Installation guide

System 5 Installation Guide32
Synchronization Issues
It is important to avoid, or at least minimize, timing differences between signal paths so timing errors do not pose an audible
problem. It is good practice to send sync signals to all system components from one source. Feed each distribution amplifier di-
rectly from the master clock source, and do not loop sync signals. The following guidelines illustrate correct sync distribution.
Studios with an Existing Digital Master Clock and Sync Distribution
• Clock jitter should be less than 0.025 UI (AES3-1992 (r1997)).
• Each system component requires one additional D/A output.
• Use equal cable lengths from the master clock to the distribution amps (AES11-1997, 5.4).
Studios Without an Existing Digital Master Clock
• Use one of Avid’s recommended sync generators (see next page), which may be set to internal or gen-locked to a video ref-
erence.
• Use one of Avid’s recommended distribution amps (see next page) to directly feed all system components and studio devices.
• Use equal cable lengths from the master clock to the distribution amps (AES11-1997, 5.4).
System 5 Components Requiring Digital Sync
• DF66 and DF70 DSP Cores
• AM713 Analog to MADI Converters
• MA703 MADI to Analog Converters
• DM714 AES to MADI Converters
• MD704 MADI to AES Converters
• FC726 Format Converters
•Modular I/O
Word clock or AES/EBU sync may be used, but word clock has lower cabling and labor costs.
Correct synchronization distribution