Sound Devices 688 User Manual
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Sound Devices 688 User Manual

Field production mixer with integrated recorder and mixassist
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PRELIMINARY
688
Field Production Mixer with
Integrated Recorder and MixAssist
™
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Sound Devices 688

  • Page 1 PRELIMINARY Field Production Mixer with Integrated Recorder and MixAssist ™ User’s Guide...

  • Page 2: Manual Conventions

    Follow the guidelines in this document cies. Sound Devices, LLC does not accept responsi- or on the unit itself when handling elec- bility for any losses due to the user of this guide.
  • Page 3 Revision History This table provides the revision history of this guide and includes notes for what changes were made. Rev# Date Firmware Description Version March 2015 v1.00 Initial Publication...

  • Page 5: Overview Of Chassis

    Overview of Chassis The 688 chassis is made of light-weight Topics in this section include: and durable carbon-fiber. Front, Top, and Bottom Panels The front panel of the chassis features Left Side Panel several easy-to-reach controls, Right Side Panel Back Panel switches, LEDs, and a sunlight-visible LCD screen.
  • Page 6 MIC/TONE Switch RTN/FAV Switch eature escription Power Switch and LED Powers 688 on and off, and indicates power status. Timecode LED Flashes blue to indicate whether the internal timecode generator (and QuickBoot) is active while the mixer is off. Menu Button Provides access to the Main menu.

  • Page 7: Left Side Panel

    PFL is active. Because the CL-6 accessory provides separate PFL switches for inputs 7-12, when the CL-6 is attached to the 688, the dual-functionality of the six PFL switches on the 668 changes. Slide left activates PFL and slide right displays Input Settings for inputs 1-6 only.

  • Page 8: Right Side Panel

    688 User’s Guide Right Side Panel USB B Connector CompactFlash Slot 10-pin A and C X1, X2, X3, and X4 Outputs X5 and X6 Outputs COM/RTN Output SD Card Slot Timecode I/O Tape Output RTN B Input Main Outputs Battery Compartment...

  • Page 9: Back Panel

    OVERVIEW OF CHASSIS eature escription Battery Compartment Holds five AA (LR6) batteries for backup powering. NiMH rechargeable cells advised. DC Input Accepts DC voltages from 10–18 V for powering. (Pin 1 = Negative (–), pin 4 = Positive (+)) Back Panel The back panel contains BNC wordclock connections: Wordclock Input Wordclock Output...

  • Page 11: The Lcd And User Interface

    Meter Views The 688 displays important metering information at a glance on its LCD. All meter views provide various combinations of input, track, and return meters. By default, the first of three predefined meter views is shown. This view is known as the Main screen.

  • Page 12: Customizing Meter Views

    Press the METERS button. Each press of the button switches the display to the next view. Customizing Meter Views While the 688 provides three meter views by default, all three may be custom- ized to display the information you deem most important. To customize the meter views: 1.

  • Page 13: Accessing The Main Menu

    THE LCD AND USER INTERFACE Accessing the Main Menu MENU Button The majority of the 688’s settings are configured with the Main menu. To access the Main menu: Headphone Encoder Press the MENU button. The Main menu is made up of categories, each with its own set of sub-menu options.

  • Page 14: Customizing The Lcd And Leds

    688 User’s Guide Customizing the LCD and LEDs Because the 688 is a portable field mixer, it may be used in a variety of environ- ments, including some where lighting is an issue that requires adjustments to the mixer. With some System settings, you can modify the brightness levels of the LCD, the brightness levels of the LEDs, and even enable or disable the LCD Daylight mode.

  • Page 15: Headphone Monitoring

    Headphone Peak LED Connecting Headphones Connect headphones to either the 1/4-inch or 3.5mm head- phone outputs, located on the left panel of the 688. ⚠ The 688 can drive headphones to dangerously high vol- umes. Turn down the headphone gain before attaching headphones or selecting a headphone source to prevent accidental high levels.

