What is the best device to use as the master clock?

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ScienceOne

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Should my interface (RME Fireface) be my master clock? Or what about one of the two preamps (Focusrite Octopres) I have hooked up to it via ADAT? What should be my reasoning behind my master clock choice?
 
Have you tried recording both settings and compared? I would assume that the RME Fireface has a better internal clock and, in the absence of a third external clock (such as an Apogee Big Ben), that would be your best choice.
Anyone else with two cents to spare?
 
Well, if you're inputting to a digital recorder, be it a computer or whatever via Lightpipe, the sending device HAS to be the master clock and the recieving device the slave.
 
Track Rat said:
Well, if you're inputting to a digital recorder, be it a computer or whatever via Lightpipe, the sending device HAS to be the master clock and the recieving device the slave.
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If that's the case and the clock in the RME is superior to the Octorpre clock, then should ScienceOne use the analog output of the Focusrite and clock with the RME?
 
I'd use which ever CONVERTERS I felt were better, regardless of clock.
 
Ok, TrackRat, THAT was my big question. I was curious if I HAD to do something like that. Is it only this way with Lightpipe?

Going to the analog outputs of the Octopre instead of the ADAT would bring up another issue: using the Fireface's converters over the Focusrite's. Say, theoretically, that I wanted to use the Focusrite A/Ds (meaning I had to use it's ADAT or SPDIF out) and have the Fireface as my master clock. Is that impossible?
 
If you don't have a separate clock, then used the clock of the A/D convertors. If you really want to be anal about it, use the A/D clock when recording, the D/A clock at playback. It will be a bit of a problem when recording while playback, but you might work that one out for yourself... :)
 
As I said above, I think you need to record with a variety of setups and compare the results. In other words, let your ears be the judge. If I had to GUESS, I would bet the RME had better converters and that the Focusrite might have a slight edge when it comes to preamps. So, if it were me, I might try using the Octopre runing analog out to the RME. Let the RME clock and convert and use the Focusrite for it's preamps.
 
dwillis45 said:
As I said above, I think you need to record with a variety of setups and compare the results. In other words, let your ears be the judge. If I had to GUESS, I would bet the RME had better converters and that the Focusrite might have a slight edge when it comes to preamps. So, if it were me, I might try using the Octopre runing analog out to the RME. Let the RME clock and convert and use the Focusrite for it's preamps.
Click to expand...

Yes, I totally agree with you. I was just curious if it was even possible to have the RME as the master clock while receiving a lightpipe signal from the Octopre; just trying to learn the limitations of the gear.
 
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