Sound Devices 788T User Manual
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Sound Devices 788T User Manual

High resolution digital audio recorder with time code
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788T
High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time Code
User Guide and Technical Information
for 788T and 788T-SSD Recorders
fi rmware rev. 2.16
Sound Devices, LLC
300 Wengel Drive • Reedsburg, WI • USA
+1 (608) 524-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625
www.sounddevices.com
support@sounddevices.com
SATA
2.5"
UDMA
USB
2.0
400 / 800

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  • Page 1 788T High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time Code User Guide and Technical Information for 788T and 788T-SSD Recorders fi rmware rev. 2.16 SATA 2.5" UDMA Sound Devices, LLC 300 Wengel Drive • Reedsburg, WI • USA +1 (608) 524-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655 Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 www.sounddevices.com...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Quick Start Guide ..... . .4 Synchronization ..... . .43 Clock Master Front Panel Descriptions .
  • Page 3 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Time Code Modes Wave Agent Beta ..... . .79 File Management ..... .80...
  • Page 4 Appendix E - Accessories ....157 Slate Tone Oscillator 788T CE Declaration of Conformity ..160 Returns Software License .....161 COMs Warranty and Technical Support .
  • Page 5 LLC. SOUND DEVICES is not responsible for any use of this information. SOUND DEVICES, LLC shall not be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifi cations, repairs, or alterations to this product, or failure to strictly comply with SOUND DEVICES, LLC’s operating and installation instructions.

  • Page 6: Quick Start Guide

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Quick Start Guide This Quick Start Guide provides a brief overview for fi rst use of the 788T/788T-SSD. For detailed operating instructions refer to the 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information. Connect Power. Connect the supplied AC-to-DC power supply to the DC connector on the Right Panel.
  • Page 7 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Press and hold the PWR key for one second to power on. 788T 6) INPUTS MUST BE ACTIVE TO BE RECORDED. Press in to release recessed Input Gain Controls. Rotate the knob clockwise past the detent to turn on the input.
  • Page 8 Tracks A - X2. Push in on the rotary switch to route the input to the track. Refer to the 788T User Guide for details on pre- and post-fade routing. Press PLAY again to return to the Input Settings Window.
  • Page 9 Multi Function Rotary Switch. Track Status is indicated by the asterisk and by the blue Track Status LEDs on the 788T front panel. When the LED and asterisk is solid the track is armed and will be recorded, if they are fl...
  • Page 10 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information VU1 / VU2 toggle selects the Tracks displayed on the right-hand column of Track Meter LEDs. VU1 = Tracks C, D, E, F, G. VU2 = G, H, X1, X2. Tip: After Inputs are routed to Tracks and the Tracks are record enabled, simply click the Input Gain Pots on and off to arm and disarm tracks respectively.
  • Page 11 FW800 FW400 To avoid any possible directory corruption on the 788T, do not interrupt the connection process and always prop- erly dismount the drives from the operating system. On Mac OS platforms, drag the drive icons to the trash. On Windows platforms, use the “Disconnect External Media”...

  • Page 12: Front Panel Descriptions

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Front Panel Descriptions All 788T settings can be accessed and monitored through the front panel LCD and navigation keys. This allows the unit to be placed in a production bag along with fi eld mixers and wireless transmit- ters and receivers.
  • Page 13 (indicated by fl ashing fi lename on LCD) Power/Charge LED selects the next fi le in the record folder Indicates the 788T is powered and avail- (either daily folder or main folder). able for operation. Indicates the charge LCD Backlight Key status of the onboard battery charger.
  • Page 14 IN CF EX Media Activity LEDs Record Key Indicates storage media activity. IN Press to begin recording. The 788T is (internal drive), CF (CompactFlash), a record-priority device; pressing this EX (external FireWire device). The LED key starts recording and discontinues illuminates green when the storage all other functions, except fi...

  • Page 15: Panel Lock

    LCD backlight key then the TONE key to bring up the front panel But- ton Lock Screen. Button lock prevents unintentional setting changes and/or record status. The 788T displays any button lock options currently enabled. select the soft keys to...

  • Page 16: Right Panel Connectors And Controls

    Also used to at- Analog Output 5-6 tach external FAT32-formatted FireWire Unbalanced output on 3.5 mm TRS drives to the 788T for direct recording stereo connector. Program source and at- and copying. tenuation levels are user selectable. Tip FireWire 400 (IEEE-1394a) Port = left, ring = right, sleeve = ground.

  • Page 17: Rear Panel Descriptions

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Rear Panel Descriptions KEYBD C.LINK AES I/O, GPIO, PWR COMPACT FLASH USB Keyboard Input Multi-Function DE-15 Connector USB A Female Connector for USB key- Mates with Sound Devices XL-88 Multi- board and CL-8 Controller See Remote Pin Breakout Cable.

  • Page 18: Lcd Display Descriptions

    Indicates voltage level of the remov- Alternating display between the set date able battery or external power sources. and time of the 788T. This information is If present, external power overrides written as the creation and modifi cation battery power. Graphical bar for relative date for generated audio fi...
  • Page 19 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information LCD Display Descriptions cont. Time Code Display Bit Depth Indicator In Stop and Record modes, displays Shows the set record bit depth. In play- the time code generated or received by back, shows the fi le bit depth.
  • Page 20 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Input Level Slate Mic Gain Level (CL-8 only) When input gain is adjusted, gain level Slate Mic gain level is adjusted from -46 is indicated in dB for the input being to 6 dB in 1 dB increments. To attenuate adjusted and its neighboring input.

  • Page 21: Input Settings Window Descriptions

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Input Settings Window Descriptions To access the Input Settings Window press the Input Selector Switch into the position of the desired input. Pushing the Input Selector Switch to the left will select the odd numbered inputs and push- ing it to the right will select the even numbered inputs.
  • Page 22 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The following screen appears if the select Input is linked as a stereo pair. The following screen appears if the select Input gain pot is switched to the Off position. Panning Control Channel Is Powered Down...

