Matrix Audio SC-1 Reference Clock: Elevating Digital Audio Performance
By HiFi Editorial15 October 2025
Key Highlights
SC-1 operates at a stable 10MHz frequency, reducing jitter for enhanced digital audio performance.
Features an OCXO with SC-Cut Quartz crystal, achieving exceptional frequency accuracy and stability.
Includes four 10MHz clock outputs to synchronize multiple devices with high precision.
Matrix Audio has introduced the SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock, a high-precision external clock generator designed to elevate the performance of digital audio systems. Operating at a stable 10MHz frequency, the SC-1 is engineered to work seamlessly with the Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Network Switch, NT-1 Digital Streaming Transport, and MS-1 Audio Streamer, among other compatible devices. This addition underscores Matrix Audio's commitment to mitigating one of the most critical challenges in digital audio: jitter reduction.
At the heart of the SC-1 is an Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) featuring a specialized SC-Cut Quartz crystal. This design ensures exceptional frequency accuracy and stability by maintaining the crystal in a temperature-controlled environment. The result is a phase noise level of less than -118 dBc @1Hz, which significantly minimizes timing errors that can degrade audio quality during digital-to-analog conversion. By providing a clean and precise timing reference, the SC-1 enhances the overall clarity and fidelity of the audio signal.
The SC-1's construction reflects meticulous attention to detail, with a linear power supply incorporating a toroidal transformer and dual independent circuits dedicated to the crystal oscillator and its temperature-controlled enclosure. Additionally, the unit offers four independently buffered 10MHz clock outputs with BNC connectors, all derived from the same master clock source to ensure maximum synchronization across connected devices. The robust metal chassis is designed to shield against external interference, while specialized vibration-isolating feet maintain the integrity of the clock signal.
Integration of the SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock with existing Matrix Audio products like the SS-1 Pro and NT-1 allows for an upgrade path that promises enhanced performance without the need for extensive system overhauls. Moreover, its compatibility extends to a range of DACs and other digital components from various manufacturers that support external clock synchronization. Priced at €6,599, the SC-1 represents a significant investment for audiophiles seeking to achieve the highest standards of digital audio reproduction.
Matrix Audio continues to set benchmarks in the digital audio landscape with the SC-1, reinforcing the principle that the strength of an audio chain hinges on the precision of its components. By addressing and refining the timing accuracy in digital signal processing, the SC-1 Audio Grade Reference Clock offers a compelling solution for those dedicated to achieving unparalleled sound quality.