  • Page 16: Headphone Encoder Mode

    688 User’s Guide Preset (10). The headphone source changes immediately as it is highlighted in the list. Press the encoder to close the list. Headphone Encoder Mode The default functionality of the Headphone encoder can be reversed so that the...
  • Page 17 HEADPHONE MONITORING Left HP Right HP Pre-fade routing Unrouted source Post-fade routing Do one of the following: Turn the Headphone encoder to move the orange highlight horizontally. Turn the Select encoder to move the orange highlight vertically. Press the Headphone or Select encoder to change the selected source be- tween Off (black), Post-fade (blue), and Pre-fade (green).

  • Page 18: Headphone Peak Led

    688 User’s Guide Headphone Source Shortcuts There are a total of four headphone monitor shortcuts on the 688. By default, these shortcuts go to: RTN A, RTN B, COM RTN, and the headphone source set as favorite. To monitor RTN A: Slide the RTN/FAV switch to the left.

  • Page 19: Using External Power

    (internal or external) currently in use. Normal Voltage (Green) Warning Voltage (Yellow) Low Voltage (Orange) Critical Voltage (Red) Using External Power The 688 uses only one power source at a time, with external DC power taking precedence over internal AA battery power.

  • Page 20: Using Battery Power

    Pin-4 of the locking, Hirose connector is positive (+) and pin-1 is negative (-). Using Battery Power The 688 uses five AA batteries as a backup to external power. Alkaline AA bat- teries may be used with the 688; however, NiMH batteries are the preferred type because they provide for longer run times compared to Alkaline batteries.
  • Page 21 Switch Power Source. If the Ext DC Loss setting is configured to Switch Power Source when external power is lost, but there are no internal batteries with adequate voltage in the 688, then automatic PowerSafe shutdown will occur.

  • Page 22: Quick Boot

    QuickBoot circuitry is enabled for two hours after the 688 is powered down. During this time, the 688 can turn on and start recording in less than two sec- onds. Each time the 688 is turned on and off, the two-hour timer is reset. Be- yond the two-hour mark, QuickBoot is deactivated, so powering up results in a normal, slightly longer boot-up process.

  • Page 23: Physical Input Controls

    Inputs The 688 has 12 analog inputs, which are Topics in this section include: assignable pre- or post- fade to outputs Physical Input Controls for optimum routing flexibility. Activate an Input Input Setting Screens The inputs include six high-bandwidth Setting Input Source...
  • Page 24 688 User’s Guide ontroL escription Pre-Fade Listen (PFL) switch. Solos input signal in headphone moni- tors and displays Input Settings screen. Fader 1-6 Adjusts fader level for inputs 1-6. Trim 1-6 Adjusts trim level for inputs 1-6 Mini-fader 7-12 Adjusts fader level for inputs 7-12...

  • Page 25: Setting Input Source

    INPUTS Channel number Channel name Input level meter Trim gain value Fader gain value HPF setting Input source setting X1 / X2 routing L / R routing Input Settings screen for inputs 2, 4, and 6 include an INV option for inverting phase.
  • Page 26 688 User’s Guide nput ypes Channel 3 OFF, MIC, MIC-PH, LINE, LINE PH Channel 4 OFF, MIC, MIC-PH, LINE, LINE PH Channel 5 OFF, MIC, MIC-PH, LINE, LINE PH AES 42, AES 3 is conditionally available only if Channel 6 is already set...

  • Page 27: Adjusting Trim And Fader Controls

    INPUTS Slide the RTN/FAV switch right to toggle track R routing, or left to toggle track L routing. To route any input to X1 and X2 tracks: 1. Access the Input Settings screen. Slide the MIC/TONE switch right to toggle X2 routing, or left to toggle X1 routing.

  • Page 28: Adjusting Pan

    Inputs 1-6 have dedicated Trim controls, but that is not the case for inputs 7-12. By attaching the optional CL-6 accessory, which provides additional dedicated controls, the functionality of the Mini-faders on the 688 changes to become Trim controls. To adjust trim for inputs 7-12: 1.

