How to sync interface and two preamps through ADAT?

[fingerace]

Hey guys,

I am about to get the RME fireface 800 and two 8-channel preamps with ADAT out. The RME has 2 ADAT in ports so that's handled. It also has word clock in and out. The m-audio octane and the prosonus digimax fs have word clock in and out as well.

How do I connect these up so that I can use the RME as a master and the other two as slaves?

Thanks

[String7th]

For some situations that only call for 1 ADAT, simply set the ADAT preamp as the master and the interface as the slave clock. Work perfectly with my Firestudio and Digimax.

But for all 26 channels running, a clock sync would be needed. If the RME has built in clock (usable but not the best choice), simply set it to be the master, and use coax clock cables to connect them all. From what I understand, it's similar to daisychaining Firewire, there's no order it needs to be in, just connected.

[fingerace]

Alright, so it's from the interface out to preamp A in. and from preamp A out to preamp B in? Is that correct?

Why did you set your preamp as the master? Better clock?

I read that the RME clock is quite good, I don't want to buy a cheap external clock sync that will eventually be worse.

[String7th]

Originally Posted by fingerace

Alright, so it's from the interface out to preamp A in. and from preamp A out to preamp B in? Is that correct?

You talking about the BNC clock cable? Yes, that takes the RME clock signal and sends it out to the preamps, it doesn't even need to loop back to the interface.

I set the Digimax as master just because it's the only thing sending the digital signal, like a 1-way street, the interface just follows it. If I set the Firestudio as the master, I would need to send the sync signal to the Digimax by the BNC cables so the Digimax follows the interface instead.

I hear about the RME being better than average, too. Better than the affordable clocks like ART anyway. Probably wouldn't hear or have any better experience through an Apogee Big Ben.

[brandondrury]

I hear about the RME being better than average, too. Better than the affordable clocks like ART anyway. Probably wouldn't hear or have any better experience through an Apogee Big Ben.

The high end external clock is just one of about 50 "life changing" pieces of gear that never seem to change anyone's lives. I guess some year I should break down and try one, but I suspect it's a load of bull or at least not nearly as dramatic as is implied.

Brandon

[Husky Band]

Originally Posted by fingerace

Hey guys,

I am about to get the RME fireface 800 and two 8-channel preamps with ADAT out. The RME has 2 ADAT in ports so that's handled. It also has word clock in and out. The m-audio octane and the prosonus digimax fs have word clock in and out as well.

How do I connect these up so that I can use the RME as a master and the other two as slaves?

Thanks

With the Digimax FS you can light pipe ADAT io both ways connecting both in and out on both the interface and the pre-amps. Set the interface as Master and the pre-amps as slaves and they'll sync through the light pipe. You can also sync with BNC connectors. If you don't need the outputs of the Digimax FS you can get the job done with a Digimax d8. It only has ADAT out and will have to be synced via BNC. Not a big deal.

[fingerace]

Originally Posted by Husky Band

With the Digimax FS you can light pipe ADAT io both ways connecting both in and out on both the interface and the pre-amps. Set the interface as Master and the pre-amps as slaves and they'll sync through the light pipe. You can also sync with BNC connectors. If you don't need the outputs of the Digimax FS you can get the job done with a Digimax d8. It only has ADAT out and will have to be synced via BNC. Not a big deal.

I didn't quite get this. I can sync two peices of gear without using BNC? All I want to know is wether I will need any other peice of gear to make the interface and the two preamps work together.

[Husky Band]

Originally Posted by fingerace

I didn't quite get this. I can sync two peices of gear without using BNC? All I want to know is wether I will need any other peice of gear to make the interface and the two preamps work together.

Yes you can, If both add on pre-amps have both adat out AND adat in. The ADAT signal from the master has sync code embedded in the signal. You run 2 light pipe cables from both in and out of the master and slave. Some pre-amps have only ADAT out (like the Digimax d8) You can't sync it with with adat in cause it doesn't have one. If you want to sync a d8 with a master you have to do it with BNC.

[fingerace]

Alright, I get it now.

Sorry about that. I am not usually that slow.

[Husky Band]

Originally Posted by fingerace

Alright, I get it now.

Sorry about that. I am not usually that slow.

Not near as slow as me, I know this sh!t cause I've done everything wrong the 1st time. LOL