  • Page 23: Track Setup Window

    Track-to-Media View Rotary Switch. Track Status is indicated Press the Fast Forward key to access the by the asterisk and the 788T Front Panel Track-to-Media view. Track Status LEDs. When the LED and asterisk is solid the track is armed and VU Toggle will be recorded, when it fl...

  • Page 24: Track Routing View

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track Routing View The screen below is the Track Routing View, it appears if the ROUTING (Rewind) Key is selected. Track Routing Track Level Meters View Displays all inputs currently routed to Press the Rewind key to return to the the given track.

  • Page 25: Master Gain Levels View

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Master Gain Levels View The screen below is the Master Gain Levels View, it appears if the LEVELS (Play) Key is selected. L/R Meters Meters Displays real time metering of Left and Press the soft METERS (Play) key to Right Track Levels.

  • Page 26: Take List Descriptions

    This is a sequential list of Takes recorded following metadata at anytime for any by the 788T fi rmware revision 1.5+. take: Notes, Rename, Circle, Project, Scene, Take, Tape (Roll), Set/Clear Copy, Next File Destination Delete (sends fi...
  • Page 27 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The following screen appears if the next (n) file is highlighted. Take +/- Scene +/- Appears when the next take, indicated Appears when the next take, indicated by the “n” is highlighted. Pressing the by the “n”...

  • Page 28: Drive Directory (File Viewer) Descriptors

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Drive Directory (File Viewer) Descriptors To access the Drive Directory press the soft DRV (HDD) key from within the Take List. Press the HDD key twice from the main screen for quick access to the Drive Directory. To return to the Take List from the Drive Directory, press the TK soft (HDD) key.

  • Page 29: Root Directory

    Input Setup and Control The 788T has eight inputs and twelve record tracks. Inputs can be analog or digital sources. Analog inputs 1-4 use XLR connectors; inputs 5-8 use TA3 connectors. Digital AES3 inputs 1-8 use the DE-15 (D-Sub) connector.

  • Page 30: Input Settings Window

    CL-9, set all fader levels to the desired 0 dB position. Enter the Setup Menu option FADER CAL and press the check mark. When the CL-9 is attached to the 788T, the trim and fader levels are adjusted only from the CL-9. The 788T Front Panel Gain Controls simply activating/deactivating inputs.

  • Page 31: Input Type

    The 788T is equipped with 16 Input Limiters, a pre-fade and a post-fade limiter for each input. Limit- ing is applied only at the stage of the signal path where the level exceeds the set Limiter Threshold.

  • Page 32: Input Polarity

    The Input Activity LEDs illuminate yellow when an input is being limited at either stage. When a fader accessory is connected, the 788T will indicate pre-fade limiting and the fader accessory will indicate post-fade limiting. The Input Limiters are active for both mic- and line-level inputs.

  • Page 33: Digital Inputs

    To use a digital input, the Input Type switch located in an input’s Input Settings Window must be set to Digital. Although a digital input signal contains a pair of inputs, the 788T is able to select just one of the pair as an input, so for example, it is possible to select line or mic for Input 1 and digital for Input 2.

  • Page 34: Input To Track Routing

    Input Delay A digital delay is selectable on each input of the 788T. Delay time per input is selectable in tenths of a millisecond (0.1 msec) steps up to 30 msec. Each input has its own designated Input Delay Setup Menu.

  • Page 35: Pre-Fade Vs. Post Fade

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Tracks are destinations for inputs, they can be routed to outputs and/or selected for recording. Track Arming. The following diagram displays the available input to track routing options, the check marks and asterisks indicate factory default settings.
  • Page 36 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To make edits to the input to track assignments press the Play key. Route or un-route the input to Track L and Track R by pressing the Rewind and Fast-Forward keys respectively. Route or un-route the input to Tracks A-X2 using the Multi-Function Rotary Switch. Scroll through the assignable tracks by turning the rotary switch.

  • Page 37: Routing Using The Setup Menu

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The new track assignments will be visible from the Input Settings Window. Routing Using the Setup Menu Press and hold STOP then press the INPUT key to bring up the following menu. This menu can also be accessed via the Setup Menu option INPUT: TRACK ROUTING.

  • Page 38: Routing Using The Track Setup Window

    The Track Routing View within the Track Setup Window provides a useful global overview of all input to track routing of the 788T. From this view, route any input to any track using the Multi-Func- tion Rotary Switch. Pre- or post-fade routing is applied as it is defi ned in the Input Settings Window or the Setup Menu.

  • Page 39: Noise Adaptive Threshold

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Mix Assist is more sophisticated than a simple gate, and uses four different principles to automix input signals. Noise Adaptive Threshold An input with Mix Assist enabled will be smoothly attenuated by 20 dB when its microphone is be- low the adaptive threshold.

  • Page 40: Track Arming

    Track Status Indication Track status is indicated by the blue Track LEDs located on the 788T front panel and by the asterisks in the Track Setup Window. The LED and asterisks are solid when a track is ready to record (Armed).

  • Page 41: Track-To-Media Routing

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Flashing Track is enabled but will not be recorded. Track has been enabled in the Track Setup Window or by pressing the CL-9 Track Button but the track is not armed for any one of the following reasons: •...

  • Page 42: Master Gain Levels

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Master Gain Levels The master gain levels are controlled independently for the Left, Right, X1, and X2 Tracks. The Left and Right tracks and the X1 and X2 Aux Tracks can be linked, allowing one level control for both tracks of the pair.

  • Page 43: Master Gain Levels Using The

    Linear Fader Controller section for more details. Sampling Rate and Bit Depth The 788T generates uncompressed PCM audio WAV fi les in the Broadcast Wave File format at the user-selected sampling rate and bit depth. The 788T LCD displays the remaining available record- ing time based on the sampling rate, bit depth, number of assigned tracks, and the selected storage media’s available capacity.

