Sound Devices 970 User Manual And Technical Information
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Sound Devices 970 User Manual And Technical Information

Rack mount production audio recorder
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970
Rack Mount Production Audio Recorder
User Guide and Technical Information
Firmware rev. 2.00
interstage
Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark
Telefon 3946 0000, fax 3946 0040
www.interstage.dk
- pro audio with a smile
E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33, Reedsburg, WI, USA
www.sounddevices.com
+1 (608) 524-0625 • Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
support@sounddevices.com

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  • Page 1 Rack Mount Production Audio Recorder User Guide and Technical Information Firmware rev. 2.00 interstage Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark Telefon 3946 0000, fax 3946 0040 www.interstage.dk - pro audio with a smile E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33, Reedsburg, WI, USA www.sounddevices.com +1 (608) 524-0625 •...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Table of Contents Introduction Manual Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Panel Descriptions Front Panel .
  • Page 4 970 User Guide and Technical Information Network Grouping Group Auto-Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Grouped Settings .

  • Page 5: Limitation Of Liability

    LATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF ITS CONTRACTS WITH ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES. NOTWITHSTANDING AND WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL SOUND DEVICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT OF DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF AMOUNTS PAID BY THE END USER FOR THE PRODUCTS AS TO WHICH ANY LIABILITY HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO EXIST.

  • Page 7: Manual Conventions

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Introduction The Sound Devices 970 is rack-mountable, 64 track audio recorder. The 970 records up to 64 chan- nels of monophonic or polyphonic, 24-bit WAV files from any of its 144 audio inputs. Connections include 64 channels of Ethernet-based Dante, 64 channels of optical and coaxial MADI, eight chan- nels of line-level analog, and eight channels of AES digital.

  • Page 8: Panel Descriptions

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Panel Descriptions Front Panel Control Knob LCD Display The Control Knob can be both turned and 5-inch display; 800x480 resolution. pressed. Use the Control Knob to navi- FILES Button gate between menu settings and to select Displays the File List View.

  • Page 9: Rear Panel

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Fast Forward button Headphone Volume Knob When Stopped, press to cue up the next Adjusts the overall volume of the head- file for Playback. During Playback or phones. NOTE: the headphone output is Pause, press once to jump to the next Cue capable of ear-damaging levels.
  • Page 10 970 User Guide and Technical Information MADI I/O (BNC) Analog Audio Output (XLR) Input (top) accepts MADI (AES10) digital 2 channels of balanced, line-level analog audio. Output (bottom) provides MADI audio outputs. (AES10) digital audio. 64 channels. Ethernet (RJ-45) Timecode I/O (BNC) Attaches to 1G or 100M Ethernet net- Input (top) accepts SMPTE timecode.

  • Page 11: Pix-Caddy 2 And Pix-Caddy Cf (Optional)

    PIX-CADDY CF is an accessory to connect approved CompactFlash cards to the front-panel drive bays (Supports poly WAV File Format only). When removed from a 970, the PIX-CADDY 2 operates as a high-speed drive interface to Mac OS and Windows computers via the onboard FireWire800, USB 3.0, or the optional PIX-DOCK Thunderbolt interface.

  • Page 12: Menu And Navigation

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Menu and Navigation Main View The Main View displays all audio input levels and provides configuration of Track Arming, Track Naming, Input Source selection, Input Gain, and Input Delay. The Main View by default displays 16 tracks at a time.

  • Page 13: Lcd

    Control Knob. Press LCD again to exit the LCD Control Panel. Menu Press the MENU Button (keyboard: F1) to enter the Setup Menu. Most settings of the 970 are ac- cessed and changed from the Setup Menu. Navigate between menu items by turning the Control Knob.

  • Page 14: File List

    970 User Guide and Technical Information File List Press the FILES button (keyboard: F2) to display a list of all of the recorded takes (File List). Takes are arranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. Turn the Control Knob to highlight an item. Press the PLAY Button to start playback of the highlighted take.
  • Page 15 970 User Guide and Technical Information Date and Time Size Date and time the take or reel was cre- Total size of the take, file, or reel. ated. The selected drive is displayed on the top of the screen. To view the contents of other drives, scroll to the top of the list.
  • Page 16 970 User Guide and Technical Information File functions are also available in the Take Details Screen: • Delete: Deletes the take or file (Confirmation dialog). (See “Deleting a File”, page • Notes, Scene, Take, Track Names, and Circled: Edit iXML / bEXT metadata of audio takes.

