"word clock" "sync clock" - "clock" in general...what is it?

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"word clock" "sync clock" - "clock" in general...what is it?

I guess I have a very cursory understanding of what a clock does in a studio...keeps equipment all working together? I really dont get it...

Any good website or explanation of it would be great.

Also, who makes good clocks? I have always heard that Pro Tools systems used other clocks to make them work well and such...they have that new 'Sync' thing as part of PT HD...is it any better?

As far as the type of soundcards most of us are using..like Deltas - how is the clock stuff on that, or does it even matter for just a soundcard based DAW? I have "Word Clock" on my Aardvark Q10 which is supposed to be good...but I guess I only use that if I need to hook up other equipment? Like what?

I dont get it
 
The best clock right now would be a Lucid GenX6. That's what I have my system clocked with.
In digital recording everything works off of a clock to controll sampling rate. The better the clock (low jitter), the better the audio. Word clock is not just for syncing multiple digital devices, a high quality clock will improve any single device with a marginal clock.
 
Digital I/O depends on a very stable clock signal to properly interpret the leading/trailing edge values of its digital signal. So it's a good idea to clock all digital I/O devices from a single source. that provides word clock.

Lucid and Apogee make excellent clocks - I use a Lucid myself.


Bruce
 
hmm....ok, maybe I am thick headed...but both of those rolled over me just a tad.

Is "Word Clock" a propreitary thing? i know thats what I have on my Aardvark Q10 - and Aardvark says that the clock is good...so, i don't think I would be upgrading with this current system...

How much does a GenX6 cost? So...it controls the sample rate for all the sources...but, obviously it isn't going to upconvert or downconvert everything to the same sample rate?

In your system Trak - does everything run into the GenX6, or does it just connect to one central thing or what? How does one set up a clock? I dont think i would need to do anything with my Aardvark to utilize it? I have what look like coax connectors on the back 2 of them, that say Word Clock
 
oh..only 400 bucks...hmm. Why doesn't everyone have the best then? Hehe.

So if you had a huge protools system..you'd use that...

Here is the new Protools Sync ad:

"SYNC I/O™ serves as the master synchronization device for Pro Tools|HD, supporting all major industry-standard clock sources and time code formats. Built to satisfy all of your synchronization needs, SYNC I/O delivers the most consistent, dependable solution for Pro Tools systems as well as other digital devices in the studio. "

Its $2095

Is that just a "clock" like the Genx6?

Of course you wouldn't use the protools thing without protools.
 
The GenX6 has six clock outputs and wil output wordclock or super clock (for Protools systems) at either 44.1 or 48KHz. The newer units will also do 96KHz.
It runs into my BRC to clock my ADATs, into my MOTU2408, into my HD24 and also my DBX386. It doesn't daisey chain device to device as that is a no no. One output per device. Oh, and it doesn't resample or do sample rate conversion. They run about $400.
http://mercenaryaudio.com/lucidclocks.html
 
dumb questions coming at ya:
is a central clock master mandatory? or can you get away with just setting all the clocks in your system manually (even tho it's a pain)?
I guess a better way to ask this is:
does a master clock continually monitor and sync as you play/record ... or just keep all clocks the same so if you change the sample rate on one device, it changes all devices to match?

Sounds like Bruce is saying it's continual monitoring. Like it goes beyond the simple 44.1/48 and corrects any variances from machine to machine?

also, why is it a no no to daisy chain word clock? signal degradation?

told you they were dumb questions. :)
 
A central external master clock isn't mandatory, it's just an improvment. Any time you're moving data from one machine to another something has to serve as the the clock master. This clock info is imbedded in the digital audio stream. The machine that's sending is always the master and the reciever is always the slave (the way I remember this is the master always gets to put it into the slave. It's good to be king!)
And the reason you don't want to daisey chain clock is degradation and termination issues of specific devices.
 
Hey TR!