  • Page 44: Bit Depth

    24-bit audio is truncated to 16-bit, meaning the least signifi cant 8 bits are discarded. Once a fi le is recorded its sampling rate and bit depth can not be changed in the recorder. The 788T does not perform sample rate conversion or bit depth changes. File conversion must be done in another environment, such as an audio workstation.

  • Page 45: Synchronization

    The 788T can act as either a clock master, where it is the provider of word clock, or as clock slave, where it locks its internal word clock to a received external master reference clock. Incorrect word clock settings can result in poor audio quality, sample clock timing errors, and time code drift.

  • Page 46: Sample Rate Converters

    fi le recorded after the loss of the clock source may not play back at the proper speed. For fi le integrity, it is recommended that you set the 788T to the same sample frequency as the external clock source. Loss of the clock signal in this case will likely cause a short glitch in the fi...

  • Page 47: Multi-Unit Linking Via C. Link

    The 788T C. Link In port is disabled when the Setup Menu Connection Mode is set to Connect to Wave Agent. 788T Multi-Unit Linking is not supported when this mode is selected. To link 788T units: Connect multiple units as shown in the illustration above.
  • Page 48 There is no fi le name synchronization with multiple unit linking. Press Record on the 788T master recorder. All units in the chain will enter record. Press stop on the mas- ter to stop the recording of all linked recorders.

  • Page 49: Outputs - Analog And Digital

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Outputs – Analog and Digital The 788T has six analog and six digital outputs. Each of these outputs is assigned an audio source independently, enabling the 788T to feed multiple outputs with unique program. Although there are only six outputs, it is possible to output all eight inputs individually by using the Headphone Out- put together with the six outputs.

  • Page 50: Analog Unbalanced Output

    SCMS bit is not set. The output level of the digital outputs is not adjustable. Headphone Output The 788T headphone output is a fl exible tool for monitoring audio in the fi eld. The 788T allows the user to monitor inputs and tracks in a wide range of combinations. MS stereo and B-format surround decoding are also available as headphone monitoring options.
  • Page 51 You can exit the selection process by pressing the Stop key or cancel (LCD Backlight) key at any time. If you press (done) in the fi rst headphone slot, the 788T will select a single option (Tracks L, R) for head- phone monitoring. The other factory presets will be erased.

  • Page 52: Confi Guring User Headphone Monitor Modes

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information When tracks are monitored in headphones, audio assigned to the tracks is heard in headphones while Recording. During Playback the recorded track audio is heard in headphones. Confi guring User Headphone Monitor Modes In addition to the preset headphone routings, there are 10 custom routings available. The source of these routings can be customized to any combination of Inputs or Tracks with a routing matrix.

  • Page 53: Ms Stereo Monitoring

    When recording four-channel B-format audio, the 788T headphone monitor can decode the B-format signal into L/R stereo. The 788T constructs a stereo signal using the W, X, and Y signals of the B- format. The Z-axis signal is not used. Similar to the 788T’s MS stereo monitoring, the stereo width is fi...

  • Page 54: Multi-Function Rotary Switch Behavior

    Headphone Power Up Gain The 788T’s headphone level is adjustable from Off, -40 dB to 26 dB in 2 dB increments. The Setup Menu option HP: POWER UP GAIN sets the headphone level control upon start up to: Off, the Last Gain setting used, or at Midpoint Gain (0 dB).

  • Page 55: Headphone Monitoring

    Output Meter The meter uses energy effi cient LEDs which are viewable in full sunlight. The 788T Output Meter is unaffected by shock or extremes in temperature and humidity. Meter scale, ballistics, and peak hold duration are selectable in the Setup Menu.

  • Page 56: Favorite Meter Mode

    Each LED is represented by a square box. Use the Multi-Function Rotary Switch to adjust the value for each LED. The 788T prevents entering a greater value than the LED to the left and a lower value than the LED to the right. To move to the adjacent square press the Rewind and Fast Forward keys respec- tively.

  • Page 57: Digital Meter View

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Digital Meter View All 12 track meters can be viewed at the same time from the Track Setup Window. To enter the Track Setup Menu, press the INPUT key. The metering ballistics and peak hold time settings are defi ned in the Setup Menu and apply to both the Front Panel Output Meter and the Digital Meter View.

  • Page 58: Peak Hold Time

    Input Activity Ring LEDs will only indicate pre-fade limiting. If a digital input has been selected and the 788T detects a valid digital signal, the Input Ring LEDs will follow the normal red and green LED behavior. The Input Activity Ring LEDs can be defeated by color in the Setup Menu option METER: INPUT LED RING MODE.

  • Page 59: Lcd Contrast & Led Brightness

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To record tone, Press and hold down the REC key then press the TONE key. To latch tone, press and hold the Tone key for 2 seconds, press again to release. Once tone is generated the REC key can be released.

  • Page 60: Metering And Display

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-2 Metering and Display The CL-2 is an optional one channel remote fader for the 788T. The CL-2 displays Post-Fade Signal activity, Post-Fade Limiting activity, Media Activity status, Input Solo, Input Mute status, and Record status.

  • Page 61: Frame Rate

    All fi les generated by the 788T have time code numbers begin on the 0 frame (or 02 in DF modes). If necessary, pre-roll is dynamically applied to accomplish this. This simplifi es synchronization in post-pro- duction.

  • Page 62: F Sampling Rate Modes

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information F Sampling Rate Modes 48.048k and 48.048kF The 48.048kF mode (F stands for fake, faux, Fostex—take your pick) is a specifi c compatibility mode for use with the Fostex DV40 software (1.74 and previous), Avid, Final Cut Pro, and other post-pro- duction environments that do not recognize audio fi...

