clock and sync gen = all the same.
The GEN6-96 was developped specifically for audio, with each channel's output either providing superclock (for Pro Tools) or wordclock, at 44.1, 48 or 96kHz. So, it does handle the normal audio rates, the normal clock (word) as well as the pro tools specific clock.
The SSG's full name is a High Definition Studio Sync Generator. It does the same as the GEN, plus a host of other things.
Basically (or not so very basically)
the SSG generates master reference clock signals for digital audio equipment in recording, post-production and broadcast studios by providing a single low jitter clock source for the entire digital studio or studio complex (which might be over 10 control rooms / editing suites running through a central machine room).
So, in addition to its "normal" audio clock references, the SSG provides facilities for film or video post-production, as it can reference to the house video blackburst generator (NTSC59.94, NTSC60, or PAL/SECAM 50Hz) or alternatively it can generate video blackburst and serve as the house generator itself. It can also lock to an external word clock input, or an external AES-11 (AES digital black) or AES-3 input.
The SSG puts out clock in four formats simultaniously, word, AES-11, Superclock (256FS - which is exclusive to Pro Tools) and Lucid UltraClock (1024FS/M), with word clock ranging from 32 to 192kHz, with digital audio output frequency range from 32 to 100kHz.
Hopefully you enjoyed the gobbledegook. It provides a low jitter means of sync for audio and vidio and audio / video combined.
The most amazing "side effect" of the design of the SSG is that when you feed it a digital signal, it will "re-allign" the clock signal to the audio with great precission before it passes it on. Using this as the last stage prior to feeding a CD burner, this gives an immediate and immediately audible improvement in the sound quality that goes to the CD.
Your next question will most likely be; "does that mean the SSG192 is better then the GEN?" The answer is no. Actually, the GEN has a marginally more accurate clock, therefore marginally better sound. This as its a box designed to do one thing only - provide the most accurate clock possible for digital audio. Stripped of having to supply all the additional stuff the SSG has to provide, it clock is simply the best.
This does not mean the SSG is a slouch, its getting very popular indeed with more and more mastering facilities in particular switching to the SSG. It has a bunch of great fans, including George Massenburg.
