Matrix Audio
Matrix Audio SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock
$6,999.00 USDFeatures
Ultra-low phase noise of ≤ -118 dBc/Hz at 1Hz, measured directly at the output port — setting a new industry-leading benchmark
Four independent buffered BNC clock outputs, all derived from the same source for perfectly synchronized, stable performance
Selectable output waveforms — sine wave or square wave — to maximize locking accuracy for your specific devices
1PPS reference signal input for automatic self-calibration, with free calibration service included
CBVB vibration absorption foot pads to isolate external vibrations and maintain clock stability
Advanced automatic linear power supply with dual multi-stage regulators independently powering the oven and clock circuits
Front-panel LED warm-up status indicator for simple, at-a-glance monitoring of device readiness
Signature Matrix Audio chassis design featuring precision perforations and bevel edges for a refined aesthetic
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Crafted with precision in mind, Matrix Audio’s first external master clock, the SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock, breathes new life into your audio system. The SC-1 was meticulously designed for the streamers, DACs, and CD Players with synchronized reference clock inputs.
With four independent buffer clock outputs, all derived from the same source, you can rest assured your gear receives a precise and stable signal, regardless of whether you’re using a single output or multiple outputs simultaneously. Smart functionality like LED status indicators keep you informed of your clock’s operating status at all stages. When the over chamber is warming up, the indicator blinks and stays on once the warm-up is complete.
Precision from End to End
At the core of the SC-1 lies Matrix Audio’s custom-made OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) module, utilizing an SC-cut crystal. A highly complex cutting process is used to give the clock module its superior phase noise and aging characteristics. With precise temperature control by the oven chamber, the crystal operates in a highly stable environment, effectively minimizing the impact of ambient temperature fluctuations on phase noise and jitter.
The SC-1 is equipped with four independent buffer clock outputs, all derived from the same source. For synchronized output, each output is equipped with its own buffering circuit, providing not only stable output impedance but also excellent driving capabilities. Whether you’re using a single output or multiple outputs simultaneously, it delivers precise and stable performance, meeting your needs.
Constant Performance You Can Trust
To address the possibility of slight drift or deviation over time, the SC-1 features a 1PPS reference signal input terminal on the rear panel. When connected to an external second-based reference signal source, the device automatically performs calibrations. The calibration status will be indicated by the LED on the front panel. What’s more, we offer free calibration services to ensure your device remains accurate.
Ultra-low Phase Noise
For a clock source device, the output noise is closely related to the internal OCXO clock module. However, the actual output noise is not the same as the OCXO output noise, as the output buffering circuit introduces some performance loss. Therefore, phase noise at the output port of the device provides a more practical reference value. With the excellent design of SC-1, it achieves ultra-low phase noise of better than -118dBc at 1Hz frequency at the clock output ports, setting a new industry-leading standard and delivering purer, more stable clock signals.
Sine Wave
Customizable Output Waveforms
The SC-1 offers two output waveform options: sine wave and square wave, catering to diverse device requirements or your demands. Square-wave output provides higher locking accuracy than sine-wave output, delivering a more precise clock signal, but ultimately the choice is up to you.
Square Wave
Matrix Audio's Backed Design
The SC-1 continues Matrix Audio’s signature design language in the chassis construction. CBVB vibration absorption foot pads effectively isolate external vibrations from interfering with the SC-1’s performance, ensuring the clock remains in a stable operating state.
Carefully crafted perforations and uniquely designed bevel edges harmonize to create the distinctive visual profile of Matrix Audio products, showcasing the brand's unparalleled aesthetic philosophy.
Automatic Linear Power Supply
The SC-1 features an advanced linear power supply with automatic voltage detection. It’s equipped with sensitive voltage detection capabilities, enabling precise transformer winding switching based on the input voltage. Additionally, overvoltage and undervoltage protection functions are always on standby, providing comprehensive protection for stable device operation.
Notably, dual multi-stage regulator supplies independently power the oven control circuit and the clock circuit, effectively eliminating any interference from oven chamber power fluctuations on the clock circuit. This exceptional design ensures superior clock signal quality from every aspect.
FAQs
Can I clock multiple components simultaneously?
The SC-1 provides four 10 MHz BNC outputs, each driven by its own dedicated output buffer derived from the same master oscillator source. The independent buffers ensure each output maintains a stable, consistent impedance of 50 ohms regardless of what is connected or how many outputs are in use simultaneously, and they prevent any interaction between connected devices from affecting the clock signal at other outputs. All four outputs can be used at the same time to synchronize up to four components with an external clock input — a DAC, a streaming transport, a network switch, and a CD transport, for example — without any degradation to the signal delivered to any individual device.
How will I know when the SC-1 is ready to use?
The SC-1 front panel features a warm-up status indicator LED. When the oven chamber is warming up, the indicator blinks; once the warm-up is complete, the indicator stays on. This simple and intuitive design allows you to instantly know the operating status of the device. Allow the oven chamber to complete its warm-up cycle before critical listening, as full phase noise performance is only achieved once the crystal is operating at its stable target temperature.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Weight | 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs) |
| Width | 330 mm (12.99 inches) |
| Depth | 267 mm (10.51 inches) |
| Height | 97 mm (3.82 inches) |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Oscillator Type | 10.000 MHz Ultra-Low Phase Noise Oven-Controlled SC Cut Crystal Oscillator |
| Frequency Accuracy (shipped) | <±0.01 ppm |
| Frequency Stability vs. Temperature | <0.003 ppm (-40°C to +70°C) |
| Short-Term Stability | <5E-13 @ τ = 1s |
| Warm-Up Time | <5 min @ 25°C |
| Output Specifications | |
| Output Ports | 4 × BNC Independent Driver Buffers |
| Output Waveform | Sine Wave or Square Wave (fixed at the factory according to custom requirements) |
| Output Frequency | 10.000 MHz |
| Output Level | 0.5 Vrms @ Sine Wave / 1 Vrms @ Square Wave |
| Output Impedance | 50Ω |
| Phase Noise Specifications | |
| Measurement Point | Measured at output port of SC-1 |
| Phase Noise @ 1 Hz | ≤ -118 dBc/Hz |
| Phase Noise @ 10 Hz | ≤ -140 dBc/Hz |
| Phase Noise @ 100 Hz | ≤ -150 dBc/Hz |
| Phase Noise @ 1000 Hz | ≤ -160 dBc/Hz |
| Noise Floor | ≤ -170 dBc/Hz |
| Jitter Specifications | |
| Measurement Point | Measured at SC-1 output port |
| Jitter (1–100 Hz) | 20 fs |
| Power Specifications | |
| Power Voltage | AC 100V–120V 50/60Hz or AC 220V–240V 50/60Hz, Auto-Adaptive |
| Maximum Power Consumption | <20W |
| Accessories | |
| Included Accessories | Power Cable × 1 Printed Material × 1 |