempo and phase over a network (peer‑to‑peer).
- Transport (Start/Stop) support depends on host/app capabilities.
Quantization Boundaries
- Clock sync is independent of musical quantization. Pattern/Cycle changes on the T1 can be quantized to keep transitions musical.
Quick start recipes
1) Link master → T1 → MIDI Clock + Analog Sync
Use a DAW/app with Link as the tempo source and let T1 distribute to hardware.
- Join Wi‑Fi and enable Link on the T1.
- In your DAW/app, enable Link and set tempo.
- On the T1, enable MIDI Clock Out (USB/TRS) to your hardware targets.
- Set Analog Clock Out PPQN to match your drum machine/modular expectations (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 24).
- Press Play on the T1 (or host) and verify all followers run in time.
If a device runs at double/half speed, change its clock division or adjust the T1 Analog PPQN to match.
2) DAW (MIDI Clock) master → T1 → Analog Sync
Use a DAW as master over MIDI; let the T1 feed modular/drum machines with analog clock.
- Connect T1 via USB (or DIN/TRS) and enable MIDI Clock Out in the DAW.
- Set the T1 clock source to external MIDI.
- Enable Analog Clock Out on the T1 and select the appropriate PPQN for your gear.
- Start the DAW transport; the T1 follows and forwards clock to analog devices.
3) Analog master → T1 → MIDI Clock + Link
Clock the system from a modular/drum machine and distribute to MIDI/Link domains.
- Connect external clock → T1 Analog Clock In.
- Set the T1 clock source to external Analog and choose the expected PPQN.
- Enable MIDI Clock Out from the T1 to your synths/drum machines.
- Enable Link on the T1 to share tempo with networked apps.
Choosing PPQN and divisions (Analog Sync)
Analog Sync is a pulse stream. Devices interpret “pulses per quarter note” differently:
- Modular utilities often accept a wide range (1, 2, 4, 24 PPQN).
- Drum machines/grooveboxes may expect 24 or 48 PPQN.
- Some desktop units prefer 2 or 4 PPQN.
Guidelines:
- Match PPQN whenever possible between sender and receiver.
- If a device has fixed PPQN, use the T1’s division/multiplication options to align musical tempo.
- If the tempo feels doubled (too fast), halve PPQN (or add division). If halved (too slow), double PPQN (or remove division).
Electrical thresholds for analog clock vary by device. Use proper TS cables and confirm the expected voltage, edge sensitivity, and any required Reset/Run signals in the destination’s manual.
Transport behavior
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| MIDI | Start/Stop/Continue messages are explicit and can be forwarded where appropriate. |
| Analog | Start/Stop is often implied by clock presence; some devices support a separate Reset/Run input. |
| Link | Tempo/phase is shared; transport support depends on the host/app and firmware. If tight transport control is needed across all domains, pair Link with MIDI Start/Stop or start devices manually. |
Designate a single “transport leader” (e.g., DAW or T1). If you notice double starts or hiccups, disable redundant transport sources.
Example configurations
- Wireless tempo with hardware chain
- T1 (Link On) shares tempo with a DAW/iOS app
- T1 → MIDI Clock Out → synths/drum machines
- T1 → Analog Clock Out → modular
- DAW‑centric studio
- DAW → MIDI Clock → T1 (follower)
- T1 → Analog Clock Out to modular
- Optional: T1 (Link On) to sync with network apps
- Modular‑led jam
- Eurorack clock module → T1 Analog Clock In
- T1 → MIDI Clock Out to desktop instruments
- T1 (Link On) to keep a tablet drum app aligned
Best practices
- Pick one master clock per session; avoid daisy‑chained masters.
- Keep clock paths short; use active/buffered splitters for multiple followers.
- Standardize PPQN across your rig where possible; document your choices.
- Quantize musical transitions (Pattern/Cycle) to keep changes tight while the clock runs continuously.
- For Link, use a dedicated Wi‑Fi router and avoid guest/isolated networks.