Is it better to use WordClock or the MADI embedded clock as a clock reference for my system?
Whenever possible, WordClock should be used in preference to MADI embedded clock.
Subjectively, the difference between the MADI embedded clock and WordClock may not be easy to perceive, depending on your surroundings, monitoring system etc.
However, the MADI embedded clock is subject to jitter, resulting in less precise operation of the converters and therefore distortion of the waveform.
While this difference is not always obvious to the ear it can be objectively measured by an engineer, so WordClock is better from an engineering point of view.
So for instance, if you use two Alpha-Links connected to a MadiXtreme 128, the best solution would be to use an Alpha-Link as a clock source (i.e., set to internal), feed the WordClock output of that Alpha-Link to the next one, and from the second one to the MadiXtreme.
Please note: WordClock should not be distributed using T-piece connectors. Use a distribution amplifier if you wish to clock several devices from the same WordClock source.
Whenever possible, WordClock should be used in preference to MADI embedded clock.
Subjectively, the difference between the MADI embedded clock and WordClock may not be easy to perceive, depending on your surroundings, monitoring system etc.
However, the MADI embedded clock is subject to jitter, resulting in less precise operation of the converters and therefore distortion of the waveform.
While this difference is not always obvious to the ear it can be objectively measured by an engineer, so WordClock is better from an engineering point of view.
So for instance, if you use two Alpha-Links connected to a MadiXtreme 128, the best solution would be to use an Alpha-Link as a clock source (i.e., set to internal), feed the WordClock output of that Alpha-Link to the next one, and from the second one to the MadiXtreme.
Please note: WordClock should not be distributed using T-piece connectors. Use a distribution amplifier if you wish to clock several devices from the same WordClock source.