  • Page 63: K And 96.096Kf

    The internal time code generator follows an external time code signal appearing at the time code input. In all of the external time code modes, the time code value set on the 788T appears as the recorded fi le’s time code rate value.

  • Page 64: Ext Tc/Cont-Auto Record

    When external code advances, the 788T enters Record mode automatically. When the external code is stationary, the 788T generator pauses and recording is stopped. If the external time code is removed the internal generator continues to run to preserve continuous time code. Useful for time code transmission over RF where RF “hits”...

  • Page 65: Jam Menu

    LCD screen; the 788T internal generator, user bits, and frame rate are shown at the bottom of the screen. To jam the 788T from an external value, press the JAM soft key (TONE key) or the Multi-Function Rotary Switch. The screen will display JAMMING.

  • Page 66: Jam Zeros

    2 frames = 108 frames per hour. To sync the 788T to a video camera, fi rst determine if the camera is in drop frame or non-drop frame mode. If you, the DP or the producer are unsure about what setting to use, check with post-produc- tion, if possible.

  • Page 67: Recording

    Jam the camera using a LEMO-5 to BNC adapter cable connected to the time code input on the video camera. Switch the camera to free run time code. The 788T time code should appear in the time code display on the camera.

  • Page 68: Pre-Record Buffer

    The 788T has high-resolution playback circuitry and is appropriate for any reference audio applica- tion. Any fi le recorded by the 788T can be played back. In addition, MP2, MP3, and WAV fi les can be copied to the storage media from a computer can be played back. This is useful when using the 788T as a high-resolution playback device.

  • Page 69: Autoplay

    REC: MEDIA SELECT and FILE: FOLDER OPTIONS Setup Menu settings. AutoPlay The 788T can be set to play back all valid audio fi les in a directory. Files will play back in their order in the directory. Varios autoplay options can be set in the Setup Menu option PLAY: AUTOPLAY MODE: •...

  • Page 70: Take Management

    fi le, its name is the same as the fi le’s name. In the 788T, a polyphonic take/fi le name consists of a scene name, take number, and a fi le extension. For example, for scene S01, take T01, the polyphonic fi le name and take name are both S01T01.wav.

  • Page 71: Scene Name Incrementing/Decrementing

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To change scene numbers: Enter the user menu and navigate to the Scene Name/Number option. Use the REWIND (<<) and FAST FORWARD (>>) soft keys to move among characters. Use the PLAY key to delete characters. Characters are entered from left to right and deleted from right to left.

  • Page 72: Take Numbers

    REC: TAKE NAME/NUMBER. Take numbers can be incremented and decremented in the Take List. If the 788T detects a take/fi le with the same name in the destination folder, a letter suffi x, starting with “A” is added to the take/fi le name, before the extension.

  • Page 73: Take Number Incrementing/Decrementing

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The Multi-Function Rotary Switch or the soft keys are used to choose characters/numbers. Press the soft Check Mark (TONE) key or press in on the Multi-Function Rotary Switch to save the character and move to the next position.

  • Page 74: Emptying The False Take Folders

    FILE: VIEW FILES. The Take List contains a list of every Polyphonic or Monophonic take that has been recorded by the 788T. Takes must be recorded with 1.51 (Wildcat Beta) or greater in order to view them in the Take List.

  • Page 75: Refresh Take Metadata

    Refresh Take Metadata During power up, the 788T automatically loads the metadata for the last 100 fi les (mono and poly) recorded. “Building List” will be displayed if the Take List is entered while the fi rst 100 fi les are loading.

  • Page 76: Notes

    With the ability to rename fi les and edit scene names directly from the 788T, it is possible to gener- ate fi les with duplicate fi le names. In this event, the 788T will detect that a fi le with the same name already exists and will ask the user if a duplicate fi...

  • Page 77: Circle Take

    Copy Flags are useful for selecting various takes to be copied from one media to another. By default, Takes recorded by the 788T have their Copy Flag set to On. If the Setup Menu option FILE: COPY FLAG RESET is enabled the Copy Flags will automatically clear after the fi le has been copied from one media to another.
  • Page 78 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Highlight and select the Delete option. The Confi rm Take Delete window appears. Select which drives the fi le should be deleted from using the soft CF, HDD, and EXT (Rewind, Play, and Fast Forward) keys. The take will be deleted from any drive that is highlighted.

  • Page 79: Renaming Tracks

    See CL-WIFI for details. CSV Sound Reports The 788T can generate sound reports as a comma separated values (CSV) fi le. CSV fi les can be opened and edited by any common spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel, OpenOffi ce Calc, Apple Numbers, Google Docs, and many more.

  • Page 80: Take List Section

    Generating Sound Reports A sound report can be generated for all the fi les in any folder on the 788T. There are two methods for creating a sound report. Each method will create a CSV fi le named SOUND_REPORT.CSV in the target folder.

  • Page 81: Sound Report Best Practices

    Push the TONE button to accept this. Sound Report Best Practices Since sound reports on the 788T are generated per folder, fi le organization settings should be confi g- ured so that a folder corresponds logically to each sound report.

  • Page 82: File Management

    File Time and Date Similar to a computer fi le system, all fi les recorded by the 788T are stamped with the creation time and date. To ensure that accurate time-of-day and fi le generation dates are written for each fi le, make certain that the time-of-day clock and calendar are correct.

  • Page 83: Folder Actions

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Folder Actions All fi les generated by the 788T can be saved to the Root directory, a Project Folder, a Daily (Roll) Folder, or a Scene Folder (Files are saved to the Root directory by default). File organization is managed in the Setup Menu option FILE: FOLDER OPTIONS.

  • Page 84: The Drive Directory (File Viewer)

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information A hierarchical view of fi les generated by the 788T is below. 788T The FALSETAKES, SOUNDDEV, and TRASH folders are automatically generated. SOUNDDEV is not viewable from the 788T File Viewer. FALSETAKES SOUNDDEV A TOP-LEVEL folder sits in the root directory. This folder can be negated by choosing <None>...

