What does the "Enable Sync to External" option do in the Dante Controller Clock Status tab?

The "Enable Sync to External" option in the Dante Controller Clock Status tab specifically allows a Dante-enabled device to synchronize its clock with an external word clock. This feature is crucial for ensuring that devices in a digital audio network maintain a common timing reference, which is essential for achieving sample-accurate audio processing and avoiding issues such as audio dropouts or latency mismatches.

When this option is enabled, the Dante device listens for an external clock signal and adjusts its internal clock to match it. This is particularly important in complex systems where multiple devices need to work together seamlessly, such as in a live sound environment or recording studio. By synchronizing to an external clock, users can ensure that their entire audio network operates cohesively.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the functionality of this feature. For instance, enabling synchronization with multiple devices is not the main purpose of this setting. The concept of disconnecting from external clocks or setting a preference for an internal clock only also diverges from the primary function of this option, which is solely to establish synchronization with an external clock source. Thus, choosing to enable synchronization with an external word clock is vital for achieving reliable audio performance in a Dante network.