RME OCTAMIC II [14/32] External synchronization

User’s Guide OctaMic II © RME

9. External Synchronization

The digital inputs of the OctaMic II are used for external synchronization only. In case the clock

shall not be generated internally (operation mode Master), an external synchronization (opera-

tion mode Slave) is available via word clock or AES (SPDIF).

The SteadyClock technology of the OctaMic II guarantees exceptional performance in all clock

modes. Thanks to a highly efficient jitter suppression, the AD-conversion always operates on

highest sonic level, being completely independent from the quality of the incoming clock signal.

When the current word clock source fails, the last valid sample rate will be held automatically.

9.1 Word Clock - BNC

The word clock input is activated by DIP switches 1 and 2. Both switches must be set to their

lower position.

Thanks to RME's Signal Adaptation Circuit, the word clock input still works correctly even with

heavily mis-shaped, dc-prone, too small or overshoot-prone signals. Thanks to automatic signal

centering, 300 mV (0.3V) input level is sufficient in principle. An additional hysteresis reduces

sensitivity to 1.0 V, so that over- and undershoots and high frequency disturbances don't cause

a wrong trigger.

The word clock input is shipped as high impedance type (not terminated). A push switch allows

to activate internal termination (75 Ohms). The switch is found beside the BNC socket. Use a

small pencil or similar and carefully push the blue switch so that it snaps into its lock position.

Another push will release it again and de-activate the termination.

Due to the outstanding clock control a synchronization of the output signal to the input signal is

not only possible at identical sample rates, but also at half, quarter, double and quad sample

rates.

Example 1: DIP switch 3/4/5 in upper position results in a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. The external

synchronization source (word clock or AES) can now be 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz or 176.4 kHz.

Example 2: DIP switch 3/5 in lower position results in a sample rate of 192 kHz. The external

synchronization (word clock or AES) source can now be 48 kHz, 96 kHz or 192 kHz.

9.2 AES – D-Sub

Using the D-sub connector, an AES, AES/EBU or SPDIF signal can be used for synchroniza-

tion. Set DIP switch 1 to the upper position and DIP switch 2 to the lower position.

The OctaMic II's synchronization input uses AES 1 (see chapter 11.1). The input is transformer-

balanced and ground-free.

Thanks to a highly sensitive input stage, a

SPDIF signal can also be fed by using a

simple cable adapter phono/XLR. To

achieve this, pins 2 and 3 of an XLR plug

are being connected to the two contacts of a

Phono/RCA plug. The ground shield of the

cable is only connected to pin 1 of the XLR

plug.

With AES synchronization is possible not only at identical sample rates, but also at half, quarter,

double and quad sample rates.