MOTU Unveils MIDI Time Stamping(TM) TechnologyMTS Acheives Sub-Millisecond Accuracy
September 24, 1999
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (MOTU) unveiled today a new
MIDI transmission technology called MIDI Time Stamping™ (MTS), which provides
sub-millisecond timing accuracy during transfers of MIDI data between Digital
Performer, MOTU's flagship audio sequencer for Macintosh, and MOTU's new line
of rack-mountable USB MIDI interfaces. MOTU announced that MTS produces the best
timing accuracy ever measured between sequencing software and a MIDI interface,
achieving 5 times less jitter than other systems with a hardware-based MIDI timing
engine.
"With the speed of today's personal computers and the arrival of USB,
MIDI timing has become a hot topic," Says MOTU's Jim Cooper. "There's
only one other hardware-based timing engine out there right now, and our timing
tests show that, even under the best conditions, their system has inherent jitter
of around 1-2 milliseconds, with occasional spikes even higher. But with our new
MTS technology, we've been able to tighten up the timing accuracy between Digital
Performer and our new USB MIDI interfaces to a third of a millisecond - about
five times better. In addition, MTS achieves sub-millisecond timing accuracy on
every MIDI data event, not just on large block chords going out to multiple MIDI
ports, as touted by the other system. Effectively, MTS gives MOTU users the tightest
overall MIDI timing in the business. And believe me, you can really hear the difference,
especially with dense music."
MTS is easy to use. It automatically becomes enabled for Digital Performer
users (Version 2.7 or higher) when they use any MOTU USB MIDI interface on a USB-equipped
Power Macintosh. Digital Performer users can enjoy the benefits of MTS even if
they use OMS (Open Music System).
MTS uses software components in Digital Performer and firmware components in
MOTU's new MIDI Timepiece AV-USB, Express XT-USB and micro express-USB interfaces.
Jim Cooper adds, "MOTU users don't have to spend top dollar to enjoy the
benefits of MIDI Time Stamping, as it is also available in our very affordable
micro express and Express XT interface models."
MOTU's USB interfaces with MTS have been available through Mark of the Unicorn
resellers since early Summer, 1999.
Digital Performer 2.7 will be automatically shipped as a free update to all
Version 2.6 users.
For more information, visit Mark of the Unicorn's web site at www.motu.com. |
