Canon’s May 2013 firmware release for the Canon 5D Mark III DSLR camera offers several important video features. Most importantly, this new firmware unlocks a “clean” HDMI live view output, allowing users to record to external, high definition video recorders such as the PIX 220i and PIX 240i. Sound Devices tested the 5D III and PIX combination for compatibility and setup tips. The results are below. Read the rest of this entry »

PIX 260i firmware revision 1.02 and later formats attached drives as exFAT volumes. exFAT has many advantages and is well supported in modern operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows 8 and Mac OS. Sound Devices is evaluating exFAT for other products, including future firmware revisions of the PIX 220i and PIX 240i.

However, support for exFAT volumes in Windows XP requires a separate exFAT file system driver provided for free by Microsoft. Read the rest of this entry »

Firmware revision 1.02 changes the file formatting used by the PIX 260i. Previously, drives formatted by the PIX 260i were formatted as UDF volumes.  With revision 1.02 and later, the PIX 260i formats drives as exFAT volumes. Recording and playing back from UDF-formatted drives is still supported. Read the rest of this entry »

The 788T’s drives are formatted with the FAT32 file system, which is limited to a maximum possible file size of 4 GB minus 1 byte. To work with the limitations of FAT32, the 788T “splits” the files into 4 GB (or smaller) files when continuously recording, based on the menu selected in the recorder. Read the rest of this entry »

The RS-422 port (9-pin) on the PIX 260i  is used for remote control of the devices. Sound Devices support for this protocol is based on the EIA RS-422-A signal standard at a 38.4 Kb/s baud rate. Sound Devices PIX 260i implements a subset of this protocol as specified in this document.

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Sound Devices extensively tests removable recording media with the 664 Mixer. The cards listed below have been tested and have successfully passed benchmark testing with the 664. Read the rest of this entry »

Firmware revision 1.04 is now available for the 664 Field Mixer. Changes introduced in revision 1.04 include the following:

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The following is a list of  approved storage devices for use with the PIX 260i video recorder. The specific mechanisms and devices below have been extensively tested by Sound Devices. This list is regularly updated as new drives are tested.

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The following is a list of  approved storage devices for use with PIX 220(i), PIX 240(i) video recorders. The specific mechanisms and drives below have been extensively tested by Sound Devices. This list is regularly updated as new drives are tested.

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The PIX 240 and PIX 240i recorders are used in a wide range of applications, ranging from run-and-gun camera-mounted environments to cart-based setups. Since its inception, several users and companies have developed their own mounts and carry cases for the PIX recorders. The list below is provided courtesy of these users. Please contact support@sounddevices.com to let us know of additional brackets, power accessories, and carry cases.
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Sound Devices CL-WiFi hardware uses the 2.4 GHz WiFi spectrum for data connectivity. In some environments, interference can cause connection issues between the 788T/CL-WiFi hardware and iOS devices running the CL-WiFi app. Follow the steps below to improve performance of the connection. Read the rest of this entry »

Sound Devices PIX 240i recorder is a great recording companion to the Canon C500. The C500′s has the ability to output 4:4:4 RGB 12-bit video over 3G-SDI. The C500 can be used with the PIX 240i to record ProRes 4444 12-bit video files, files that are visually indistinguishable from source material. These 12-bit ProRes 4444 video files provide superior chroma keying, color grading and multi-generational editing. Read the rest of this entry »

Jesse describes the simple process to set the PIX 240i to record and follow from the Arri Alexa. Start/Stop, time code, and file name metadata are carried across from camera to recorder. Read the rest of this entry »

Sound Devices has investigated reports from 788T users in the UK who have experienced reduced RF range when using a 788T together with Audio Limited wireless in a bag. With the cooperation of Audio Limited, Sound Devices performed an RF analysis of this issue. The main cause of reduced range was found to be RF radiation coming from cables without their connector’s shell grounded plugged into XLR inputs 1-4 of the 788T. Input channels 5-8 (TA3 inputs) and their cables were shown to have no effect. Read the rest of this entry »

The Nikon D800 has become a popular camera for video production. Its “clean” HDMI video output and FX-sized sensor make it attractive for a wide variety of productions. A Sound Devices PIX 220, PIX  220i, PIX 240,  or PIX 240i used as the recorder provides higher data rate, edit-ready files in either Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD. The combination of a Nikon D800 and PIX recorder is a powerful, high-definition camera system. Read the rest of this entry »

Sound Devices extensively tests removable recording media with the 788T Recorder. The cards listed below have been tested and have successfully passed benchmark testing with these products.

Please note that significant performance variations can occur, even among the the same model and lot of memory card.  Read the rest of this entry »

Sound Devices is taking an aggressive, preventative step and recalling specific PIX-CADDY and PIX-CADDY 2 units shipped in 2012. Read the rest of this entry »

The video below highlights the extensive input and output flexibility available with the 664 Field Mixer.
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Sound Devices announces the immediate availability of its latest revision of firmware, Athena (v 2.01) for the PIX 220 and PIX 240 Video Production Recorders. This new release introduces several important new features.

For full details and revision history visit the Firmware Download Page

With the new Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion), Apple has introduced a new security model. By default, users are only able to install applications downloaded from the App Store or applications that have been authenticated by Apple. Wave Agent is not an authenticated application, so extra steps are required for installation. Read the rest of this entry »