  • Page 85: Selecting Files For Playback

    The 788T will playback according to what has been selected in the PLAY: AUTOPLAY MODE Setup Menu option. If a monophonic fi le is selected, the 788T will playback all associated monophonic fi les from the same take simultaneously.

  • Page 86: Set And Clear Copy Flags

    Copy Flags are useful for selecting various takes to be copied from one media to another. By default, Takes recorded by the 788T have their Copy Flag set to On. If the Setup Menu option FILE: COPY FLAG RESET is enabled the Copy Flags will automatically clear after the fi le has been copied from one media to another.

  • Page 87: Drive Directory Options Menu

    Copy Flags are useful for selecting various takes to be copied from one media to another. By default, Takes recorded by the 788T have their Copy Flag set to On. If the Setup Menu option FILE: COPY FLAG RESET is enabled the Copy Flags will automatically clear after the fi le has been copied from one media to another.

  • Page 88: Emptying The Trash

    Erase (Media Format) For best operation periodic re-formatting of the 788T media is recommended. Formatting the internal drive, Compact Flash, and external media rebuilds the FAT (fi le allocation table) and erases all audio and data fi les present on the medium. Formatting media prevents fragmentation and reduces the likelihood of directory corruption.

  • Page 89: Storage Media - Internal Drive

    These drives offer a good balance of speed, reliability, noise performance, and current draw. The drive installed in the 788T is formatted at the factory as a single-partition FAT32 volume. If a drive with multiple partitions is installed, the 788T will only “see” and address the primary parti- tion.

  • Page 90: Drive Replacement

    CompactFlash (CF) is a practical, portable storage media for audio recording. Its speed, capacity, and price continue to evolve to the benefi t of portable recorders. The 788T can write to and read from CF cards as either its sole storage media or simultaneously with the internal drive.

  • Page 91: Formatting

    Computer. In host mode, an attached FireWire storage volume such as a hard drive or DVD-RAM can be used to record and play back audio fi les. Because the 788T can write to all available mediums simultaneously, the ability to write to an external drive reduces the need for post-record copying of sound fi...

  • Page 92: Formatting

    FAT32 volumes. Upon connection to an unformatted (or non-FAT32 formatted) external drive, the 788T will prompt the user to format the drive. If the drive is already formatted as a FAT32 volume the drive can be selected as a recording destination. The front panel drive LED will illuminate to show which drives are available for recording.

  • Page 93: File Copying Among Available Media

    Copies all fi les with their Copy Flag set from one media to the other. Once fi le copying has begun, the 788T searches the source media for the selected fi les. The 788T will then search the destination drive looking for duplicate fi le names. The LCD will report the number of fi...

  • Page 94: Error Conditions

    Error Conditions: If a fi le is too large for the destination storage media, the 788T will prompt to skip that fi le and continue with the next or abort copying all together. If an error occurs while copying, the 788T will prompt to cancel the transfer.
  • Page 95 Setup Menu option CONNECTION MODE and select Connect as Mass Storage or simply press and hold the STOP key then press the HDD key. The 788T will enter File Transfer mode, indicated by FIREWIRE/USB CONNECTION on the LCD display. All functions of the 788T are stopped while the 788T is connected to a computer.

  • Page 96: Powering

    In the Setup Menu option POWER: BATTERY CHARGER , the charger circuit can be set to operate only when the unit is off, only when the unit is on, always, or never. If the 788T is set to use any of the External Power Functions, the options Off and Charge Only When Unit Is On will be crossed out.

  • Page 97: Time Code Clock Battery

    If no external DC is connected, the internal Li-ion battery is charged from the removable L-Mount battery. Accurate time code is held for six hours after power down. The 788T can be powered down and the removable battery can be removed and replaced without worry of time code jumps or inaccuracy.

  • Page 98: Power Consumption Variables

    The best determination of your run time is to experiment with a given record- ing setup. The 788T power consumption varies over a range between 4 W to 20 W (12 volts), depending on ac- tive functions. The following functions have the most signifi cant affect on power consumption: Inputs Active inputs increase power consumption.

  • Page 99: Upgrading Firmware

    Transfer the fi rmware fi le (it will be named VERSION _ NUMBER.PRG) to the 788T internal drive via FireWire/USB or onto a CF card. If there are multiple fi rmware fi les on the media, the 788T will indicate the fi...

  • Page 100: Remote Control

    10. Verify the fi rmware version using the Setup Menu option INFO: VERSION. 11. Verify any recording parameters. 12. It is best practice to download the latest user guide from the Sound Devices web site, since the changes to functionality are documented.

  • Page 101: String Edits & Take Name/Number (Renaming & Notes)

    Goes to the end of the string being edited Assignable Shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts can be programmed to control nearly every function on the 788T. Shortcuts can select and change menu items with simple key strokes. Combinations of keyboard function keys,...
  • Page 102 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information along with Control-, Alt-, and Shift- can also be programmed. The following chart shows what keys and key combinations are programmable. Hot Key Shift- Ctrl- Alt- F1-F12 To program a shortcut perform the following steps: Enter the KEYBOARD/LOGIC IN: ASSIGN Setup Menu selection.

  • Page 103: Shortcut List Functionality

    The Logic output is able to source or sink up to 500 mA. The logic output pin can be set to go high or low when record is initiated on the 788T. This setting is maintained in the Setup Menu option LOGIC OUT: ASSIGN.

  • Page 104: Keyboard And Remote Control Interface (Optional)

    These are commonly used for machine control and “remote rolling” using a mixing console with transport controls. The 788T C. Link In port is disabled when the Setup Menu Connection Mode is set to Connect to Wave Agent. The Sound Devices CL-1 is not functional in this mode.