I'm liking it a lot... the only downside is times I need to use pitch control -- the BRC can't do pitch changing while clocking to an external source.... but that doesn't come up too often!

Bruce
 
On a few rare occassions I've hit the exact same snag. A small price to pay though.
 
what kind of devices have a clock? Or would you use a central clock with?

I would definately get the GenX6 - but I don't think I have any use for it.

All I use is my computer and my Aardvark soundcard...with a Yamaha synth hooked up through MIDI.

When would I need one?

btw - any comments on that protools sync?
 
You'd only be able to use an external word clock on devices equiped with the appropriate word clock gozintas and gozoutas. It would be a BNC type connector and would be labeled as such.
I have no hands on with Protools 888 with an external clock but I've read tons of testimonials from folks who hate the on board clock and prefer either the Lucid clocks or Ardsync II.
 
The Digidesign 888 was generally maligned for its internal clock. In fact, a lot of people who thought it sounded terrible when clocked internally were impressed with the change in the sound when it was externally clocked by an aardsync or lucid or comparable clock. However, the new 192 I/O for the HD system is supposed to have an incredible internal clock... what I've heard through it at 176.4k is pretty impressive.
 
I am thinking about the potential of getting a ProTools HD system. The only thing stopping me...

Is that I know i would just set it up in my basement...for personal use. When...with such a big rig, you should be making some money off of it.

I am thinking though....say I drop 40,000 on mega ProTools....pay about 1,000 a month on it. that wouldn't be so bad...my house is paid off.

Just seems like such a waste though....to have high end Pro Tools HD in your basement...just to work on your stuff. Think I'll stick with my Aardvark for a long time. heh

I'm totally sold on it though. I think in 5 years I'll buy it...(or whatever is it's equivalent/surpasser at the time...though, I don't see that happening soon)
 
Wes that is GAS in it's worst form.

We understand and we are here for you. If you really want to buy it but feel bad that it wont be used enough you can buy a TDM system for me and I'll be sure to take pictures and send samples every month.
 
It won't cost you 40 grand!

The HD3 system is around 12k list, add to that a couple of 192 I/Os for 4k list each, that's 18 grand! Still a lot, I know, but I am considering it. I've never heard anything that sounds like the 192 I/O.
 
yep....18 grand for that...

but, then Protools is kinda defeating its purpose if you don't get the control units..

so, pop 11 grand on the ProControl...and then 7 more so you can have the extra 8 faders. that gets you 16 faders...very decent...and you are at about 36,000...get that nice sync clock...for 2-3 grand...and you are basically right at 40..

without even getting a nice mac to run it on! so...by the time you want the midi thing...and a nice computer with dual display maybe...well..you are creeping towards 50.

still, little bird in my ear saying "it's only a car payment" YIKES!

like i said though, I am staying away. But, I think I am going to do the next upgrade to HD...Protools HD2 or whatever it will be.

Does sound incredible...I agree. But, if you are gonna spend 20 grand...why not spend 50. It's all financed anyways.

Ahh..the American way. hehe. thing is, 1-2 really top notch jobs and the bitch pays for itself. Where do you live charger? I'll split the cost with ya, we can both use it. hehe. You too tex...roomies!
 
I dunno about that. Most people I know mix with the mouse, and I do too. There's no need for a control surface in any DAW (Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Cakewalk, Performer). That's why they developed automation, and things like the edit window!

I've used a Control24 and a Pro Control, and ultimately I found them pretty with the lights turned off, but I constantly went to the mouse and keyboard anytime I wanted to get anything done quickly and accurately.

BTW, I wouldn't spend 20 grand, I would trade in my current Digi hardware (MixPlus, 888|24, ADAT Bridge). That would make it more affordable for me (around $10 grand for an HD3 + two 192 I/O). But not until I get tired of them!
 
ah...i didn't know you have mix plus...where are some recent mp3s of yours?

Yeah...definately upgrade.
 
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