Mackie D8B Master Word Clock, Out From D8B, Sync Hub, Digital 8•Bus, Proper Sync Connection

Proper Sync Connection

Every digital system needs a master sync source. The D8B prefers to be the master source but will function as a master or slave. Follow these simple steps to help assure a successful digital setup:

•Determine which piece of gear is the master. The master must be able to generate proper word clock that can be read by all other digital equipment.

•Set all digital equipment to the exact same word clock rate—typically 44.1 or 48kHz.

•Connect the word clock output from the master device to the word clock input of the slave devices. Each digital device connected to the digital audio chain must receive a common word clock source, either directly or from a slave.

•It is common procedure to chain word clock through digital devices. The D8B can provide master word clock to a central word clock hub, then the hub can send to multiple digital slaves (DAWs, MDMs, digital effects, etc.).

•Set every slave device to respond to external word clock.

•Draw a digital word clock flow chart for your system. This will help you verify a logical connection scheme. One piece of equipment connected incorrectly can mess up your entire system. Rats!

The following illustration shows a common sync setup, using the Digital 8•Bus as the master word clock source and a hub to distribute to other digitally connected devices.

Digital 8•Bus

Master Word Clock

Out From D8B

Sync Hub

Modular Digital Multitrack

Modular Digital Multitrack

Here are two more sample setups that include the D8B and other digital devices which depend on accurate and solid word sync.

				Word Clock
		Word Clock			INPUT
					Word Clock
		OUTPUT
					OUTPUT
9-pin
OUT
		MIDI	MIDI
		IN	OUT
9-pin		9-pin		PCI-324	omputerC
IN
		OUT		9-pin IN
					Control
					Track IN
MIDI	MIDI	Control
IN	OUT	Track 1
		DTP		Word Clock
				INPUT
				Word Clock
		Word Clock			INPUT
					Word Clock
		OUTPUT
					INPUT
From PCI 324		MIDI	MIDI
		IN	OUT
				MIDI MIDI IN OUT	omputer
					C
					PCI 324
					card output

Word Clock

2408 OUTPUT

Use expensive, properly impedance-matched cabling! It’s worth it!

Note: When using the D8B as the master sync source, always power it up before other digitally connected gear. You’ll have a much better day.

D8B Manual • Chapter 4 • page 109