Affordable delay board? at DVinfo.net

Drew Lahat · November 18th, 2008, 12:02 PM

Frame-synchronizing video switchers introduce an increasingly common problem, since they delay the video. Throw HDV into the mix, and you might end up in even worse shape.

Of course you can correct in an NLE, but having your recordings and tape backups perpetually out of sync is just not a good workflow.
From my little research, it seems that pricing is totally skewed. You have FX delays that cost pennies but actually do too much, and "broadcast" delay units that cost $1,000+. Heck, I could rig it with a $200 PC, if I had some time to write code. But I'm looking for an elegant solution for my clients.

Are you familiar with any affordable delay units, for 15-120ms? Ideally ones that can also convert from analog to AES/EBU, but that's a different story.
Would any FX delays set to "dry" do the trick? I was warned against those.

Thanks!

Seth Bloombaum · November 19th, 2008, 11:12 AM

I've never done this particular trick for synching audio against processed/delayed video in real time, but I've done lots of audio delay with no efx.

There is a line of special purpose hardware processors known as "room delays", used in sound reinforcement to time-align speakers in multiple locations. Typical delay range might be 1-500ms, with zero coloration or other efx.

Currently, I'm using a Rane AD22, and a DBX Driverack260, depending on the needs. The driverack is a complete efx processor (compress, limit, eq) and 2x6 distribution amp, but the chain is actually dang clean. You're probably thinking about something more like the Rane, although a search on "room delay" will turn up other products.

A quick look on the rane site shows they have a version of the AD22 specialized for video/audio synch, the AVA 22d. Might be just what you're looking for. Not sure what the difference is...

Rick Reineke · November 23rd, 2008, 06:11 PM

Check out the Behringer Shark DSP110.

Drew Lahat · December 1st, 2008, 02:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. The Sharq does it, but only in mono.

I think I found just what I was looking for: according to Behringer, their DSP2024P would do an adjustable, zero-coloration stereo delay - for $70!
The DEQ2496 would do that too, as well as analog/AES3 conversion and a thousand other features, for $300 street.

With a slightly higher budget I'd also recommend the Kramer/Comprehensive units - compact and no-frills.

November 18th, 2008, 12:02 PM	#1
Drew Lahat Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 32	Affordable delay board? Frame-synchronizing video switchers introduce an increasingly common problem, since they delay the video. Throw HDV into the mix, and you might end up in even worse shape. Of course you can correct in an NLE, but having your recordings and tape backups perpetually out of sync is just not a good workflow. From my little research, it seems that pricing is totally skewed. You have FX delays that cost pennies but actually do too much, and "broadcast" delay units that cost $1,000+. Heck, I could rig it with a $200 PC, if I had some time to write code. But I'm looking for an elegant solution for my clients. Are you familiar with any affordable delay units, for 15-120ms? Ideally ones that can also convert from analog to AES/EBU, but that's a different story. Would any FX delays set to "dry" do the trick? I was warned against those. Thanks!

November 19th, 2008, 11:12 AM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	I've never done this particular trick for synching audio against processed/delayed video in real time, but I've done lots of audio delay with no efx. There is a line of special purpose hardware processors known as "room delays", used in sound reinforcement to time-align speakers in multiple locations. Typical delay range might be 1-500ms, with zero coloration or other efx. Currently, I'm using a Rane AD22, and a DBX Driverack260, depending on the needs. The driverack is a complete efx processor (compress, limit, eq) and 2x6 distribution amp, but the chain is actually dang clean. You're probably thinking about something more like the Rane, although a search on "room delay" will turn up other products. A quick look on the rane site shows they have a version of the AD22 specialized for video/audio synch, the AVA 22d. Might be just what you're looking for. Not sure what the difference is...

November 23rd, 2008, 06:11 PM	#3
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Check out the Behringer Shark DSP110.

December 1st, 2008, 02:52 PM	#4
Drew Lahat Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 32	Thanks for the replies. The Sharq does it, but only in mono. I think I found just what I was looking for: according to Behringer, their DSP2024P would do an adjustable, zero-coloration stereo delay - for $70! The DEQ2496 would do that too, as well as analog/AES3 conversion and a thousand other features, for $300 street. With a slightly higher budget I'd also recommend the Kramer/Comprehensive units - compact and no-frills.