ADAT recording without Master Word Clock

seeprompt · Feb 4, 2008

Is it possible to capture audio from Focusrite OctoPre and transfer the signal (8 channels) via the OctoPre ADAT ADC to TC Electronic Konnekt 24D/Live without a Master Word Clock Sync Generator?

I understand that there is Word Clock signal embedded in the ADAT bitstream but will there be any audio drop-outs or Sync errors because of the absence of a Master Word Clock signal?

Thank in advance!

Dixon · Feb 5, 2008

I haven't been in touch with your mentioned equipment, but can't any of the 3 devices generate an internal word clock and be assigned as a master clock for sync?

Dixon · Feb 5, 2008

After reading some of the tech specs, I believe the TC Konnekt should be able to generate a stable clock via the optical ADAT pipeline to the Octopre with the Adat ADC.

Usually a master clock is required when you have lots of devices to sync up, and in the traditional workflow that I used to handle, we usually use the digital mixer as a master clock.

Normally the master clock device is set to Internal, then the rest of the gears as external, provided that they're connected by SPDIF/AES or any other digital I/O ports.

2 cents worth....Hope this helps.

seeprompt · Feb 5, 2008

Thanks for your input Dixon!

However, I'm still a little unclear about setting TC Konnekt as the "Master" world clock through the ADAT lightpipe.

According to page 7 in the user guide (can downloaded from Focusrite website) to "Slave" OctoPre, the "EXT SYNC" must be switched on. It allows the digital converter to be synchronised to an external word clock source but via a BNC-type connector.

With that said, can I assume that OctoPre is meant to be set as the "Master" and TC Konnect to be set as "Slave"?

Dixon · Feb 5, 2008

In that case, you can try the other way around....put the OctoPre ADC as a master clock and set your Konnekt to lock to external clock.

You just need to assign 1 device as a master clock, that's all.

osXsan · Feb 6, 2008

Hi seepromt,

I recently did similar mixdown via Adat to MOTU Traveler ADAT Ins.

Leave your TC Konnect on Internal Clock (MASTER) and turn on the EXT SYNC on the OctoPre. Most often it would even Auto Detect. Problem would only occur if you transporting different bit/sample rates. Thus make sure you have same resolution settings in TC's setup.

The BNC is mainly used when recording into the digital domain for Word Sync Lock from an analog source. In your case you're tapping direct digital o/p thus its not needed.

Remember to turn the Octo Pre EXT SYNC OFF after you're done. It would eitherwise be looking for Master Clock which is no longer present not to mess up the next session. ; )

Good luck.

ADAT recording without Master Word Clock

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