"I have a master mixdown deck that has a separate word clock input. I usually go from my digital mixer to a Finalizer, and then on to this deck. Recently I was told that I should run a separate word clock cable to this deck for better performance. Is this really important?"

Arguably it is of some importance, but the biggest benefit may come from better distribution of the clock. There are a variety of subtleties that are beyond the scope of what can be covered here. Using separate word clock cables to connect your mixer to the Finalizer, and then the Finalizer to the recorder probably wouldn't make much of a difference. The word signal that's included in the digital audio data will generally serve this function fine. However, running a separate cable from the mixer directly to the recorder and the Finalizer separately could make a significant difference. There are so many other variables it's hard to say for sure what your results will be, but the quality and stability of a word clock signal can (and usually is) degraded as it passes through multiple pieces. In fact, an ideal setup for you would include a dedicated house sync generator combined with a distribution system that will deliver a high quality word clock signal directly to each digital device (mixer, recorders, etc.), without it having to pass through other devices along the way. Not only will this help maximize your system's ability to sound its best, but it can also help things be more stable. Talk to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer about your setup. He or she will be able to point you in the best direction to get the biggest bang for the buck.