SMPTE/EBU timecode is now an established standard in the arena of tape/MIDI synchronisation and other types of lock-up are falling by the wayside. Fortunately, the price of SMPTE/EBU equipment is falling too, down to affordable levels. So now the choice is between basic sync capability at a low price, or full MIDI/timecode facilities for not too much more.
YOU TUBE VIDEO JL COOPER WITH FOSTEX M80