How would a Clock Help my DAW System?

[imacgreg]

Hey,
I am using a Gadget Labs 824 soundcard (8 I/O) and win2k. My question is: How would a clock, like those made by Aardvark, help my sound/performance? Is a clock only useful if you have more than two pieces of digital gear? Or does it provide the actual sampling frequency (better than the card) that the card uses? My card does have word clock inputs if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance,
ian

 

[Track Rat]

A GenX6 is what I use and yes it would help the sound.

 

[imacgreg]

Rat,
What do you use the clock for? Is it just hooked up to your soundcard?

Thanks,
Ian

 

[Track Rat]

I have it hooked to every device I have that's equiped with a word clock input. My MOTU2408, my ADATs via the BRC and also a DBX386. But if I only had one device with a word clock input I'd use it and there would be a benifit. More stable clock=better audio performance.

 

[imacgreg]

Ok, cool. Thanks a ton.
Ian

 

[NukeYork]

I believe the clock controls the sample rate, and eliminates phase discrepencies between identical versions of the same signal.
*ref- Digital Audio Dictionary, Howard Sams, 1999