Syncing Logic to ADATS via MOTU 896HD

Question

Greetings, I'm trying to load ADAT multi tracks into Logic Pro 8 via my MOTU 896HD. I've got the light pipe and ADAT sync cables connected and I'm getting eight tracks of audio at a time. No problem. My problem is syncing the next set of eight tracks with the first eight tracks. The only options I see in Logic for syncing is via MIDI. The 896 hasn't any MIDI at all. Yet my MOTU control panel gives me the ADAT Optical clock source, or the ADAT 9-pin options. I am unable to find those options in Logic. How can I slave Logic to my ADATS so I can load my ADATS in sync.?

Answer 1

If it's anything like the way the 896HD works with SMPTE, then Logic won't sync to it, as in when you press play on the ADAT Logic won't do anything. MOTU software will. You should still Sync to the ADAT optical, that will sync the clocks and stop things glitching and falling out of time.
What I suggest you do to keep the sets of 8 channels sync'd is what I'd normally do. It causes things to take a TINY bit longer but is fool proof.
1. Record channels 1-8
2. Record channels 1, and 9-15
3. Record channels 1, and 16+
4. Group your first 8 channels together in Logic, and the second set of 8 channels together, and the last 2 channels together.
5. Use your 3 channel 1's to sync the 3 groups, this can be done with sample accuracy so although it's a little more work it's as good as using ADAT sync. It really doesn't take long.
Good luck, let us know how you get on.
Alternatively use AudioDesk which comes with your MOTU as that SHOULD work with ADAT sync.