Jam Sync'ing Pro Tools to External Source at DVinfo.net

Zack Allen · December 27th, 2009, 01:45 AM

I'm wondering if it's possible to jam sync a Mbox 2 Pro to an external source like a SD 702T? My only guess is using wordclock out of the TC generator to the in for the mbox 2 pro?

Steve House · December 27th, 2009, 07:14 AM

Jam sync refers to timecode where one free-running device's timecode register is set to be identical another device's time. Once the two registers are set to the same value, the devices are disconnected from each other and continue on their own internal clocks. Wordclock is whole different critter, not timecode at all, and doesn't even contain any time position information. Wordclock provides a continuous running sync signal so that the sample clock in the slave devices are locked to the clock in the master device. The slaves do not free-run but obtain their timebase information continuously from the master.

Both devices have Wordclock I/O I can't see any reason why they can't be sync'ed together as long as you maintain the cable connection between them. But I see no timecode input on the MBox so there'd be no way to jam sync them since wordclock isn't timecode.

Zack Allen · December 28th, 2009, 02:43 AM

Well, I think I found the answer. Word clock and TC are actually related for one, and since TC is just a square wave signal, I can connect the devices with the word clock (to eliminate jitter issues), and just take TC out to an analog in for the software to read as an external source. I have never tried to use PT's like this, but if LE can't I got another software package that can.

December 27th, 2009, 01:45 AM	#1
Zack Allen Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fresno,CA Posts: 42	Jam Sync'ing Pro Tools to External Source I'm wondering if it's possible to jam sync a Mbox 2 Pro to an external source like a SD 702T? My only guess is using wordclock out of the TC generator to the in for the mbox 2 pro? __________________ www.soundgeekproductions.com

December 27th, 2009, 07:14 AM	#2
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Jam sync refers to timecode where one free-running device's timecode register is set to be identical another device's time. Once the two registers are set to the same value, the devices are disconnected from each other and continue on their own internal clocks. Wordclock is whole different critter, not timecode at all, and doesn't even contain any time position information. Wordclock provides a continuous running sync signal so that the sample clock in the slave devices are locked to the clock in the master device. The slaves do not free-run but obtain their timebase information continuously from the master. Both devices have Wordclock I/O I can't see any reason why they can't be sync'ed together as long as you maintain the cable connection between them. But I see no timecode input on the MBox so there'd be no way to jam sync them since wordclock isn't timecode. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

December 28th, 2009, 02:43 AM	#3
Zack Allen Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fresno,CA Posts: 42	Well, I think I found the answer. Word clock and TC are actually related for one, and since TC is just a square wave signal, I can connect the devices with the word clock (to eliminate jitter issues), and just take TC out to an analog in for the software to read as an external source. I have never tried to use PT's like this, but if LE can't I got another software package that can. __________________ www.soundgeekproductions.com