  • Page 105: Logic Inputs

    Confi gured as a switch-closure input, a pin can be connected to a switch that a user has wired to assigned contact. This switch can then trigger the 788T to begin recording. Other functions can be assigned as well from the Setup Menu. The switch-closure on a given pin of the CL-1 can be thought of as just another key on the keyboard.

  • Page 106: Remote Fader (Optional)

    The 788T C. Link In port is disabled when the Setup Menu Connection Mode is set to Connect to Wave Agent. The Sound Devices CL-2 is not functional in this mode.

  • Page 107: Panel Descriptions

    CL-2 Logic Switches for details. PWR/Media Activity LED Illuminates when the CL-2 is pow- ered by the 788T. The color of the LED indicates media activity. Flashing Green = media is mounting. Solid Green = all selected media is ready. Yellow = at least one media is reading/writing.

  • Page 108: Fader Assignment

    CL-2 fader. Movement of the 788T or CL-8 fader will have no effect on an assigned input while the CL-2 is con- nected. If the Setup Menu option INPUT: FRONT PANEL CONTROLS is set to Trim Controls and there is no CL-8 attached, the input selected will be the only input with a fader control.
  • Page 109 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Function Switches 1, 4 Switches 2, 3 Notes (Latching) (Momentary) Momentary Toggle Toggle Only Rotary Switch Push Acts as Multi Function Rotary Switch Push Button Button Performs action defined in Setup Menu option HP:...

  • Page 110: Controller (Optional)

    CL-8 Connection The CL-8 connects to the 788T via the USB Keyboard Input on the 788T’s back panel. The 788T con- nects and powers the CL-8 via USB, no other powering source is required. Immediately after con- necting the CL-8 it will search and update accordingly to the 788T’s latest version of fi...

  • Page 111: Front Panel Descriptors

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-8 Front Panel Descriptors AUX 1 AUX 2 AUX 1 AUX 2 AUX 1 AUX 2 AUX 1 AUX 2 AUX 1 AUX 2 AUX 1 AUX 2 AUX 1 AUX 2 AUX 1...

  • Page 112: Side Panel Descriptors

    This acts as a thru port to See CL-8 Views for more details. the 788T USB Keyboard Input, which is used to connect the CL-8 to the 788T. Slate Mic Button This connector allows for simultaneous Press and hold to activate the 788T Slate keyboard and CL-8 control.

  • Page 113: Fader Control

    +15 dB of gain. The 0 dB or unity gain position can be calibrated using the 788T Setup Menu option FADER CAL. To calibrate the faders, set all of the CL-8 faders in the 0 dB position, then enter the Setup Menu option FADER CAL and press the check mark.

  • Page 114: Input Settings View

    Press the ALT button to return to the Main View. Slate Mic The CL-8 provides access to the 788T’s Slate Mic, which is commonly used for slating a take or mak- ing general announcements. The term Slate Mic is commonly used in the industry when referring to a microphone used to com- municate.

  • Page 115: Slate Mic Routing

    8’s signal path. Press the check mark to continue. Connect an audio source that is to be used as the Com Mic to the TA3 Input 8 on the 788T. Slide the Input 8 Selector Switch to the right to enter the Input 8 Settings Window.

  • Page 116: Linear Fader Controller (Optional)

    • No extended power sources required. Control and powering via a single USB cable. CL-9 Connection The CL-9 is connected to the 788T and powered from it via USB; no other powering source is re- quired. Connect the 788T’s rear panel KEYBD USB-A port to the CL-9’s rear panel 788T USB-B port.
  • Page 117 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-9 Front and Top Panel Descriptors Channel Fader Track Buttons 100 mm linear faders. Adjusts the Press to enable or disable the track for level of each respective input sent to recording. Press and hold for one second tracks post-fade.
  • Page 118 User Modes, Tone, enter selections or enter data. To adjust and Slate. the LED brightness level of the CL-9, hold the 788T Backlight key and turn the Output/User 4 Button CL-9 Select Encoder. Press to enter Output Mode. Press shift...

  • Page 119: Rear Panel Descriptors

    The 0 dB, or unity gain, position can be calibrated using the 788T Setup Menu option FADER CAL. To calibrate the faders, set all of the CL-9 faders in the 0 dB position, then enter the Setup Menu option FADER CAL and press the check mark.

  • Page 120: Master Gain Level Controls

    The CL-9 Master Gain Level Controls adjust the level of the tracks L, R, X1, and X2. Levels are adjust- able from -60 to +15 dB. The 12 o’clock position is unity gain (0 dB). When adjusting a track’s level control, the level of each track in the stereo pair is temporarily displayed on the 788T Main LCD display.

  • Page 121: Monitor Selection

    Setup Menu, use the Select Encoder to scroll through menus and select menu items. Press the CL-9 Level Control to perform “X” actions in the Setup Menu. That is, cancel and exit menus. Press and hold the CL-9 Level Control to immediately return to the 788T Main LCD Display. Soloing Inputs. Outputs, or Tracks The CL-9 allows the Sound Mixer to quickly solo any input, output, or track.

  • Page 122: Pan

    Trim (default) mode is the main operational mode. When in Trim mode none of the Mode LEDs are illuminated. Trim mode is always the fi rst active mode upon power up of the 788T/ CL-9 system or after connecting the CL-9 to the 788T.

  • Page 123: Factory Modes

    In Trim Mode, turn an input’s Rotary Encoder to adjust the trim level of the respective input. The 788T Front Panel Gain Knobs are used solely to turn inputs on and off when the CL-9 is connected. The trim gain of the input and neighboring input is displayed in dB on the 788T Main LCD Display while being adjusted.
  • Page 124 L and R Tracks, and 18 Right positions. When Pan Mode is ac- tive, the Pan Mode LED fl ashes green and Pan settings are displayed on the 788T Main LCD display. Output The CL-9 Ring LEDs and channel solo behave differently in Output Mode than they do in any of the other modes.

