User GuideVideo Input / Output |
PIX 220 |
PIX 240 |
HDMI Input (480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p), v1.4 |
Y |
Y |
HD-SDI Input (480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p) |
- |
Y |
HDMI Output, v1.3 |
Y |
Y |
HD-SDI Output |
- |
Y |
Up/Down/Cross Conversion of 480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p |
Y |
Y |
3:2 Pull Down Removal to Record 24p from 60i Signal |
Y |
Y |
File Formats |
||
Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy/LT/422/422HQ) |
Y |
Y |
Avid DNxHD 36, 145, 220 Mb/s, 8- and 10-bit |
Y |
Y |
.mov Quicktime File Wrapper |
Y |
Y |
File Storage |
||
CompactFlash, High-Speed (UDMA required) |
Y |
Y |
Accepts Removable 2.5" Drive Caddy for SSD (not included) |
Y |
Y |
UDF format, Mac OS and Windows Compatible (for extended file length recording) |
Y |
Y |
eSATAp Connection for Direct Connection to External SSD Storage |
- |
Y |
Time Code / Sync |
||
Internal Ambient Clockit Time Code Generator with Genlock Output, |
- |
Y |
LTC Input, Output on LEMO, Ambient Clockit Compatible |
- |
Y |
Time Code over HD-SDI |
- |
Y |
Tri-Level Sync Out, Genlock |
- |
Y |
Word Clock Out |
- |
Y |
Audio Input / Output |
||
Premium Microphone Preamps, on Balanced XLR, Mic/Line Selectable |
Y |
Y |
-128 dBu Input Noise, 115 dB Dynamic Range A/D |
Y |
Y |
AES3 Digital Inputs 2 x 2 channels |
- |
Y |
Two-Channel, Line Level Balanced Output on 5-pin XLR |
Y |
Y |
Embedded Audio on HDMI, 2 channels |
Y |
Y |
Embedded Audio on HD-SDI, 8 channels |
- |
Y |
High Output, Low-Noise Headphone Amp |
Y |
Y |
Mechanical and Powering |
||
10-18 VDC on Hirose 4-pin or Sony L-mount batteries (2) |
Y |
Y |
Large, Illuminated Record Control Buttons |
Y |
Y |
Metalized, Molded Carbon Fiber Chassis with External Whisper-Quiet Cooling Fan |
Y |
Y |
Display |
||
5" 800 x 480 Pixel Panel, 140 Degree Viewing Angle |
Y |
Y |
Sound Devices, LLC - Portable, Professional Audio
PIX Production Video Recorders
Sound Devices 
ProductsPIX Recorders
Key Features
- Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD codec at multiple data rates
- Quicktime file type
- 10-bit input video resolution
- Ultra low-noise (-128 dBu) mic preamps with phantom, limiters, line input (based on 7-Series recorders)
- CompactFlash or removable 2.5-inch solid-state drive file storage with media spanning, UDF format for Mac OS and Windows compatibility
- High-accuracy built-in time code generator, with genlock and word clock output (PIX 240 only)
- 5-inch, matte finish, 800x480 pixel display
- Large, illuminated, tactile buttons for fast and simple menu control
- Simultaneous HDMI and HD-SDI output (PIX 240 only)
- Up/Down/Cross Conversion of 480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
- 336-core, 32-bit massively parallel processor with 1.2 TeraOps for efficient video encoding
- 10-18 VDC and dual L-series battery powering
- Metalized, molded carbon fiber chassis
Useful Links
Simplifying Production
Sound Devices PIX 220 and PIX 240 video recorders add Quicktime recording using Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD to any HDMI-or HD-SDI equipped high-definition video camera. The portable PIX 220 (HDMI-only) and its sibling the PIX 240 (HDMI and HD-SDI) record Quicktime files to CompactFlash cards or removable 2.5-inch solid-state hard drives.
Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD video formats have emerged as industry standards. These I-frame codecs offer the best in picture quality, processing efficiency, and data storage requirements. They are ideal for editing, on-the-fly color grading, and video processing. Files recorded in the field on a PIX recorder are ready for the most popular editorial workflows.
Superb Audio Performance
With deep expertise in production audio and hard drive-based audio recorders, Sound Devices built the PIX recorders with the highest audio performance. The audio circuitry on the PIX 220 and PIX 240 are based on Sound Devices award-winning 7-Series Digital Audio Recorders. The low-noise (-128 dBu equivalent input noise), high-bandwidth inputs are mic/line switchable and include limiters, high-pass filters, and 48V phantom power. The audio source is menu-selected between embedded HDMI audio, embedded HD-SDI audio (PIX 240 only) or balanced audio connected to PIX.
- Premium microphone preamps, on balanced XLR, mic/line selectable with 48V phantom, limiters, high-pass
- -128 dBu input noise, 115 dB dynamic range A/D
- AES3 digital inputs 2 x 2 channels (PIX 240)
- Two-channel, line level balanced output on 5-pin XLR
- Embedded audio on HDMI, 2 channels
- Embedded audio on HD-SDI, 8 channels (PIX 240)
- High output, low-noise headphone amp
PIX 240
The PIX 240 offers both HD-SDI and HDMI input and simultaneous HD-SDI and HDMI outputs.
