SMPTE machine lock utilizes standardized longitudinal timecode to lock separate playback or recording devices together in precise temporal synchronization. Reading this common timecode allows multiple analog tape machines or external sequencers to run in tandem as a unified system. This method expands track counts without bouncing audio down and allows sequenced parts to run live during mixdown alongside recorded tape tracks.
How the songs in the archive use it
Too Much Heaven by Bee Gees synchronized two 24-track tape machines to allow dense vocal and instrumental layering without quality loss from track bouncing. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac used timecode to sync safety reels and replace worn drum tracks on the master, while Truly Madly Deeply suggests its programmed MIDI bedrock was locked to a 24-track tape machine to run live during mixing.
How to do it in Logic Pro
SMPTE machine lock synchronizes Logic Pro with external tape decks or hardware sequencers using longitudinal timecode. Use it when tracking alongside analog tape machines or running synchronized multi-machine playback.
Connect the SMPTE timecode audio output of your external device to an audio input on your interface.
Open Project Settings and navigate to the Synchronization pane.
Select the Audio tab and enable Listen to SMPTE / MTC.
Match the project SMPTE frame rate in Logic Pro to the frame rate striped on your external hardware.
Start playback from the master device and verify that Logic Pro locks to the incoming timecode.
A general method with Logic Pro's own plug-ins. Control names are checked against Apple's manual; the values are starting points, so adjust them by ear.
Songs that use it (2)
What each track sheet's analysis found, with the sheet's own score. Analysis, not verified credits.
Too Much Heaven by Bee GeesSMPTE Tape Synchronization: *Spirits Having Flown* was one of the first major pop albums to successfully and heavily utilize SMPTE timecode to sync two tape machines, overcoming the 24-track limit without sacrificing fidelity to track bouncing.Sheet score 10/10 · Source given: Historical Mix / SOS Articles · Open the full track sheet
Truly Madly Deeply by Savage GardenMIDI/Tape Synchronization: The bedrock of the track was entirely programmed by Daniel Jones. To retain pristine transient response, the MIDI instruments were likely synchronized via SMPTE timecode to the Studer 24-track tape, running "live" into the console during mixdown rather than being printed to tape (a common practice to save tape tracks for vocal layering).Sheet score 7/10 · Source given: Technical deduction based on standard 1996 pop workflows · Open the full track sheet
Want these sounds in your own mixes? Every song above has a full track sheet with its signal chains and a step-by-step recreation for your DAW. Open Track DiveAll techniques