HHB Portadrive PDR2000 Operation Manual
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HHB Portadrive PDR2000 Operation Manual

Location sound recorder
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Location Sound Recorder
Operations Manual
Version 1.01
February 2004

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Summary of Contents for HHB Portadrive PDR2000

  • Page 1 Location Sound Recorder Operations Manual Version 1.01 February 2004...

  • Page 3: Portadrive Key Features

    PORTADRIVE KEY FEATURES • Rugged, all in one, portable 8-channel hard disk (HD) audio recorder • 3 comprehensively equipped 6-into-2 digital mixers built-in • Session based recording using either AES31-3 ADL or Pro Tools V5 formats, simplifying production workflow • Over 4 hours of uncompressed 8-channel 24-bit/96kHz or around 20 hours of 4-channel 24-bit/48kHz recording on removable 40GB HD •...

  • Page 4: Registration

    In no circumstances will HHB Communications Ltd be liable for direct or indirect damages arising from any defect in the software or its documentation. Further, HHB Communications Ltd will not be liable for any loss of or damage to programs, sounds, audio recording, sequences or data stored in or used with HHB products, including the cost of recovery.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    PARALLEL REMOTE CONNECTION ... 7 RS422 PORT... 8 USB2 CONNECTION ... 8 ETHERNET CONNECTION ... 8 SCSI-2 CONNECTION ... 8 PDR2000 FRONT PANEL ... 9 METERS... 10 MODE KEYS ... 11 LCD / ENCODERS / SOLO KEYS... 12 TRANSPORT CONTROL ... 13 HEADPHONE CONTROL ...
  • Page 6 PDR2000 TOP PANEL ... 35 POWER SWITCH ... 36 TRANSPORT CONTROLS... 36 PANEL ON / OFF ... 37 MODE KEYS ... 37 SPEAKER... 38 LCD ... 38 CURSOR KEYS / DATA WHEEL ... 39 ENTER KEY ... 39 LIGHT KEY... 39 PROGRAMMABLE KEYS ...
  • Page 7 LOCATE ... 88 LOCATE TAKE ... 88 LOCATE MARK ... 89 LOCATE TIMECODE... 90 APPENDICES ... 91 TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SYSTEM ... 91 FACTORY TEMPLATES ... 93 CONNECTOR PINOUTS ... 94 DC POWER CONNECTOR... 94 PARALLEL REMOTE ... 94 AES AUDIO I/O ... 95 TIMECODE CONNECTOR...
  • Page 8 Version 1.01...

  • Page 9: Right Side Panel

    SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS Version 1.01...

  • Page 10: Mic/Line Inputs

    SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS The PORTADRIVE is comprehensively equipped with a wide range of professional audio and synchronisation connectors. These are located on the right side panel. They are as follows: MIC/LINE INPUTS These six balanced XLR inputs can accept both microphones and line level signals. When used as a microphone input, each channel has (switchable) phantom power for use with condenser microphones.

  • Page 11: Ch Return

    SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS 2 CH RETURN This analogue connection provides an extra pair of line inputs that can be used for a variety of purposes. HEADPHONE OUTPUT A stereo or 2-mono channel headphone output for private monitoring. The audio at the headphone output can be set to follow whatever is selected for metering ( e.g.

  • Page 12: Spdif Input/Output

    SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS SPDIF INPUT/OUTPUT Carries a stereo SPDIF digital audio input and output. The SPDIF input can be assigned to INPUTS 1&2 and the SPDIF output is sourced from the same signal that is routed to the AES/EBU output.. AES 8-CHANNEL I/O D-SUB CONNECTOR This provides 8-channels of AES/EBU digital audio input and output and can be used to connect the PORTADRIVE to a digital mixing console or multitrack recorder.

  • Page 13: Left Side Panel

    BATTERY COMPARTMENT Version 1.01 LEFT PANEL PS2 KEYBOARD REMOVABLE INPUT DISK DRIVE DC INPUT ETHERNET SCSI SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS PARALLEL REMOTE CONNECTION RS422...

  • Page 14: Battery Compartment

    SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS The left side panel accommodates a variety of other connections and facilities. These are: BATTERY COMPARTMENT This is where the LI - ION battery, NP-L50, is housed. To replace the battery, undo the large thumbscrew and carefully remove the battery. Replace the battery and tighten the screw back up. **** IMPORTANT **** NEVER REMOVE THE BATTERY DURING RECORDING! DOING SO WILL (UNDERSTANDABLY) RESULT IN LOSS OF DATA!

