MIDI Timing

The MIDI recorded too late and/or Cubase getting stuck while recording

If you are not interested in WHY, skip to solutions HERE

Timing problems listing
Solution general
Solution Cubase SX
Solution Cubase 4
Device list

As these are problems that pop up frequently on the cubase.net user forum, I decided to create a page for this.
Problems and solutions apply to Cubase SX3 and Cubase 4 and derivatives.

Most likely these problems are caused by the fact that each PC motherboard has 2 clocks available. This means that developers of MIDI device drivers and those of sequencing software may be using different clocks for timing. As not on all motherboards the 2 clocks are in perfect sync, in such cases timing problems may arise.

More technical info on the 2 clock problem can be found here: Parapoetica
Info on the MIDITest utility: MIDITest
Another excellent MIDI tool: MIDI-OX

Timing problems: MIDI recorded too late

Symptoms: all recorded notes are usually 1/16th too late.
Solution: see below.

Timing problems: recorded MIDI shifting more and more

Symptoms: the longer Cubase is started up, the more recorded MIDI tends to shift too late.
Solution: see below.

Timing problems: no timing at all

Symptoms: all recorded notes end up on beat 1.
Solution: see below.

Timing problems: MIDI recorded too early

Symptoms: all recorded MIDI is placed around 1/16th too early
Solution: there is no guaranteed solution for this problem, you may try the method below.

Recording locking up Cubase using MIDISport 8x8

Symptoms: when recording from a port that has previously recorded data being sent to (eg like punching on a track that already has some parts playing) Cubase may lock up. Usually you will see all three Stop, Play and Record buttons highlighted.

Solution: you definitely have to use the emulated DirectMusic drivers for the inputs of the MIDISport.
Best thing to do is use emulated for inputs and Windows MIDI for outputs.
(thanks to forum member xmusic who was the one that found the solution to this specific problem)


Solutions

It is important to know that in Windows there are two types of MIDI drivers: 'Windows MIDI' and 'DirectMusic'. Also an "emulated" version of the DirectMusic drivers exists.

If you are so lucky that this solves your problem, you can skip the rest of this page.

If not, try one of the methods below. There is a separate manual for Cubase SX and Cubase 4 as the layouts are somewhat different in both programs.


Cubase SX

Cubase 4

Devices reported to benefit from using (emulated) DirectMusic drivers

MIDI Devices

MIDISport/m-audio USB
Emagic MT4
ESI 8-port
Edirol FA-101
MOTU Fastlane 2x2 USB
Presonus FireBox
Presonus FirePod
Saffire LE
E-MU 1820m (sometimes)
LynxOne
RME Digiface

Keyboards USB

Roland RD700SX
Keystation pro-88
Axiom 61

Should you own a device that benefits from (emulated) DirectMusic drivers and it is not in this list, please post a PM to lanter at the cubase.net forum.