Phase Accurate versus Sample Accurate Sync
Phase accurate sync takes place when synchronizing to an external MTC or LTC source, and DAWs (Digtial Audio Workstations) locate and synchronize to the nearest sample location. If the address and the Word Clock are phase-locked, audio drift will not occur. Sample-accurate sync cannot take place since the sync source (LTC or MTC) cannot send a sample location. The tightest resolution from LTC or MTC is quarter-frame accuracy. Using the MTP AV or DTP with a LTC or MTC timebase will phase-lock devices and give you Phase Accurate Sync.
Sample Accurate sync refers to the ability for machines to locate and synchronize to exact sample locations. ADAT Sync, Tascam Sync, and Control Track have the ability to send address and Word clock in one cable which will be accurate down to the sample location.
You can achieve sample-to-sample accuracy with Digital Performer, using any ADAT 9-pin sync source with any of our audio interfaces (the PCI-324, 424, and all of our FireWire interfaces have an ADAT 9-pin sync port). Sample accurate sync is also possible with a DA-38/DA-88 and a Digital Timepiece, using Control Track (PCI-324 only) or ADAT 9-pin.
Note that to have transport control of your devices from DP you would need a synchronizer like the MIDI Timepiece AV, which can receive MMC commands and transmit ADAT Sync commands.
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.