  • Page 15: Removable Disk Drive Caddy

    The drive caddy is removable - that is, the disk can be taken out of the PORTADRIVE and connected to other systems via the optional HHB Docking Station. To remove the caddy, turn the large 'screw’ in the middle counter-clockwise to the 9-o-clock position.

  • Page 16: Rs422 Port

    SCSI-2 CONNECTION This allows you to connect to the optional HHB DVD Backup Unit (PDRDVDBU), external hard disk drives or other forms of data storage and should be used primarily for copying data (backing up) and recording from the PORTADRIVE.

  • Page 17: Pdr2000 Front Panel

    FRONT PANEL PDR2000 FRONT PANEL UTILITY HEADPHONE PEAK ERROR LED KEYS CONTROL METERS RESET METER/MONITOR SOLO KEYS MULTI-PURPOSE TRANSPORT MODE SELECT KEYS ENCODERS Version 1.01 Page 9...

  • Page 18: Meters

    FRONT PANEL METERS These high resolution, 18-segment meters offer detailed, precision level metering. PEAK HOLD The meters have a peak hold function. It is possible to set the peak hold time between OFF, ON or 1-4 seconds. It can also be switched off completely if you prefer. These options are set in the PORTADRIVE’s SETUP mode (more on this later).

  • Page 19: Mode Keys

    FRONT PANEL MODE KEYS The four mode keys below the meters allow you to select the metering / monitoring. The PORTADRIVE has three mixers, two of which (BUSMIX and OUTPUT MIX) can be selected here. The four modes are: INPUT When INPUT is pressed, the meters will show input levels 1-8.

  • Page 20: Lcd / Encoders / Solo Keys

    FRONT PANEL LCD / ENCODERS / SOLO KEYS In the centre of the PORTADRIVE’s front panel is a large 40 x 2 character LCD. This is used to show levels, pan/balance and other parameters. The top line of the display shows general information: FREE BATTERY CURRENT 'MODE / PAGE'...

  • Page 21: Transport Control

    TRANSPORT CONTROL The PORTADRIVE has a simple rotary switch to control transport. The five positions are: STOP Stops playback or recording when the switch is turned to the 12-o-clock position. In this condition, you can use the PORTADRIVE’s front panel without restriction. STOP (lock) This stops playback or recording and also locks (or disables) the panel controls and switches as a safety feature to prevent inadvertently adjusting anything by mistake.

  • Page 22: Headphone Control

    FRONT PANEL HEADPHONE CONTROL The rotary control sets the level of the headphone output and the speaker on the top panel. It is a ‘push-lock’ control that can be pushed to recess it into the front panel to prevent accidental adjustment.

  • Page 23: Display Key

    This shows the amount of free space on disk. BATTERY CHARGE Shows the current battery charge and power source. SCENE NAME Shows the current scene name. TAKE NUMBER Shows the current take (recording). PDR2000 STATUS Shows the PORTADRIVE’s current status (i.e. PLAY, REC, STOP). Version 1.01 FRONT PANEL...
  • Page 24 FRONT PANEL Pressing DISPLAY again will show further information about the current session: TIME TAKE LENGTH The fields are: TIME Shows the time as set in the PORTADRIVE’s clock. DATE Shows today’s date. FREE ON DISK Shows the free space on disk BATTERY CHARGE Shows the remaining battery charge or power source.

  • Page 25: Light Key

    LIGHT KEY This turns the front panels’ LCD backlight on or off and can be used to conserve battery life. If the LIGHT key is pressed for less than 1.5 seconds, the LCD backlight is only switched on for 10 seconds after which, it automatically turns off.

  • Page 26: Utility Keys

    FRONT PANEL UTILITY KEYS This row of keys above the LCD gives access to several utilities you might need quick access to. However, to prevent inadvertently pressing one of them by mistake, you need to press and hold the ENABLE key and then press the required utility key. For example, to undo a recording, press and hold ENABLE and UNDO.

  • Page 27: Slate

    FRONT PANEL SLATE The slate microphone mono signal will be output to wherever it has been routed in the SETUP/SLATE page on the top panel . Audio signals routed to the same destination(s) will be muted during slate operation. To activate the SLATE function, press and hold the ENABLE key and then press the SLATE key. The SLATE key can be set to momentary, latching or ‘auto’...

