Synchronisation/Word Clock; Operating Modes - Adam DA-SX Operating Manual

3. Operating Modes

3.4 External Synchronisation to a Word Clock
If you operate several SX monitors and wish to make sure all speakers
get their sampling values simultaneously by being on the other hand
independent of digital cable lengths, using a Word Clock can be
advisable. In this case, the D/A converters do not need to reconstruct
the sampling rate from the stream of data (something that cannot be
done without small imprecisions concerning the timing). Instead, they
get a clean clock pulse ready to be used.
That is why the Word Clock needs to be in exact synchronicity with the
physical sampling rate of the incoming data stream. A real divergence is
not permitted. If the divergence becomes too big (more than one or two
samples) the D/A converter has to either double the samples or drop
them. This can result in increasing distortion or even in considerable
parasitic noises (Jitter). If you have to use asynchronic rates anyway,
you will need an external asynchronic resampling converter.
• If you do not have a Word Clock connected or do not wish to use a
Word Clock that is being connected, switch off the Word Clock (LED
is off).
• If you want to synchronise the D/A converter with a Word Clock please
activate the Word Clock input (LED is on).
Please note:
If the Word Clock input is activated but there either is no cable connected
to the input or the cable does not carry a signal, the converter works
exactly the same way as if the input were not activated. The converter
automatically switches to standard operating mode.
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