The Setup/Synchronization command allows you to specify how MIDI Maestro will interact, if at all, with other MIDI sequencers and time sources.  When you have more than one sequencer, it may be necessary to synchronize them, so that they start and stop together.  Here's the window that opens:

When multiple MIDI devices are "synchronized" one device acts as "The Master."  All other devices then become slaves (or independent).  The Master may be another sequencer, or it may be a device dedicated to providing a MIDI timing signal.  You will get unexpected results if more than one device asserts itself as The Master.

When MIDI Maestro is the Master, you may choose that timing signals be sent only to a specific port, or broadcast to all ports on your system.  When MIDI Maestro is  a slave, you may choose to listen for timing signals from any one specific port, or all ports.

How does MIDI Clock differ from MTC?

There are two methods employed for maintaining synchronization between MIDI devices.  The first is the "MIDI Clock" protocol, and the other is the "MIDI Time Code" (MTC).

In the MIDI Clock protocol, the Master broadcasts a "beat" signal 24 times per quarter note.  Slaves advance their playback positions by this same increment when the signal is received.  With this timing scheme, the Master controls the tempo, because the timing of the beat signal (its frequency) translates directly into note durations.

The MTC protocol uses real-time values (hours, minutes, seconds, frames).  The Master device continuously broadcasts its time value.  Slave devices simply use this inbound time value instead of their own internal time source.  With this timing scheme, the Master does NOT control the tempo, just the movement of the clock.  Each sequencer continues to use its own tempo map.

What is a SMPTE time format?

There are several time formats recognized by the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) organization.  The simple formats are 24, 25, and 30 frames per second.  A more complex standard, but the one used by broadcast television is "30 Drop-Frame."  This format drops frames on a scheduled basis (specifically, the first second of every minute, except minutes that are multiples of 10 (0,10,20,etc.) , has only 28 frames instead of the normal 30.  Over time, the net frame rate becomes 29.97 frames per second.

You may also choose "milliseconds" here (1000 per second).  This is not a standard SMPTE format, so you should not use this setting if you are using the MTC synchronization protocol.

First, I play in a rock band and was looking for a nice Midi
sequencer that can be use to play live jam/gig and also have FULL
control over the midi. Having a Start button, with TAP for tempo, and
also playing the introduction until I decide to start the song was a
most. Other sequencer I found did'nt give you the control like
MidiMaestro does.--Steve Hollingsworth