Tides uses different clock-following algorithms at LFO vs. audio rate: phase-locked for swing at LFO, pitch-accurate at audio

Tides uses two distinct clock-tracking algorithms depending on the frequency range setting. At lower or intermediate frequencies (LFO range), Tides accurately phase-locks to the incoming clock, meaning it can follow irregular but repetitive rhythmic patterns and clocks with shuffle or swing. At audio rate, a different algorithm optimized for pitch accuracy and jitter reduction is used, which assumes a periodic waveform is present but does not guarantee phase alignment with the external clock. This means that for groove-responsive LFO sync or swing patterns, Tides must be set to LFO range — using audio range for this purpose will lose swing fidelity.

Examples

To sync a Tides LFO to a swung clock: set frequency range to LFO or intermediate. CLOCK input will phase-lock and follow swing timing. For audio-rate clock division of a precise oscillator: use audio range for pitch accuracy.

Assessment

Why can’t Tides accurately follow a swung clock signal when in audio range mode, and what setting enables swing-responsive clock tracking?