How to Sync Hardware Synths

To sync hardware synths, you send a single timing signal — usually MIDI clock or an analog clock pulse — from one master device to everything else, so all the sequencers, arpeggiators and drum machines run at the same tempo and start together. Pick one clock master, set everything else to follow it, and your gear locks tight.

This guide covers the main ways to sync hardware: MIDI clock, analog clock and trig, and syncing to a DAW. It applies whether you’re chaining a Korg Volca to an Elektron Digitakt or running a full Eurorack rig.

Why syncing matters

Any device with its own tempo — an arpeggiator, an onboard sequencer, an LFO set to sync, a drum machine — needs to agree on the beat, or the parts drift apart. Syncing means choosing one clock master and making every other device a clock slave that follows along. Get this right and starts, stops and tempo changes propagate to the whole setup automatically.

Method 1: MIDI clock

MIDI clock is the most common way to sync hardware synths. The master sends timing and transport (start/stop) messages over a MIDI cable; slaves set their clock source to External or MIDI and lock on.

• Choose a master. A drum machine, groovebox or DAW usually makes the best master because it sets the tempo for the track.
• Chain or hub. Connect MIDI out of the master to MIDI in of the next device. To feed several units, use a MIDI thru box so each gets a clean copy rather than a long, latency-prone daisy chain.
• Set slaves to external clock. On each synth, switch the clock source to MIDI/External so it follows the master instead of its own internal tempo.

Elektron boxes, Korg’s Volca and Minilogue lines, Arturia and Roland gear all speak MIDI clock. If you haven’t wired MIDI yet, our guide on connecting a hardware synth to your DAW covers the basics.

Method 2: Analog clock and trig

Older and modular gear often syncs with analog pulses instead of MIDI. A clock signal is a steady stream of trigger pulses; devices advance one step per pulse (or per a set number of pulses per beat). You’ll meet this most in:

• Korg Volcas and the SQ-1, which use a sync jack to pass simple pulses.
• Eurorack, where a clock module or sequencer outputs gates that drive everything. This is closely tied to CV and gate.

Because pulse formats and divisions vary, a clock converter or a multi-format sync box is handy when mixing MIDI gear with analog-clock gear.

Method 3: Sync to your DAW

If your music is built in a DAW, make the DAW the clock master so the computer and hardware share one timeline:

1. Enable MIDI clock output in your DAW’s MIDI preferences and choose the port that reaches your hardware.
2. Set each hardware device to external/MIDI clock.
3. Press play in the DAW; the hardware should start in time.

Expect to fine-tune timing — MIDI clock and round-trip audio can introduce small offsets, so you may nudge tracks to line up. Our audio latency guide explains the offsets, and once parts are tight, recording your hardware synth is the next step.

Bridging MIDI and analog clock

Many setups mix both worlds — say a MIDI-based Digitone alongside analog-sync Volcas or a Eurorack case. Dedicated sync boxes and certain Elektron/Arturia units can take MIDI clock in and output analog clock pulses (and vice versa), acting as the translator between the two. This is the cleanest way to keep a hybrid rig locked.

Troubleshooting sync problems

• Nothing follows the master: the slave is still on internal clock — switch it to external/MIDI.
• Double or half speed: a clock division/multiplication setting is off, or pulses-per-step is mismatched on analog gear.
• Drifting or sloppy timing: avoid long daisy chains; use a thru box so each device gets the clock directly.
• Starts at the wrong point: make sure transport (start/stop) is being sent and received, not just clock.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between MIDI clock and analog clock?

MIDI clock is digital timing sent over a MIDI cable, including start and stop messages. Analog clock is a stream of voltage pulses on a patch or sync cable. MIDI suits most modern synths; analog clock is common on Volcas and in Eurorack.

Which device should be the clock master?

Pick the device that anchors your tempo — often a drum machine, groovebox or your DAW. Everything else should be set to external clock so it follows that single master.

Can I sync MIDI gear with analog Eurorack?

Yes. Use a sync converter or a unit that takes MIDI clock in and outputs analog clock pulses. That box translates between the two formats so your MIDI synths and modular system stay locked together.