JLCooper Electronics PPS-2 Synchronizer - Pre Owned

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501 West International Speedway Blvd

Daytona Beach FL 32114

Pre Owned JLCooper Electronics PPS-2 Synchronizer

JLCooper Electronics PPS-2 Synchronizer is a compact hardware synchronization interface designed primarily for musicians and recording studios that use MIDI sequencers alongside analog or digital tape recorders. It was especially popular during the late 1980s and 1990s, when syncing MIDI gear to multitrack tape was a common recording workflow.

What it does

The PPS-2 acts as a translator between different synchronization formats, allowing multiple devices to run in perfect time together. It can:

• Read and generate SMPTE time code
• Convert SMPTE into MIDI Time Code (MTC)
• Convert SMPTE into Direct Time Lock (DTL)
• Read and generate Smart FSK (JL Cooper's enhanced frequency-shift keying format)
• Convert Smart FSK into MIDI Clock with Song Position Pointer (SPP) for older MIDI sequencers and drum machines.

Key features

• Supports SMPTE frame rates:
• • 24 fps
  • 25 fps
  • 30 fps
  • 30 Drop Frame
• Jam Sync/Regeneration
• Flywheel synchronization (helps maintain sync during brief timecode dropouts)
• MIDI Auto Merge
• 1 MIDI In and 1 MIDI Out
• Compact external power supply design.

Typical setup

A common recording setup in the 1990s might look like this:

• ADAT or 8-track tape recorder
• MIDI sequencer (Cubase, Performer, Cakewalk, etc.)
• Drum machine
• Synthesizers

The PPS-2 would ensure that when the tape started playing, the sequencer, drum machine, and all MIDI instruments stayed perfectly synchronized with the recorded audio.

Is it still useful today?

For most modern studios using DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, or Reaper, a PPS-2 isn't necessary because synchronization is handled internally over USB or network protocols.

However, the PPS-2 remains useful if you:

• Restore or archive vintage tape recordings.
• Use classic MIDI sequencers and drum machines.
• Work with ADATs, multitrack tape machines, or other legacy equipment.
• Need to bridge modern MIDI Time Code with older SMPTE-based hardware.

Collectors and vintage MIDI enthusiasts still regard the PPS-2 as one of the more reliable and easy-to-use hardware synchronizers from the MIDI/tape era.