  • Page 29: Input Settings

    After setting the pan, press the Pan pot in to recess the control when not in use. Input Settings The Main menu has a sub-menu of settings related to inputs. These may be used to customize the configuration of the 688. To access Inputs sub-menu: 1. Press the MENU button.
  • Page 30 2 and pin 3 of an input’s XLR-3F connector, relative to pin 1. In this configuration, there is no voltage difference between signal pins 2 and 3. On the 688, the factory default sets phantom power voltage to 48 volts, but that may be changed. To configure phantom voltage:...

  • Page 31: Configuring The Pfl Toggle Mode

    By default, access to PFL and the Input Settings screen for inputs 1-12 can be achieved with one hand. This is called 12-Channel mode. However, the PFL switches on the 688 may be configured to focus operation solely on inputs 1-6, while leaving inputs 7-12 accessible via a button combina- tion.
  • Page 32 688 User’s Guide Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select INPUTS > Input to ISO Routing. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select the desired input routing and edit its value. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select Prefade or Postfade.

  • Page 33: Output Connections

    Tape Output. Output Connections On the 688, the Left and Right XLR-M and Hirose 10-pin connectors are each transformer balanced from separate windings. This improves isolation from po- tential interference. Aux outputs X1 to X4 use active-balanced TA3 connections.

  • Page 34: Output Settings

    Press the SELECT encoder or wait 2 seconds to exit Gain Adjustment mode. Output Settings The Main menu has a sub-menu of settings related to outputs. These may be used to customize the configuration of the 688 outputs. To access Outputs sub-menu: 1. Press the MENU button.

  • Page 35: Setting Output Type And Nominal Level

    OUTPUTS menu escription ptions RTN Loopback Routing Displays the RTN Loopback Routing • RTN Left: X1 - X6 screen. • RTN Right: X1 - X6 • Tape Out Select output sources for Return Loop- back mode. Output Linking Output linking allows the gain, delay, and track arm status (L, R, X1, X2 only) of an output pair to be controlled with only one action.

  • Page 36: Output Routing

    688 User’s Guide Output Routing The master L and R tracks are permanently routed to their respective outputs, unless the connections have been set to AES, in which case they use AES out- put routing. AES Output Routing There is a total of 8 channels of digital output on 4 connections. Each of the XLR-3M or 10-pin A outputs can be configured to output AES3 digital signals.
  • Page 37 OUTPUTS Aux (X1 - X6) Routing X1 and X2 tracks are routed to their respective outputs by default. Output sources are configured in the Output routing screen. To access the Aux Output Routing screen: 1. Press the MENU button. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select OUTPUTS > X1-X6 Rout- ing.
  • Page 38 688 User’s Guide The X1 and X2 Output Routing screens differ from the other Output Routing screens. Aux and HP sources are not available, but an additional Input Setting appears: Locked Unlocked When Input Setting is set to Locked, changing the X1 and X2 routing from the Input Settings screens is disabled, preventing accidental routing of channels to those outputs using the MIC/TONE switch.

  • Page 39: Output Delay

    OUTPUTS Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select OUTPUTS > Tape Out Source. Choose a source to be routed to Tape Output. Options include: L/R, RTN A, RTN B, or RTN C. RTN A RTN B RTN C Playback to LR Outputs By default, audio on L and R recorded tracks will be sent to the headphone out- puts and both L and R outputs during playback.
  • Page 40 688 User’s Guide Delay value during adjustment Delay value of selected output in mS Frame calculation of selected output 1 mS or 10 mS increments Frames / mS mode Turn and press the Headphone encoder to enter delay adjustment mode.

