When two or more devices are intended to record or playback in sync, it is important to ensure that their word clock sources are locked together to prevent drift between the devices. For digital audio devices, audio sampling rate determines speed. For picture equipment, it is frame rate. Failure to lock audio devices can result in poor audio quality and/or lack of synchronization. Read the rest of this entry »
The 788T has been designed as a ‘big brother’ to the 744T recorder, offering many more inputs and greater headphone monitoring capabilities. Although it is designed as a recorder (not a mixer/recorder), it does offer some mixer-like functionality. One of these functions is the ability to use unused inputs as camera returns.
The chart below shows speed test results for transfers between a 788T and a MacBook Pro. The selection of storage medium is based on common CompactFlash cards commercially available as of April 11, 2008 Read the rest of this entry »
Hard disk drives are mechanical devices and are susceptible to damage from physical shock. One type of physical shock, called operating shock, occurs when the disk is in operation. During operation, the drive head is typically over the drive platters reading and writing data. When a physical shock to the drive occurs during operation, the head and the platters can come into contact causing both components to be damaged. Read the rest of this entry »
Over the years, several accessory cables have come and gone. The XL-40 was a simple XLR male to XLR female cable with a switch-selected 40 dB pad. Read the rest of this entry »
Q: I am running Windows Vista on my home computer. After installing the drivers that came with the installation CD, I am only getting one channel from my USBPre. Am I missing something? Read the rest of this entry »
T-power, also known as Parallel, A-B, or Tonaderspeisung powering, was one of the original techniques used to power condenser microphones remotely from mixing consoles. It uses the microphone cable as the power conductor, eliminating the need for batteries or external power supplies. Phantom powering has effectively displaced T-powering as the standard microphone powering technique. Read the rest of this entry »
Sound Devices 7-Series recorders are equipped with a proprietary C. Link (control link) 6-pin modular input and output connections. These connections allow multiple 702, 702T, 722, and 744T recorders to be daisy-chained together for recordings requiring high track counts. Read the rest of this entry »
The 302 has three full-featured inputs, selectable between mic and line level. When additional inputs are needed, such as for additional wireless receivers or for stereo playback, the 3.5 mm Return connector can be reassigned as an input connector for channels 4 and 5. This feature is selected in the Setup Menu. Read the rest of this entry »
Power consumption varies when using a 7-Series Recorder. The chart below shows the power consumption of a 744T recorder in several configurations. Read the rest of this entry »
Q: What sample rate & frame rate should I set my 702T/744T to when recording sound for picture?
The short answer. . .
Set sample and frame rate to what pre-production tells you (and get it in writing!) Read the rest of this entry »
The chart below describes the inputs and output panels of the Sound Devices 302 Compact Field Mixer, including functionality and pin configurations. Read the rest of this entry »
The 7-Series recorders include two “auto record” time code modes. When the units are in either of these modes, recording starts and stops automatically based on whether time code from an external source is running. This mode is helpful in rec-run video environments to chase a video camera. Read the rest of this entry »
Storage volumes formatted by 7-Series recorders generate three folders in the volume’s root. These folders are named FALSETAKES, TRASH, and SOUNDDEV. The FALSETAKES and TRASH folders can be viewed and emptied from the 7-Series recorder. The SOUNDDEV folder is hidden and cannot be accessed from the 7-Series recorder; it is only visible when the storage medium is mounted to a computer. Read the rest of this entry »
Sound Devices has posted sample files of the latest revision of 7-Series firmware. This sample file repository is available at:
www.sounddevices.com/download/sample-files.htm
The CL-1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface for 7-Series recorders is commonly used to interface PS/2 compliant keyboards for external control. The unit has six programmable electrical contacts used to automate menu items or control the record, play, and stop functions. Read the rest of this entry »
Most Sound Devices mixers, amplifiers, and recorders have external DC inputs. These inputs can be used with AC transformers (and switching power supplies) to provide power for their operation. The 302, 442, HX-3, MixPre, and MM-1 can be powered from external DC sources with voltages ranging from 5 to 18 volts. The 702, 702T, 722, and 744T can run on external voltages from 10 to 18 VDC. Read the rest of this entry »
Sound Devices product serial numbers are 12 digit sequences located on white bar code stickers. The bar code sticker is located on the back of 7-Series recorders. When a battery is in place, the serial number sticker is not visible. The bar code sticker is located on the bottom panel for all other Sound Devices products. Read the rest of this entry »
With a near complete shift from tape-based digital (DAT) and analog recording formats to file-based digital audio recording formats, the choices of audio file types have exploded. In the recent past, audio engineers would set their DAT recorder to 48 kHz, record its two audio tracks as either dual-mono or stereo, and would then concentrate on the business of getting great sound. With a file-based work flow, there are other elements that need to be considered to ensure a smooth transition from the field or studio to the editing suite. Read the rest of this entry »
The internal hard drive of the 722 and 744T can be removed and replaced if the drive is damaged or if a different capacity drive is required. In typical service conditions Sound Devices recommends hard drive replacement once every three years. Read the rest of this entry »