Help with sync problem

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Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. with Windows
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dpinion
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 5:13 am
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Help with sync problem

Post by dpinion »

Ok, I am at my wit's end with this one. I have a 2408 mkII that is connected via wordclock to a Behringer ADA8000. The PCI console has the clock set to "PCI324 internal" and the cable is terminated at the behringer (which is set to slave WC) with a 50 Ohm cap. I have used various programs (Kristal, mackie Tracktion, N-Track) but all have shown major sync problems after recording. I can have as many as 6 tracks that seem out of sync, that turns the recording into garbage. This recording is being done all at once. Here are my PC specs:

Windows XP SP2
Intel 848P chipset
2.7GHz Celeron D
256MB PC2100 Memory
Nvidia 128MB AGP card

If anyone has any suggestions I would be GLAD to hear them
dpinion
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 5:13 am
Primary DAW OS: Unspecified

Post by dpinion »

Here is an update.

Going back and looking over some previous posts, I decided to remove the wordclock cable, relying solely on the ADAT to bring the clock into the 2408. I then went in Audio console and set the control source to "Bank B optical in". Now the tracks stay sync'd with each other, however now there is a faint "clicking" noise on each channel. I believe this is still telling me the units are out of sync. What other options do I have for syncing these two units together? I have so far tried this and the configuration in my original post. I thought I might try bringing the clock off the ADA8000 into the 2408 and then setting the souce in audio console to "WC In". Any other suggestions?

Thanks
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Smokehouse
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Post by Smokehouse »

I'm totally guessing here, but are you sure that the ADA8000 requires termination on the input? I have WC out from my 828mkII into my DigiMax LT via coax/BNC and I don't use any termination at all. Just 828 out to DigiMax in.
"I'll try anything twice."
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dpinion
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Post by dpinion »

I don't know if it is a requirement as much as a suggestion, but their manual does show the connection being made with a terminating cap. I also learned looking back at the manual that the ADA8000 apparently has no WC output, so I can't use it as master to sync VIA wordclock to the 2408, so that option is out.
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Smokehouse
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Post by Smokehouse »

From the Apogee BigBen documentation:

"Be aware that not all Termination Plugs are 75 ohm; 50 ohm
Termination Plugs are commonly found in Ethernet installations, and
should not be used."
"I'll try anything twice."
Dell Latitude E6400 w/ WIN XP SP3, ADS Pyro 1394 FireWire
SONAR 8.5, WaveArts TrackPlus & MasterVerb, AutoTune 4.1
MOTU 828 MKIII, MOTU 828mkII, Presonus Digimax LT
dpinion
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Post by dpinion »

I am definitely using a 50 Ohm terminator. Does it give any indication as to what might happen if you use a 50 vs a 75 ohm?
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Smokehouse
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Post by Smokehouse »

Well, for one thing the signal will be weaker since your "shorting" it through a lower resistance. I would fix this by going to a place that sells professional video equipment and getting a 75 ohm terminator. For laughs, you could just run without any termination and see if the behavior of your system changes.
"I'll try anything twice."
Dell Latitude E6400 w/ WIN XP SP3, ADS Pyro 1394 FireWire
SONAR 8.5, WaveArts TrackPlus & MasterVerb, AutoTune 4.1
MOTU 828 MKIII, MOTU 828mkII, Presonus Digimax LT
dpinion
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 5:13 am
Primary DAW OS: Unspecified

Post by dpinion »

Smokehouse wrote: For laughs, you could just run without any termination and see if the behavior of your system changes.
And I think we have a winner! I removed the terminator and "T" last night and just went direct WC out of the 2408 into the WC in of the ADA8000. It recorded without any sync issues at all. Thank you so much for the suggestions and now I can finally get to recording with my MOTU!
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