  • Page 41: Sending Tone To Outputs

    Return Loopback mode outputs apply to all returns. Sending Tone to Outputs The 688’s internal tone oscillator can be used to send a predefined tone or pulse to the mixer’s outputs to aid setup of proper gain staging with other equipment, such as cameras.
  • Page 42 688 User’s Guide...
  • Page 43 All 688 limiters use a 20:1 compression ratio. This means that any signal that exceeds the threshold by 20 dB will exit the limiting stage at only 1 dB above the threshold. The 688 limiters have a 1 ms attack time and a 500 ms release time.

  • Page 44: Enabling The Limiters

    (1 dBu increments) Linking Limiters Limiters for L, R and X1, X2 channel pairs can be linked on the 688. Anytime two limiters are linked, both channels will be limited when signal reaches the threshold in any channel of the pair.
  • Page 45 LIMITERS To link limiters: 1. Press the MENU button. Do either one or both of the following: Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select LIMITERS > L, R Link- ing. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select LIMITERS > X1, X2 Linking.
  • Page 46 688 User’s Guide...

  • Page 47: Noise Adaptive Threshold

    MixAssist ™ The 688’s powerful digital processing Topics in this section include: engine delivers 12-channel auto-mixing Overview capability using the most sophisticated Noise Adaptive Threshold algorithm on the market. One Mic Per Sound Source Number of Open Microphone Attenuation MixAssist automatically attenuates the...
  • Page 48 MixAssist Setup Screen While MixAssist on the 688 is capable of auto-mixing all 12 inputs, MixAssist may be configured, from the MixAssist screen, to attenuate fewer inputs or none at all.
  • Page 49 MIXASSIST™ Turning MixAssist On or Off By default, the MixAssist feature is turned off. MixAssist is also disabled automatically when Main menu option RECORDER > Sample Rate is set to a value higher than 48.048 kHz. To turn MixAssist on or off: 1.
  • Page 50 688 User’s Guide The Input Settings screen will display the circle icon to the right of the meter.

  • Page 51: Using Media

    Using Media Before recording anything, install and format the media storage memory cards you intend to use in the 688. The slots for memory cards are located on the right panel behind the Media Door, which is held closed magnetically.

  • Page 52: Transport Control

    688 User’s Guide ⚠ Reformatting a card will erase all data on the card. To (re)format an SD or CF card: 1. Press the MENU button. Transport MENU Control Button Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select File Storage.

  • Page 53: Recording Tracks

    Press in the Transport control to stop recording. Recording Tracks The 688 features 16 recording tracks. Each of the 12 inputs is permanently routed to its associated ISO track. Buses L, R, X1, and X2 can also be armed for recording.

  • Page 54: Recorder Settings

    Recorder Settings The Main menu has a sub-menu of settings related to recording. These may be used to customize the configuration of the 688’s Record settings. To access the Recorder sub-menu: 1. Press the MENU button Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select RECORDER.
  • Page 55 The default is 0 seconds. File Type and Media Track Assignment The 688 supports simultaneous recording to CF and SD media. By default, all armed tracks are recorded to both cards as a polyphonic WAV file. It is possible to record only the armed ISO tracks, only the armed L and R tracks, or only the armed X1 and X2 tracks to either media.

  • Page 56: Mp3 Bit Rate

    688 User’s Guide MP3 Bit Rate The 688 records MP3 files at a default bit rate of 320kbs, but that bit rate may be changed. A high bit rate MP3 file preserves more audio information with an increased file size. A low bit rate MP3 file preserves less audio information with a decreased file size.

  • Page 57: Bit Depth

    MP3 recording is not allowed in “F mode”. Bit Depth The 688 records 24 bit WAV files by default. Bit depth defines the digital word length used to represent a given sample and correlates to the maximum dy- namic range that is represented by the digital signal. Larger bit depths accom- modate a wide dynamic range.

  • Page 58: Slate Microphone

    Playback Playback may be initiated at any time except when the 688 is recording. Un- less playback is initiated from the Take List or File List, the active take will be played.

