MOTU Unveils MIDI Time Stamping(TM) Technology

MTS Acheives Sub-Millisecond Accuracy

September 24, 1999 -- Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (MOTU) unveiled today a new MIDI transmission technology called MIDI Time Stamping™ (MTS), which provides sub-millisecond timing accuracy during transfers of MIDI data between Digital Performer, MOTU's flagship audio sequencer for Macintosh, and MOTU's new line of rack-mountable USB MIDI interfaces. MOTU announced that MTS produces the best timing accuracy ever measured between sequencing software and a MIDI interface, achieving 5 times less jitter than other systems with a hardware-based MIDI timing engine.

"With the speed of today's personal computers and the arrival of USB, MIDI timing has become a hot topic," Says MOTU's Jim Cooper. "There's only one other hardware-based timing engine out there right now, and our timing tests show that, even under the best conditions, their system has inherent jitter of around 1-2 milliseconds, with occasional spikes even higher. But with our new MTS technology, we've been able to tighten up the timing accuracy between Digital Performer and our new USB MIDI interfaces to a third of a millisecond - about five times better. In addition, MTS achieves sub-millisecond timing accuracy on every MIDI data event, not just on large block chords going out to multiple MIDI ports, as touted by the other system. Effectively, MTS gives MOTU users the tightest overall MIDI timing in the business. And believe me, you can really hear the difference, especially with dense music."

MTS is easy to use. It automatically becomes enabled for Digital Performer users (Version 2.7 or higher) when they use any MOTU USB MIDI interface on a USB-equipped Power Macintosh. Digital Performer users can enjoy the benefits of MTS even if they use OMS (Open Music System).

MTS uses software components in Digital Performer and firmware components in MOTU's new MIDI Timepiece AV-USB, Express XT-USB and micro express-USB interfaces. Jim Cooper adds, "MOTU users don't have to spend top dollar to enjoy the benefits of MIDI Time Stamping, as it is also available in our very affordable micro express and Express XT interface models."

MOTU's USB interfaces with MTS have been available through Mark of the Unicorn resellers since early Summer, 1999.

Digital Performer 2.7 will be automatically shipped as a free update to all Version 2.6 users.

For more information, visit Mark of the Unicorn's web site at www.motu.com.