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Sound Devices 8-Series User Manual
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Sound Devices 8-Series User Manual

Sound Devices 8-Series User Manual

16-channel portable mixer-recorder
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8-Series
888
16-Channel Portable Mixer-Recorder
User Guide v11.00

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Summary of Contents for Sound Devices 8-Series

  • Page 1 8-Series 16-Channel Portable Mixer-Recorder User Guide v11.00...
  • Page 2 888 User Guide Introduction Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ..................................5 .......................................... 5 EATURES CHAPTER 2: PANEL VIEWS ................................... 6 .......................................... 6 RONT ANEL ......................................... 9 EFT IDE ANEL ........................................10 IGHT IDE ANEL ..........................................11 EAR ANEL ..........................................12 ANEL ......................................... 12 OTTOM ANEL CHAPTER 3: HOME SCREEN ..................................13 CHAPTER 4: CHANNEL SCREEN ................................15 CHAPTER 5: VIRTUAL KEYBOARD .
  • Page 3 888 User Guide Introduction 6.14 ..................................... 59 LATE ETURNS 6.15 ..........................................61 UPER 6.15.1 The SL-2 ............................................61 6.15.2 Receiver Setup Screens ......................................68 6.15.3 GainForward (A20 Transmitters Only) ................................. 72 6.16 ........................................... 74 YSTEM 6.16.1 Tone Setup ..........................................74 6.16.2 Notification Bells ........................................74 6.16.3 Fader Calibration ........................................75 6.16.4 Timecode calibration ......................................75 6.16.5 Display ............................................75 6.16.6 Time/Date ..........................................75 6.16.7 Toggle Switch Action ......................................76 6.16.8 Menu + PFL Switch Action ....................................76 6.16.9 Headphone Encoder Mode ....................................76 6.16.10 Headphone Volume Lock .
  • Page 4 888 User Guide Introduction CHAPTER 14: WARRANTY .................................. 1 20 CHAPTER 15: GLOSSARY .................................. 1 21...
  • Page 5 The 888 is the smallest portable mixer-recorder on the market that offers Dante for sending and receiving audio over Ethernet. With 8 ultra-low noise, 8-Series microphone preamplifiers, 16 channels/20 tracks (20 channels/24 tracks with ISO 4 plugin), multiple powering methods, and support for multiple USB control surfaces, the 888 can be easily tailored to your workflow.
  • Page 6 888 User Guide Panel Views Chapter 2: Panel Views 2.1 Front Panel 1: Channel Trim Turns the channel on/off and sets the input sensitivity for the channel. To conserve power, turn off unused channels by rotating channel trim fully counterclockwise. Channel 9-16 trims are accessible via the Channels 9-16 menu or using */** + PFL switch shortcuts.
  • Page 7 888 User Guide Panel Views Play Push down on the Transport control to begin playback of the last file recorded or file currently loaded. While in playback, push down again to pause playback. The LED ring as well as the active file in the display will flash to indicate that Pause is active. Push down again to continue playback.
  • Page 8 888 User Guide Panel Views 12: */** Switch Shortcut with PFL switch to access channels 9-16 (and 17-20 if +4 ISO plugin is installed). Soft button for menus. Mappable functions via the Toggle Switch Action menu. 13: Mic/Tone Switch • Toggle slate mic and tone generator.
  • Page 9 888 User Guide Panel Views 2.2 Left Side Panel 1: Inputs 1-4 female XLR Jacks Active-balanced analog microphone or line-level inputs. Input 1 can also accept an AES3 or AES42 signal. [pin-1 = ground, pin-2 = hot (+), and pin-3 = cold (-)] 110-ohm cables should be used for AES3 or AES42 inputs.
  • Page 10 888 User Guide Panel Views 2.3 Right Side Panel 1: Antenna RP-SMA-Male Connector Connects to included external antenna for Bluetooth LE. 2: ¼ Headphone Jack ¼” Headphone jack 1/4-inch TRS headphone output. Warning! This output can drive headphones to potentially dangerous levels.
  • Page 11 888 User Guide Panel Views 9: X1-X4 TA3 Jacks Line, -10, or Mic level selected in Main menu OUTPUTS section. Routing determined in the Outputs menu. [pin-1 = Ground, pin-2 = hot (+), pin-3 = cold (-). Float pin-3 to unbalance] 10: X5/X6 3.5 MM Jack Unbalanced stereo 3.5 mm female connector.
  • Page 12 888 User Guide Panel Views 2.5 Top Panel 1: Expansion Port Used for connecting the A20-Nexus Multichannel Receiver, XL-AES 8 Channel AES3 Input Expander and SL-2 Dual SuperSlot Wireless Module. 2.6 Bottom Panel Includes two ¼” 20 mounting points.
  • Page 13 888 User Guide Home Screen Chapter 3: Home Screen 1: Current Take Name Shows the filename of the currently selected take. Press Stop during stop to display the Next Take name. This Next Take display can be set to latching or momentary in the Record/Play menu. The latching option can be used with the Scene, Take, Notes ‘Follow stop’...
  • Page 14 888 User Guide Home Screen 7: Selected Headphone Preset Indicates the currently selected headphone preset. Displays ‘Locked’ when HP Volume is adjusted & set to ‘Locked’ in the System menu. 8: Metering for Returns A and B Indicates audio level for the returns. 9 &...
