I just purchased a Black Lion Audio Micro Clock MKII to clock a 12 year old firewire interface and it made a significant improvement above 12k and tightened up the low end quite a bit. Love it! It makes a larger improvement on the A/D side but there is also an audible difference on the D/A side.
You’ve clarified this subject quite well here, Warren. For a tech-savvy guy, you’ve really done a great job of translating that technical language into an easy to understand way for those who aren’t as tech-oriented. And yeah, Clocks have certainly been the subject for much debate over the years, in both mid-level project studios and pro circles alike... Jitter is not an “imaginary” thing, it’s not an intangible, phantom parameter; it absolutely does exist, and does occur in systems where multiple digital devices are being used without being synced to one master clock. In that scenario, having one master word clock to sync multiple devices to is vital to avoid the potential for jitter. Even though the jitter that can occur isn’t always audible in and of itself on the surface, it can still degrade sonic integrity. But, as you so accurately said, a master clock is not something that EVERY studio needs. And perhaps this is where the “debate” is rooted. For those who are using only one digital I/O without a Word Clock interface, then there’s really no need for a master clock, because that single I/O being used IS the “master” clock. It only needs to sync to itself. There are rare exceptions... if you’re using a very old I/O with a cheap clock or poor converters, then a word clock could improve your sound) But for the most part, those who have integrated a clock into their one I/O when there weren’t any clocking problems to correct to begin with, won’t hear a difference. And this is where I think the argument from people who are saying that master word sync devices are just “snake oil” comes from; perhaps because they were lead to believe - through various clock device manufacture’s “ambiguous” ads - that these devices are “absolutely necessary for digital studios”. But in that ambiguity as to who will benefit and who won’t, creates the debate. I recall, probably around 7 years ago, seeing adds for sync clocks from companies (I won’t name them here but I’m sure you know who they are) claiming that having THEIR clock in your studio “will immediately improve your sound!” And, okay, that’s true ... IF your studio has multiple digital devices that are being used for ADC/ADAC. But that’s not true at all for studios who are using only one ADAC I/O device that isn’t expandable using other devices. Clock Sync is necessary for specific work flows, and in those specific scenarios, they can be great - even necessary- to have if you want to get the best sound possible ... but they’re not necessary for ALL workflows. Anyhooo... Thanks again for another informative (and pertinent) episode. Keep up the great work! FWIW 😉🙏
It gives a clearer more polished print and rounds off the highs even though they may needed to be turned down in the mix it's not harsh as printing in the box. Makes bad mixes eeeeeh, good mixes better, and definitely complements a great mix
Thanks for sharing. I also uses the Black Lion Micro clock 2 with my Digidesign 192 and 96 (which are in loop sync) in conjunction with a Digigrid DLS which syncs other digigrid devices (my digigrid m) over ethernet. Since I purchased the Black Lion Micro clock 2 my whole system works much better. It's also improved (subtlety) the clarity of the Digi devices.
Hi! I’ve just bought blacklion 2x2 and need any help, please. I put my micro in (rode), the headphones as well (sony 7506), turn the phantom 48v on and try to record something. Firstly I downloaded blacklion asio and register my amp of course. I can record my voice, but if I want to hear me, I have to turn te „headphones volume” on the biggest range and my computer too. The voice was being recorded but I cant see lighting diodes when I am recording. Could you help me? I am worried about it, because I did everything like in the instruction and that’s not work like in the video. Greetings.
Hi thanks for reaching out. If I were you I would contact the company for instruction or support with your unit. Unfortunately I don’t have experience with this particular interface. You could probably check to see if they have a Facebook group as well. Good Luck 👍🏾
The clocking in that 001 is horrible..in time the clocking oscillator wears out and it starts to unsync itself or wont sync at all..best thing to.do it's time for a upgrade. p.s. I've seen people buy a external masterclock to fix the problem but in reality I would just ditch the system and start fresh
I just purchased a Black Lion Audio Micro Clock MKII to clock a 12 year old firewire interface and it made a significant improvement above 12k and tightened up the low end quite a bit. Love it! It makes a larger improvement on the A/D side but there is also an audible difference on the D/A side.
even if I just use only one audio interface like apollo x8, does using the word clock improve the sound quality?
The internal clock on the Apollo is great you should not need an external clock. Thanks for watching ✌🏽
I'm bought to find out
You’ve clarified this subject quite well here, Warren. For a tech-savvy guy, you’ve really done a great job of translating that technical language into an easy to understand way for those who aren’t as tech-oriented.
