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MIDI Machine Control (MMC)
MIDI Machine Control (MMC) is a protocol that controls an MMC-equipped
remote device via MIDI. SONAR lets you use MMC to start and stop playback and
recording on remote MIDI devices such as tape decks, video recorders, and even
other software packages. If you have several MMC-controllable devices in your
studio, assign each a unique Unit ID so that MMC commands can be addressed to
a particular device.
MMC is very powerful when used with MIDI Time Code sync. For example,
suppose you have an MMC-equipped digital tape deck that generates time code
and want to use the tape deck as the timing master for a project. You can set up
your equipment and software so that the transport controls in SONAR send MMC
messages to the tape deck, which in turn starts and stops playback in SONAR via
SMPTE/MTC Sync. In this configuration, SONAR’s transport buttons (Play,
Record, and Stop) are simply remote control substitutes for the buttons on your
tape deck. In this type of configuration, you must choose one MMC-controllable
device as the time code master.
When MMC is enabled, press Play to start playback on all connected MMC devices,
and press Stop to stop all connected devices. If you press Record while playback is
underway, all connected MMC devices (e.g., tape decks) begin recording on any
armed tracks. If you stop recording (without stopping playback), SONAR instruct
the tape decks to punch out. You must arm and disarm tracks on the tape deck;
you cannot do this from SONAR.
If you have established punch-in/out points using the Transport-Record Options
command, SONAR will attempt to preprogram the punch-in and punch-out times.
However, your equipment must recognize the MMC event command for this
feature to work. (Consult the owner’s manual or contact the equipment
manufacturer for more information.) If your equipment behaves erratically with
automated punch-in, don’t attempt to use it when those pieces of equipment are
connected.
SONAR instructs MMC devices to locate the current project position only when
playback or recording is started. This prevents excessive wear on the motors and
tape heads of the devices.
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