  • Page 15 888 User Guide Channel Screen Chapter 4: Channel Screen 1: Channel Designation and User-Defined Name Indicates the mixer channel designation and the user-defined channel name. Both are overlaid onto the channel audio meter. When in a Channel Screen, hold the PFL Switch for about 1 second to enter the virtual keyboard and enter a user-defined name for the channel.
  • Page 16 888 User Guide Channel Screen • A20-Nexus: -inf, -20 to +50 dB • A20-Nexus (A20 Transmitter GainForward): -inf, 0 to +60 dB • AES3: -inf, -20 to +50 dB • AES42: -inf, 0 to +70 dB • XL-AES: -inf, -20 to +50 dB •...
  • Page 17 888 User Guide Channel Screen • Mic Toggle: Selects Compression state and insert location. Indicates where the compression is inserted into the audio chain. Pre-fade or Post-fade [Off*, Pre, Post]. Compression applies to bus sends only when applied Prefade. • Tone Toggle: Selects threshold [0 to -40 dB] •...
  • Page 18 17: Noise Suppression (NA or NX) Indicates whether the channel is selected for Sound Devices NoiseAssist (NA) or CEDAR sdnx (NX) and how much is applied. Field is grayed out when the Noise Suppression is disabled. White ‘--’ (dashes) when Noise Suppression is enabled but channel not selected;...
  • Page 19 888 User Guide Virtual Keyboard Chapter 5: Virtual Keyboard The virtual keyboard appears when alphanumeric text is to be entered or selected for editing. For example, Channel Names, Scene Names, Notes etc. The table below defines how the various toggle actions below the LCD are used with the virtual keyboard.
  • Page 20 888 User Guide Virtual Keyboard 5.1 Phrase Manager Phrases entered in the Phrase Manager are available in all virtual keyboard text editing screens such as scene names, channel names, notes, SD Card volume label etc. Up to 40 phrases can be stored. •...
  • Page 21 6.1 Main Menu Most 8-Series settings are accessed via the Main Menu and its sub menus. From the Home screen, press the Menu button to access the Main Menu. When already in a Menu, press the Menu button to exit the menu and go back up the...
  • Page 22 888 User Guide Menus 6.2 Power Allows configuration of various power settings. Power Source Icons (Batt1, Batt2, DC, TC Batt,) Indicates the power condition of each power source. [Green = normal, yellow = below normal, red = warning] DC Ref Allows proper power level indicator calibration based upon the type of DC power source used.
  • Page 23 Menus Smart Battery Data Displays Time Remaining, Percent Remaining, Cycle Count, and Temperature of Smart Battery of Smart Batteries like the Sound Devices XL-SmartBattery Note: This menu is only displayed when a Smart Battery is connected Batt Charging Selects Sony L-Mount battery charging mode when connected to an external DC source. [Disabled, When Power On, When Power Off, Always].
  • Page 24 888 User Guide Menus 6.3 Channel Setup 1. Phantom Voltage Selects phantom power voltage for all inputs. [12 V, 48 V*] 2. PFL Mode Selects the source of the PFL feed. [Auto* Pre-fade, Post-fade] Auto = pre-fade if channel is routed to ISO track pre- fade, post-fade if channel is routed to the ISO track post-fade.
  • Page 25 When A20-Nexus is attached using the A20-QuickDock accessory, the Use Wireless Names option enables the A20- Nexus transmitter/receiver channel names to be rippled directly to the 8-Series channels that they are routed to. This feature is also available for the SL-2. See SL-2 Options for more information.
  • Page 26 888 User Guide Menus Ch 9 Fader/PFL (Moment) Hold toggle then rotate Select to adjust ch 9 fader. Gain values are displayed in the Home Screen sample rate field. Press Select to PFL Ch 10 Fader/PFL (Moment) Hold toggle then rotate HP to adjust ch 10 fader. Gain values are displayed in the Home Screen sample rate field. Press HP to PFL 6.5 Buses Selects routing for Buses L, R and 1-8.
  • Page 27 888 User Guide Menus Rtn (not available on L,R buses). Return A1, A2, B1, B2 (not available on L,R buses). Slate Activates the slate mic. Slate mic will follow settings from Slate/Coms/Returns menu. More.. Select to bring up a second page of Bus toggle switch functions including: Name: Select to name the bus NoiseAssist (NA) or Cedar SDNX (NX) In Bus 1-8 screens, use ** toggle to adjust the amount of...
  • Page 28 888 User Guide Menus 6.6 Outputs 6.6.1 LR, X1-X8 Output Routing Selects routing for L, R and X1-X8 outputs [L Out, R Out, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 Out] Note: Only a single source can be routed to an Output. If multiple sources need to be routed, use a Bus. Name Opens a keyboard for naming the selected Output.
  • Page 29 888 User Guide Menus Routes Com Return directly to the output. Return Routes Return A1-A2 or B1-B2 directly to the output. Record Mute Selects automatic muting of the output when in Record mode. [Off*, On]. When an output is auto-muted, you can still mute/unmute manually.
  • Page 30 888 User Guide Menus 6.6.3 Dante Outputs Selects routing for Dante output. Any source selected will be routed to the selected Dante output. (Green fill in text box = Pre-fade, Orange fill in text box = Post-fade [1-16]) [L, R, 1-8] Output All sources are selected post-delay.
