syncing RK-008 to Gate (Step)

Andrew J

I’m trying to trigger the sequencer of the RK-008 to pulses using the Step mode, using the Gate outputs of a Keystep Pro, but I can’t get it to work. I noticed when I half plug the cable, it starts to work but I can’t get it to stay. Will regular gate/triggers not work with this? How solid is the sync in this mode? I tried to find a video I remembered seeing of you doing this with Reason, but for some reason couldn’t find it.

Also, with the new MIDI FX Arp, does this need MIDI to sync? Will I be able to trig the arp using the Step sync mode? Excitedly getting into Zyklus sequencer territory using the Arp and Scaled Transpose settings but I was hoping to send trigger patterns to the RK-008 to advance the sequencer in a pattern.

Dr. Kunz

The Sync Port is a TRS jack (stereo 3.5 mm) so you have to employ a split audio cable (stereo to left and right) with the TRS jack attached at the RK-008 and the Right TS jack (usually corresponding to the Ring of TRS/stereo end of the cable) attached to the Beatstep Pro Sync Out. I haven't yet used this option so I can't say if the RK-008 also needs a RUN/STOP signal to actually start the sequence, hopefully more expert people will chime in.

Andrew J

This makes sense. I’ll give it a try, thanks!!!

Dr. Kunz

I verified with my BSP and it works. To sum it up:

get a 3,5 mm minijack Y-cable stereo-to-left-and-right
put the stereo (TRS) end to the sync port of RK-008
put the right channel (TS) end of the Y-cable to the sync out port of BeatStep Pro
on the RK-008 press ALT+8 and advance to CLOCKSRC, tap the 6 key to select the desired PPQN according to your BSP settings
when ready press PLAY on the RK-008, it will listen to incoming sync clock
press START on the BSP, if you did it right the RK-008 will follow in sync.

Have fun!