Setting Up Timecode with GSi SMPTE Tool

For frame-accurate synchronization and timecoded marker workflows, Remoto Playback can chase external MIDI Timecode (MTC) generated by an external source converting LTC from DaVinci Resolve.

DaVinci Resolve outputs Linear Timecode (LTC), which which can be converted to MIDI Timecode (MTC) by using the GSi SMPTE Tool. Playback reads the MTC signal directly from the GSi SMPTE Tool to stay in sync with Resolve's timeline. 

This setup allows you to enter timecoded markers in Playback that can later be exported as a .csv file and imported back into Resolve as an .edl, placing each marker at its exact timecode position.

This article covers how to:

• Download and install the GSi SMPTE Tool
• Configure DaVinci Resolve to generate and output timecode
• Set up the GSi SMPTE Tool to convert LTC to MTC
• Configure Remoto Playback to chase MTC

For details on exporting markers from Playback and importing them into Resolve, see Importing Timecoded Markers into DaVinci Resolve from Playback.

Step 1. Download and Install GSi SMPTE Tool

• Download GST SMPTE Tool v1.0.0 from the Genuine Soundware website:
  https://www.genuinesoundware.com/?a=page&p=SMPTE_Tool
  • Choose the "GSi Download Center for macOS" download option.
• Open the installer. You will see various virtual instruments - at the bottom of the installer you will see a toggle for “Show Extra” - Toggle this on. 
• From the Dropdown, scroll and select “SMPTE Tool - Mac v.1.0.0”.
• Download this tool and follow the onscreen instructions to install. 

Step 2. Set up Timecode Output in DaVinci Resolve (Fairlight)

• Make sure you are in Fairlight mode (selectable via the music notes button at the bottom of the application). 
• Open the Fairlight Menu → Patch Input/Output.

• Set Source to System Generator, and select Timecode as the source type.

• In the destination grid, select the BlackHole 16ch channel(s) you want to use to output timecode, and select Timecode as the signal. For example Output 16.

• Click Patch.
  •  Note: In the latest versions of DaVinci Resolve, you no longer need to patch the output manually in the Fairlight I/O matrix. Timecode output is now available directly under Synchronization Settings.

Step 3. Synchronization Settings in DaVinci Resolve

• Open the Fairlight Menu  → Synchronization Settings.

• Enable Generate Code.

• Select BlackHole 16ch and choose the same channels you patched above (for example, 15–16).
  • This defines where Resolve will generate and send LTC.

Step 4. Define Starting Timecode in DaVinci Resolve

• In Fairlight, open the Media Pool and switch to List View.

• Locate your timeline (for example, Timeline 1).
• Right-click the timeline → Timelines → Starting Timecode, and set the desired starting Timecode.

Step 5. Configure GSi SMPTE Too (Converts LTC → MTC)

• Launch the GSi SMPTE Tool.
• In the Device Settings tab,  configure the following settings:
  • Output: Set to < < none > >.
  • Input: select BlackHole 16ch 
  • Active output channels: Do not change, or leave as is
  • Active input channels: These should match the output channels you choose in Resolve).
  • Sample rate:  48k
  • Audio buffer size: Do not change or leave as is.
  • MIDI Output: select “Remoto_out”.
    • Please note that "Remoto_out" will only appear after the Remoto Playback application has been opened.

• In the GSi SMPTE Tool tab: 
  • MTC Send Type: Set Mode to QF (Quarter Frame).
    • This mode ensures smooth, frame-accurate MTC output that Playback can chase.
  • Generator Frame Rate: Choose the frame rate that matches your Resolve timeline (e.g., 23.976, 24, or 25 fps).
  • Click Generate.

• Play your timeline in Resolve. The GSi SMPTE Tool should now display running LTC and transmit synchronized MTC.

Step 4. Configure Remoto Playback to Chase MTC

• In Remoto Playback, open the Session Settings window.
• Under Audio settings, for the Audio Input Device, select BlackHole 16ch (same as Resolve).
• In Audio Input Source, select the channel pair carrying the LTC signal (e.g., 15–16) from Resolve.
• In the Timecoded Markers setting, make sure “Remoto MIDI Device Input Port” is selected. 
• Playback will now chase the incoming MTC signal from the GST SMPTE Tool and is set up to chase Resolve’s playback position.
• Check Preview mode in Playback's Session Settings - If playback is active in Resolve, the Timecode indicator in the preview in Playback should now follow Resolve’s transport in real time.

You are now able to use Playback's Timecoded Markers feature, which means any markers created during the session can be exported and then imported into the correct location on your project's DaVinci Resolve timeline. 

For more info on export and importing markers into Resolve, see Importing Timecoded Markers into DaVinci Resolve from Playback.

Notes

• The GST SMPTE Tool must remain open and active during streaming; closing it will stop timecode transmission.
• Both Resolve and Playback must use the same frame rate.
• If Playback doesn’t detect timecode, double-check your selected input channels and confirm QF mode is active in the SMPTE Tool.
• Adjust the output level in the SMPTE Tool if the signal is too loud or too quiet.