Proper Sync Connection - Mackie Digital 8Bus D8B v5.1 Owner's Manual

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
Here are two more sample setups that include the
D8B and other digital devices which depend on
accurate and solid word sync.
Word Clock
OUTPUT
9-pin
OUT
MIDI MIDI
IN OUT
9-pin
IN
9-pin
OUT
MIDI MIDI
Control
IN OUT
Track 1
Word Clock
DTP
INPUT
Word Clock
OUTPUT
From PCI 324 MIDI MIDI
IN OUT
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.
Word Clock
INPUT
Word Clock
OUTPUT
PCI-324
9-pin IN
Control
Track IN
Word Clock
INPUT
Word Clock
INPUT
PCI 324
card output