An apparatus is disclosed for synchronizing frames in a continuous stream of digital data consisting of a plurality of master frames (M-bits long) containing data and a constant synchronization word and having an associated bit clock. The apparatus includes a FIFO buffer, a synchronization word register (containing the constant synchronization word) and a comparator operably connected to the FIFO buffer and the synchronization word register to generate a sync detect signal representing whether the portion of the continuous stream of data contained in the FIFO matches the constant synchronization word. The apparatus further includes a frame bit counter controlled by the sync detect signal and the associated bit clock, which generates a frame sync signal every M-bits, a counter connected to a first comparator that generates a sync achieved signal upon the counter output value equaling a first predetermined value and means for incrementing the counter upon coincidence of the sync detect and frame sync signals. The disclosure also discloses a method for synchronizing frames in a continuous stream of digital data while minimizing delay in processing the audio data in a radio communication system including the step of locating a minimized synchronization word in multiple contiguous frames as a predicate to locking synchronization.