Clock Source and Master-Slave
Several devices can share one time base, but only one of them may be the master clock.
Related
When several devices play together, only one can be the clock source and the rest must follow it.
The problem
Synths, drum machines and audio interfaces each run on their own crystal, and the frequencies never match exactly. Two free-running clocks drift apart within minutes, and the recorded tracks no longer line up.
How it works
A master sends pulses and slaves advance on them. MIDI clock sends twenty-four pulses per quarter note and works at message resolution; word clock is the beat of audio samples. They solve different problems, and a longer master-slave chain accumulates more jitter.
Settings and practice
Set one master, usually the audio interface, with the DAW following external clock. Switch slaves to external sync and confirm matching sample rates. Avoid long chains and use a distributor where possible. Run for a minute before recording and check for drift.
What to listen for
Drift between two devices adds a metallic, comb-filtered colour to the same material. When locked, the image stays still; when not, high frequencies sway periodically.
Common misunderstandings
MIDI clock carries no audio, and word clock carries no notes. More devices do not improve sync; confused master-slave roles are the usual fault.
Listen in the library
All tracks from midicn-lib — inline badge is the license tier (C1 commercial / C2 non-commercial / C3 study only).
Sources
- MIDI 时钟的二十四拍分辨率与字时钟定义，依 MIDI 规范核查，未抄文本
- 主从同步链路与漂移的排查方法，依录音棚工程通识核查，未抄文本
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.