Sync-Gen II

For legacy Sync-Gen IILS / Sync-Gen IILE / Sync-Gen IIPRO hardware users looking for the more information and the latest Sync-Gen II plug-in builds go here :-
Sync-Gen II Overview

Sync-Gen 3

For current Sync-Gen 3LX hardware users looking for more information and the latest Sync-Gen 3 plug-in builds go here :-
Sync-Gen 3 Overview

Background

Software generated MIDI is susceptible to jitter.
The reasons are complex and beyond the scope of this basic introduction.
Driving external hardware with unstable sync results in poor tempo stability, loss of rhythmic feel and problems maintaining accurate DAW grid alignment when jamming or tracking.
Other than significantly reduced time and financial outlay, the core fundamentals of synchronisation in music production have not really changed from the days of analogue 24 track tape and using reference click tracks, printed FSK or SMPTE / LTC and various convertors to create outgoing tempo-sync.

Problem

You can have the best drum machines / sequencers available but if the sync from your master recording system is sloppy, or the hardware start lag and the native audio system introduced latency is not compensated for, then your external hardware is not going to deliver what it’s capable of.

Sonic fidelity is only half the story in music production.
Maintaining solid rhythmic feel and accurate grid alignment across multiple tempo-slaved devices is as important as sonic fidelity in the final mix.

Solution

Many drum machines and sequencers use Din-Sync [ RC-24 ] or Voltage Clock pulse synchronisation methods and integrating these devices in a DAW studio environment almost always requires conversion, adding further latency and potentially more timing jitter.
DAWs don’t slave to external tempo-sync accurately or reliably as a general rule so the only pain-free option if you want to save your remaining sanity is to make the DAW the tempo-sync master to your external hardware and do it properly.
So how can we make the DAW an accurate tempo-sync master without sacrificing workflow, timing stability and consistency?
We bypass the DAW and the host computer internal software MIDI Clock generator and create our own that is hard-locked to the audio interface and the quantize-grid and is 100% immune to jitter regardless of project track count or computer processor capacity.
The result is your external tempo-synchronized hardware recordings have the performance feel and rhythmic focus they are capable of delivering.

Copy Protection

To use the latest Sync-Gen plugins you will need to provide us an iLok account ID for your license to be deposited. The licence is permanent and there is no charge for the software. You don’t need a physical iLok USB key if you don’t have one already. If you require additional licenses for multiple computers just let us know. Plugin updates as released will work automatically using your original license. Download the update and install. If you don't already have an iLok account, visit iLok.com, create one and install the iLok License Manager software.
It’s easy and there is no charge to you.
Once you have your unique iLok User ID email us together with the hardware serial number of your physical unit to sync@innerclocksystems.com and we will deposit your permanent licence so you can get synchronised straight away.

Upgrading - macOS / Intel to M-Series Hardware

With many Sync-Gen users upgrading their Intel-based studio Macs to the latest Arm-M Series processors and / or migrating a Time Machine backup of their previous working system, it can be a good thing to clear out any previous Sync-Gen plugin files / folders before upgrading to avoid any potential conflicts.
For macOS users there are four locations
The AU / VST / VST3 Plugins >
Location: Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plugins > Components (AU) / VST / VST3
The ProTools AAX Plugin >
Location: Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Avid > Plugins
The Application Support Folder >
Location: Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Innerclock Systems
The User ( Hidden ) Library Preferences Folder >
Location: Finder > Go > Hold down [ Options ] > Library > Preferences > Innerclock Systems
After manually deleting the Sync-Gen / Innerclock files / folders - reboot and run the latest Sync-Gen installer.
Reboot again to confirm / access the AU plugins.

Upgrading - Windows

For Windows users the same process applies but the file / folder locations are different.
The VST 2 Plugins >
Location: Windows HD > Program Files > Steinberg > Vstplugins
The VST 3 Plugins >
Location: Windows HD > Program Files > Common Files > VST3 > Steinberg
The ProTools AAX Plugin >
Location: Windows HD > Program Files > Common Files > Avid > Audio > Plugins
The Application Support Folder >
Location: Windows HD > Users > Public Documents > Innerclock Systems
After manually deleting the Sync-Gen / Innerclock files / folders - reboot and run the latest Sync-Gen installer

Ableton Live Force Rescan

Some users have reported AU plugins not being available in Ableton Live after clean install. For new AU plug installs to be recognised by the macOS a full reboot is required.
Occasionally this still won’t fix the issue.
This could be for a few reasons - no iLok driver, no active software license or the wrong version installed on Live launch and this can blacklist any unauthorised AU plug-ins from being scanned correctly.
Hold down the Alt / Option key and then press rescan.

Important Update for Mac Users - 12 March 2024

There are widespread reports across the industry of AU plugin operation being negatively impacted with a combination of Sonoma macOS 14.4 running under M2 / M3 processors specifically.
M1 processor hardware combinations do not seem to be affected at this point.
VST2 / VST3 and ProTools AAX plugins also seem to be unaffected.

Important Update for Mac Users - 26 March 2024

We are happy to report that Apple released an update to macOS Sonoma with a patch for the issue above.
Users affected should upgrade to macOS 14.4.1 or later.

Operation Manuals

Useful Links