Big Ben-Can you hear the difference?

[Dynamixaled]

I have PT8 with Rosetta 800 and Aurora 16. For music, I mix from my Soundtracs console.... Would I notice much audio difference if I purchased a Big Ben for my master clock? Anyone have a similar setup?

Thanks,

Alec

[therecordinghouse]

you will not slap a clock on your system and "magically" your mixes all sound incredible. however, i have noticed an overall quality boost in the final output of my projects when the entire project is run on a single master clock. everything was tracked, mixed, and mastered with the same clock. in my case i opted for the isochrone ocx.

[ChrisMitchell]

Originally Posted by Dynamixaled

I have PT8 with Rosetta 800 and Aurora 16. For music, I mix from my Soundtracs console.... Would I notice much audio difference if I purchased a Big Ben for my master clock? Anyone have a similar setup?

Thanks, Alec

I run the Big Ben now. When I first purchased Pro Tools, just used the 96 i/o's internal clocks.
Then got an Apogee PSX-100, and used that as a master, and yes, sounded audibly better.
Got a Big Ben last year and now use that as master clock.
I can hear an audible difference between the PSX-100 and the Big Ben, and can hear a big difference between the 96 i/o internal clock and Big Ben. (yes, I sat there one night disconnecting/reconnecting wires and reconfig'ing everything).

So yes, it was worth the purchase in my case.

[Dynamixaled]

The Isochrone OCX sounds interesting... anyone A-B'd it against a Big Ben?

Alec

[therecordinghouse]

i seriously doubt you will hear a difference. there is so much more a play..

[therecordinghouse]

between the big ben and isochrone that is.

[tonepad]

In any multi digital setup, having a master clock will definitely sound better than depending on one of the devices being the master. In my case I use a Mytel 192 w/ multi-distro and I remember hearing a difference right away. Now that was several years ago so these days it's a sound I'm used to, so i could probably try another clock and notice a difference, but is it better or indeed is it really noticable? I think once you get to a high level master clock like all these that are mentioned it will improve you system in pretty much the same way.

Bottom line I'm glad to have my Mytek and at this level, regardless of your choice you will be too.

Wilson

[DrFord]

If you don't use the Big Ben the next choice is the Antelope clock.

I purchased the Big Ben, and yes it audibly changed my sound in a positive way. But as recordinghouse said it will be a magic solution to make your mixes better, but it will be a positive change in the quality of your audio. Better sampling means better clarity.

Typically the response from a better clock source is that you get better top end and low end, and that it will clean up your mud a bit.

Also it is nice that it can be used to adjust the timing a bit too with pull up / pull down and different percentages to speed up and down mixes.

D

[blackbirdstudio]

Hi folks..

Does the Rosetta 800 share the same clock as the big ben?
I tried clocking my 192's off a Rosetta 800, and noticed a change. My thoughts are, that if you use the rosetta 800 as the master clock for the 96's or 192's, sonically it should be quite similar to using the big ben as the master clock.
The Rosetta has a great clock in it. Id save my coins..

Cheers
Dave

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by blackbirdstudio

I tried clocking my 192's off a Rosetta 800, and noticed a change.

Change, to what direction? HD192 has a very good clock and it can make inferior-clocked devices sound better. Now I don't mean Rosetta would be one of those, but are you certain things are _better_ clocked via the Apogee, or are they just being "different"?

At least I know that HD192 A/D converters are on par with Apogee AD16X converters, but the two just sound a bit different. Which is better? Depends on a project.