  • Page 31 888 User Guide Menus Record Mute Selects automatic muting of the output when in Record mode. [Off*, On]. When an output is auto muted, you can still mute/unmute manually. Stop Mute Selects automatic muting of the output when in Stop mode. [Off*, On]. When an output is auto muted, you can still mute/unmute manually.
  • Page 32 888 User Guide Menus Function Description Name Displays virtual keyboard and allows for naming of the headphone preset. Edit Allows selection of routed sources to both HP Left and HP Right. Select HP LEFT or RIGHT and then select desired source. When Outputs>Playback Outputs = Headphones Only, the headphone routing splits into two routing tabs, one for Record, Stop transport modes (* toggle) and one for Play transport mode (** toggle).
  • Page 33 888 User Guide Menus 6.7 Limiters 1. Channel Limiters Quick Setup Selects the channel limiters on/off status globally. [All On*, All Off] 2. Bus Limiters Quick Setup Selects the bus limiters on/off status globally. [All On*, All Off] 3. Channel Threshold Selects the threshold at which the channel limiters activate.
  • Page 34 888 User Guide Menus 13. Bus Release Time Selects the release time of the limiters in 10 ms increments. 100 ms* [50-1000 ms] 14. Bus Threshold Selects the threshold at which the bus limiters activate. -3 dBFS* [-2 to -12 dBFS] 6.8 Automixer When mixing multiple mic sources, an automixer can assist in attenuating mics not being spoken into thus reducing background noise and the possibility of feedback in live PA scenarios.
  • Page 35 888 User Guide Menus aligned with 0 dBFS, no attenuation) to -15 dB (max attenuation). The -15 dB value is indicated by a purple horizontal graticule mark near the top of a channel’s signal meter when that channel is enabled for Dugan in Menu>Automixer. There are two independent Dugan processing groups, Bus L and Bus R.
  • Page 36 888 User Guide Menus 6.8.2 MixAssist Mode MixAssist Off-Attenuation Sets the amount of attenuation applied to inactive input channels. Range: 6 dB to 40 dB. Default: 15 dB. When a channel is active (not attenuated), it’s ring LED (channels 1-8 only) and LCD meter view channel indication illuminate green.
  • Page 37 Now, even ultra-light portable recording setups have access to CEDAR noise suppression. CEDAR sdnx requires 8-Series firmware v7.40 or higher. Want to try before you buy? The 2-instance version of the plugin is available as a demo on 8-Series running v7.40 or higher.
  • Page 38 Try the two-instance version of NoiseAssist Plugin in demo mode (tone bursts replace audio every 10 seconds) until the NoiseAssist Plugin license is purchased and installed. The NoiseAssist demo mode is disabled when the 8-Series is powered down. Mode Selects NoiseAssist or CEDAR sdnx and whether Noise Suppression is disabled* or enabled.
  • Page 39 888 User Guide Menus For Bus L, R: Go to Menu>Buses and select Bus L or Bus R, whichever has been enabled for Noise Suppression. Push the */** toggle to the right to select the NA or NX parameter and rotate the Select knob to set the amount of Noise Suppression applied to the bus.
  • Page 40 888 User Guide Menus To effectively use Noise Suppression, start with the default setting of -6 dB and dial in more or less depending on your environment. An ideal setting will reduce the background noise without coloring the sound. Note: NoiseAssist and CEDAR sdnx are not automatically linked when channels or buses are linked. 6.10 Meters Meter Presets 1-12 Peak Hold Time...
  • Page 41 Selects whether track name, output name, and bus name are displayed in the meter preset. [Enabled*, Disabled] Gray Meters Grays out meters in the 8-series meter views when record disarmed. [When disarmed*, Off] SL-2 Receiver Overview Selects the Peak Hold Time and Meter range for the SL-2 Receiver Overview audio level meters. Ballistics and PPM release time are taken from the last selected Meter Preset.
  • Page 42 888 User Guide Menus 6.11 Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode Selects the timecode mode of operation. [Off, Record Run, Free Run*, Free Run Auto Mute, Free Run Jam Once, 24 Hour Run (ToD), 24 Hour Run Auto Mute, Ext TC, Ext TC - Auto Record, Ext TC Continuous, Ext TC Cont. - Auto Record] Frame Rate Selects the current frame rate.
  • Page 43 This menu is normally grayed out. It is only available when an A20 transmitter is connected via USB-A to the 888. Displays the timecode and frame rate of 888 and A20 transmitter along with the calculated difference. Toggle the Jam A20- Rtn/Fav switch to jam the A20 transmitter. (Picture shows screen for 8-series model 888) Set Generator TC Provides the ability to start rolling internal TC from a manually entered value in the format of HH:MM:SS:ff.
  • Page 44 In traditional dialog recording, analog limiters are frequently used to prevent digital overload when an actor unexpectedly shouts or screams. High quality analog limiters such as those in the 8-Series do a fantastic job of preventing digital overload distortion. However, the fact remains that a limiter by its very nature, introduces distortion, albeit a more natural and acceptable distortion than the digital overload distortion it prevents.
  • Page 45 With 32-bit floating point, you can deliver distortion-free audio files at normal levels. Considerations when recording in 32-bit Floating Point with the 8-series: ● Only ISO tracks can be recorded as 32-bit floating point wav files.
