RYTM out of sync after some time

Elektron Gear Analog Rytm
#1

Hey Elektronauts,

My RYTM is connected through USB and MIDI (Motu Midi Express Out -> RYTM MIDI In). USB because I wanted OverBridge only for the UI and automation recording. MIDI because I’m sending Abletons clock. I don’t want to use the audio from the Overbridge plugin because I want the conversion to happen on my Antelope Orion interface so I’m getting the audio from the direct outputs into that sound card.

When I play everything works like a charm (including all other synths) but after some time (2-3 minutes) the RYTM will drift out of sync. It’s driving me nuts and I have no idea why this is happening. Anyone here that can point me in the right direction? This issue only occurs on the RYTM, not on any other synth.

I already removed the Overbridge plugin to see if it was causing an issue but sadly it’s still happening when everything is working through MIDI only. Will try to sync through Overbridge now to see if I have the same syncing issues.

EDIT
Disconnected the MIDI cable and added the Overbridge plugin again. It’s definitely not drifting anymore but I can’t monitor through my External Instrument due to latency and therefore forces me to use audio from the plugin (which is what I tried to avoid)

Screenshot 2021-12-31 at 20.34.14
Screenshot 2021-12-31 at 20.34.142492×1546 577 KB

Relevant settings on RYTM

MIDI config > Sync
Clock receive: Y
Clock send: N
Transport receive: Y
Transport send: N

MIDI config > port config
Turbo speed: N
Out port func: MIDI
Input from: MIDI
Output to: disabled
Receive CC/NRPN: Y

Relevant settings in Ableton

Out: Express 128 (Port 6 - this is MIDI out on my Mote)
Track: Y
Sync: Y
MIDI Clock Sync Delay: -40.0 ms
MIDI Clock Type: Song

Options
Delay Compensation: Y
Reduced Latency When Monitoring: N

#2

I’m going to make an educated guess that you’re using Ableton as master clock.

Don’t. It’s a piece of shite, even after all these years. Set the Rytm up as master clock and transport, and you should be fine.

#3

It’s sad to hear this is the only solution. People that don’t want to use Overbridge for sending midi are left in the dark I feel. I find it also very strange that all my other gear is working but these synths are sequenced from Ableton. Analog Four and Rytm are the only synths that I sequence internally, maybe that’s what causing the issue here.

EDIT
Seems to work when sending clock out of Rytm to Ableton and enabling EXT in the DAW. There’s a weird jiggle when I press play on Rytm though. Sounds like it needs to get up to speed before staying in sync, is that normal?

#4

And to add to that, I keep reading that Ableton works less good when working with external clock. Never tried this though but will report my findings.

#5

Never heard of problems with Live receiving external clock, but it’s notoriously bad for stability when sending external clock. There was a reason MOTU Timepieces were so highly sort after for years until more external equipment began being able to act as master clock.

If you’re having midi trouble it’s always worth changing around your cables. A wonky cable can cause much weirdness.

#6

Thanks. I’ll play around with the physical setup a bit. I might also try to connect my Motu Midi Express directly instead of going through my powered usb hub.

I was eying the ERM Multiclock. Been reading a lot about this on this forum but AFAIK it only has 4 ports (I use all 8 outs on my Motu Midi Express)

1 Like
#7

Connected the MOTU Midi Express directly to my MacBook and everything is super tight and working as expected. Sending clock and MIDI CC.

#8

Kenton Thru-25?

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#9

Yeah I need more hardware :joy:. Good suggestion though. All jokes aside… I just have a small home studio and already own too much stuff. Motu Midi express, Antelope sound card, patch bay and multiple synths…

Since everything is working now I’ll see if I can live with setting the clock delay in the settings. Never thought a powered Anker USB hub wouldn’t do the trick when it comes to MIDI. I do need the extra interfaces so probably need to get some crazy expensive Thunderbolt docking station like Thunderbolt 4 Dock | USB-C Docking Station

#10

Yes, I go through alternating fits where I want everything hooked up and “available” and those where I want to wire up items one at a time.