Quickstart: Checklist for Source-Connect RTS

Quickstart: Checklist for Source-Connect RTS

Installation

• Correct rewire installation: “Se ReWire” AAX -> Instrument plug-in exists on a track in the DAW. Select any audio I/O, it will not use it. It should not say “No input/output”
• If ReWire plug-in is not available, delete the folder “/Library/Application Support/Propellerheads Software” and re-install Source-Connect.

Session Setup

It is recommended that you create a blank, clean session containing only your required audio routing and a track containing the SE ReWire plug-in. Test is, save it and store it (eg compress the folder) as a template. Use copies of that session as your RTS starting point, where you can import any multimedia content necessary. This way you know that you start on a safe point and you always have the template to fall back on if you face PT session related issues (differences in time values, RTS Play or Stop buttons not responding correctly). Your session should conform to the following:

• Session Start time must first be 0:00:00.
• Frame rates must match on both sides.
• Sample-rate is the same on both sides (or RTS will be disabled).
  • External clock source is the same sample rate as the session (or audio will be distorted).
• Video locations are the same in the timeline.
• No manual tempos or tempo mapping (see Conductor icon in transport window).
• Drop frame rates can show the Source-Connect timecode display incorrectly.
• Pre/Post roll should be off.
• In Source-Connect Pro: adjust manual send/delay value when using external I/O.
• On TDM systems, the ‘TDM aux’ box must be checked on the RTS panel to allow for the TDM Aux delay to be calculated (AAX plugin only)

RTS Mode

Are you using RTS with correct method? - ADR or Mix/Review Mode. See: Remote Transport Sync (RTS) and ProTools

Timecode Display

Under certain circumstances, particularly when using Drop Frames, the SourceConnect RTS display time will be out of sync. Always refer to your Pro Tools time display where possible. Request that all partners have the SMTPE view option (older versions of Pro Tools LE do not have this by default).

Pro Tools

Best practice with Pro Tools is for one side to create a session, and share it with your connecting partner. 

To obtain sync in Pro Tools you must note the following:

• The ‘Se ReWire’ plug-in is instantiated on a mono Audio track in Pro Tools with any input or output (don’t have it say no input/output).
• Exact record-start time is not possible due to inaccuracies in obtaining the exact sample-start time (varies from a few samples to a 1/4 frame depending on your method). Use a manual pre-roll of a second or more.
• Delay Compensation must be off for RTS (and always off, when working with AAX plugins).
• Reset Song start to 0 (via Time operations).
• New sessions must first have Session start time of 0.
• H/W buffer size should be set to 512 or 1024 for accuracy.
• The lowest possible setting for DSP voices.
• Use only the Pro Tools display for timecode reference when using drop frame rates.
  • Sync will be out in the first minute of the timeline. Start sync at 00:01:00:000 or later.

For legacy Pro Tools HD TDM systems only, make sure to note the RTS processor in Setup->Playback Engine.
 

Pro Tools and Tempo Maps

• Tempo must be 120bpm on both sides.
• If you need to use a Tempo Map, you must have the same session on both sides or sync will be out. Source-Connect should recognize there is a Tempo Map and not display timecode reference - use Pro Tools directly for 
  referencing sync.
• Must have cursor at 0 to change tempo, and make sure there are no tempo changes in session.
• Should say ‘Tempo Map’ in the Source-Connect RTS window if not 120bpm.
• The Conductor button be ON in the Transport window; a clear sign is that the Tempo ruler shows only "120" instead of "Manual tempo 120".