Time Code and Genlock
Additionally, the PIX 240 has a tunable, high-accuracy time code generator/reader by Ambient complete with Genlock (or word clock) output. The time code source can be derived from an HD-SDI stream, from an external jammed source, or from the built-in generator.
AES3 Digital Audio
In addition to its high-performance analog audio inputs, the PIX 240 accepts AES3 digital audio. Sound Devices field mixers and recorders, including the MixPre-D, 552, and 7-Series recorders, output AES digital audio. Up to four digital audio inputs on two XLR connectors are accepted.
PIX 240 includes an external eSATAp connector for direct, powered connection to large SATA storage volumes.
PIX 240 Input Flexibility
- HDMI input accepts (480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p), v1.4a
- HD-SDI input accepts (480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)
Video Scalers
Both the PIX 220 and PIX 240 offer powerful, hardware-based video scalers. Realtime conversion among video formats, including 1080i, 1080p, and 720p, are set with a simple menu selection. Conversion between interlaced and progressive, as well as frame rate conversion is available in realtime. For instance, some cameras set to record 24ps send 1080i 60 over HDMI or HD-SDI. PIX recorders can be set to convert the 1080i 60 stream back to 24p with no loss in quality.
- Up/Down/Cross Conversion of 480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
- 3:2 Pull Down Removal to Record 24p from 60i Signal
File Formats
- Apple ProRes (Proxy/LT/422/422HQ 10-bit)
- Avid DNxHD 36, 145, 220 Mb/s, 8- and 10-bit
- .mov Quicktime File Wrapper
- All audio contained within the single .mov file
Data Storage
PIX 220 and PIX 240 record and play back Quicktime files to either removable CompactFlash cards or removable 2.5-inch solid-state drives (recording media and PIX-CADDY are optional accessories). Both CompactFlash and SSD media are formatted by PIX recorders as UDF volumes. UDF-formatted media are not limited to 4 GB file sizes like FAT32-formatted media. Additionally, UDF volumes are cross-platform, being directly mountable, readable, and writable in Mac OS and Windows.
The optional PIX-CADDY accessory provides triple-interface connectivity for SSDs: FireWire 800, eSATAp, and USB 3.0 (USB 2.0 backward-compatible). eSATAp offers drive powering and 3 Gb/s transfer rate over a single cable. SSD drives attach to the PIX-CADDY and it is easily hot-swapped.
Controls
Four large, illuminated, tactile record, stop, play, rew, and fast-forward controls are easy to access with gloved hands. Screen and button brightness are adjustable.
The side panel rotary knob makes menu navigation fast and simple. Simple controls and a straight-forward plain-language menu makes setups easy for both new and experienced users.
Display
The PIX 220 and PIX 240 include a generous 5-inch, matte finish, 800x480 pixel LCD display. The display is essential in the field and provides immediate confirmation of recording, playback, audio metering, and Setup Menu selections.
Mechanical Construction
PIX recorders are built for field use with their durable, light weight, metalized, molded carbon fiber chassis. Its advanced thermal design keeps the unit cool in extreme environments like nasty, blowing, sandy desert environments.
Powering
PIX recorders are powered by either external DC power with a Hirose 4-pin connection or removable Sony L-type batteries (up to two). PIX recorders accept external voltages from 10-18 VDC.
Numerous PIX cabling options are available to power the unit from external DC, including a 4-pin XLR to Hirose (XL-H4), Anton Baur D-tap to Hirose (XL-AB) , and NP cup to Hirose (XL-NPH). The PIX recorder charges attached L-type batteries when the unit is powered off and plugged into AC with the supplied adapter.
PIX 220
For cameras with HDMI I/O only, the PIX 220 is a great choice. It records to the same Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD formats as the PIX 240. The PIX 220 is perfect for smaller-format high-definition cameras where time code workflows are not required. The PIX 220 includes the same, powerful hardware scaler as the PIX 240.
PIX 220 and PIX 240 Comparison
Sample Files
Apple ProRes 422
The files below are Apple ProRes 422 files (145 Mb/s listed rate, though much smaller due to the test image). These were generated directly in a PIX 240. File names reflect their format. A Phabrix Sx test and measurement device was used as the video and audio source. Audio is at -20 dBFS.
Right-click and select "save as" or "save link as" to save files locally.
720p50_001.mov (30 MB)
720p60_001.mov (35 MB)
1080i50_001.mov (34 MB)
1080i60_001.mov (40 MB)
1080p23.976_001.mov (24 MB)
1080p25_001.mov (26 MB)
1080p30_001.mov (29 MB)
Sound Devices Family of Audio Mixers and Recorders
While the PIX 220 and PIX 240 have capable audio on board, they gain a significant benefit when used with a flexible audio mixer or digital audio recorder. Using an external mixer extends the flexibility of the recorder's on-board inputs and enhances audio I/O and control. For more complex productions, multi-track audio is essential. Consider Sound Devices 744T or 788T to add more record tracks to PIX recorders.