Overview

The Sync-Gen 3 plug-in is a specialised software ‘instrument’ designed to work with our hardware interfaces and can be opened / inserted in any DAW project like any other plug-in instrument.
The Sync-Gen 3 plug-in combined with either the Sync-Gen 3LX desktop or Sync-Gen 3MX modular interface allow the DAW to be an accurate tempo-master for your external hardware sequencers, drum machines and voltage-triggered sound sources.
Standard Installation includes all major plug-in formats - AU / VST2 / VST3 / AAX
Custom Installation option allows individual plug-in format selection.
EFX builds are automatically installed along with the regular Instrument builds - these can be used in DAWs that provide dedicated audio effects / return tracks like Ableton Live.
Install process, screens and options are shown below.

Installation - macOS

Important

For installed AU plug-ins to be available to the DAW Host you must perform a full restart.

Installation - Windows

Windows VST Plug-in Locations - More Information

DAW Connection

Sync-Gen 3 plug-in works with any audio interface with at least one unused analogue output available - DC coupling is not required.
Connection between host DAW audio interface and the Sync-Gen 3 units requires a single cable.
Connect the assigned output from the audio interface to the SG3 In socket at the rear of the 3LX.
Always use a good quality balanced ( TRS ) cable.

Correct Plug-in Signal Level

The front panel of the Sync-Gen 3LX has three LEDs on the left hand side marked LOW / OK and O/L.
The LOW LED is always ON when power supply is connected to mains supply.
If you are running the Sync-Gen 3 plug-in and the connections are correct as described above and the OK LED is not ON then the plug-in sync signal is either too low or not present at all.
A simple test to verify signal activity - connect a powered monitor ( volume set low to protect your ears ) to the assigned audio output number and press play on the DAW - if the routing is correct you should hear the sync signal tone.
If the signal is not present despite correct track assignment output settings in the DAW then it usually indicates an audio interface routing / mixer setup issue. Check your audio interface routing / mixer settings and adjust accordingly.
The OK LED when ON and steady indicates the Sync-Gen 3LX is receiving the plug-in sync signal at the correct level.
The O/L LED when ON at any time indicates the plug-in sync signal is too hot and needs to be reduced.
Sync-Gen 3 plug-in level adjustments can be made on the host DAW track mixer setting like any other software instrument.
Alternatively, the Sync-Gen 3 plug-in itself has it’s own level control in the [ OPTIONS ] menu allowing the host DAW track level and audio interface mixer output levels to be left at unity.
The optimal output level for your specific audio interface once set in the Sync-Gen 3 plug-in is saved with the active DAW project.

[ LOW ] + [ OK ] LEDs ON = Power ON / Sync-Gen 3 Plug-in signal is correct level.

[ LOW ] + [ OK ] + [ O/L ] LEDs ON = Power ON / Sync-Gen 3 Plug-in signal is too hot.

DAW > Audio Interface > Sync-Gen 3LX Signal Routing

Some examples below show various DAWs and correct Sync-Gen 3 plug-in signal track routing.
We’ve included some example screen shots of audio interface mixer / router software applications from RME and Antelope - if your DAW track routing seems correct but the Sync-Gen 3 plug-in signal is not present at the assigned output destination - check your audio interface mixer / router settings.

Parameter - SYNC SHIFT

Range : Zero ( No Shift ) thru to 32
Increment Value : 1 = 1 x 16th Interval @ 4/4
Function : Delay outgoing tempo-sync against DAW grid in rhythmic intervals for slave syncopation

Parameter - MASTER RATE

Range : 0.5 / 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0
Function : Change outgoing tempo-sync ratio against DAW Project tempo. A value of 1.0 means synchronised devices play at same tempo as DAW Project. A value of 2.0 means synchronised devices play at double tempo as DAW Project.

Parameter - MASTER SWING

Range : 50% [ OFF ] thru 75% [ Maximum ]
Interval Selector : Applies swing algorithm to outgoing tempo-sync in 8th note / 16th note timing intervals
Function : Designed to provide a method to rhythmically swing external hardware sequenced patterns in vintage Din-Sync enabled devices that have no internal swing / shuffle control [ Roland TR-808 / Roland TB-303 / Korg KR-55 ] and any analogue clock driven sequencers / drum machines.

Parameter - LOOP LENGTH

Range : 1 ~ 8 Bars
Function : Bars play sequentially. Each Bar can have it’s own values for [ RATE ] and [ Swing ] parameters which are set using the [ BAR EDIT ] switch.

Parameter - BAR EDIT

Options : On / Off
Function : Select any of the eight Bar Tabs. Switching [ ON ] Bar Edit allows values for [ RATE ] and [ Swing ] to be set individually for the selected Bar number.

Parameter - BAR RATE

Range : 0.5 / 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0
Function : Change outgoing tempo-sync ratio against DAW Project tempo for the selected Bar. A value of 1.0 means synchronised devices play at same tempo as DAW Project. A value of 2.0 means synchronised devices play at double tempo as DAW Project.

Parameter - BAR SWING

Range : 50% [ OFF ] thru 75% [ Maximum ]
Interval Selector : Applies swing algorithm to outgoing tempo-sync in 8th note / 16th note timing intervals for the selected Bar.
Function : Set [ SWING ] amount for the selected Bar.

Parameter - BAR INDICATOR / SELECTOR

Range : 1 ~ 8
LEDs : [ Green ] = Bar currently playing / [ RED ] = Bar currently being edited.
Bar Selector : Selecting any Bar Tab allows parameter editing.

Parameter - OFFSET SAMPLES

Range : + / - 4096 samples
Options : [ BEHIND ] / [ OFF ] / [ AHEAD ]
Function : Outgoing tempo-sync is offset late [ BEHIND ] or early [ AHEAD ] against DAW grid.

Global Settings - MANUAL START / STOP

Function : While DAW is running pressing [ STOP ] halts outgoing tempo-sync. Pressing [ START ] restarts outgoing tempo-sync on next Bar position to maintain DAW grid position.

Global Settings - SWING

Global Settings - OPTIONS

Sync-Gen 3LX Hardware - More Information