Black Lion Audio Micro Clock mk2
Introducing the Micro Clock mk2, a unique design in external clocking from Black Lion Audio. The Micro Clock mk2 features ultra-low jitter third order crystal oscillators with a revolutionary patent-pending high current parallel drive circuit designed to lower phase noise and increase the amount of desirable harmonics within the clock’s spectral band. In addition to this, our proprietary noise reduction circuitry dramatically eliminates the unwanted switching harmonics normally found in digital signals. These are mathematically unrelated signals that create distortion and phase cancellation within the converted audio signal. Because of these technological advances, the Micro Clock mk2 is among the best performing external word clocks within the pro audio market today.
When we introduced the Micro Clock mk2 we didn’t anticipate the amount of demand and controversy that managed to accompany it. External clocking is certainly a hot button issue. Some folks maintain that there’s no basis for it; that it’s a sort of modern ‘emperor’s new clothes.’ The reasoning behind this is that forcing a PLL to multiply a word clock signal to obtain master clock rates will generate excessive jitter in the process. Another theory claims that the device being clocked externally will simply filter the incoming clock signal through its phase lock loop filter, thereby eliminating any sort of benefit that may be associated with the external device. We personally feel that these theories are too broad, and have too many unaccounted for variables to be used as rules of thumb. In fact, measurements we've taken significantly contradict these theories.
For an example of some A/B measurements, click here. These measurements were taken on a stock Digidesign 003 running at 48kHz using an Audio Precision SYS-2722. The first Bode plot shows jitter performance at the converter when synchronized to the Micro Clock mk2. The second Bode plot shows jitter performance at the converter while the 003 is running on its internal clock.
Specifications
Output: 3 BNC with fixed 75 ohm terminations @ 5 volts peak to peak
Power: 9-12 volts DC
Output frequencies: six selectable rates, 44.1 kHz-192 kHz
Jitter: 1 pico-second of intrinsic jitter measured at the XO, less than 10 picoseconds of accumulated jitter measured at the output using a delta sigma averaging method. Jitter measurements taken using an Audio Precision SYS-2722.
Phase noise behavior: -91 dBc/Hz @ 10Hz, -125.25dBc/Hz @ 100Hz, -150.04dBc/Hz @1kHz, -167dBc/Hz @ 10kHz, -173dBc/Hz @ 100kHz, -174.9dBc/Hz @ 1MHz-100MHz. Phase noise measurements taken using an Agilent E5052A Signal Source Analyzer
The Micro Clock mk2 is simple and probably even boring looking by most standards. It’s housed in a rugged yet basic 3 inch by 4 inch chassis that provides optimum RF shielding. It has no lights, no frequency display, and none of the usual visual candy that your friends might envy, but that's because those items create unwanted noise that affect the signal. For a modest black box, it does its job incredibly well and at a price that’s unheard of for this level of performance!
The power supply is 12 volts DC using a wall wart that’s capable of accepting both 120 and 240 volts AC. It features six selectable output frequencies from 44.1 kHz on up to 192 kHz. Output level is approximately 4 volts peak to peak. Jitter at the crystal oscillator is approximately 1 picosecond RMS, and it’s just under 10 picoseconds RMS at the output. Both of these figures are obtained using a Delta Sigma averaging method. The Micro Clock mk2 is compatible with all modern digital devices that have 75 ohm BNC word clock input.
Pricing
We offer the Micro Clock mk2 for $495 (+ $15 shipping within the continental United States.
For International orders, shipping prices will vary).
Micro Clock & Mod Special
For the time being we have decided to bring back our 'MODIFICATION & MICRO CLOCK' bundle. We are offering the Black Lion Audio mk2 for only $315.00 (that's almost 40% off!) if purchased together with a MOTU or a Digi 003R modification.
Purchasing Your Micro Clock mk2
Please contact us directly at 773-549-1885 or email us to order yours now,
or click here to check with one of our dealers.
Once we receive your payment in full (either by credit card or through Paypal), your Micro Clock order is confirmed. Since our products are made to order, it can take approximately 5-7 business days for us to complete your mk2. Once it is completed and tested, we will ship your Micro Clock to you by UPS, and you will receive a tracking number via e-mail.
Reviews
Check out some reviews we have received from our customers on the Micro Clock HERE.
Return Policy & Warranty
We take returns within 15 days from when your Micro Clock mk2 is delivered.
We also extend a two-year warranty on all of our work beginning on the date your unit is delivered.
Should your Micro Clock mk2 experience any problems or failure during the warranty period, immediately contact us and we will gladly correct the issue at no charge (excluding shipping).
For more info, please review our Full Disclaimer (below).