  • Page 125: User Modes (U1-U4)

    Repeat step 3 until all four User Modes have been assigned. Select None if no User Mode is desired. Once the fourth User Mode is selected the 788T exits the CL-9 USER 1-4 ASSIGN menu and returns to the Setup Menu. Exit the Setup Menu.
  • Page 126 Limiter on or off. Input Limiters are not available when set to sampling rates of 88.2 kHz and above. Limiter status is displayed on the 788T Main LCD Display while in Input Limiter Mode. Phantom Power Mode (User) In Phantom Power Mode, press and hold the input’s Rotary Encoder for one second or longer to...

  • Page 127: Input-To-Track Routing

    Input Routing and Track Enabling are performed directly from the CL-9 interface without having to enter any of the 788T menus. The A-H, and L,R Track Buttons are located on the top row of the CL-9. The Aux 1 and 2 Track (X1, X2) Buttons are located immediately below the Left and Right Master Gain Level Controls.

  • Page 128: Communications

    The Com Send Source shares Input 8’s signal path. When the Slate, COM1, or COM2 is active the Input 8 destinations will be silent. The audio performance of the 788T’s Built-In Mic is not suitable for critical recording applications.

  • Page 129: Slate

    Select the External (Input 8) option. A Notice appears reminding the user that the Slate and Comms use input 8’s signal path. Press the check mark to continue. Connect a microphone to the 788T’s Input 8 TA3 connector. Line-level and Digital sources can also be used as the Com Send Source.

  • Page 130: Tone Oscillator

    Switch to the left. To latch Tone on, slide and hold the switch for two seconds or longer. The COM2/ RTN2 LED illuminates solid blue when Tone is active. When active, Tone signal overrides all pro- gram to all tracks, outputs, and headphone monitors. Tone is setup using the 788T Setup Menu. Tone Oscillator for details of Tone Setup.

  • Page 131: Coms

    To route the COM1 or COM2 circuit to select destinations follow these steps. With a CL-9 connected, enter the Setup Menu option COMMS: ROUTING. Using the CL-9 Select Encoder (or 788T Multi-Function Rotary Switch), scroll through the available destinations. The lower case letters represent headphone montiors and the numbers represent outputs.

  • Page 132: Setting Up A Bidirectional Talk Back Circuit

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setting up a Bidirectional Talk Back Circuit The following is a setup example for a specifi c Talk Back circuit with a Boom Op using the 788T with CL-9. Connect the Boom microphone to Input 1.

  • Page 133: Transport Control

    CL-9 Transport Control The CL-9 has a Stop and a Record Button. These buttons duplicate the exact behavior as the 788T Stop and Record Buttons. While recording, the Stop Button has to be pressed for a half a second or longer in order to stop the recording.
  • Page 134 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Frequency Response Any Input to any Output: 20 Hz to 20kHz ± 1dB re 1kHz Footswitch Input +3.3V at 1k, tip to sleeve, +3.3V at 1k, ring to sleeve, both active low Dimensions 2.75” x 13.75” x 8.75” (H x W x D) 7 cm x 34.5 cm x 22.5 cm (H x W x D)

  • Page 135: Cl-Wifi (Optional)

    (ad-hoc) network. The 788T C. Link In port is disabled when the Setup Menu Connection Mode is set to Connect to Wave Agent. The Sound Devices CL-WiFi is not functional in this mode.
  • Page 136 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Make certain the the CL-WIFI interface is connected to the 788T, confi gured, powered on, and within range. see Connecting the CL-WIFI and Confi guring the CL-WIFI. Enter the iOS Settings screen and then touch the Wi-Fi button to confi gure the device’s wireless settings.

  • Page 137: Connection Troubleshooting

    Make certain that the CL-WiFi application is not running on the iOS device before entering the 788T Setup Menu option CL-WIFI: CONFIGURE. • Make certain that the CL-WiFi application is not launched while the 788T is in the Setup Menu option CL-WIFI: CONFIGURE or any of its related screens. •...
  • Page 138 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track count toggle Name/Enable Mode toggle Armed Track Enabled Unarmed Track Unarmed Track Frame Rate Current filename Stop False Take Record Circle Take Timecode Absolute Time Track Meters Inputs Unarmed Track Armed Track Track Editing...

  • Page 139: Enabling Tracks

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Enabling Tracks Enabled tracks are indicated in red, disabled tracks are indicated in white, and tracks that are en- abled but not armed are indicated in blue. To change the enabled status of a track on the iPad, fi rst ensure that the Name/Enable mode is set to Enable by touching the Track Enable button.

  • Page 140: Routing

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Routing The routing view displays a matrix of buttons that indicate which inputs are routed to which tracks. Tracks are represented by rows and inputs are represented by columns. To toggle a routing, touch the button that corresponds to that routing.

  • Page 141: Wave Agent Control

    Perform the following steps to connect the 788T to Wave Agent Beta. Make certain that you are running the latest revision of 788T fi rmware and Wave Agent Beta software. Enter the 788T Setup Menu option CONNECTION MODE. Select the CONNECT TO WAVE AGENT (USB ONLY) option.

  • Page 142: Setup Menu

    fi rmware. The 788T C. Link In port is disabled when the Setup Menu Connection Mode is set to Connect to Wave Agent. 788T Multi-Unit Linking and Sound Devices CL-1 and CL-2 accessories are not supported when this mode is selected.

