This is an external clock that is advertised to do the following:

"The Micro Clock mk2 will widen the sound stage and add more 3 Dimensionality. It will smooth out the highs, thicken up the mids, and tighten up the low end.  Everything sounds tighter, larger, and deeper, highs are crispier, transients are better translated, and bass is less boomy and more precise. A more precise clock will result in a more precise sample of the incoming analog signal. The precision of the sample will affect how accurately the analog signal is replicated in the digital realm. This affects everything from the imaging of the sound stage to the clarity and depth of each individual track."



The Question is.... will an external clock make this much difference?  This is way outside my area of expertise, so any feedback would be welcome.


Thanks,


Mike

Michael8it


This is an external clock that is advertised to do the following:

"The Micro Clock mk2 will widen the sound stage and add more 3 Dimensionality. It will smooth out the highs, thicken up the mids, and tighten up the low end.  Everything sounds tighter, larger, and deeper, highs are crispier, transients are better translated, and bass is less boomy and more precise. A more precise clock will result in a more precise sample of the incoming analog signal. The precision of the sample will affect how accurately the analog signal is replicated in the digital realm. This affects everything from the imaging of the sound stage to the clarity and depth of each individual track."



The Question is.... will an external clock make this much difference?  This is way outside my area of expertise, so any feedback would be welcome.


Thanks,


Mike

It all depends on how bad your clock is now. If it's junk you should hear a difference, if it's fairly good ?, not so much.  Also, keep in mind that if your tracks are already recorded with a poor quality clock the damage is done. A good clock on playback will only let you hear in fine detail how bad the recordings really are.

The converters also have to be of acceptable quality. There are lots of other parts to getting the job done then just the clock.

Also, when using an external clock the system can't autoswitch sample rates anymore and that can be a real bummer if you often work at different rates. And the clock must travel down a wire and that creates another point of errors and failure.

For most users the $500 would be better spent on a new sound card that already has a good clock. However, if you have a ProTools system where the hardware is required for the system to run a clock is an easy way to improve the system. Also, if you have an expensive digital mixer with a poor clock that's another good use for one of these. It's also handy if you have more then one hardware device and need to interface them digital lines into a single system. A good external clock can make it all better but again you give up the ability autoswitch sample rates.  We kinda take that for granted with sound cards that you can just feed it any file and the thing switches to the rate of the file and starts playing without you having to press a button. With an external clock you have to set it correctly BEFORE you start playing the file or project. In some cases you also have to remember to get it set to the same as your default rate in your software before you launch your software or it will **** at you. Quality really has to be an issue before it's worth doing all that. However, if you always work at 44.1 when tracking or mastering then you only have to set it once and you are always good to go.

I am using a Tascam FW-1884 now.  I don't know if the clock in this is considered good or bad.

Michael8it


I am using a Tascam FW-1884 now.  I don't know if the clock in this is considered good or bad.

I think a clock upgrade would be worth a try on the FW1884 if you are happy with the driver and are used to the controls.  Also, since the Micro Clock has more then one output you could also use it for any external preamps that hook via a digital connection to the FW-1884.  Ask them if they offer a refund if you can't hear the difference, if they are confident it's that good they should be willing to do that. 

By the way I don't think Tascam makes anything with a really good clock, most of the money goes into offering the most features per dollar. So yes, I think you would hear a difference. 

Nice thing about buying a clock is you can always use it in the future, don't have to worry about drivers or software updates.

I have the Micro Clock and have been pleased with it.  While I'm no expert, Frank is correct on it's use and suggestion to spend your $ elsewhere.  I got a good deal on it because I had Black Lion do a modification on another piece of gear and because I sometimes use a few different ADCs at the same time and wanted to make sure they were synced well.  I've done no comparisons but am confident using one single good clock.

So depending on your setup and main ADC/DAC, there very well may not be any improvement whatsoever.

Best Regards!
Wren

spdif RED SPARROW Black Lion Audio into mbox 3. U87 mic Amek Preamp.
No difference imo. Selling the red sparrow. The AGB compressor is very Average imo
AB'd mbox 3 and red sparrow, dont waste your money!
 
heres the song i did anyways  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frskE5_SQYA

Frontier Design were involved in designing the Tascam FW1884 (and also afaik the Presonus Studiolive line), and I'd expect they know how to design well-clocked gear.

http://www.frontierdesign.com/Company/About

As said, get a return policy commitment before ordering.

"The Micro Clock mk2 will widen the sound stage and add more 3 Dimensionality. It will smooth out the highs, thicken up the mids, and tighten up the low end.  Everything sounds tighter, larger, and deeper, highs are crispier, transients are better translated, and bass is less boomy and more precise. A more precise clock will result in a more precise sample of the incoming analog signal. The precision of the sample will affect how accurately the analog signal is replicated in the digital realm. This affects everything from the imaging of the sound stage to the clarity and depth of each individual track."

100% pure marketing bullsh*t.


Save your money, perhaps for a more full-featured interface with more inputs or built-in DSP or whatever. But do not waste your money on this snake oil. 

OP:  April 06, 2010

resurrected by spammer:  4/16/2013, 2 hours ago.

replies to those who are no longer interested:  priceless! 

ok, ok, maybe he's not a spammer.  but it's funny anyway...