~~HEADLINE NUMBERING FIRST LEVEL = 3~~

====== Sending Timecode from Reaper to Titan on the same PC ======

This is an example of how to use Reaper - a much more powerful DAW (digital audio workstation) than Winamp - to send timecode to Titan, assuming both are installed on the same PC. 

===== Prerequisites =====

  - Titan PC-Suite, from v12 on (External AvoKey or T2 required - T1 or Editor Avokey does not work)
  - loopMIDI (see [[external:software_list|]], to route the MIDI signal from one program to another
  - Reaper (see [[external:software_list|]])

===== Make it run =====

==== - loopMIDI ====

This needs to be started (usually: automatically when Windows starts). By default it provides a virtual MIDI port named ''loopMIDI Port'':

{{:external:examples:loopmidi.png|}}

==== - Titan PC Suite ====

In order to initially watch the timecode open a timecode workspace window (e.g. Timecode 1) and select MIDI as timecode source.

{{:external:examples:timecode_window.png|}}

==== - Reaper ====

Launch Reaper. Load a track if you want (not required for this to function). However here are the steps to configure Reaper correctly:

=== - Enable MIDI Output ===

In the Options menu select Preferences - this opens the preferences window. Find ''MIDI devices'' in the Audio section. This should list ''loopMIDI Port'' as MIDI output:

{{:external:examples:options_hardware.png|}}

Right-click on ''loopMIDI Port'' output and either enable output and ''Send clock...'' from the menu...

{{:external:examples:reaper_output_1.png|}}

... or select ''Configure output...'' and make the settings there:

{{:external:examples:reaper_output_2.png|}}

Confirm the settings with ''OK'' to close the preferences window.

=== - Insert Timecode Generator ===

Rewind the timeline to 0:00:00 (simply press <Pos 1>). From the Insert menu select ''SMPTE LTC/MTC Timecode Generator''. This inserts this generator as new track.

{{:external:examples:insert_timecode.png|}}

=== - Adjust Timecode Generator ===

Right-click on the new timecode track, and from the context menu select Item properties. This opens the Media Item Properties window:

{{:external:examples:item_properties.png|}}

If you want then you can change length, position and other details. In any case you need to make sure it is MTC (MIDI timecode): click on the ''Properties'' button (at the bottom). In the new little window set the properties to ''Send MIDI (MTC)'':

{{:external:examples:item_properties_2.png|}}

Confirm/close both windows by clicking ''OK''.

=== - Route the MTC signal ===

Click on the routing button in the track controls (left to the timecode track):

{{:external:examples:routing_1.png|}}

This opens the routing window for this track:

{{:external:examples:routing_2.png|}}

Under MIDI Hardware Output (top-right) select ''loop MIDI Port'':

{{:external:examples:routing_3.png|}}

Close the routing window.

==== - Try it out ====

Essentially this should work straight away: as soon as you hit ''Play'' in Reaper, the timecode value in Titan starts to run. It is advisable to change the time units in Reaper: right-click on the timeline or the displayed time, and from the context menu select ''Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames''. 

This also works together with Reaper being controlled by Titan via MMC, like described in [[external:examples:reaper_mmc_on_same_pc|]]

{{:external:examples:reaper_timecode_running.png|}}

You can now use this as timecode source to sync cuelists to music coming from Reaper.

I noticed a gap between the timestamps in Reaper and in Titan. This seems to be due to both, Reaper, as well as Titan/USB Expert, and needs to be investigated further.

==== - How to debug ====

If things do not work as expected then there are some tools which help finding the fault:

=== - loopMIDI ===

loopMIDI shows the number of transmitted data. This number increases with every command, note or message. With timecode, this number increases continuously and rather fast.

{{:external:examples:debug_loopmidi.png|}}

=== - USB Expert Console ===

Open the USB Expert Console. This must show loopMIDI Port 1 as connected panel (top-left). Select the ''MIDI'' tab top-right, click ''Watch MIDI'', in the MIDI watcher window select MIDI Input and Raw MIDI. Now, as you send a command, it is shown in the MIDI watcher, with continuously incoming data like this:

{{:external:examples:debug_timecode_usbexpert.png?500|}}

Additionally, on the Timecode tab (top-right), you should see the real timecode values running:

{{:external:examples:debug_timecode_usbexpert_2.png?500|}}

=== - MIDI-OX ===

Install and launch MIDI-OX (see [[external:software_list|]]. From the Options menu select ''MIDI Devices''. Make sure loopMIDI Port is listed as MIDI Input but isn't mapped to any output (yes, you can create a feedback loop, and yes, you do not want to do this...)

{{:external:examples:debug_midiox_1.png|}}

From the View menu select ''Input Monitor...''. In this window, all incoming MIDI data are shown. You will see the cpntinuous stream of MTC Quarter Freame messages:

{{:external:examples:debug_timecode_midiox.png|}}