MusicianCV · TRPulses per quarter note
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Timing and files
At 480 PPQ a straight eighth spans 240 ticks and a sixteenth 120. They retain those tick distances through tempo changes.
Pulses per quarter note · 480 PPQ → ♩ = 480
File meta events, event positions and live transport messages serve different functions. Inspect this example in its proper context using an SMF reader or MIDI monitor.
Example
Code or time base / interpretation · 480 PPQ / ♩ = 480
Code or time base / interpretation480 PPQ ♩ = 480
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What unit is being used for timing?
Answer
Check the file’s PPQ or SMPTE division. MIDI Clock on the wire uses 24 pulses per quarter independently of SMF tick resolution.Related topics
Ticks, PPQ and tempo mapsReferences
MIDI specifications and reference tables
Subject-expert review pending.