Originally Posted by
Cary B. Cornett
For a live sound setup, if no recording is being made with the same system (as in a SAC/SAW link), I wouldn't worry.
However if one is also recording with the system, and the recording might be for serious use, we don't know that the recording WON'T be heard with a serious and accurate system somewhere else. I can usually get along with only the ADAT connection carrying the clock, but if one has the luxury of taking the extra trouble, it doesn't hurt to be sure. I've done it both ways, depending on system and circumstance.
In my current portable recording system, where my small rack has a Presonus Digimax FS feeding a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 using ADAT optical, I use the internal clock of the Digimax FS as master. Yes, I have to set the clock rate in the Digimax, the Scarlett and in SawStudio, but I go to the extra trouble and I'm happy to do so. This has worked well for me.