Logic Pro synchronization overview
Logic Pro supports most synchronization protocols, allowing you to synchronize it with external hardware and software. Logic Pro can transmit synchronization data to other devices or receive synchronization data from another device.
Synchronization functions are available when Enable Complete Features is selected in Logic Pro > Settings > Advanced.
In all synchronization situations, regardless of the simplicity or complexity of your studio configuration, the following rules apply:
There can only be one transmitter device.
The transmitter device sends timecode information (synchronization signals) to one or more receiver devices.
Important: In most cases, you will need to manually set each synchronization-capable device—including Logic Pro itself—to transmit or receive synchronization. If you don’t do this, there will be multiple transmitter devices in your system, which will result in synchronization errors.
Supported synchronization protocols
MIDI Time Code (MTC): Translates a SMPTE timecode signal into a MIDI standard timecode signal. See MTC interpretation in Logic Pro.
MIDI Clock: Short MIDI message for clock signals. Used to provide a timing pulse between MIDI devices.
Logic Pro can send MIDI Clock signals to synchronize external devices.
Logic Pro can’t receive MIDI Clock synchronization signals.
SMPTE timecode: An audio signal that is translated into MTC by some MIDI interfaces, such as the Unitor8.
Word Clock: A signal that is carried by all digital audio interface formats: ADAT, FireWire Audio, S/P-DIF, AES/EBU, T-DIF, and others. Used to maintain the timing integrity of sample words in audio signals that are transmitted digitally between Logic Pro and external hardware or software. See Audio Synchronization project settings in Logic Pro.
Tip: Logic Pro also supports manual or “human” sync, when receiving synchronization. This is not a synchronization protocol per se, but enables Logic Pro to follow tempo changes in real time. As an example, it could chase a live drummer. See Use the Logic Pro Tempo Interpreter.
Download the guides:
Logic Pro User Guide: Apple Books | PDF
Logic Pro Instruments: Apple Books | PDF
Logic Pro Effects: Apple Books | PDF