  • Page 28: Front Panel Modes

    FRONT PANEL MODES INPUT MODE Pressing INPUT will cause the metering to show the level of the inputs. Headphone monitoring will also, if selected to ‘FOLLOW METERS’, automatically switch to monitoring these signals. It will also switch the LCD to show the input parameters. The first of these pages shows input level but by repeatedly pressing the INPUTS , you can cycle through the various input parameters that are available.
  • Page 29 The parameters on the various pages are as follows: INPUT LEVEL The six encoders are used to adjust the input level. The range is 0-100 and it should be adjusted to send as healthy a level of signal to disk as possible without overloading or distorting. MIC ATT Microphone attenuation can be set on each channel to 0 (no attenuation), -15sB and -30dB.
  • Page 30 FRONT PANEL MODES IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING INPUT PAIRING LEVELS When two channels are paired and their levels are offset, the offset is retained even when the upper limits of either channel’s range is reached. For example... Two channels are paired. Channel 1 has a level of 80, Channel 2 has a level of 90. You adjust Channel 1’s encoder, increasing the level.

  • Page 31: Busmix Mode

    FRONT PANEL MODES BUSMIX MODE Pressing BUSMIX will cause the metering to show the level of the bus mixer’s inputs. If ‘FOLLOW METERS’ mode is selected, headphone monitoring will also automatically switch to monitoring these signals. It will also switch the LCD to show the busmix parameters. The first of these pages shows the mixer’s input level but by repeatedly pressing the BUSMIX , you can cycle through the various parameters that are available.
  • Page 32 FRONT PANEL MODES The parameters on the various pages are as follows: BUS-MIXER INPUT LEVELS Here you can set the bus mixer’s input levels. Because the input signal is fed from after the inputs’ level controls, with all the BUSMIX level controls set to the same value, the mix is effectively a copy of the inputs’...

  • Page 33: Track Mode

    Only when the PDR2000 is playing back. When the PDR2000 is recording or stopped (i.e. not playing back), the meters will show the level of the inputs to the disk tracks.
  • Page 34 FRONT PANEL MODES It is not possible to change a track source when the PORTADRIVE is actually recording. If you attempt this, you will be prompted on the LCD accordingly: TRACKS MS DECODE You can use the rotary encoders to select whether a pair of adjacent tracks is routed through an MS Decoder or not.

  • Page 35: Output Mode

    OUTPUT MODE Pressing OUTPUT will cause the metering to show the level of the MAIN L/R outputs on the L/R columns of the meters and the LCD will show the first of the OUTPUT pages. The headphones will monitor the main L/R output if ‘FOLLOW METERS’ mode is selected. However, what is shown in the meters and what is heard through the headphones depends on the page being displayed.
  • Page 36 FRONT PANEL MODES Pressing the OUTPUT key again will show this screen: Here you can set the AUX outputs’ input source, enable or disable MS decoding and set the master level. The options are exactly the same as for the MAIN outputs. (*) When both the MAIN and AUX input sources’...
  • Page 37 When INPUTS is selected as the output mixer’s source, you can use the output mixer to set up an alternative mix to BUSMIX. This might be used to provide a special mix feed to a director or external recording device. If you have routed inputs 1-6 to disk tracks 1-6, these will not be affected by adjusting the output mixer: INPUTS LEVEL...
  • Page 38 FRONT PANEL MODES When, in the MIXER SOURCE page, the input source is set to TRACKS, the following extra pages are available: When TRACKS is selected as the output mixer’s source, the output mixer can be used to provide an alternative stereo or mono mix of what’s playing back off disk or being recorded to disk.
  • Page 39 FRONT PANEL MODES The parameters on the various pages are as follows: OUTPUT-MIXER TRACK LEVELS Here you can set the output mixer’s input levels. OUTPUT-MIXER TRACK PANS Using the six rotary encoders, you can set the pan position of the output mixer’s inputs. With these, you can set up a stereo sub mix with each input placed in the stereo image as required.

  • Page 40: Headphone Setup Mode

    FRONT PANEL MODES HEADPHONE SETUP MODE Pressing the HEADPHONE key allows you to set certain parameters that relate to the headphones. HEADPHONE CONFIGURATION PRESETS On the PORTADRIVE, it is possible to store and recall six preset monitoring configurations. This feature allows you to quickly select different signal sources in the headphone monitoring for checking signals, confidence monitoring, etc..
  • Page 41 Also, when the source is set to FOLLOW, you actually have access to independent sub-mixers that allow you set your own personal headphone mix. If you press the HEADPHONES key when in INPUT mode, the following extra pages are available: With these pages, you can create an independent, alternative headphone mix of the inputs.
  • Page 42 FRONT PANEL MODES If you press the HEADPHONES key when in TRACK mode, the following extra pages are available: With these pages, you can create an independent and alternative headphone mix for the audio going to disk during record or coming off disk during playback. INPUTS LEVEL LEVEL...