  • Page 59: Comms And Returns

    The 688 incorporates a built-in slate mic and a port for an external slate mic. The built-in mic is the default. Its audio performance is not suitable for critical recording applications;...
  • Page 60 Using Private Comms The 688 features Comms for quick communication between the 688 operator and other members of the crew. The most common use of Comms is for the sound mixer to communicate with his or her boom operator.

  • Page 61: Comms / Returns Settings

    COMMS AND RETURNS To monitor COM/RTN: 1. Press and hold the SELECT encoder + Slide the RTN/FAV switch left. The headphone monitor source will change to COM RTN. Slide the RTN/FAV switch right to set monitor source to the previous setting. Routing Com Sends The com send source can be assigned to any of the auxiliary outputs (X1 - X6).

  • Page 62: Setting Slate Mic Gain

    Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select Ext Mic (for dynamic mi- crophones) or Ext 15V Mic (for condenser microphones). When the slate function is active, the 688 will now use this microphone for signal. Setting Slate Mic Gain The gain of the slate mic is 36 dB by default.

  • Page 63: Timecode And Sync

    If necessary, pre-roll and post-roll is dynamically applied to accomplish this, simplifying syn- chronization in post-production. The timecode value and frame rate of the 688 are displayed on the Main screen.
  • Page 64 Timecode is derived from external timecode sources. Ext-TC Auto-Rec Reader Timecode is based on external timecode sources, and allows recording on the 688 to be triggered via external timecode starting and stopping. Ext-TC/Cont Reader/ Timecode is based on external timecode sources.
  • Page 65 Setting the Frame Rate By default, the 688’s frame rate for the timecode generator is set to 30nd. The frame rate value is stored in the Frame Rate field of metadata. When using an external timecode mode, ensure the mixer’s frame rate is equal to (or cross-jam compatible to) the external frame rate.

  • Page 66: Jamming The Timecode

    688 User’s Guide If Pre-Roll is set, it will be applied. Pre-Roll will only capture audio from the initial detection of a timecode signal. If no Pre-Roll is selected, the file will begin after the Hold Off time expires. It is best practice to set Pre-Roll to a value greater than the specified Hold Off value.

  • Page 67: Setting User Bits

    TIMECODE AND SYNC Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select TIMECODE/SYNC > Set Generator TC. The Set Generator TC screen appears with four fields representing hours (HH), minutes (MM), seconds (SS), and frames (FF). Navigate the screen’s fields by doing the following: Turn the encoder to move orange highlight from one field to the next.

  • Page 68: Setting Display Mode

    The Word Clock BNC input connection on the back panel may be used to clock from an external signal. The 688 internal word clock may also be used as clock master by connecting its output connection to external audio devices.
  • Page 69 TIMECODE AND SYNC When the 688 is locked to external word clock, it is indicated by WCK in yellow text at the bottom of the Main screen. If no valid external word clock is present, the word UNLOCK blinks yellow and red on the Main screen.

  • Page 71: File Storage

    S01T01_3.WAV scene number extension take number track designator The track designators are associated with the 688 tracks. This differs from track names which may be edited and are covered in depth in the Metadata section of this guide.

  • Page 72: Transferring Files To Pc

    When finished recording, and the media remaining time on the Main screen is white, you may remove the SD or CF card(s) from the 688 and mount them to any computer and transfer your recorded files using a card reader or card slot.

  • Page 73: Take List And File List

    FILE STORAGE Take List and File List A file is an individual file stored on attached media. A take is a single recording that can consist of multiple files on one or both media. The Take List displays a list of takes and provides functions for deleting, renaming, and editing of meta- data fields.
  • Page 74 688 User’s Guide File list of CF root File list within a folder (named “Dune”) Turn the Headphone encoder to highlight a chosen file or folder. Information pertaining to your selection appears on the right. Slide the RTN/FAV switch to access options. The OPTION menu will vary de- pending on the file or folder selected.

  • Page 75: File Storage Settings

    • Daily Folder Change • Either Scene or Daily File Playback Mode Determines what (If any) playback action • Play Once the 688 will perform upon reaching the • Play All end of a file during playback. • Repeat One • Repeat All...

