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. (more…)
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. (more…)
The 702T and 744T recorders excel in applications requiring precise time code synchronization. To achieve precision time code, these units have extremely accurate internal clocks to generate the time code. (more…)
DVD-RAM is a convenient interchange medium between audio recorders and post production. While DVD-RAM disks share the same size and capacity as DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW disks, it is easier to think of DVD-RAM as an “optical hard disk”. (more…)
Sound Devices receives numerous inquiries regarding specifics of the 7-Series recorders. Here are a few of the most popular questions. Note that this FAQ is frequently updated as features and specifications are subject to change. (more…)
Before file-based recording technology was introduced for portable recording, planning storage needs was straight forward—buy enough medium (tape) to cover the recording time. In analog, a 7-inch reel at 7-1/2 ips lasts 33 minutes. A 120 minute DAT tape lasts…120 minutes, whether recorded in mono or stereo. (more…)
Question: What software applications have the ability to recognize the cue markers settable on the 7-series recorders? (more…)
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a lossless data compression format available as a file format on 7-series recorders. The FLAC algorithm is very processor intensive, and subsequently has several limitations. (more…)
Q: In my setup it is crucial that I use the External Power On/Off and Record function. I would like to investigate the possibility of recording directly to an external FireWire drive such as the XL-DVDRAM with using this function. Will this pose any problems? (more…)
Multiple 7-Series recorders can be linked together so that recording can be started for all units from the Master recorder (see User Guide: “Multi-Unit Linking Via C. Link”). (more…)
The following are known issues with firmware for the 7-Series as of version 2.40. (more…)
Q: When I upgraded to firmware revision 2.34, my sample rate changed to 47952 Hz. Why? (more…)
The 7-series recorders show a preamplifier gain value on the LCD. This value is an approximation of the mic preamp gain. It is not an exact representation of input-to-digital signal gain. (more…)
Beginning October 2007, the included AC power supply for the 7-Series recorders was revised to an improved, in-line, grounded supply. The new power supply, like the original power supply, is designed for worldwide operation, accepting 100-240 VAC at 50/60 Hz. Unlike the original supply, this new supply uses a detachable power cord. (more…)
Solid state hard drives, or SSD drives, are becoming a feasible storage medium for portable recorders and computers. Like CompactFlash cards, SSD drives have no moving parts and greatly extend the environmental operating conditions of the recorders. (more…)
Q: I updated my 7-Series recorder to the most recent version of firmware from version 2.03. My recorder no longer places recorded files in a folder. All of my files that have been recorded since the update are placed in the root directory of the drive. What happened to folders? Can I still setup a daily and scene folders? (more…)