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Average Price: $350

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$150

$501+

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Description

Every studio has its cornerstone gear, and the Apogee BIG BEN C777 is a prime candidate for that role. Known among audio professionals for its precision, this master clock sets the rhythm for your entire setup with ease. Whether you're working with a sprawling array of devices or a streamlined home studio, the BIG BEN organizes your digital signals with pinpoint accuracy. Its ability to operate at an impressive 192 kHz ensures that your audio stays crisp and clear, no matter the complexity of your setup.

What truly sets the BIG BEN apart is its C777 Clock Technology, which dramatically reduces jitter and enhances the overall sound quality of your recordings. Add to that real-time format conversion, and you have a versatile tool that adapts seamlessly to any digital format you're working with. With six word clock outputs, it provides all the connectivity you need for a smooth, synchronized workflow. If you're looking to integrate it further into your system, Firewire connectivity offers another layer of flexibility.

Key Features:

  • C777 Clock Technology for ultra-low jitter
  • Operates at up to 192 kHz
  • Real-time format conversion for versatile digital compatibility
  • Six word clock outputs for comprehensive connectivity
  • Firewire connectivity for expanded integration options

Product specs

Brand Apogee
Model Big Ben C777 Master Digital Clock
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Utility

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Apogee BIG BEN C777?

The Apogee BIG BEN C777 is a master digital clock designed to improve the accuracy and stability of digital audio systems by providing precise clocking to reduce jitter and enhance sound quality.

How does the BIG BEN C777 improve audio quality in a studio setup?

By providing a stable and accurate clock signal, the BIG BEN C777 minimizes jitter, which can significantly improve the clarity and detail of digital audio recordings and playback.

Is the Apogee BIG BEN C777 compatible with multiple digital audio formats?

Yes, the BIG BEN C777 supports a wide range of digital audio formats, making it versatile for integration into various studio configurations.

Can the Apogee BIG BEN C777 be used with other brands of audio interfaces?

Absolutely, the BIG BEN C777 is designed to work with any audio interface that accepts an external clock input, regardless of brand, enhancing their performance by providing a superior clock source.

What connectivity options does the Apogee BIG BEN C777 offer?

The BIG BEN C777 offers multiple connectivity options including Word Clock, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and ADAT, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with a variety of studio equipment.

Reviews

PROS

  • Essential for hybrid setups with multiple gear and variable sample rates

  • Eliminates jitter, pops, and clicks for rock-solid clocking

  • Enhances clarity and stereo field, bringing audio up to par

  • Ideal for syncing various converters across different signal types

  • User-friendly with easy-to-change settings via onboard controls

  • Significantly improves digital sound quality, noticeable in platforms like ProTools

  • Suitable for syncing over 40 channels from multiple manufacturers

CONS

  • Not recommended for single-interface setups, can decrease sound quality

  • High cost may not justify use versus obtaining a new converter

  • Setup can be time-consuming; manual lacks detail

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apogee BIG BEN C777.

Features and functionality

  • The Apogee Big Ben allows disabling the power button via internal jumpers, but no other buttons can be locked, which can lead to accidental setting changes during use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The external clock significantly reduces jitter on Yamaha M7CL consoles, enhancing audio clarity and fidelity, particularly in the upper and lower frequency ranges.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners report that the Big Ben noticeably improves sound quality on Yamaha M7CL compared to its internal clock, though some argue it's marginal.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users recommend using 1U security covers to prevent accidental button presses on the Big Ben when rack-mounted, ensuring consistent settings during operation.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Apogee Big Ben

soundonsound.com

Apogee's Big Ben master clock is a powerhouse, offering exceptional jitter reduction and robust connectivity options for both audio and video applications. It excels in clock synchronization, even under challenging conditions, and provides a multitude of outputs, including DSD and Super Clock modes. The de-jittering capabilities stand out, enhancing audio quality significantly. However, the device isn't without flaws; potential synchronization glitches during recovery from Sure Lock and a known bug in Sure Lock itself may pose issues. Despite these, the Big Ben's extensive features and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for studios of all sizes.

positive

The Apogee Electronics Big Ben Master Clock

stereotimes.com

The Apogee Big Ben Master Clock is a powerhouse in reducing digital jitter, offering crystal clear clarity and natural sound quality. With its flexible setup options and robust features like the C777 Clock Technology, it enhances the performance of any digital system, even high-end audio setups. The improvements in soundstage, instrument separation, and overall musicality are remarkable, making it a standout addition for any audiophile's toolkit. However, its complex setup could be daunting for beginners, and its benefits might be less pronounced on higher-end players. Nevertheless, at $1500, the Big Ben is a bargain, delivering high-end quality for a fraction of the expected price. Highly recommended for serious digital audio enthusiasts.

positive

Apogee Electronics: Big Ben master clock, DMS-1 M-Clock, DMS-2 D-Clock | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Apogee Big Ben master clock scores high marks for enhancing audio clarity, particularly in the highs and low mids, making it a valuable addition for digital setups. Users appreciate its ability to improve sound quality, akin to putting on eyeglasses for clearer vision. However, the user interface could be more intuitive, requiring frequent manual referencing. Despite this minor flaw, the Big Ben is praised for its reliability and sound improvement, offering significant benefits for those willing to experiment with their setups. Overall, it's a recommended buy if you're seeking superior digital audio synchronization.

positive
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A

I didn’t know I needed it

Until I bought one....and somebody just took the towel over my speakers

federicovaona

Perfect Digital Synch

Protools will never sound the same! This machine makes a real difference in digital world.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Apogee BIG BEN C777

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via reverb.com

Billie Joe owned two of these master clocks.

See how Trent Reznor uses Apogee BIG BEN C777

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via EMusician

Big Ben 192K Master Digital Clock is included in the "COMPUTERS, DAWs, RECORDING HARDWARE" list.

See how Hans Zimmer uses Apogee BIG BEN C777

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via Photo

Hans Zimmer's Apogee BIG BEN 192k Master Digital Clock is in the rack directly above the ten Digidesign 192HDs.

See how Mark Pritchard uses Apogee BIG BEN C777

Mark Pritchard

Music Producer

Global Communication

...
Verified via Emusician

"I use two MOTU HD192 audio interfaces with an Apogee Big Ben clocking them."

See how Paul Haslinger uses Apogee BIG BEN C777

Paul Haslinger

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Mrbonzai

"Haslinger's studio contains nine networked computers. of those, seven are PCs, the flagship of which is an AMD Dual Opteron 2.0 GHz. He also has a Mac G4 and a Mac G5. The various audio interfaces for all his computers are patched through his Yamaha DM2000 digital mixer and centrally clocked with an Apogee Big Ben master clock" (Page 60).

See how Ian Carey uses Apogee BIG BEN C777

Ian Carey

Music Producer

Soul Providers

...
Verified via Photo

"Runnin on apogee time now"

See how Aleks Syntek uses Apogee BIG BEN C777

Aleks Syntek

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

1:17 Aleks Synteks uses apogee big ben as his wordclock master

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apogee BIG BEN C777, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
2
Apple Mac G5
Apple Mac G5 Computers & Peripherals
2
Audio Ease Altiverb 7
2
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
2
API 550B
API 550B Effects Processors
1
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
1
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1

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