MIDI Clock Output

MIDI Clock is a 24 PPQ (pulses per quarter note) tempo signal carried over MIDI. Unlike MTC, it carries no timecode position — only a beat rate derived from the BPM of the song. It is the standard way to sync tempo-based gear: synthesizers, drum machines, delay effects, loopers, and lighting systems that follow a musical beat.

Enabling MIDI Clock

Open Settings → Outputs and toggle MIDI Clock Output on. If no MTC output port is selected, the toggle is shown as disabled with a prompt to configure a port first. MIDI Clock uses the same port as MTC — configure it in Settings → Devices → MTC Output.

BPM source

LTCast provides three ways to set the BPM that drives the MIDI Clock output:

• Auto Detect — LTCast analyzes the audio file and estimates the BPM using onset detection. The detected value appears next to the toggle. Auto detect works well for music with a consistent beat; it may be unreliable for ambient, live, or rubato recordings. Verify the detected BPM against your knowledge of the track before relying on it in a show.
• Tap Tempo — tap the TAP button repeatedly in time with the music. LTCast averages the intervals across multiple taps. Useful when the auto detect value is wrong and you have the audio playing back to tap along to.
• Manual — type a fixed BPM value directly into the field. Use this when you know the exact BPM from the production notes or the music editor. Manual BPM is the most reliable option for tempo-locked productions.

Using MIDI Clock with tempo-based devices

When LTCast starts playing and MIDI Clock is enabled, it sends a MIDI Start message followed by clock pulses at the configured BPM. The receiving device should lock its tempo to these pulses. When playback stops, LTCast sends a MIDI Stop message. Most hardware synthesizers and drum machines follow Start/Stop automatically; check your device's manual to confirm it responds to external MIDI Clock.