  • Page 43: Pdr2000 Top Panel

    MODE KEYS SPEAKER POWER TOP PANEL SWITCH ON/OFF Version 1.01 PDR2000 TOP PANEL 320x240 LCD & CURSOR FUNCTION KEYS KEYS TRANSPORT LOCATE PROGRAMMABLE KEYS ENTER KEY TOP PANEL DATA WHEEL LIGHT...

  • Page 44: Power Switch

    TOP PANEL POWER SWITCH This turns the PORTADRIVE on and off. As a safety feature, to prevent the unit accidentally being switched on and hence draining your battery, to switch the unit on, the PANEL ON/OFF switch must be switched to the ON position. Now press the POWER key to switch the unit on.

  • Page 45: Panel On / Off

    STOP Will stop playback Note - The top panel STOP key has no effect during RECORD or RECORD LOCK. LOCATE This accesses the PORTADRIVE’s locate functions (this is described in detail later) PANEL ON / OFF This allows you to turn the top panel on and off as a safety feature to prevent inadvertent operation when using the front panel.

  • Page 46: Speaker

    TOP PANEL SPEAKER The top panel has a speaker for mono monitoring purposes. The speaker is not active when headphones are plugged in and/or the PORTADRIVE is recording. The speaker output can be switched off in the SETUP/MISCELLANEOUS page. The large 320 x 240 LCD dominates the top panel and is where you see parameters and set their values.

  • Page 47: Cursor Keys / Data Wheel

    TOP PANEL CURSOR KEYS / DATA WHEEL The cursor keys allow you to move around the LCD and select parameters and there value is set using the DATA wheel. ENTER KEY The ENTER key is used to confirm and commit certain operations; It is also used to ‘open’ name fields in order to name items (channels, sessions, takes, etc.) on the PORTADRIVE.

  • Page 48: Using The Top Panel Screens

    TOP PANEL MODES USING THE TOP PANEL SCREENS The top panel LCD is navigated using the CURSOR keys and you can move up, down and from left to right. When a field or parameter is selected, the ‘box’ inverts and a value is set using the DATA wheel: In this example, the cursor has been moved to Input 6’s fader...

  • Page 49: About The Top Panel Modes

    UPPER Allows you to enter ‘UPPER CASE CHARACTERS’ LOWER Allows you to enter ‘lower case characters’ Allows you to enter numbers 0 - 9. Confirms the name and closes the name field (you can also press ENTER again for this). To facilitate easier naming, it is recommended you use a PS2 QWERTY computer keyboard (you may already have a spare one).

  • Page 50: Top Panel Modes

    TOP PANEL MODES INPUT MODE Pressing INPUTS on the top panel shows this screen: To enter a name, move the cursor to the appropriate NAME field, press the ENTER key and enter a name of your choosing as described previously. The input parameters are as follows: PAIRING Adjacent inputs (e.g.

  • Page 51: Limiter

    LIMITER The channel limiters can be switched on and off in this page. However, it also possible to ‘gang’ pairs of limiters on adjacent channels, or all six channels. The full range of options are OFF, ON, GANG 2 (Adjacent channels are ganged) and GANG 6 (all six input limiters are ganged).

  • Page 52: Input Level

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing LEVELS (F4) shows the input mixer screen: Here, you can see and adjust the level of inputs 1-6. You can adjust levels by moving the cursor to the level value shown below the faders and use the DATA wheel to set levels or you can use the front panel’s encoders.
  • Page 53 Pressing 2-CH RETURN (F6) will display this screen: The 2-CHANNEL RETURN is a separate stereo line input on the side of the PORTADRIVE that can be used to feed stereo signals into the PORTADRIVE’s stereo L/R tracks or used purely as a method for monitoring a return feed, say from a camera.

  • Page 54: Busmix Mode

    TOP PANEL MODES BUSMIX MODE Pressing BUSMIX shows this screen: Here, you can set parameters relative to the bus mixer’s inputs. Each channel can be switched on or off (useful as a MUTE function) and each pair of channels can be paired and/or have MS decoding applied.
  • Page 55 TOP PANEL MODES Pressing BUS L/R will show this screen: Here, you can set the L/R output level of the bus mixer. The screen also shows the bus mixer’s L/R output levels. By pairing the L/R outputs, it is only necessary to adjust one of the ‘faders’ and both will change. However, they can be adjusted independently by setting the parameter to MONO X 2.

  • Page 56: Tracks Mode

    TOP PANEL MODES TRACKS MODE Pressing TRACKS will show this screen: This page is used to select an input source for the disk tracks. By default, these are Inputs 1-6 (*) but these may be changed according to requirements. The input sources are: Track 1: Track 2: Track 3:...