  • Page 76: Setting Folder Options

    When the Mid-level folder is set to <Daily>, a folder will be created auto- matically and named according to the date. Whenever a new day occurs, the 688 will prompt the user to confirm the creation of a new daily folder. •...

  • Page 77: Generating Sound Reports

    The mid level folder value is stored in the Roll (Tape) field of metadata. Generating Sound Reports The 688 can generate sound reports as a comma separated values (CSV) file. CSV files can be opened and edited by any common spreadsheet application...

  • Page 78: Defining File Max Size

    • Lower the amount of armed tracks (poly only) Setting Scene Increment Mode The 688 provides a Scene Name Increment shortcut, but it is disabled by de- fault. Scene names will not increment unless the Scene Increment mode is enabled.

  • Page 79: File Playback Mode

    FILE STORAGE Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select FILE STORAGE > Take Reset Mode. Options include: Never, Scene Change, Daily Folder Change, or Either Scene or Daily. File Playback Mode When playback is initiated, the selected file will play to the end and then stop— unless, of course, playback is stopped prematurely by manually pressing the Transport control down twice.
  • Page 80 688 User’s Guide To format media: 1. Press the MENU button. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select FILE STORAGE. Do either of the following: Select Erase/Format CF to reformat a CompactFlash card. Select Erase/Format SD to reformat an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card.

  • Page 81: Metadata And Take List

    Take List Overview consist of multiple metadata files. Accessing the Take List Playing Takes The 688 Take List allows the sound Editing Metadata on the 688 mixer to enter and edit the metadata Metadata Overview of broadcast WAV files, such as Scene,...

  • Page 82: Accessing The Take List

    Push down the Transport control to begin playback. The Main screen is dis- played, and playback begins. Editing Metadata on the 688 Notes, Scene, Take, Circle Status, Folder (tape), Project, and all track names may be edited directly from the Take List for next or previous takes.

  • Page 83: Metadata Overview

    For list fields, use the Headphone encoder to select a value. Metadata Overview On the 688 broadcast WAV files include iXML data and bEXT chunk data. For applications that don’t recognize bEXT or iXML, this information is ignored. The following chart details the supported metadata parameters.

  • Page 84: Renaming Or Deleting Previous Takes

    688 User’s Guide (u = u , m = m etaData arameter toreD in et by acHine Originator Reference bEXT Software Version bEXT Family UID iXML M; shared by files belonging to the same take Total Files iXML M; number of files representing a take...

  • Page 85: Editing Metadata In Other Programs

    METADATA AND TAKE LIST Editing Metadata in Other Programs Since Sound Devices recorders write metadata to WAV files using the Broadcast Wave File standard, many professional applications can read and edit this meta- data. Sometimes, it is useful to edit metadata in bulk after recording and before...

  • Page 87: Setting Up Tones And Bells

    Setting up Tones and Bells The 688’s internal tone oscillator, used for sending tone to outputs and tracks, has several settings to accommodate different workflows. Activating tone is explained in more detail in the Outputs section of this guide.
  • Page 88 688 User’s Guide arameter escription ptions Tone Routing Displays the Tone Routing screen where the • Outputs: L, R, and tone signal can be routed to any output or X1-X6 track. • Tracks: L, R, X1, X2, and tracks 1-12 By default, all outputs and tracks are selected.

  • Page 89: Configuring The Meters

    SYSTEM By default, the Record/Stop bells are turned on, but they may be turned off. Disabling does not apply to Warning bells. To turn on or off the Record/Stop bells: 1. Press the MENU button. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select SYSTEM > Record/Stop Bell.
  • Page 90 688 User’s Guide ption escription xampLe Bottom Positions track names on the lower end of the meter scale. The example shows solid meters. Bottom w/ramp Applies a gradient to the background color, and positions track names on the lower end of the meter scale.

