When using with an external sequencer or other device that transmits MIDI clock (i.e. another drum machine), it may be desirable to sync the R-8 to the other device. When setup this way, the R-8 will be the "slave" device and the transmitting device will be the "master" device. Connect the MIDI OUT jack on your master device to the MIDI IN jack on the R-8/R-8mkII and use the following procedure to set the R-8 to external MIDI sync mode:
- Press SONG PLAY to get into Song Play mode or PATTERN PLAY to get into Pattern Play mode.
- Stop the current Pattern or Song (if necessary).
- Hold SHIFT and press Pad 16 (SYNC).
- Use the VALUE -1/OFF +1/ON or VALUE SLIDER to select "MIDI."
- Press EXIT to return to the previous display.
- Press START/STOP. The R-8, R-8MkII will not start playing until it receives a MIDI message from the master device.
- Make sure that your master device is setup to transmit MIDI Clock messages.
- START the master device. The R-8/R-8mkII will now start playing in sync with the master device.