March 3, 2023
Master Clock Generator for PA System
"The advantages are the clock stability only a dedicated clock generator can provide, and the improvement in the level of sound reproduction by reducing jittering", explains Natsuhiko Sagawa, PA engineer of various artists at Sunphonix Corporation. Sagawa gave TASCAM his thoughts on the CG-2000 currently being used in their PA system.
The CG-2000 was used in Ohashi Trio's live performance "ohashiTrio TOUR 2015 ~PARODY~", right?
That’s right. We used it for all eight performances, the last one being at the NHK Hall.
Please tell us why you installed a master clock generator in your PA system. Also, what advantages did you find in its introduction?
We’ve been working on large-scale events, but with the increasing number of artists who are particular about their sound, and because of the need for consistency in the digital environment, including the mixer console, we considered the introduction of a master clock generator. The advantages are the clock stability only a dedicated clock generator can provide, and the improvement in the level of sound reproduction by reducing jitter.
Why did you choose the TASCAM CG-2000 from among many other products?
After blind-testing the sound quality of each model while playing the sound source on the mixer console and replacing the master clock generator of each company, all evaluators agreed that the CG-2000 was the best choice. The redundant power supply was another reason for selecting the CG-2000 too.
So you have introduced the CG-2000 from the viewpoint of sound quality. What were your impressions of the CG-2000 when you used it in the field?
In the blind test I had the impression that the edges of each sound were clearer, and this impression remained the same throughout the tour, which I believe was a factor in the smooth progress of the sound production. I once performed a sound check on a cello while inserting and removing the CG-2000 at another site, and the change in the solidity of the sound when using it was so obvious and great that it made me happy to hear that change.
What kind of connections were used this time?
A simple connection of making the CG-2000 the clock master of the mixer console.
CG-2000 has a variety of features, is there anything you particularly like about it?
The ability to export system settings and the many clock output systems. Although we haven’t been able to cover all the features yet, the good news is that the CG-2000's expandable features have allowed us to build new systems.
What are the possibilities for introducing master clock generators in the PA field in the future? Also, please let us know if you have any requests.
PA equipment is becoming more and more digitalized every day, and it is not unusual to see fully digital equipment from mixer tables to amplifiers. I think a unified clock environment will become the standard in the future, and the use of master clock generators will increase to improve sound quality. As I have just begun to explore the digital clock myself, I hope to continue a long relationship with TASCAM as we discover new possibilities and directions.
We hope you will continue to use our services in the future. Thank you very much.
A comparative listening of the CG Series Master Clock Generator is now available, click here for more details.
Used products:
Profile
Natsuhiko Sagawa
Sagawa has been working for Sanphonics Inc. since 2000 and has been in charge of operations for various Japanese and international artists as the PA chief at Billboard Live Tokyo since 2007. He is currently in charge of house and monitors systems for KIRINJI, Ohashi Trio, Haruomi Hosono, Nao Matsushita, Asako Minamiju, DOACOCK, TEENTOP, etc.
SUNPHONICS Corporation https://sunphonix.jp/
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