  • Page 91: Setting Up Date And Time Parameters

    Setting the correct GMT time zone and daylight savings values is also vital for correct data stamping on the exFAT file system. The 688 has several System settings related to date and time parameters: arameter escription...
  • Page 92 688 User’s Guide arameter escription ptions Time Zone Sets the time zone, based on Greenwich Mean • GMT-1:00 – -12.00 Time (GMT). • GMT • GMT+1:00 – +13:00 Daylight Savings Sets whether or not daylight savings is in effect. • On Time By default, daylight savings is off.

  • Page 93: Calibrating Faders & Pans

    To disable, turn and press the encoder to select Off. Calibrating Faders & Pans The 688 Faders and Pan pots come pre-calibrated to center. However, should they ever need to be recalibrated, that can be done via a System settings sub- menu option.

  • Page 94: Using A Usb Keyboard

    The alternative option is Factory Test, which is a setting reserved for the purposes of in-house quality assurance testing. Included with the 688 is a USB 2.0 A (Female to Female) connector and a USB A to B cable, which may be used to connect a standard USB keyboard to the 688 mixer.

  • Page 95: Updating Firmware

    SYSTEM Updating Firmware Periodically, Sound Devices releases firmware updates to improve system per- formance and expand the 688 feature set, which may be downloaded from the website and used to update the firmware on the mixer. To update firmware: 1. Download the firmware from the Sound Devices website to your computer.

  • Page 97: Quick Setup

    Saving Settings After you have configured the 688’s settings via the Main menu and Input Set- tings screens, you can save the configuration as a Quick Setup file. To save settings as a Quick Setup file: 1.

  • Page 98: Copying Quick Setup Files

    688 User’s Guide Name your Quick Setup file. When saving to CF or SD cards, if a file with the entered name already exists, that previous file will be overwritten by the new file you save. Slide the RTN/FAV switch to select OK and save your Quick Setup file.

  • Page 99: Loading Previously Saved Settings

    Slide the RTN/FAV switch to access OPTION. Select Delete. Loading Previously Saved Settings For fast reconfiguring of the 688, previously stored Quick Setup files may be easily loaded from internal locations or memory cards inserted into the mixer. To load a Quick Setup file: 1.
  • Page 100 688 User’s Guide...

  • Page 101: Front Panel Shortcuts

    Shortcuts The 688 features numerous shortcuts to Topics in this section include: help speed navigation. Front Panel Shortcuts USB Keyboard Shortcuts The shortcuts require either simultaneously pressing combinations of front panel controls or using keystroke combinations when a USB keyboard is attached to the mixer.
  • Page 102 688 User’s Guide unction equence ction Toggle Playback Card HP + Play: Press and hold down the Headphone encoder then push the Transport control down- ward (Play). This toggles the playback media card between SD or CF. Target media is indicated by a green back- ground on the Main screen.

  • Page 103: Usb Keyboard Shortcuts

    A standard USB keyboard connects to the 688 to ease navigation and data en- try. Attach the keyboard to the 688 USB port using a USB A to USB A adapter (included). Anytime the QWERTY pop up keyboard is displayed, the USB key- board can be used to enter data.
  • Page 104 688 User’s Guide eystrokes ction Alt + Enter Main screen: Toggles arming of selected track. Ctrl + Enter Access gain adjustment for highlighted L, R, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, or RTN track. Ctrl + Up/Down Arrows Main screen: Select tracks.

  • Page 105: Specifications

    Specifications Various product specifications for Topics in this section include: the 688 are provided here for your Analog Inputs convenience. They relate to inputs Digital Inputs and outputs, powering, environmental Analog Outputs parameters, as well as physical aspects Digital Outputs/Recorder Timecode and Sync of the mixer.

  • Page 106: Digital Inputs

    688 User’s Guide High-Pass Filters Adjustable 80 Hz to 240 Hz, 18 dB/oct at 80 Hz (Up to 96 kHz SR) Fixed 50Hz, 6 dB/octave (192 kHz SR) · Blue: 96K full response · Green: 96K 80 Hz · Yellow: 50 hz 192K ·...

