User's Guide
DIGI96 © RME
10
9.2 Clock Modes - Synchronization
In the digital world, all devices are either the 'Master' (clock source) or a 'Slave' synchronized to
the master. Whenever several devices are linked within a system, there must always be a
single master. The DIGI96 series includes a very user-friendly intelligent clock control, which
handles the clock switching between master and slave on its own. Click on 'AutoSync' to acti-
vate this mode.
In AutoSync mode, the card constantly scans for a valid input signal at the active input. As
soon as this matches the current playback sample rate, the card switches from the internal
quartz (display 'Clock Master') to the clock generated from the input signal (display 'Clock Sla-
ve'). This allows on-the-fly recording, even during playback, without having to synchronize the
card to the input signal first. It also allows immediate playback at any sample rate without ha-
ving to reconfigure the card.
'AutoSync’ guarantees a fault-free function of the modes Record, Record while Play and while
using more than one card (see chapter 10). In certain cases however, e.g. when the inputs and
outputs of a DAT machine are connected directly to the
DIGI96
, AutoSync causes feedback
in the digital carrier, so synchronization breaks down. To remedy this, switch the card's
clock
mode over to 'Master'.
Due to the outstanding clock control and PLL a synchronization of the output signal to the input
signal is not only possible at identical sample rates, but also at double/half sample rates.
AutoSync allows multiple cards to be easily synchronized by applying one input signal to all
inputs simultaneously (see chapter 10).
Thanks to the described AutoSync technology and a lightning fast PLL the DIGI96 Series is not
only capable of handling standard frequencies, but also any sample rate between 25 and 102
kHz. The digital input serves as synchronization source. Please note that at the start of a record
or playback a valid sample frequency (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 64 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz)
has to be fed. When started the sample frequency can be pitched to whatever is needed,
DIGI96
will follow theses changes immediately.
When using the optional Word Clock Module (clock mode 'Word Clock') the word clock input
can serve as synchronization source. In vari-speed operation any sample frequency between
25 kHz and 102 kHz is allowed.
Only one device can be master in a digital system! When DIGI96 operates in clock mode
'Master', all other devices have to be 'Slave'.
More information on these subjects can be found in the HTML document 'sync96.htm', located
in the directory
\rmeaudio.web\english\techinfo
on the RME Driver CD, or on our web site.