  • Page 57: Output Mode

    OUTPUT MODE Pressing OUTPUT shows this page: Here, you can set certain parameters relative to the MAIN outputs. The parameters are: SOURCE This allows you to select an input source to feed the MAIN L/R output and what is selected here is what will be heard through the MAIN outputs. The source options are: OUT L&R BUS L&R...

  • Page 58: Aux Output

    TOP PANEL MODES MS DECODER You can switch MS decoding on or off. This can be useful if, for example, inputs 1 and 2 are an MS pair of microphones and it is necessary to feed an MS decoded signal through the MAIN outputs. NOMINAL LEVEL Selects a nominal output level.

  • Page 59: Headphone

    Pressing H/P (headphones) shows this screen: Here, you can set how the headphone (and speaker) monitoring will function. The parameters are: PRESET On the PORTADRIVE, it is possible to store and recall six preset monitoring configurations. This feature allows you to quickly select different signal sources in the headphone monitoring for checking signals.
  • Page 60 TOP PANEL MODES DECODER Allows you to select a decode option for the current preset. STEREO MONO BOTH MONO R MONO L SOLO SWITCH STYLE This allows you to select different ways of using the front panel SOLO keys. These are: LATCHING MOMENTARY The selected channel will only be solo’d while the SOLO key AUTO...
  • Page 61 The headphone mixer allows you to access separate mixers for the inputs and tracks that allow you to set alternative personal headphone mixes for these sources. When in INPUT mode, the monitoring signal flow is as follows: INPUTS LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL...
  • Page 62 TOP PANEL MODES Pressing H/P MIXER will show this screen (in this example, INPUTS is selected but the functions are identical if the source is TRACKS): In this page, you can set an alternative stereo mix for the headphone / speaker monitoring. You can switch channels on or off, you can pair adjacent channels and you can independently pan channels.
  • Page 63 Pressing OUT L/R (F4) shows this screen: Here, you can set the master stereo level for your alternative headphone / speaker monitor mix. The L/R channels can be paired to act as a single, master stereo fader. You can also see the master L/R meters.
  • Page 64 TOP PANEL MODES With that in mind, the COPY function on F5 allows you to copy the settings between the various mixers. Pressing COPY will show this screen: Select the destination mixer you wish the headphone mix to be copied to. Once you have set up your alternative headphone / speaker mix, press OK (F6).
  • Page 65 Pressing DIGI will show this screen: Here, you can set parameters that relate to the PORTADRIVE’s digital outputs. The parameters are: ST&AES78 DIGOUT SOURCE This allows you to select the input source for the digital outputs (in Note - The signal on the AES outputs 7&8 on the DB25 connector is the same signal as routed to the stereo SPDIF/AES outputs.

  • Page 66: Disk Mode

    TOP PANEL MODES DISK MODE Pressing DISK will show this screen: This shows a typical PORTADRIVE with just an internal drive installed. However, a more advanced setup with external drives connected would show more drives. Drives are selected using the CURSOR UP/DOWN keys and opened using the OPEN key on F6.
  • Page 67 Under no circumstances should you switch the PORTADRIVE on and then plug in a SCSI drive. Similarly, when the PORTADRIVE is switched on, you should never unplug a drive. You might just get away with it but there is every chance that you won’t and you run the risk of damaging your PORTADRIVE and/or the disk drive and also potentially lose data.
  • Page 68 TOP PANEL MODES To see the contents of a partition, press OPEN again. You will see something like this: Repeatedly pressing open will take you down further into the disk hierarchy. More on this later. Version 1.01...

  • Page 69: Format Disk

    FORMAT DISK Before a disk can be used on the PORTADRIVE, it has to be formatted, a process that arranges the disk in a way that is suitable for use. To format a disk, first select the drive in the main DISK page (above) and press DISK FORMAT.

  • Page 70: Navigating Disks

    TOP PANEL MODES NAVIGATING DISKS Back in the main DISK page, pressing OPEN (F6) will open the selected disk and you will see the selected drive’s partitions (if any). When a drive/partition is opened, you will see something like the following screen: Different file types are used which are denoted graphically with easily recognisable icons as follows: SESSION:...

  • Page 71: Disk / File Hierarchy

    DISK / FILE HIERARCHY The hierarchy of the file structure is as follows: This shows a typical 6 track session (up to 8 tracks sessions are possible). A session contains a variety of ‘scenes’ and each scene can contain any number of ‘takes’ that contain the relevant audio files (recordings).

