Doepfer MSY2 User Manual

DOEPFER

MIDI TO SYNC INTERFACE

MIDI TO SYNC INTERFACE

MIDI TO SYNC INTERFACEMIDI TO SYNC INTERFACE

MSY2

MSY2

MSY2MSY2

User's Guide (English)

www.doepfer.com

INTRODUCTION

MSY2 is an interface that converts the MIDI realtime events CLOCK, START and STOP into the

corresponding signals CLOCK and START/STOP of the SYNC standard. The SYNC standard is
used in vintage drum computers or sequencers such as the Roland TR808 rhythm composer or
the TB303 bass line. SYNC-CLOCK is a periodic TTL signal (0/+5V) representing the tempo.
SYNC-START/STOP is a signal that indicates on the 2 possible states: START = +5V, STOP =
0V. MSY2 enables the 1:1 conversion of MIDI CLOCK to SYNC CLOCK i.e. 1 MIDI clock triggers 1
SYNC clock pulse, as well as the reduction of the tempo by dividing the incoming MIDI clock
frequency by an integer factor. The factor can be set to any value between 1 and 16 with 4 DIP
switches. 1 corresponds to the 1:1 conversion, 16 is the maximum of frequency reduction, i.e. after
16 MIDI clocks 1 SYNC clock appears. The polarity of the CLOCK signal and the polarity of the
START/STOP can be chosen by 2 DIP switches.

The SYNC standard is used with vintage sequencers or drum computers like the ROLAND TB303
or TR808. The SYNC standard uses the same type of 5 pole 180° DIN connectors as MIDI. But the
standards do not fit as other pins are used and the signals are completely different! So you always
have to distinguish between the MIDI and SYNC connectors.

3

Gnd

1 Start/StopClock

2

Picture 1: pinout of the SYNC connector

CONNECTIONS

MSY2 is provided with 2 SYNC connectors (parallel) for controlling 1 or 2 units equipped with
SYNC inputs. The CLOCK signal is additionally available at a 3.5mm miniature jack socket to
control other functions of synthesizers or drum machines like arpeggio, gate or trigger
synchronized ti MIDI Clock. At the Clock socket appears the Clock signal of the SYNC connector
i.e. with the same dividing factor and voltage level.

Connect MIDI IN of the MSY2 to MIDI OUT of the MIDI transmitter (e.g. MIDI sequencer, MIDI
drum computer, MIDI master-keyboard) which is able to generate the MIDI real time events Start,
Stop and Clock. The MIDI THRU of the MSY2 may be connected to MIDI IN of other MIDI devices
(optional).

Connect one of the SYNC outputs of the MSY2 to the SYNC (-In) socket of the device to be
controlled by the MSY2. The second SYNC ouput may be left open or connected to another device
controlled by the MSY2 SYNC output. Use a suitable cable for that. The pins 1, 2 and 3 must be
connected!
between SYNC-IN and SYNC-OUT switch it to SYNC-IN (e.g. TR808). If your device is equipped
with SYNC-IN and SYNC-OUT use only SYNC-IN.

MIDI cables are unsuitable!

If the SYNC socket of your device can be switched

MSY2 User's Guide – Page 1