  • Page 46 DAW. RF64 WAV files have a much higher maximum file size and do not require auto-splitting. Note: • Most DAWs support WAV RF64. Some NLEs do not. It is recommended to check NLE compatibility before using RF64. • 8-Series Q-marks are not supported when RF64 is selected.
  • Page 47 888 User Guide Menus Tracks L/R and Bus1/2 can be recorded as AAC audio files (Orange text box). AAC files are ideal for transcription. Select the AAC Bit Rate using the */** toggle switches. [32, 64, 128, 192, 256 kbps] Select the WAV Format using the Rtn/Fav toggle switches.
  • Page 48 Home Screen or from a controller. Once added, they can easily be located to during playback on the 8-Series. Q-marks are also embedded in the WAV file and can be read by audio editing applications such as Reaper and Adobe Audition.
  • Page 49 888 User Guide Menus 6.13 Files 6.13.1 Take List The Take List shows a running list of recorded takes in chronological order with most recent at the top. Various details of each take are indicated on the right side of the display: TC (timecode), Duration, Media, Folder, Scene, Take, Date, and Notes.
  • Page 50 888 User Guide Menus To select an existing record folder or to create a new record folder, go to the Take List and use the */** toggles to access the REC FOLDER menu. By default, the RECORD FOLDER menu displays a list of record folders at root. Navigate to nested folders by highlighting a record folder and pressing the Sel/HP knob.
  • Page 51 888 User Guide Menus When a daily folder is selected as the current record folder, a daily folder popup is displayed when the first recording after midnight is completed. The daily folder popup displays the following message: “Store this recording and subsequent recordings in the previous day’s folder or store in a new daily folder? [Previous], [New]”...
  • Page 52 888 User Guide Menus 6.13.3 Take Edit Menu 1. Notes: Edit notes for the selected take. Maximum 200 characters including Sticky Notes. 2. Sticky Notes (next take only): edit sticky notes that are automatically prepended to subsequent takes. Maximum 50 characters. 3.
  • Page 53 888 User Guide Menus 6.13.4 File List Menu>Files>File List enters the File List. The File List displays the 888’s internal SSD and SD cards and their contents. Various details of each drive, folder, and WAV file are indicated on the right side of the display: TC, FPS, duration, format, tracks, date, time, size.
  • Page 54 888 User Guide Menus 6.13.5 File List Options Copy Folder/File Provides support for copying Folders and Files between drives from the File List’s Options Menu. Delete Folder/File Delete Folders and Files from the File List’s Options Menu. Create Sound Report (Folders only) Creates a CSV sound report for the selected folder’s takes.
  • Page 55 888 User Guide Menus Empty Trash Empties the trash folder. This process cannot be undone. Empty False Takes Empties the false takes folder. This process cannot be undone. Erase/Format Formats the selected drive. SD1 and SD2 cards can be given a custom volume name during the format process. Filename Format Selectable naming conventions for recorded files.
  • Page 56 888 User Guide Menus 6.13.6 Frame.io Frame.io C2C (Camera-to-Cloud) is a service that allows automatic upload of 888 recorded files to the cloud as soon as they are closed. Recorded files upload even while recording new ones. Should there be a loss of internet connection during an upload, 888 auto-resumes upload from where it left off once connection is re-established.
  • Page 57 888 User Guide Menus To Disconnect from Frame.io From the 888 menu Files>Frame.io, select Disconnect (*/** toggle). Disconnecting de-authorizes the 888 as a contributing Cloud Device to the Frame.io project. If a take is already in the process of uploading when disconnecting from Frame.io, a popup appears with the options to disconnect now or after the upload of the take in progress completes.
  • Page 58 888 User Guide Menus Flashing ‘-->’ icon on the drive icon: Drive currently uploading files to Frame.io. Flashing ‘P’ on the drive icon: Upload Drive paused. From Take List The Take List uses different colors to identify a take’s upload status. Take List Left Pane: ●...
  • Page 59 888 User Guide Menus 6.14 Slate/Coms/Returns Slate/Com Mic Source Selects the slate and com mic source. [Off, Int Mic*, Ext Mic, Ext 12 V Mic] Slate/Com Mic Gain Selects the gain for the slate/com mic. [-10 to 20 dB in 1 dB steps for the internal mic, 0-60 dB in 1 dB steps for the external mic].
  • Page 60 888 User Guide Menus Com Send 1 Routing Selects the destination(s) for Com Send. A. Output: [L,R, X1-X6] B. Bus: [L,R, 1-8] C. HP: [HP-L, HP-R] D. Duck Bus Prgm By: [0 to -40 dB, -inf] E. Duck HP Prgm By: [0 to -40 dB, -inf] Com Send 2 Routing Selects the destination(s) for Com Send 2.
  • Page 61 Module is attached to the 888. The SL-2 Receiver Slot Power or the 8-Series power must be cycled after performing any action that causes a receiver to reboot. Powering receivers on and off from the receiver’s user interface is not supported.
  • Page 62 For SL-2 A1-A4, B1-B4, and AES 1-4 sources, channel trim gain range is -20 to 50 dB. When an A10-RX/A20-RX is receiving signal from an A20 transmitter, the trim gain of the associated 8-Series channel is 0 to 60 dB.