  • Page 72: Copying Items

    TOP PANEL MODES COPYING ITEMS Each of the DISK pages has a copy function that allows you to copy items. You can copy items between different disk drives, different partitions or you can copy items around on the same disk. To copy an item, you must first select the item you want to copy in the usual way using the CURSOR UP/DOWN keys.

  • Page 73: Creating A New Folder Or Session

    TOP PANEL MODES CREATING A NEW FOLDER OR SESSION To create a new folder, press NEW (F4). You will see this screen You can select whether to create a new folder or a new session using the DATA wheel. Choose CREATE NEW FOLDER (as shown above) and move the cursor down to the FOLDER NAME field: Version 1.01...
  • Page 74 TOP PANEL MODES To enter a name, press ENTER. The name field will ‘open’: You can enter a 12-character name in the usual way. Press ENTER again to confirm the name and close the name field. To create a new session, choose CREATE NEW SESSION in the topmost field. You will see this screen: Here, you can define certain settings that apply to the session you are creating.

  • Page 75: Sample Rate

    The parameters are: NEW SESSION NAME BASED ON TEMPLATE CURRENT FOLDER Note - User presets are created in the SETUP pages. FORMAT SAMPLE RATE / FS BIT DEPTH When you have entered the values you require for your new session, press OK (or CANCEL to abort the procedure).

  • Page 76: Session Mode

    TOP PANEL MODES SESSION MODE Pressing SESSION will show this screen: Here you can see essential information about the currently active session and its takes. The current session is shown top left. The fields are: TAKE XXX The take number is shown (where XXX is the take number). An associated SCENE number will also be shown to the take name’s left.

  • Page 77: Take Info

    Pressing TAKE INFO shows this screen: The fields here can be edited allowing you to add, create and rename scenes and takes and also add your own comments about the recording. SCENE NAME Shows you the current scene name. You can name the scene if you want using the usual naming process - press ENTER, enter a 12-character name and press ENTER again to confirm the name and close the name field.

  • Page 78: New Session

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing NEW... [F5/6] will show this screen: Here, you can define certain settings that apply to the session you are creating. The parameters are: NEW SESSION NAME BASED ON TEMPLATE CURRENT FOLDER Note - User presets are created in the SETUP pages. FORMAT SAMPLE RATE / FS BIT DEPTH...

  • Page 79: Tc Mode

    TC MODE Pressing TC / SYNC gives access to the timecode and synchronisation functions. You will see this screen: The parameters are: T/C MODE Allows you to set the timecode source the PORTADRIVE will use as the time reference for recording. The options are: EXT TIMECODE FREE RUN RECRUN...

  • Page 80: User Bits

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing U BITS will show this screen: In this page, you can set the user bits that will be generated through the timecode output. The parameters are: U-BITS MODE Three options are available: EXTERNAL (only if GEN TC is set to EXT TIMECODE), MANUAL and DATE/XX.

  • Page 81: Timecode Chase

    Pressing CHASE (F4) will show this screen: Here you can set how the PORTADRIVE behaves when chasing external time code. The parameters are: CHASE MODE Allows you to set how the PORTADRIVE chases timecode. There are three options: ONCE CONTINUOUS The PORTADRIVE will continuously be chasing external Note - If ONCE or CONTINUOUS are selected but valid timecode is not being received, you will see a flashing prompt on both the top and front panel LCD’s.

  • Page 82: Timecode Jam

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing JAM (F5) shows this screen: This page allows you to set how the PORTADRIVE jams timecode. Only one parameter is available: JAM SOURCE There are two options: EXTERNAL TIME OF DAY Allows you to jam to ‘time of day’ (TOD) timecode from the real time Please note: Jamming of TC and user bits is only possible if: 1) TC MODE in the GEN TC page is set to FREERUN.

  • Page 83: Setup Mode

    SETUP MODE Pressing the SETUP KEY will show this screen: This mode is used to set the PORTADRIVE’s system settings - i.e. settings that affect the way the unit operates. The first page allows you to set up the PORTADRIVE’s internal tone generator. The parameters are: FREQUENCY Allows you to set the tone generator’s frequency.

  • Page 84: Slate

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing SLATE [F2] will show this screen: Allows you to set parameters relevant to the PORTADRIVE’s internal microphone. The parameters are: LEVEL Sets the gain of the internal mic. SWITCH Allows you to select whether the action of the SLATE key on the front panel is momentary (i.e.

  • Page 85: Power Management

    Pressing PWR [F3] displays this screen: The functions on this page allow you to set parameters that affect the way the PORTADRIVE manages power. The parameters are: POWER MODE BATTERY LEVEL Version 1.01 The power supply can supply enough current to power either the analogue audio circuitry or to charge the battery –...