And yeah, Clocks have certainly been the subject for much debate over the years, in both mid-level project studios and pro circles alike...
Jitter is not an “imaginary” thing, it’s not an intangible, phantom parameter; it absolutely does exist, and does occur in systems where multiple digital devices are being used without being synced to one master clock.
In that scenario, having one master word clock to sync multiple devices to is vital to avoid the potential for jitter. Even though the jitter that can occur isn’t always audible in and of itself on the surface, it can still degrade sonic integrity.
But, as you so accurately said, a master clock is not something that EVERY studio needs. And perhaps this is where the “debate” is rooted.
For those who are using only one digital I/O without a Word Clock interface, then there’s really no need for a master clock, because that single I/O being used IS the “master” clock. It only needs to sync to itself. There are rare exceptions... if you’re using a very old I/O with a cheap clock or poor converters, then a word clock could improve your sound) But for the most part, those who have integrated a clock into their one I/O when there weren’t any clocking problems to correct to begin with, won’t hear a difference.
And this is where I think the argument from people who are saying that master word sync devices are just “snake oil” comes from; perhaps because they were lead to believe - through various clock device manufacture’s “ambiguous” ads - that these devices are “absolutely necessary for digital studios”.
But in that ambiguity as to who will benefit and who won’t, creates the debate.
I recall, probably around 7 years ago, seeing adds for sync clocks from companies (I won’t name them here but I’m sure you know who they are) claiming that having THEIR clock in your studio “will immediately improve your sound!”
And, okay, that’s true ... IF your studio has multiple digital devices that are being used for ADC/ADAC. But that’s not true at all for studios who are using only one ADAC I/O device that isn’t expandable using other devices.
Clock Sync is necessary for specific work flows, and in those specific scenarios, they can be great - even necessary- to have if you want to get the best sound possible ... but they’re not necessary for ALL workflows.
Anyhooo...
Thanks again for another informative (and pertinent) episode. Keep up the great work!
FWIW
😉🙏
Donny thanks for watching brother
It gives a clearer more polished print and rounds off the highs even though they may needed to be turned down in the mix it's not harsh as printing in the box. Makes bad mixes eeeeeh, good mixes better, and definitely complements a great mix
Thanks for sharing. I also uses the Black Lion Micro clock 2 with my Digidesign 192 and 96 (which are in loop sync) in conjunction with a Digigrid DLS which syncs other digigrid devices (my digigrid m) over ethernet. Since I purchased the Black Lion Micro clock 2 my whole system works much better. It's also improved (subtlety) the clarity of the Digi devices.
Paul, thanks for watching. That clock is the best money spent in a digital studio.
Great content. Just found the channel, looking forward to seeing what else you have. 👍
Anthony, thanks for watching. Stop by the livestream this weekend.👍🏾✌🏾
What happened to you brother? I miss your videos.
Hi! I’ve just bought blacklion 2x2 and need any help, please. I put my micro in (rode), the headphones as well (sony 7506), turn the phantom 48v on and try to record something. Firstly I downloaded blacklion asio and register my amp of course. I can record my voice, but if I want to hear me, I have to turn te „headphones volume” on the biggest range and my computer too. The voice was being recorded but I cant see lighting diodes when I am recording. Could you help me? I am worried about it, because I did everything like in the instruction and that’s not work like in the video. Greetings.
Hi thanks for reaching out. If I were you I would contact the company for instruction or support with your unit. Unfortunately I don’t have experience with this particular interface. You could probably check to see if they have a Facebook group as well. Good Luck 👍🏾
@@WarrenHenry thanks!
U had to have fixed this by now but it sounds like u needed to adjust the input/playback knob
where you working ITB< or using hard ware? that you heard a diff?
I was in the box at the time. Thanks for watching
The clocking in that 001 is horrible..in time the clocking oscillator wears out and it starts to unsync itself or wont sync at all..best thing to.do it's time for a upgrade. p.s. I've seen people buy a external masterclock to fix the problem but in reality I would just ditch the system and start fresh
Legend!
This kind of clocks do nothing for helping sync midi clock timing issues, correct?
No, you might be referencing the Midi Time Piece by MOTU. Thanks for your question
Happy New Year! I only have the one Saffire Pro 40 so I guess I'm OK
Hey Happy New Year. You should be okay😁
For now, until your operating system makes it obsolete. Maybe you need to look at buying a new interface.
@@shan5445 My Mac Pro is 2010, I'm on a frozen system
Another reason to stay in the box and get rid of all the external stuff. I am getting a headache just listening to you explain this.
Thanks for your comment.