  • Page 107: Digital Outputs/Recorder

    SPECIFICATIONS Output Limiters · L/R and X1/X2, adjustable threshold from +4 dBu to +18 dBu, soft knee/hard knee · 20:1 limiting ratio · 1 mS attack time · 500 mS release time Digital Outputs/Recorder AES3 Output: · AES Out 1-4 on XLR-3M connectors ·...

  • Page 108: Dimensions And Weight

    688 User’s Guide Wordclock · In/Out: Square wave; 10k/75 ohm, 1-5 V p-p input; 75 ohm, 5V p-p output, at SR · Termination: 75 ohm, Off Power External Power Supply · 10-18 V on locking 4-pin Hirose connector, pin-4 = (+), pin-1 = (-) ·...

  • Page 109: Electronic Accessories

    (Wireless receivers are not included.) CL-6 This optional input controller attaches to the bot- tom of the 688 and adds six full-sized tactile fader controls, sunlight-viewable LED metering and big, back-lit Record and Stop controls. When the CL-6 is attached to a 688, the 688’s mini-faders, origi-...

  • Page 110: Cables And Connectors

    XL-2F A 25-inch XLR-3F to TA3-F cable, used to connect mixers and other devices with XLR-3M outputs to the TA3 7-12 inputs on the 688. Also used to attach standard microphone as auxiliary slate mic. Each package contains two cables.
  • Page 111 (stereo return A and C) breakout cable; includes in-line 20-foot extension cable. The XL-10 is a high-quality multi-pin breakout and extension cable designed specifically for Sound Devices field production mixers. It provides easy access to the balanced outputs and stereo return A and C con- nections.
  • Page 112 BNC connectors, for SMTPE time- code. XL-LL LEMO-5 to LEMO-5 coiled cable for timecode inter- connection between the 688 and other devices. XL-LX LEMO-5 to XLR-3F input and XLR-3M output for timecode interconnection between the 688 and other devices.

  • Page 113: Front Panel

    The CL-6 Controller is an optional, input- Topics in this section include: expansion accessory available for use Front Panel with Sound Devices 688 or 664. Attaching the CL-6 Trim Levels (688 only) It adds dedicated front panel controls, Trim Levels (664 only)
  • Page 114 Attaching the CL-6 The CL-6 was designed to mount on the 688 and 664 field mixers. The CL-6 at- taches with screws to the bottom panel of the 688 field production mixer. When used with a 664, the CL-6 may be attached to either the top or bottom panel.
  • Page 115 CL-6 CONTROLLER Multi-pin Header (Uncovered with ribbon cable) Rear Screws Left Screw Right Screw Multi-pin Header (Covered) Connect the supplied ribbon cable to the multi-pin header on the mixer. Carefully slide the rubber gasket into place where the ribbon cable connects to the mixer.

  • Page 116: Trim Levels (688 Only)

    688 User's Guide Trim Levels (688 only) When the CL-6 is attached to the 688, the mini-faders on the 688 become dedi- cated trim controls for inputs 7-12. To adjust the trim level for inputs 7-12: Turn the appropriate mini-fader on the 688. The trim gain will be displayed on the mixer’s LCD.
  • Page 117 • Detachable accessory compartment for wireless transmitters, receivers, recorders, or mixers • Divider/compartment insert for use with 664 or 688 without attached accessory, such as the CL-6 or SL-6 • Battery compartment holds an NP-type battery below the unit •...
  • Page 118 CS-664 Production Case...
  • Page 119 Sound Devices, LLC Customer Support Product Information E7556 Road 23 and 33 Reedsburg, Wisconsin USA Toll Free: (800) 505-0625 For more information about products and accessories, visit us on the web support@sounddevices.com +1 (608) 524-0625 at www.sounddevices.com http://www.sounddevices.com/support Fax: +1 (608) 524-0655...

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