  • Page 17: Audio Inputs

    1 and 2 XLR Analog Audio Inputs, respectively. Digital Inputs The 970 accepts digital audio from AES3, MADI, and Dante sources. The sample rate is determined by the [Audio - Sample Rate] when [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref] is set to Internal. Otherwise, the sample rate is determined by the selected synchronization reference.
  • Page 18 Dante audio device on the same Dante network. Should they be necessary, sample rate converters are automatically activated for all Dante audio inputs. An input Source can be set to an available Dante channel from the 970 or from the Dante Controller application (Available from Audinate’s website: http://www.audinate.com/) running on a computer at- tached to the network.

  • Page 19: Choosing Audio Sources

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Dante Redundancy When [Network - Dante Redundancy Mode] is set to On, the 970’s Primary and Secondary Ethernet ports both transmit Dante Audio data over separate networks. This provides a fail safe of the Dante system if one of the networks should fail.

  • Page 20: Input Delay Control

    970 User Guide and Technical Information The gain value of each analog input channel is common. Adjusting the input gain of a track with an analog input source will adjust the gain of all inputs that have that analog channel assigned as the input source.

  • Page 21: Audio Outputs

    Audio Outputs The 970 features a total of 82 unique output channels. Any of the internal 64 tracks can be routed to each of the 8 analog outputs, 8 AES3 outputs, and 64 MADI outputs. Internal tracks 1 through 64 are permanently routed to Dante outputs 1 through 64 respectively.

  • Page 22: Ethernet

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Ethernet The PRI and SEC Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the 970 are used for a variety of functions and features: • Dante (64-Channel Audio I/O over network) (See “Dante Audio Inputs”, page • Network Grouping...

  • Page 23: Recording

    • The Setup Menu is not accessible. If the 970 is not ready to record when a record command is given, the unit will enter a Record Pending state. In this state the Record Button will flash red, and the system will automatically enter record when it becomes ready.

  • Page 24: File Format (Polyphonic Or Monophonic)

    970. The options for sync reference sources are the Internal, Wordclock (Sync In), AES 1-2, or MADI. The 970 will only lock to supported sample rates. When an unsupported sample rate is present at the sync reference source, the Main View label will flash and the text will be red to indicate there is no synchronization occurring.

  • Page 25: Bit Depth

    Frame Rate was already set to 23.97 in which case it will remain at 23.97. Bit Depth The 970 records either 16 or 24 bit WAV files. The bit depth for is set from the Setup Menu option [Audio - Bit Depth].

  • Page 26: Playback

    The sample rate that the file was originally recorded at (and that is stamped in the file’s header) will be ignored by 970 during playback, and the 970 will play the file at the current sample rate, as determined by Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref].

  • Page 27: Playback Mode

    Playback Mode By default, when a file is selected for playback, the 970 will play the file immediately and stop play- back when the end of the file is reached. The Setup Menu options [System - Playback Start mode] and [System - Playback mode] alter this behavior.
  • Page 28 Files in a Play List are indicated with a number in the File List: By default, the 970 will play files in the order that they are arranged in the File List. To play back files in the order of the Play List, [System Playback Mode] must be set to one of the Play List modes.

  • Page 29: Synchronization And Timecode

    (audio or camera) run at different rates - the beginning of files from each may have zero offset, but by the end they drift apart. The 970 was designed with these problems in mind and includes the most comprehensive and powerful synchronization features available in a production recorder.

  • Page 30: Timecode Reader

    Freerun Auto Mute Functions the same as Freerun mode except timecode signal is muted from the timeocde output when the 970 is in stopped mode. This allows rec-run functionality when Rec Run mode is not suit- able (e.g. Multi-camera shoots).
  • Page 31 24h Run Auto Mute Functions the same as 24h Run mode except timecode signal is muted from the timeocde output when the 970 is in stopped mode. This allows rec-run functionality when Rec Run mode is not suit- able (e.g. Multi-camera shoots).