  • Page 63 A10-TX: Indicates paired transmitter Mute, Limiter, and Audio Overload status. A20-Mini, A20-TX: Indicates paired transmitter Mute status. The Limiter and Audio Overload indicator are displayed for the 8-Series channel receiving the A20-Mini or A20-TX signal. • Blue with ‘M’ = Transmitter Mute On •...
  • Page 64 888 User Guide Menus RF signal. A yellow bar signifies receiver is approaching RF overload (A20-RX only). A red bar signifies receiver RF overload (A10-RX and A20-RX only). RX Antenna Icon Indicates RF signal status. • Solid white = locked to antenna signal •...
  • Page 65 888 User Guide Menus Options Access the SL-2 Options menu by using the Rtn/Fav toggle switch. 6.15.1.2 SL-2 Options Menu Provides access to various SL-2 settings. Receiver Slot Power Each slot can be individually turned On/Off to save power when not in use. Powering receivers on and off from the receiver’s user interface is not supported.
  • Page 66 888 User Guide Menus • Antenna A/B Gain Sets gain of Antenna A or B in 1 dB steps. [Off, Bypass, -12 to 27dB] • Antenna A/B Filter Type Sets the filter type of Antenna A or B. [Tunable, NB, or WB] (Selected in Freq field: 410-810, 410-700, 410- 600, 470-810, 470-700, 470-600, 510-810, 510-700, 510-600);...
  • Page 67 888 User Guide Menus • Display Brightness Sets Antenna A/B display brightness in increments of 1. [1-10] • Display Color Sets Antenna A/B display color. [White, Black] • Display Timeout Sets the duration of Antenna A/B display timeout in steps of 1 second. [5 to 240 seconds] •...
  • Page 68 888 User Guide Menus 6.15.2 Receiver Setup Screens When the SL-2 is attached, you can access the Receiver Setup screens for any of the supported SuperSlot receivers. Receiver Setup screens provide access to individual receiver RF scanning, various menus for receiver setup, setting RF frequency, RF and audio level monitoring, transmitter recording status, transmitter Limiter/Overload/Mute status (A10-RX, A20-RX only), and more.
  • Page 69 The RF History Levels setting determines the source of the data drawn. RSSI is displayed in green and Quality in purple. The RF History Levels option is available on Audio Ltd A10-RX, Sound Devices A20-RX, Shure ADX5D, and Wisycom MCR54. A yellow bar signifies receiver is approaching RF overload (A20-RX only). A red bar signifies receiver RF overload (A10-RX, A20-RX, and Shure ADX5D only).
  • Page 70 888 User Guide Menus Receiver Setup Screens for the Various Receiver Models A20-RX/A10-RX Lectrosonics SRB Lectrosonics SRC...
  • Page 71 Shure ADX5D Notes • The SL-2 Receiver Slot Power or the 8-Series power must be cycled after performing any action from the Shure ADX5D user interface requiring the receiver to reboot. This includes powering the Shure ADX5D on and off, changing Transmission Mode, changing 3rd Party Control, or performing a Factory Reset.
  • Page 72 888 User Guide Menus Sony DWR-S03D Wisycom MCR42 Wisycom MCR54 6.15.3 GainForward (A20 Transmitters Only) The A20 transmitters support GainForward eliminating the need to adjust microphone preamplifier gain at the transmitter. Audio levels from the transmitter are controlled directly at the mixer’s trim control. If the talent speaks too softly or emotes too loudly, simply adjust the gain with the mixer’s trim control.
  • Page 73 A20-Mini/A20-TX and A20-RX/A10-RX User Guides for more information. When the 8-Series is receiving A20 transmitter signals via SuperSlot, the 888s’ trim gain is adjustable from 0 to 60 dB. The A10-RX or A20-TX Receiver screens display the associated channel’s low cut, audio overload, and limiter activity.
  • Page 74 888 User Guide Menus 6.16 System 6.16.1 Tone Setup Selects the level, frequency, and routing of the internal tone generator. 1. Level- Selects the level of the tone generator from -20 - 0 dBFS in 1 dB increments. [-20 - 0 dBFS] 2.
  • Page 75 888 User Guide Menus 6.16.3 Fader Calibration Selects the option to manually calibrate all front panel faders. Set all faders to center position, then press OK. 6.16.4 Timecode calibration Select Timecode Calibration to tune the system clock to an external LTC signal. This can be used to ensure zero TC drift between the 888 and external timecode devices.
  • Page 76 Selects any *PRG update files present on any media. 6.16.15 Plugins Shows plugins installed on the 8-Series mixer-recorder. Activates plugins on the SSD or SD card stored as LIC files. Plugins can be purchased and downloaded from store.sounddevices.com. 6.16.15.1 NoiseAssist Suppress background noise instantly on-location with the optional NoiseAssist plugin for 8-Series mixer- recorders.
  • Page 77 888 User Guide Menus 6.16.15.2 CEDAR sdnx CEDAR sdnx brings CEDAR Audio Ltd.’s highly regarded noise suppression technology to 8-Series mixer- recorders. Choose between 2, 4, and 8 instances that can be applied to any channel or bus. 6.16.15.3 ISO 4 Adds four ISO channels/record tracks, turning the 888 into a 20 channel, 24 track mixer-recorder.
