Topic: How to sync MADIface XT to DigiCo SD10 live setup?

We're having real problems syncing a MADIface XT+MacBook Pro to a DigiCo SD10 desk without getting crackling sounds on the MADIface.

We've tried every conceivable configuration with MADIface as master and slave, sync'd via AES, word clock and MADI 3 (MADI 1 and 2 aren't an option because the SD10 doesn't have fibre optic outputs).

All of them lead to intermittent clicking on the MADIface inputs (some channels only), and occasionally crackling on the SD10 too, though this typically sync's reliably with the Digirack.

The green sync light is solid for all these settings and we even tried changing BNC cables and the redundant ins/outs on the desk, and still the problem remains.  Interestingly the desk shows a red light for its AES input, but the MADIface can sync to the desk's AES output (with crackling).

When syncing via MADI 3 the SD10 shows a green light but the sample rate fluctuates between 48000 and c.47900 on the desk whereas the Fireface Settings app shows a constant 48000.

What else can we try?  Is there an incompatibility between the SD10's 56-channel format MADI and the MADIface 64 format?

Eastwood Records
www.eastwoodrecords.co.uk

Re: How to sync MADIface XT to DigiCo SD10 live setup?

In all your testing, who was clock master ?

> Is there an incompatibility between the SD10's 56-channel format MADI and the MADIface 64 format?

Sorry I don't understand. All this is configurable / needs to be configured properly on both ends.
Did you check / ensure proper settings for MADI format and MADI frame size on both ends ?

1. MADI format (56 or 64 channels) ?
2. MADI frame size (48 or 96k frame) ?

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

3

Re: How to sync MADIface XT to DigiCo SD10 live setup?

Coaxial MADI is ground based, so there might be noise that affects the MADI signal and makes it hard to read for the SD10. Things one can try:

- Run the MADIface XT on battery, so that it is fully isolated from power lines.

- Use a coaxial to optical converter so the MADI connection becomes galvanically isolated.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

4 (edited by mjfe87 2019-05-21 08:20:45)

Re: How to sync MADIface XT to DigiCo SD10 live setup?

MC wrote:

Coaxial MADI is ground based, so there might be noise that affects the MADI signal and makes it hard to read for the SD10. Things one can try:

- Run the MADIface XT on battery, so that it is fully isolated from power lines.

- Use a coaxial to optical converter so the MADI connection becomes galvanically isolated.

Unfortunately we didn't have a fibre MADI interface or battery power to hand, though I'm sure power was the issue because we were in Lebanon and the building kept switching between mains and generator! 

Luckily it behaved during the show itself, but this is another reason I will always avoid coaxial MADI where possible...

Eastwood Records
www.eastwoodrecords.co.uk

5

Re: How to sync MADIface XT to DigiCo SD10 live setup?

The powerbanks with 12 V output have been promoted by this forum for quite some time. If you need stable 230 V power get one of the 12V to 230V Pure Sine converters. Small boxes with real sine output, available from 150 W up to 2,000 W. As a search at Amazon will show the lower Watt units (which should be fully sufficient) have very low prices (below 200 bucks). No excuse to not use them as problem solver, when all it needs is a 12V car battery to keep the recording equipment fully functional.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME