• Frequently Asked Questions

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 Clock Products

Accessories

Questions

multiclock


What power supply can I use for the multiclock?

You can use a power supply with an output voltage between 9V and 12V DC, 200mA and any polarity. The socket is a 2.1mm BOSS style type.

Can the multiclock generate it's own master clock?

Sure, the multiclock can be a masterclock generator on it’s own.

How can I send other MIDI commands to my slaved devices?

The multiclock has a powerful built-in MIDI mapper and merger. There are four USB MIDI ports available – one for each physical output port – which are merged internally with the accurate clock streams.

On top of that there is a MIDI Mapper, which allows you to map MIDI data from the physical DIN MIDI input to the outputs as well. With the Mapper, you can even substitute channel numbers and send commands to ports at once.

My DAW/Master does not support your plugin - what can I do?

If your DAW does not support our plugin, you can create a sync loop with the sample we provide. You can for example load it into a sampler and trigger it 24 times per quarter note. You can find a working MIDI clip here. If you want to use any other clock master – for example your tape machine – just record the output of the plugin / the sync sample to one of the tracks.

Is the MIDI Interface Multi Client ready?

Under OSX, the MIDI interface of the multiclock is multi client capable by default. For Windows, there is a driver, you can download it here:

E-RM multiclock Multi Client MIDI Driver

Is it possible to Solo a track in Ableton Live while maintaining sync with the Audio Sync plugin?

Sure, just configure the output of the multiclock plugin as an External Audio Effect to exclude it from the soloing behavior.

Can I stop each channel individually and start back in sync?

Each channel has it’s own start/stop button. When the system is running, you can stop each channel any time and start them again in sync with the selected time signature.

Which channels can be used to clock DIN Sync/Modular gear?

Every channel can be configured individually to have MIDI, DIN Sync, Modular or Analog format.

Which cables are required to connect the multiclock to my Modular system?

Channel 1 on the multiclock has a 1/4″ jack and can be used with a standard insert/Y cable to route clock and run/start signals to your system. For the other three channels you need a DIN socket to jack splitter, which we supply in the form of the modular whip.

Can I use the multiclock to improve/shift MIDI note timing?

The multiclock improves the timing of all instruments which are clocked by it. Nevertheless, you can not manipulate notes that you send from your DAW to your synths through the multiclock MIDI Interface. Keep your sequences in the internal sequencers of your external instruments or sequencers for tight lines!

midiclock⁺


Which gear/DAWs are supported by the midiclock⁺?

Generally speaking, everything is supported which can be set up as a MIDI Clock Slave, has a DIN Sync input or syncs to Analog clock pulses.
That means sequencers, drum machines, (guitar) effect pedals, samplers, arpeggiators, modular synthesizers or DAW and DJ software.

Some examples of compatible software are BitwigLive, Reason, Traktor and Maschine. Cubase, Reaper and Logic do currently not support external MIDI Clock.

In all cases, see the respective manuals on how to set everything up.

What are the best settings to achieve stable sync on a DAW?

Here is a random list of things to take care of to achieve stable sync on a DAW:

 

  • Read the Manual. Check chapter 04 in the manual of the midiclock⁺ and of your respective software for hints on synchronisation.
  • Use quality MIDI and audio hardware to get the signals in your DAW. Don’t be surprised if your cheap fully integrated MIDI-USB cable doesn’t do the job.
  • Use the latest version of your DAW software. There are enormous improvements especialy with Live for software versions after 8.2.5 and again with Live 9.
  • Set your audio buffer sizes as low as possible.
  • Take care of moderate load. If your CPU or RAM is running out of capacity there is no time for the software to take care of MIDI.
  • Turn off WLAN and bluetooth. Both cause excessive interrups to the system and spoil your synchronisation.

In all cases, see the respective manuals on how to set everything up.

Can I use the USB port to transmit any MIDI clock?

The USB port on the midiclock is only for power, no USB MIDI is available on this port.

What is the BPM range of the midiclock⁺?

The tempo range of the midiclock⁺ is 40-300 BPM.

What kind of power supply can I use with the midiclock⁺?

You can use any kind of USB wall wart like the ones you use to charge a smartphone to power your midiclock⁺. The voltage mustn’t exceed 7 V and it should at least have a supply current of 75 mA.

How can I enable Modular mode and what is the clock rate?

Set the mode selection switch on the back to DIN for the channel you want to use for your modular system. To enable Modular mode, hold down the encoder during power on. 8 clock pulses are sent per quarter note (8ppq), i.e. you get 32th notes. Cut down with a clock divider module as required.

modular whip


Does the modular whip with S-TRIG devices?

The modular whip is a voltage trigger adapter and can not be used as a short trigger without modification or external adapter cable.

Can I use the modular whip with other DIN Sync masters?

Sure, you can use the modular whip on any DIN sync output, just be aware that you get a pretty fast 24ppq (96th notes) output clock rate.

brightside


What are the exact angles in which I can set my Elektron machine up?

You can set up your machine in a smaller angle of 26 degree or in a steeper angle of 64 degree.

What can I do if the threads in my Elektron machine are covered with powder coating paint?

In very rare cases, the threads in the body of your Elektron machine are coverd with an excess layer of powder coating paint.

All currently delivered units of the brightside either have a self-tapping screw or equivalently designed bolts in the box. That removes excess paint while screwing in and results in a clean thread.

If you have one of the very first units of the brightside and face difficulties with assembly, drop us a line and we’ll send you help.

Why doesn't brightside also fit the Machinedrum/Monomachine MKI?

Machinedrum/Monomachine MKI are the first machines in Elektrons desktop machine form factor and the case is 14mm higher than the latter.

How much space does a machine with brightside attached take up on my table?

26 degree: W370mmxD178mmxH115mm
64 degree: W370mmxD115mmxH178mm

Do the original Elektron dust covers still fit my machine?

Yep, the dust covers perfecly fit you machine with the brightside attached.

How can I get a new stainless steel bolt if I lost one?

If you lost one of your bolts, just write us a message – we can get you a new one.