ART SyncGEN Wordclock and Sample Rate Generator

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Eliminate timing errors with the ART SyncGEN Wordclock Generator that doubles as a system tester by alerting you if any equipment has a bad connection.

The ART SyncGen is a simple to use and inexpensive way to improve the sound of your digital recording gear and eliminate seemingly random pops and clicks resulting from synchronization timing errors between different pieces of equipment.

Using a word-clock generator will centralize all of the timing, reducing accumulated timing errors between the individual units that make up a digital recording chain.

You can drive either BNC word-clock inputs or coaxial S/PDIF inputs. This allows the SyncGen to work together with a wide variety of digital audio equipment.

The ART SyncGen can also double as a system tester by telling you about the status of your BNC word-clock cables and terminations. You can see which pieces of gear are internally terminated, and if a cable is connected properly. A green indicator shows correct 75 Ohm termination. Red indicates an output that is shorted or over-terminated (too low of an impedance). When a termination LED is not illuminated at all, the output is either unconnected or not terminated properly, (open circuit or too high of an impedance).

What Is Jitter?
Jitter is the variation in the timing of the sample rate. Imagine calling out each second as it ticks off using the second hand of a watch. Now imagine that the watch is shaking so much that you can hardly see the precise position of the second hand. This inability to correctly read the second hand is a source of signal error.

Digital systems need to do this millions of times a second since read more audio samples are broken up into 64 (bit) intervals per sample (44,100 samples/sec. x 64 = 2.822 million bits/sec.) Both recording and playback jitter will create audible errors, however jitter in the recording process is a permanent part of the recording and cannot easily be corrected with standard playback gear. Therefore the Sync Gen should become an indispensable part of the recording and archiving process when professional results are required.

Features

Stable & Accurate Time-Base Reference

44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176 KHz, 192 KHz Sample Rates

Four High-Current 5 Volt BNC Word-Clock Outputs

Two "Zero Bit Digital Black" S/PDIF Outputs On Coaxial RCA Connectors

LED Indicators Monitor Termination And Operating Status of BNC Outputs

Large, Easy To Read Digital Sample Rate Readout

Easy Sample Rate Selection With Memory Recall After Power Down Cycle

Set Of 75 Ohm BNC Terminators And BNC "T" Adaptors Included

Easy To Read User / Application Manual Included
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 716-297-2920
Web: https://www.artproaudio.com/support/

Submitted January 3, 2011

"Great Value Word Clock"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I needed to address longish clock runs and a daisy chain that pushed the limits. The SyncGEN did exactly that. I currently have two devices running end to end and one 2 device chain. I've got one extra BNC out if I need it. The box has two SPDIF sync outputs as well. One is in use, and I have one spare. I've got room to expand before needing to step up to a higher end word clock generator. I am currently clocking at either 44.1K or 48K depending on the project. The SyncGEN can clock up to 192K. I cant speak to how accurate the clock is, but I have no complaints so far with the final audio product.

Sound
Hmm - the sound of a wordclock? It does seem to keep the sounds of the devices it clocks in sync - no digital issues that I've run across.

Features
It appears to do what it advertises. This is a simple clock gen box with 6 selectable clock rates which apply to the entire unit. It does not have per output controls. It comes with a collection of BNC Ts and 75 ohm terminators - nice touch! Fairly large (5/8 tall) numbers show clock setting. 4 LED's show green for proper connection, red for incorrect termination, off for not connected. It is not rack mountable without some custom fitting. It is designed to be set somewhere. The floppy drive panel of one of my synths is the perfect size and happens to be about equal distance from the furthest flung clock inputs. Depending on your cabling, you might find you need to hold read more the box down, or secure the cables so the box doesn't get moved around. An "8" here is not a knock - this is a simple device that solves some basic clock issues for low cost.

Ease of Use
I dont know how it could be easier. Push a button to select the clock rate. It remembers the setting when powered off.

Quality
Seems like a tough little box. Button and jacks seem securely mounted.

Value
This product does exactly what I need it to do at a very reasonable price. Other options cost a lot more.

Manufacturer Support
I've not called about the SyncGEN, but over the past 25 years I've had numerous ART devices and little if any trouble. ART have always been easy to reach and have been helpful regarding both pre sale and post sale questions, application issues, upgrades, etc.

The Wow Factor
Little black box with green LED's (when set up correctly), rounded edges on the sides. Sits among the techno gear without being intrusive, but gives clock rate and port status at a glance.

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No longer available at zZounds

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