  • Page 32: Powering

    The 970 features an advanced powering system with 2 redundant DC Inputs (on rear XLR4M con- nections) and PowerSafe technology. Two power sources can be attached simultaneously. When multiple power sources are connected, the 970 will use only one source at a time. The order of prece- dence for power sources is: 1. DC Input 1 (Primary power source)

  • Page 33: Network Grouping

    Setup Menu option [Network - Network Group] assigns the 970 to one of four available groups. In this section, the term “unit” refers to PIX 250i, PIX 270i, or PIX 260i Video Recorders, or the 970 Audio Recorder.

  • Page 34: Grouped Settings

    970 User Guide and Technical Information setup on each unit in the group is required. Following are step-by-step instructions to using these features with grouped units. Failure to comply with these recommendations can result in undesired behavior if any one of these features is in use while units are grouped. This could include: • Out-of-sync playback between grouped units...

  • Page 35: External Control

    External Control RS422 The 970 conforms to the Sony P2 (9-pin) machine control standard over RS422. The 970 acts as a slave only, not as a master. To enable RS422 set [Remote Control - RS422] to On. The following table lists all commands supported by the 970 as well as how those commands are supported on three popular RS422 controllers.
  • Page 36 Setup Menu option The 970’s web IP address must be determined before accessing PIXNET: 1. Make sure that the 970 is powered on and connected to a network or directly to a computer via one of the rear panel Ethernet connectors.
  • Page 37 Information available is Unit Name, IP Address, File type, Video Input details, Format details (for PIX video recorders), and assigned Group number. From this page, a 970 can be assigned to a particular group (See “Network Grouping”, page 27).
  • Page 38 970 User Guide and Technical Information PIXNET Unit Page The Unit page allows for near full remote control of the 970 via the web browser. All Units Page button Group Click to return to All Units Page. Displays current Group setting, quickly...
  • Page 39 Not all 970 menu items or features are available from PIXNET. Clips Menu The Clips Menu is the PIXNET version of the 970 File List. From the Clips Menu select a drive. The currently selected drive contents are displayed. Reel, file name and location, creation date, and file size are all displayed.
  • Page 40 970 User Guide and Technical Information Audio Tracks The Audio Tracks screen allows all the same adjustments as the Main View on the 970 itself: Track Name Armed Track (On) Click to edit. Track is armed with an active input...

  • Page 41: Triggering Recording From External Timecode

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Triggering Recording from External Timecode The 970 can be configured to start recordings when incoming timecode begins rolling and stop when it becomes stationary. This is generally referred to as “Record Run” timecode. The master timecode device should be setup in this manner.

  • Page 42: Usb Keyboard

    LED to LED, 470 ohms is a good starting point. USB Keyboard The 970 supports standard USB keyboards connected to the USB A connector on the front Panel. The keyboard can be used to navigate menus, enter text, and control 970 Transport functions. The follow- ing table shows common functions for an attached keyboard: Keyboards with integrated USB hubs are not supported.

  • Page 43: Storage And File Management

    The 970 formats and writes to an exFAT filesystem. The ExFAT filesystem is readable and writable by Mac OS X, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista. Storage devices to be used with the 970 must be formatted by the 970.

  • Page 44: File Management

    Once filled, they will automatically switch to Ethernet File Transfer mode. File Management The 970 provides several tools for file management and metadata entry. File management of files to be recorded is managed in File Storage. File management for files previously recorded is handled in the File List.

  • Page 45: Metadata

    Do not copy unsupported files from a computer (or any other host device) to a drive that is intended to be used by the 970. If this occurs, it is advisable to format the drive with the 970 before making new record- ings.
  • Page 46 3. Select the drive to be mounted and set its mode to Ethernet File Transfer. This drive is now attached to the Network and unavailable to the 970 for read or write actions. The Drive Status field on the Main View will read “Network” in this mode.

  • Page 47: Metadata

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Metadata 970 Broadcast Wave Files include iXML (revision 1.5) data and bEXT chunk data. For bEXT and iX- ML-aware software applications this data is available. For applications that don’t recognize bEXT or iXML, this information is ignored. The following chart details the supported metadata parameters.