  • Page 86: Lcd Contrast

    TOP PANEL MODES POWER SOURCE VOLTAGE HI/MID/LOW NOMNAL LEVEL Pressing LCD displays this screen: Here, you can set the contrast level of the top and front panels’ LCD’s. This shows the source of the PORTADRIVE’s power (i.e. Ext. DC, Ext. Battery or Battery) and the level of voltage being received.

  • Page 87: Wordclock Sync

    Pressing SYNC will show this screen: Here, you can set parameters relevant to digital synchronisation (not to be confused with timecode sync, of course!). The parameters are: SYNC SOURCE Selects the digital sync source. The options are: INTERNAL WORDCLOCK PAL/SECAM NTSC 29.97 NTSC 30 TRI-LEVEL...
  • Page 88 TOP PANEL MODES WORDCLOCK OUT PORTADRIVE can be used as a master sync source, and setting the Wordclock Out to ‘ON’ will output a wordclock signal at the current sessions sample rate. Note: If the sync source is set to WORDCLOCK, or any of the VIDEO formats a 75 ohm termination switch will be shown on the LCD display.

  • Page 89: Miscellaneous Settings

    Further pages are available by pressing the MORE key on F6: The first of these is the MISC page where you can set miscellaneous parameters that affect operation of the unit. They are: PRE-RECORD BUFFER From 'buffer' Version 1.01 When you start recording, it is possible by using the PRE –RECORD BUFFER to actually record information up to 10 seconds before the recording was started.
  • Page 90 TOP PANEL MODES INC. SCENE OPTION LINK PANEL MENUS SPEAKER The PRE-RECORD BUFFER allows you set the size of the recording that will be made to the solid-state memory. The parameter is variable from OFF to 10 seconds in one second increments. When a new scene is created, you can select whether the name will increment numerically (i.e.

  • Page 91: Templates

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing TEMPL will show this screen: Templates can be called up at any time in order to quickly configure all the machine parameters to your requirements. Furthermore, when creating sessions (see SESSION mode), it is possible to use these templates as the basis of the new session so that instead of entering values for the sessions settings over and over again each time a session is created, you can simply select an appropriate template for the purposes of the session you are going to be working on.

  • Page 92: P1 - P2 Assign

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing P1-P2 shows this screen: This page allows you to assign certain functions to the ‘programmable’ P1 and P2 keys: The options for both fields are: NONE [Functions not yet implemented – for future feature shortcuts] Version 1.01...

  • Page 93: Metering Options

    Pressing METER [F4] will show this screen: The parameters are: PEAK HOLD Allows you to set the peak hold time for the meters. The range is OFF (no peak hold) though 1-4 SEC (timed peak hold display) and ON (peak hold will be displayed until such time as the front panel RESET key is pressed).

  • Page 94: Os Update

    UPGRADE PROCESS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE PORTADRIVE OR MAKE ANY CHANGES TO ANY SETTINGS ON THE PORTADRIVE DURING THE UPGRADE PROCESS. For more details on upgrading the PORTADRIVE’s OS (download new software), please visit HHB’s website at : http://www.hhb.co.uk/...

  • Page 95: Date / Time Setup

    Pressing MORE again will show this screen: In this page, you can set the PORTADRIVE’s system date and time. These settings are stored as the ‘creation date’ with all recordings you make on the PORTADRIVE so it is important that these are set correctly.

  • Page 96: Locate

    TOP PANEL MODES LOCATE To the right of the transport controls, you will find the PORTADRIVE’s LOCATE function. Every time a new recording is made, a locate point is automatically placed at the start of the recording which you can locate to in order to find takes (recordings) quickly and easily. Furthermore, it is also possible to manually mark locate points in real-time during recording or playback using the front panel MARK key: The PORTADRIVE allows you to locate to takes, markers and also to specific timecode positions...

  • Page 97: Locate Mark

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing MARK [F2] shows this screen: You can mark points in the recording using the front panel MARK key. To locate to a mark, use the DATA wheel to select the mark in the MARK field and press GOTO to locate to it.

  • Page 98: Locate Timecode

    TOP PANEL MODES Pressing T/C [F3] shows this screen: This locate option allows you to locate directly to a specific timecode location simply by entering an appropriate timecode value. To enter a value, move the cursor around the field using the CURSOR </> keys and use the DATA wheel to set the value.