  • Page 78 4. Insert the SD card into the 8-Series. 5. Navigate to Menu>System>Plugins. 6. Enter the Plugins menu and select “Apply Plugins”. After the plugin installs, the 8-Series mixer-recorder will restart. Show Plugins Allows you to see which Plugins have been installed on the device.
  • Page 79 Menus 6.17 Controllers The 888 can be controlled from the Sound Devices CL-16 or CL-12 linear fader controllers or supported third-party external controllers that conform to the MCU protocol. Controllers connect via the 888’s USB-A port either directly or via a USB hub.
  • Page 80 888 User Guide Menus Mappable Functions All controllers have custom-mappable buttons for performing any of the following actions on 888. The Function Mapping list is in alphanumeric order. Function Action Add Q-mark Adds a Q-mark during record, playback, scrub or pause Auto Mixer On/Off Toggles the Auto Mixer on/off Bus Mode...
  • Page 81 888 User Guide Menus EQ Mode Spills EQ parameters over scribble strips, Fader Bank right to view last parameter. Push and hold V-Pot 1 to toggle EQ on/off, push each band’s amplitude V-Pot to toggle on/off each band, push each band’s Q V-Pot to toggle EQ type Shelf/Peak. Fader Bank Left Switches faders to left banks on connected controller Fader Bank Right...
  • Page 82 888 User Guide Menus Notes (Current Take) Edits the current take’s notes Notes (Follow Stop) Edits the notes for the Take that is displayed on the Home screen. The Take that is displayed is dependent on the Rec/Play menu > Next Take Display setting. Notes (Next Take) Edits the next take’s notes Out Mode...
  • Page 83 Applies to CL-16 and 3rd party controllers, and SD-Remote. 6.17.3 Soft Fader/Trim Pickup [Off*, On] When enabled, physical faders and trims on the 8-Series front panel, CL-16, CL-12, and some 3rd party controllers with non-motorized faders resume gain control only when their physical position reaches the last stored gain value.
  • Page 84 Ok." When 'Ok' is selected, a command is sent to the CL-16 to perform a fader calibration. If the CL- 16 detects that one of its faders is outside of the 0dB acceptable range, the 8-Series will display the following message: "CL-16 Fader ‘n’...
  • Page 85 888 User Guide Menus 6.17.6 CL-16 GPIO The CL-16’s 10-pin Phoenix connector labeled Remote provides eight GPIO ports. These can be configured as simple contact-closure inputs, and to drive low current draw components such as LEDs and logic-controlled powered relays. CL-16 Remote Pin Functions •...
  • Page 86 888 User Guide Menus CL-16 GPIO Wiring Diagram Example In this example, an external contact-closure switch starts recording and the GPIO outputs are used to sound a record bell and turn off a lighting fan. Record bell: GPIO pin 1 setting: •...
  • Page 87 888 User Guide Menus 6.17.7 CL-12 Selects the CL-12 menu. The CL-12 is a 12-channel linear fader controller with control over fader gain, PFL, Arm, EQ, buses, outputs, coms, transport, metadata, and more. For detailed setup and operational information, please refer to the CL-12 User Guide.
  • Page 88 888 User Guide Menus 6.17.8 Third Party Controllers 1. Require Shift for Arm: When selected, “Shift” on external control surface must be pressed simultaneously with “Rec” to arm tracks. [Off*, On]. Applies to supported 3rd party controllers only. 2. Require Shift for Mute: When selected, “Shift” on external control surface must be pressed simultaneously with “Mute”...
  • Page 89 The Mic, Rec, and Stop buttons are mappable to other functions using the Mapping menu. Ensure the Sonosax is set to USB Midi mode 1. Press and hold buttons 6 + 7 + 8 and connect the USB cable to the 8-Series USB-A port. The mode change is confirmed by a blinking REC 2.
  • Page 90 MCU mode. To enter MCU mode, hold down the ‘Solo’ button of channel 1 and the ‘2’ button of channel 2 simultaneously while turning on the FIT. Refer to the ‘Waves MidiPlus Fit Controller for the 8-Series - User Reference’ for more information.
  • Page 91 Load Global Settings Selects a saved settings file for loading. [User-saved Global settings]. Only settings files created using the 888 can be loaded, not other 8-series models. Save Global Settings Saves Global settings to various destinations. [SSD Drive (internal), INT1-4 (internal), SD1 and SD2] Load Factory Settings Selects factory settings to be loaded for entire unit.
  • Page 92 888 User Guide Front Panel Shortcuts Chapter 7: Front Panel Shortcuts The 8-Series incorporates many ways to customize the front panel controls as shortcuts to frequently used functions. 7.1 Toggle Switch Action Shortcuts Select + Mic, HP + Mic, Mic...
  • Page 93 888 User Guide Front Panel Shortcuts Select + Rtn, HP + Rtn, Rtn [Rtn A, Rtn B, Com Rtn, Fav HP, Ch 9 Trim/PFL (latch), Ch 10 Trim/PFL (latch), Ch 9 Fader /PFL (latch), Ch 10 Fader/PFL (latch), Add Q-mark, Delete Q-mark, Create Sound Report, Record Folder, No Action Select + Fav, Fav + HP, Fav [Rtn A, Rtn B, Com Rtn, Fav HP, Ch 9 Trim/PFL (latch), Ch 10 Trim/PFL (latch), Ch 9 Fader /PFL (latch), Ch 10 Fader/PFL (latch), Add Q-mark, Delete Q-mark, Create Sound Report, Record Folder, No Action]...
