Drawmer D-Clock DMS-2 Master Clock Distributor

Master Clock for Digtal Gear With and Without Word Clock I/O.

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We all know that a masterclock is the best way to improve sound quality when working with more than one digital device in our studios, but not all of our units have word clock outputs. Also, sometimes there just aren't enough world clock outputs to go around. Drawmer, solves these problems with their new DSM-2 D-Clock. The D-Clock is a dual input/twenty output word clock distributor with a 16 character blue LCD display providing a reference measurement of the incoming sample rate. Both AES/EBU and BNC word clock inputs feature a zero latency loopthrough output with switchable high impedance to maintain the correct level of the digital signal for onward distribution. The D-Clock displays incoming sample frequencies up to 768kHz to an accuracy of 2ppm (parts per million) or 2ms (microseconds) with two further modes - sample frequency with +/-ppm error and sample frequency with % pull up/down for video users.

Related Videos: D-Clock DMS-2 Master Clock Distributor

• 2 in x 20 out Clock Measurement and Distribution Amplifier
• Inputs: BNC with zero latency.
• AES with with zero latency.
• Outputs: BNC, AES.

The D-Clock is a dual input/twenty output word clock distributor with a 16 character blue LCD display providing a reference measurement of the incoming sample rate. Both AES/EBU and BNC word clock inputs feature a zero latency loopthrough output with switchable high impedance to maintain the correct level of the digital signal for onward distribution. The D-Clock displays incoming sample frequencies up to 768kHz to an accuracy of 2ppm (parts per million) or 2ms (microseconds) with two further modes - sample frequency with +/-ppm error and sample frequency with % pull up/down for video users.

Sixteen BNC clock outputs are situated on the rear panel with a further four BNC clock outputs on the front panel for quick patching to other digital devices. The word clock outputs can be derived from either a word clock input or alternatively an AES/EBU audio signal from which clock information can be stripped. In the latter case, one of the many mic pre's with internal A/D conversion but no word clock output can be utilized as the master clock source for the whole digital studio.

We were curious to see if the DMS-2 would reveal variances that would not make themselves glaringly obvious by producing clicks, etc. We checked a couple of small digital mixers, an A-D convertor and a DAT recorder. The convertor (an Apogee AD-16X with C777 clock) proved to be accurate at 00000ppm with similar occasional excursions to 00002, the consoles came in at 00049ppm and 00004ppm and the DAT at 00011ppm.... Although this is hardly a scientific test it does demonstrate the virtue of a serious master clock generator and the variances you might encounter if attempting to use other equipment as a master clock. The counter ranges up to 768kHz with plus and minus ppm and percentage pull up and down read-out available for the standard 32, 44.1, 48, 96 and 192kHz sampling rates.

Apart from providing an idea of the accuracy of the internal clocks of new additions to the equipment roster this measurement facility will find application in the increasingly complex world of sound for picture. Having an instant indication of pull up or pull down could prove to be very useful when dealing with the plethora of video formats now in circulation. The DMS-2 brings a new twist to an essential piece of modern studio equipment.

• 2 in/20 out Clock Measurement and Distribution Amplifier.
• Inputs: BNC with zero latency loopthrough.
• AES with with zero latency loopthrough.
• Outputs: BNC loopthrough / AES loopthrough.
• 20 BNC clock outputs - 331/2 impedance.
• 3 sample rate measurement LCD modes accurate to 2ppm.
• Universal voltage filtered mains power input.