The Digidesign Universal Slave Driver (USD) is a crucial component in professional studios, integrating the functions of various synchronization units into a single 1U rack-mountable chassis. It supports all major time code and clock reference standards, including LTC (Longitudinal Time Code), VITC (Vertical Interval Time Code), MIDI Time Code, Word Clock, Digidesign Super Clock, and AES/EBU 'Null Clock'. The device allows users to lock Pro Tools and external machines (VTRs, ATRs, etc.) to a common master clock source, ensuring sample-accurate synchronization. It can operate in standalone mode as a master clock generator, and features advanced functions like "burning" SMPTE time code into a video signal and supporting film sync formats such as Pilot Tone and Bi-phase/Tach pulses. The front panel features an LED display and controls for monitoring and adjusting synchronization settings, which can also be managed via software.