  • Page 94 888 User Guide 7.3 Other Front Panel Shortcuts Other Shortcuts Action Channel screen, then hold PFL for >1 sec Edits Channel (Track) Name Meter + Rotate HP knob Zooms meter scale Meter + Rotate Select knob Adjusts LCD brightness Meter + Select or Select + Meter Arm or disarm Selected track.
  • Page 95 888 User Guide Emulates Tone toggle Emulates * toggle Emulates ** toggle Emulates Rtn toggle Emulates Fav toggle Returns to LR, 1-8 Meter View 1,2,3 ... 0 Enters Channel Screens 1-10 respectively Ctrl+1,2,3 ... 6 Enters Channel Screens 11-16 respectively Ctrl+R Record Ctrl+S...
  • Page 96 888 User Guide Dante Chapter 9: Dante 888 can connect to a Dante network, simultaneously receiving and sending up to 32 channels of audio at sample rates from 44.1kHz up to 96kHz and 16 channels of audio at 192 kHz. 888 channels 1-32 may be sourced from Dante receive channels 1-32.
  • Page 97 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Chapter 10: SD-Remote App SD-Remote is a mobile device application designed to pair with the 888. SD-Remote is available for Android tablets and phones in the Google Play Store or as an APK from www.sounddevices.com, and for iPhone and iPad in the App Store.
  • Page 98 2. Open the SD-Remote app, access the settings tab, and choose “Connect via Bluetooth”. 3. Access any Metering tab and touch the Sound Devices logo button to display a list of 8-Series devices that can be connected to via Bluetooth. When the Devices Found list is shown, Bluetooth connection to the currently selected device is stopped.
  • Page 99 1. On the 8-Series Mixer-Recorder, set System>Bluetooth to On. 2. Open the SD-Remote app and touch the Sound Devices logo button to display a list of 8-Series devices within Bluetooth LE range. When the Devices Found list is displayed, Bluetooth LE disconnects from the previously connected 8-Series Mixer-Recorder.
  • Page 100 3. Use the Fav toggle to save the password. 4. Press “Ok” in the “Set New Password” dialog box. 5. Connect your tablet via SD-Remote to the 8-Series device as described above. 6. Enter the password and press “Enter” to allow connection.
  • Page 101 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Channel Meters View Tablet 1. Fat Channel Screen Access 2. Mute 3. Track Arm 4. Channel Meter 5. Channel Trim 6. Channel Fader 7. Channel Name 8. Device Connection 9. Current Take Metadata 10. Left & Right Mix Meters 11.
  • Page 102 8. Navigation Bar Device Connection Touch the Sound Devices insignia to view a list of available 8-Series Mixer-Recorders to connect via Bluetooth or USB. If already connected to a device, a ‘Break Connection’ popup will appear to prevent accidental disconnection...
  • Page 103 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Current Take Metadata (Tablet) Displays and allows for editing of Current Take Scene, Take, and Notes. This information is also available in the Take List. Phone views do not have access to this field on Meters view. Next Take Metadata (Tablet) Displays and allows for editing of Next Take Scene, Take, and Notes.
  • Page 104 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Fat Channel View From the Fat Channel screen, view a channel’s audio activity, arm/disarm the isolated track for recording, edit the track name, set trim gains, fader gains, pan, mute, PFL, channel source, HPF, Iso, delay, phase, limiter, and linking. Tablet views allow for direct access to other Fat Channel screens via the tabs on the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 105 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Bus Meters View The Bus Meters view is like the Channel Meters view except that it displays metering and control for buses. To access on a tablet, tap the Buses Tab. To access on a phone, tap the Bus/Out Tab...
  • Page 106 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Fat Bus View A busses detailed settings (Name, Gain, Limiter, Mute, AFL, Linking, and Routing) can be configured from its Fat Bus screen which is accessed from the Bus Meters view as follows: 1. For a tablet, tap its Fat Bus Screen Access touch zone at the bottom of each Bus strip. 2.
  • Page 107 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Output Meters View The Output Meters view is like the Channel and Bus Meters view except that it displays metering and control for outputs. To access on a tablet, tap the Outputs Tab. To access on a phone, tap the Bus/Out Tab and swipe up.
  • Page 108 888 User Guide SD-Remote App Fat Output View An output’s detailed settings (Name, Gain, Delay, Mute, Linking, Rec/Stop/Play Auto-mute, and Routing) is configured from its Fat Output screen which is accessed from the Outputs (tablet) or Bus/Out (phone) Meters view as follows: 1.
  • Page 109 888 User Guide SD-Remote App • Tap the Multiple Tabs button in the bottom right-hand corner to allow more than one ‘To/From’ group to be displayed at once. • Swipe view to display other rows and columns in the routing matrix. Collapse groups by tapping ‘-’. Expand groups by tapping ‘+’.
  • Page 110 888 User Guide SD-Remote App 2. Select the source(s) from which the desired info resides. Sibling folders (folders at the same directory level) may be included in the same report by selecting “Sibling Folders.” 3. Select which Sound Report format to send. Select Email CSV and/or Email PDF. 4.
