The Lucid GENx192 master clock was engineered by Symetrix Inc. (under the Lucid brand) to deliver studio-grade clocking performance in digital audio environments. It uses ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillators combined with two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) to convert any input clock frequency between 28 kHz and 216 kHz into a clean, precisely distributed output.
The design incorporates JIF™ (Jitter Input Filtering) technology on the input signal, meaning that the incoming jittery clock is converted into a DC control voltage which then drives the oscillators, resulting in a jitter-free output. The Lucid GENx192 supports multiple formats and output rates simultaneously: external AES and word-clock inputs are concurrently converted to AES, word-clock and S/PDIF outputs; sample-rate conversion is built in so a 96 kHz input, for example, could simultaneously feed 48 kHz and 192 kHz outputs.
Distribution capability is significant: up to 14 external devices can be synchronised at one time. The Lucid GENx192 also features TS-75™ automatic 75-Ohm termination sensing on all word-clock I/O, with tri-state LED indicators to signal proper or improper termination, simplifying real-world studio setup and troubleshooting.
The Lucid GENx192’s user interface is minimal and straightforward, no complex menus, just three front-panel switches and clear LED status indicators. Internally, it supports an internal clock base of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, with multiplies to 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz; external sync can span 28-216 kHz.
The Lucid GENx192’s physical form is a 1 U rack-mount chassis. It was launched in early 2006, as part of Lucid’s push into professional studio clocking gear. Over time the product has been discontinued, though it remains in use in many legacy installations.
Features
- Ultra-low jitter crystal oscillators plus dual VCOs convert any input 28-216 kHz to a stable reference
- JIF™ (Jitter Input Filtering) on the input signal to remove incoming jitter prior to conversion
- Flexible format conversion: external AES and word-clock inputs converted concurrently to AES, word-clock and S/PDIF outputs
- Multiple sample-rate conversion: e.g., a 96 kHz input can simultaneously output 48 kHz and 192 kHz
- Distribution capability for up to 14 external devices (8 word-clock outputs + 4 AES outputs + 2 S/PDIF outputs) divided between two output banks
- Automatic word-clock termination sensing (TS-75™) with LED indicators for proper or improper termination
- Simplified user interface: three front-panel switches, clear LED status for lock, sample rate and termination
- Selectable clock source: Internal, Word, or AES; selectable multipliers for Bank A and Bank B outputs
