Tascam CG-1800 MASTER CLOCK GENERATOR

The CG Series includes three distinct models tailored to different types of studios. The CG-1000 is designed for recording studios, live sound applications and professional musicians, the CG-1800 for small to large-scale video/audio synchronization systems and post-production, and the CG-2000 for the needs of broadcasting and post-production.

The crystal oscillator is the heart of the clock generator. In each model of the CG Series, an OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillator) is used for its high precision, and the fact it is not influenced by the temperature of the environment. Boasting a clock frequency precision of 0.01 ppm, which exceeds that of a TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator), this unit is key in the creation of high-precision synchronization systems - with word output frequency stability of ±0.005ppm or less per day.

External clock jitter is reduced using an original TASCAM circuit design that incorporates a high-performance video clock generator engineered with a FPGA and a PLL (phase-locked loop) circuit with a discrete filter. This enables a stable clock signal to be provided to the video/word outputs - improving system stability. The glitch-free relock circuit prevents noise and skipping sounds caused by master clock dropouts.

In addition to (12) word clock outputs and (4) video outputs, the digital outputs include (2) AES3/AES11 and (2) S/PDIF outputs, making this unit useful for large-scale audio/video synchronization systems, and a wide variety of other applications. Of the (12) word outputs, two also support x2Fs, x4Fs and 256Fs output - enabling them to be used in systems with Pro Tools and other DAW software.

The CG Series has multiple functions to support maintenance, and the identification of issues if problems occur. The analyzer function measures output device termination, input level measurement (for CG-1800 and CG-2000), and the measurement of input frequencies. These built-in features enable the devices to provide troubleshooting support. Additionally, a logging function enables issues to be listed, and saved to a CSV file format on a USB flash drive.

Since crystal oscillators change over time, regular calibration is necessary. In order to avoid possible sync problems, timely inspections – along with regular maintenance is required. The CG Series has a self-correction function, enabling users to conduct maintenance using an external signal input and simple operations.

Amphenol BNC connectors on the chassis use nuts for coupling – making them very durable, Also, a single circuit board is used for each connector - providing excellent resistance to the twisting and pulling of cables, and the suppression of interference between connectors.

The CG Series is the latest in the line of innovative TASCAM professional digital products – engineered with the latest digital clocking technology.

Specifications:

• Video Inputs:
  • Connector:  BNC
  • Input Level:  0.5Vp-p to 2.0Vp-p
  • Input Impedance:  75 Ohms (ON/OFF selectable by menu)
  • Input Signal:
    • SD Video Black Burst:  NTSC (29.97), NTSC B/W (30), PAL (25)
    • HD Video Tri-Level:
      • 720p:  50, 59, 97, 60
      • 1080p:  23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 59.94,60
      • 1808i/psf:  23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • Allowable Frequency Deviation:  +/- 10ppm
• Word/EXT Inputs:
  • Connector:  BNC
  • Input Level:  0.5Vp-p to 5.0Vp-p
  • Input Impedance:  75 Ohms/50 Ohms (75/50/OFF selectable by menu)
  • Supported Frequencies:
    • Word Clock:  32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
    • ATOM:  10.0 MHz
    • GPS:  10.0 MHz
  • Allowable Frequency Deviation:  +/- 50ppm
• AES3/11 Input:
  • Connector:  XLR-3-31 (1:GND, 2:HOT, 3:COLD)
  • Input Level:  0.2Vp-p to 10Vp-p
  • Input Impedance:  110 Ohms
  • Format:  AES11-2003, AES-2003, IEC60958-4
  • Supported Frequencies:  32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
  • Allowable Frequency Deviation:  +/- 50ppm
• Calibration Input:
  • Connector:  BNC
  • Input Level:  0.5 to 5.0Vp-p
  • Input Impedance:  50 Ohm (ON/OFF selectable by menu)
  • Supported Frequencies:
    • ATOM:  10.0 MHz
    • GPS:  10.0 MHz, PPS
• Video Outputs:
  • Connector:  BNC x4 (1-4)
  • Output Level:  1.3Vp-p
  • Output Impedance:  75 Ohms
  • Output Signal:
    • SD Video Black Burst:  NTSC (29.97), NTSC B/W (30), PAL (25)
    • HD Video Tri-Level:
      • 720p:  50, 59, 97, 60
      • 1080p:  23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 59.94,60
      • 1808i/psf:  23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
• Word Outputs:
  • Connector:  BNC x12 (1-12)
  • Output Level:  1.0Vp-p to 3.5Vp-p (adjustable in 0.5V steps by menu)
  • Output Impedance:  75 Ohms
  • Supported Frequencies:  32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 1/4xFs, 1/2xFs, 1xFs, 2xFs, 4xFs, 256xFs (Only OUTPUTS 11-12)
• AES3/11 Outputs:
  • Connector:  XLR-3-31 (1:GND, 2:HOT, 3:COLD) x2 (1-2)
  • Output Level:  2.5Vp-p
  • Output Impedance:  110 Ohms
  • Format:  AES11-2003, AES3-2003, IEC60958-4
  • Supported Frequencies:  32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
• NOTE:  For full specifications on this product,refer to the attached Specification Sheet under the Documentation Tab