  • Page 111 Enable to prevent accidental transport commands. • Meter View Arm Lock (Phone) Enable to prevent accidental arming disarming in the Meter views. Track arming is still available in the channel screen. • File Transfer Mode Touch to put the 8-Series into File Transfer Mode.
  • Page 112 The A20-Nexus and A20-Nexus Go are ultra-high performance, multichannel wireless receivers in a compact ½-rack wide chassis that can be docked to Sound Devices 833, 888, or Scorpio mixer-recorder using the A20-QuickDock accessory, which provides convenient power, audio, and timecode connections with no cables. This accessory allows the A20-Nexus and A20-Nexus Go to connect and disconnect from the 833, 888, or Scorpio in seconds with no tools.
  • Page 113 888 User Guide Specifications Chapter 12: Specifications Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information available on all Sound Devices products, visit our website: www.sounddevices.com Frequency Response • 10 Hz to 80 kHz ± 0.5 dB (192 kHz sample rate, re 1 kHz) THD + Noise •...
  • Page 114 888 User Guide Specifications High-Pass Filters • Adjustable 10 Hz to 320 Hz, 18 dB/oct. 1st stage analog (before preamp), 2nd stage digital. Limiters • Limiters available at all channels, buses, headphones, for all sample rates • Analog first stage, all subsequent stages digital •...
  • Page 115 MixAssist up to 16-channels on Left and Right bus Noise Suppression • Via optional paid Sound Devices NoiseAssist or CEDAR sdnx Plugins • Two, four, or eight instances of Noise Suppression can run on any combination of isolated channels, or buses.
  • Page 116 • Word Clock Output: 75 ohm impedance, 5 V p-p output, at SR Remote Control • Sound Devices CL-16 Linear Fader Controller • Sound Devices CL-12 Linear Fader Controller • USB MIDI MCU Control - supported 3rd party fader controllers •...
  • Page 117 888 User Guide Legal Notices Chapter 13: Legal Notices FCC & ISED Compliance Statements This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 118 888 User Guide Legal Notices No change to the antenna type is permitted. Any change to the antenna could result in the device exceeding the RF exposure requirements and void the user’s authority to operate the device. This Device complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
  • Page 119 888 User Guide Legal Notices...
  • Page 120 Warranty Chapter 14: Warranty Sound Devices, LLC warrants the items listed above against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase. Users who register their product directly with Sound Devices Technical Support using the online form or by phone, will receive an additional ONE (1) year of warranty coverage, extending the complete warranty period to TWO (2) years from the date of original retail purchase.
  • Page 121 888 User Guide Glossary Chapter 15: Glossary ¼-inch jack Common analog audio connector used as both an audio input and output. When a ¼-inch jack is described as TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) it can be wired as either a balanced connection or as a two-channel connection. ¼-inch headphone jacks are typically wired as TRS stereo jacks.
  • Page 122 888 User Guide Glossary CEDAR sdnx™ CEDAR Audio Ltd.’s highly-regarded noise suppression technology is available as an optional paid plugin from store.sounddevices.com. Use CEDAR sdnx to reduce unwanted background noises so you can better capture dialog. CEDAR sdnx has near-zero latency and one simple control for adjusting the amount of suppression. Up to 8 instances of CEDAR sdnx are available per mixer-recorder/device.
  • Page 123 888 User Guide Glossary Fader A physical control on a mixing console, either a rotary or sliding potentiometer, that controls the level of a channel to a bus. Most faders have more attenuation than gain available and a unity gain position where the input trim level established the level to the bus.
  • Page 124 MixAssist™ An exclusive Sound Devices automatic mixing algorithm which when used across multiple microphone inputs for speech, makes decisions about which inputs should be given priority due to speech being present vs. open, but unused inputs.
  • Page 125 NoiseAssist™ An exclusive Sound Devices noise suppression algorithm which is available as an optional paid plugin from store.sounddevices.com. Use NoiseAssist to suppress background noises such as traffic, generators, HVAC noise, and more.
  • Page 126 ‘cut’ prematurely or accidentally. Project An option available for file organization on Sound Devices recorders. Projects are the highest level of file folder organization. The project folder can contain sub-folders of scene files or recorded files directly. Record bell A tone generated in headphones to alert the listener that recording has started.
  • Page 127 20 kHz is required. A general rule is that the maximum analog audio frequency is ½ the sampling rate. Scene On Sound Devices recorders the scene becomes part of the file name for a take. Scene names can be pre-loaded to quickly change between scenes. Slate microphone A microphone, built-in or external microphone, on an audio mixer used to notate takes or communicate with sound team members by the mixer’s user speaking into the microphone.
  • Page 128 PCM audio data at any sampling rate and bit depth. A standard WAV file is limited to a maximum file size of 4 GB. Sound Devices uses the .WAV extension for recorded files, including for files with Broadcast WAV metadata.
  • Page 129 888 User Guide Glossary An extension of the WAV file type that supports file sizes larger than 4 GB. When recording high track count, high sampling rate polyphonic WAV files, the 4 GB size limitation of WAV can be reached quickly. RF64 files larger than 4 GB require recording to a volume type than can support file sizes larger than 4 GB.
  • Page 130 888 User Guide Glossary Post Office Box 576 E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA support@sounddevices.com +1608.524.0625 main 800.505.0625 toll free (U.S. only) www.sounddevices.com...

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