  • Page 99: Appendices

    DAW but also additional information such as track placement and any metadata associated with each take. Even with other hard disk based location recorders, it can be a long and tedious process involving manual reference to log sheets to ensure audio material is transferred to the DAW correctly.
  • Page 100 APPENDICES When the disk is transferred to a typical DAW and the session is opened, you would see (something like) this: 11:00:00.00 10:00:00 Track 1 Track 2 Track 3 Track 4 Track 5 Track 6 Track 7 Track 8 As you can see, the PORTADRIVE has fulfilled its role perfectly - it was used to acquire multi-track audio recordings in the field and its disk (or a copy / back up of it) was then taken and attached to a DAW where the session was loaded and immediately available for editing in the post-production environment, bypassing any manual transfer process.

  • Page 101: Factory Templates

    TEMPLATES Template Emulates a traditional 2-channel recorder such as a PORTADAT 2CH MODE etc. Inputs 1 & 2 are recorded direct to Disk tracks 1 & 2. No 4 Microphone inputs mixed to disk tracks 1 & 2 - emulates a 4-2 MODE 5+1 MODE 5 Microphone inputs recorded discreetly to disk tracks 1-5 and a...

  • Page 102: Connector Pinouts

    APPENDICES CONNECTOR PINOUTS DC POWER CONNECTOR (4-PIN XLR) PARALLEL REMOTE (8-PIN MINI DIN) PIN 1 PIN 2 PIN 3 PIN 4 PIN 5 PIN 6 PIN 7 PIN 8 EXTERNAL DC SUPPLY Pin 1 Ground Pin 2 Not connected Pin 3 12-18Vdc Pin 4 Not connected...

  • Page 103: Aes Audio I/O

    AES AUDIO I/O (25-PIN D-SUB) TIMECODE CONNECTOR (5-PIN LEMO TC FEMALE CONNECTOR) RS422 9-PIN CONNECTION (9-PIN D-SUB FEMALE) Version 1.01 Pin 1 Ch 7/8 out + Pin 2 Ground Pin 3 Ch 5/6 out - Pin 4 Ch 3/4 out - Pin 5 Ground Pin 6...

  • Page 104: Channel Return

    APPENDICES Version 1.01...

  • Page 105: Notes On Using External Scsi Hard Disk Drives

    NOTES ON USING EXTERNAL SCSI HARD DISK DRIVES WHAT IS SCSI? SCSI (pronounced “scuzzee”) stands for Small Computer Serial Interface and is used to connect up to eight disk drives together. It is a fast and reliable interface that is also widely used on many Macs and PCs that host DAW’s such as ProTools and the like.

  • Page 106: Scsi Cables

    APPENDICES SCSI CABLES Always use high quality SCSI cables. Using cheaper SCSI cables may seem an attractive proposition but low quality cables can give rise to data errors. The SCSI connection requires that every connection is individually grounded - always ensure that you use such cables.

  • Page 107: Specifications

    PORTADRIVE SPECIFICATIONS Sampling frequency . . 44.1, 48, 88.2 & 96kHz (±0.1% for pull up/down) all ±1.0 ppm Quantization levels ........16 & 24-bit Pre-record buffer .
  • Page 109 2 Channel return, 3, 45, 96 AES D-Sub connector, 4, 95 AES/EBU output, 2 AES31, 61 Analogue audio input, 96 Analogue audio output, 96 AUDIO, 62 Audio input, 96 Audio output, 96 Aux L/R output, 2 BATTERY CHARGE, 77 Battery compartment, 6 BATTERY LEVEL, 77 BUSMIX INPUT LVL, 24 BUSMIX INPUT PAN, 24...
  • Page 110 INDEX Jam TC, 18, 74 Keyboard input, 7 LCD, 12, 38 LCD Contrast, 78 Left side panel, 5 Light key, 17 Light key (top panel), 39 LIMITER, 21, 43 Limiter indicators, 10 LINK PANELS, 82 Locate, 88 MARK, 89 T/C, 90 TAKE, 88 LOCATE, 37 Main L/R Outputs, 2...
  • Page 111 T/C GEN, 71 TAKE, 62 Take info, 69 TC mode, 71 TC Jam, 74 Templates, 67, 70, 83 Time/Date, 87 Timecode input/output, 3, 95 TIMECODE OFFSET, 73 Tone generator setup, 75 Tone key, 19 Top panel, 35 Top panel mode keys, 37 Top panel modes BUSMIX, 46 DISK, 58...
  • Page 112 Visit HHB online at www.hhb.co.uk HHB Communications Ltd · 73-75 Scrubs Lane, London NW10 6QU, UK Tel: 020 8962 5000 · Fax: 020 8962 5050 · E-Mail: sales@hhb.co.uk...

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