A new method for overlapping block read events in a disk drive having synchronously sampled data detection channels is presented. In particular, the new method is for overlapping read back processing by real-time and digital signal processing of first and second data blocks from a storage medium. The method includes steps of clocking real-time and digital signal processes by a clock synchronized to the first data block while the first data block is passing by a data transducer head, clocking the digital signal processes for the first data block by an asynchronous clock operating at a nominal data clocking rate after the first data block has passed by the data transducer head and before a clock has synchronized to the second data block following the first data block, and clocking real-time signal processes for the second data block and completing clocking of the digital processes for the first data block by a clock synchronized to the second data block passing by the data transducer head. The storage medium can be a magnetic hard disk, magnetic tape, or an optical disk, for example.