Mackie Digital 8Bus D8B v5.1, Owner'S Manual

Page: 123 / 198

D8B Manual • Chapter 4 • page 117
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.
M o d u l a r D i g i t a l M u l t i t ra c k
M o d u l a r D i g i t a l M u l t i t ra c k
Sync Hub
Digital 8•Bus
Master Word Clock
Out From D8B
Here are two more sample setups that include the
D8B and other digital devices which depend on
accurate and solid word sync.
9-pin
OUT
MIDI
IN
MIDI
OUT
MIDI
IN
MIDI
OUT
DTP
Word Clock
INPUT
Word Clock
INPUT
Word Clock
OUTPUT
Word Clock
OUTPUT
9-pin
IN
Control
Track IN
Control
Track 1
9-pin
OUT
PCI-324
9-pin IN
ComputerComputer
MIDI
IN
MIDI
OUT
PCI 324
card output
From PCI 324
MIDI
IN
MIDI
OUT
2408
Word Clock
INPUT
Word Clock
OUTPUT
Word Clock
OUTPUT
Word Clock
INPUT
ComputerComputer
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.