  • Page 143: Factory Default

    Media is selectable even INHDD and CF • CF Only • EXHDD and INHDD if it is not present. The 788T will only • EXHDD Only • EXHDD and CF record to 2 media when recording 9+ • EXHDD and INHDD and CF tracks.
  • Page 144 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Rec: Record Indicator Sets how the large display looks • Normal Numbers Normal Numbers when the unit enters record. • Reverse Numbers • Flash Numbers Input: Track Routing Allows the user to setup the routing •...
  • Page 145 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Input: Low Cut Slope Selects the amount of slope of the • 6 dB/oct 12 dB/oct high-pass (low cut) filter. Frequency • 12 dB/oct roll off point is selectable in the Input Settings Window from 40 to 320 Hz in 10 Hz increments.
  • Page 146 • 4 GB 2 GB CF (1.8 GB) will close, then start a new file. The • 2 GB 788T will not record a file larger than • 1 GB CF the selected size. • 640 MB • 4 GB CF (3.6 GB) The largest file permissible with the •...
  • Page 147 Enables or disables the LCD • White/Green/Red White/Green/Red backlight color from indicating that • Red on Record Only the 788T is in Record, Playback, or • Green on Play Only Standby. • White Only LCD: Scrolling Direction Defines the direction in which the •...
  • Page 148 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Meter: Scale Selects meter scale in dBFS. Stan- • Standard Standard dard and Zoom options are factory • Zoom Zoom is Favorite settings. Custom meter scales can be •...
  • Page 149 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default HP: Monitor Modes Selects the modes and the sequence Inputs 1,2 Inputs 7,8 (MS) 1) Tracks L,R in which they appear in the Head- Inputs 3,4 Tracks L,R (MS) 2) Tracks X1,X2 phone Source Display.
  • Page 150 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Comms: Send Source Communication systems are only • Disabled Disabled available when the CL-8 or CL-9 is • Built-In attached. COM1 and COM2 are only • External (Input 8) accessible from the CL-9.

  • Page 151: User Setup Data File

    Setup Menu option QUICK SETUP. User setups are saved as binary fi les with the name 788T.SUP and are located in the SOUNDDEV folder of the select media. Scene, Track, and Folder Names entered by the user, are not saved in the 788T.SUP fi le. Setup Menu Shortcuts The Setup Menu can be quickly navigated by using the Multi-Function Rotary Switch to scroll up and down through the menu.

  • Page 152: Front Panel Button Shortcuts

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Front Panel Button Shortcuts To speed navigation the 788T has numerous navigation “shortcuts”. For combinations, press and hold down the fi rst identifi ed key then press the next identifi ed key(s). Function Key Sequence...

  • Page 153: Connector Pin Assignments

    – signal Data transfer connection to computers or connection to sleeve – ground Wave Agent for extended 788T display and control. USB-A Keyboard Input center pin – signal For use with USB Keyboards only. Data transfer is not sleeve –...

  • Page 154: Specifi Cations

    3 – AES 5,6 Output (+) DC powering and is therefore ideal as a single umbili- 4 – AES 7,8 Input (+) cal connection between the 788T and an external digital 5 – AES 5,6 Input (+) mixer. Mates with Sound Devices XL-88.
  • Page 155 AES42 Mode 1 operating system, provides +10 V Digital Phantom Power to Digital Input pairs (menu-selectable). Digital Storage Internal Drive 788T - SATA interface 2.5-in hard drive 4200–7200 RPM supported, FAT32 formatted, up to 2 TB addressable 788T-SSD - SATA interface 2.5-in Solid State Drive, FAT32 formatted, up to 2 TB addressable...

  • Page 156: Appendix A - Recording Time Calculation

    323.6 795.5 The chart above shows recording time available with the 788T. Time is expressed in hours per track (track-hours) at the specifi ed data rate supported by the 788T. If recording two tracks, divide the track hours fi gure by two. Similarly for eight-track recording, divide track-hours by eight. Note that the 788T supports additional sampling rate / bit depth combinations, however, only the most com- mon are included below.

  • Page 157: Record Time

    Appendix B – Metadata Implementation 788T Broadcast wave fi les include iXML (revision 1.5) data and bEXT chunk data. For bEXT and iXML-aware software applications this data is available. For applications that don’t recognize bEXT or iXML, this information is ignored. The chart below details the supported metadata parameters.

  • Page 158: Appendix C - File Naming

    Original File Name iXML Appendix C – File Naming Files generated by the 788T are named using a syntax made up of four parts: scene name/number, take name/number, mono track designator (if mono fi le is selected), and fi le extension. S001T01_1.WAV...

  • Page 159: Duplicate File Names

    Duplicate File Names When the 788T detects that a duplicate fi le name is going to be generated in any specifi c folder, the 788T changes the fi le name by adding of a letter suffi x before the extension. For instance, if take numbers are reset but fi...
  • Page 160 XL-1B TA3F to TA3F cable, connects the direct outputs of a Sound Devices 442 mixer to the 788T’s analog inputs 5-8, also used to connect analog outputs 1-4 to third-party devices with TA3M inputs, 12-inch. XL-2 TA3F to XLR-M cable, used to connect analog and digital outputs 1-4 to third-party devices with XLR-F inputs, 25-inch;...
  • Page 161 NP-type battery cup with 24-inch cable terminated in Hirose 4-pin locking DC connector (HR10-7P-4P) at equipment end. XL-RJ RJ-12 to RJ-12 for C.Link to C.Link 702, 702T, 722, 744T, and 788T recorder linking, 12-inch. XL-WPH3 AC to DC Power Supply (in-line) 100 - 240V 50/60 Hz input, 12 VDC 3.75 A (45 W) output, Hirose 4-pin DC plug.

  • Page 162: Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 Sound Devices, LLC 300 Wengel Drive Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA declares that the product, 788T Professional Digital Audio Recorder is in conformity with and passes: 89/336/EEC EMC Directive EN 55103-1, 1997 EMC-Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional use.

  • Page 163: Software License

    Sound Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

  • Page 164: Warranty And Technical Support

    Sound Devices cannot guarantee that a given computer, software, or operating system confi gura- tion can be used satisfactorily with the 788T based exclusively on the fact that it meets our minimum system requirements. Please check with your software editing application to make certain that it is compatible with the fi le type selected.
  • Page 166 788T/788T-SSD rev. 2.16 - Printed in U.S.A.

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