Which term refers to the timing reference for digital audio devices as a clock signal?

• A. Telecine
• B. Wordclock
• C. Tail Pop
• D. Temp Dub

Answer: (B)

Digital audio devices must share a single timing reference so that every device samples at the same rate and the data lines up correctly. That timing reference is provided by a clock signal, which is shared across all equipment to keep them in sync. The term for this timing reference is word clock. A device can act as the master, generating the clock, while other devices lock to that clock as slaves, ensuring all data transfers occur on the same time grid. This synchronization prevents jitter, misalignment, or dropout when moving digital audio between gear, and it’s typically carried on a dedicated line (often a BNC) or distributed through a clock distribution system. Telecine, tail pop, and temp dub are terms from other areas or processes and do not describe the timing reference used for syncing digital audio devices.