the clock signal is a low-frequency pulse wave suggesting the tempo. instead of measuring the waveform's frequency, the machine receiving the signal merely has to count the number of pulses to work out when to increment its position in the music. roland equipment uses 24 pulses per quarter note, known as sync24. therefore, a roland compatible device playing sixteenth notes would have to advance to the next note every time it receives 6 pulses. korg equipment uses 48 pulses per quarter note.