  • Page 48: Metadata

    The reel can be considered a container for all assets generated during a recording session or day’s work. It is intended to indicate what reel the recording is part of. The 970 will create a folder at the root level for each Reel. Recorded files are placed inside the current Reel folder.

  • Page 49: Metadata

    970 User Guide and Technical Information 1. Press the FILES Button to access the File List. 2. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight a recorded take, the currently recording take (indicated with red text), or the next take (always at the top of the list with a date label of “Next Take”):...

  • Page 50: Setup Management And Firmware Upgrades

    The Setup Menu option [Quick Setup - Load Factory Settings] loads a setup that is saved internally to the 970 when it leaves the factory. It is possible to alter this “factory” setup, so that the Setup Menu option [Quick Setup - Load Factory Settings] will load a custom default.
  • Page 51 970 User Guide and Technical Information 5. The Setup Menu will be shown with a colored background. There will be check boxes next to each menu item. Navigate the menu with the Control Knob, as usual. 6. To to change the visibility of an item in the Setup Menu, push the spacebar on the keyboard while the item is highlighted.

  • Page 52: Factory Restore

    .prg file has been located, highlight the OK button and press the Control Knob to begin the firmware update. 5. The 970 will verify that the file is not corrupted, then it will update the firmware. When done the unit will need to be powered down and then back up.

  • Page 53: File Storage

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Setup Menu Options The Setup Menu controls a wide range of parameters for the 970. The parameters are organized into categories, making the Setup Menu easy to navigate. The following tables show the parameter name, a description, options available, and the factory default setting where applicable.

  • Page 54: Audio

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Audio Parameter Name Description Options » Poly File Format Set recording to be mono or poly WAV files. • Mono • 44.1 kHz • 47.952k • 47.952kF » 48k Sample Rate The sample rate of recorded .wav files •...

  • Page 55: Timecode/Sync

    » Freerun • Freerun Auto Mute Sets the running mode for the internal timecode • Record Run Timecode Mode generator and/or the method which the 970 receives • 24h Run SMPTE timecode. • 24h Run Auto Mute • Ext TC (LTC) •...

  • Page 56: Remote Control

    Sets name of 970. This must be unique within a This 970’s Name » 970 network. » No Group • Group 1 Groups the 970 with PIX 250i, PIX 260i, PIX 270i, and Network Group • Group 2 970 units on the network. • Group 3 • Group 4 When On the 970’s Primary and Secondary Ethernet...

  • Page 57: System

    Parameter Name Description Options Determines power on and off method. When set to Always on, the 970 will turn on and off when external • Always On Power DC is applied. When Use Power Switch is selected the » Use Power Switch 970 is powered on and off using a key combination of AUDIO Button + Control Knob press.

  • Page 58: Quick Setup

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Quick Setup Parameter Name Description Options Load Factory Settings Loads default setup Loads selected setup from setup files saved on Drive Load Settings From Drive 1 Opens dialog to name and save current setup to Drive Save Settings to Drive 1 v.

  • Page 59: Button Shortcuts

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Button Shortcuts Button Combination Effect AUDIO + Control Knob rotate Change HP source. AUDIO + LCD Solo the currently highlighted track in the Main View. LCD + Control Knob press Adjust LCD and button brightness.

  • Page 60: Connector Pin Assignments

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Connector Pin Assignments Connector Pin Assignments Notes 1–ground Pins 2 and 3 unused. When using a XLR4M (2) 2–float single power source, use Primary con- (Primary and Second- 3–float nector (top). (See “Powering”, page ary DC Input) 4–DC+...
  • Page 61 970 User Guide and Technical Information 1–Input 8 signal (+) 2–Input 8 Ground 3–Input 7 signal (-) 4–Input 6 signal (+) 5–Input 6 Ground 6–Input 5 signal (-) 7–Input 4 signal (+) 8–Input 4 Ground 9–Input 3 signal (-) 10–Input 2 signal (+) 11–Input 2 Ground...

  • Page 62: Specifications

    970 User Guide and Technical Information 1–Digital Out 4 signal (+) 2–Digital Out 4 Ground 3–Digital Out 3 signal (-) 4–Digital Out 2 signal (+) 5–Digital Out 2 Ground 6–Digital Out 1 signal (-) 7–Digital In 4 signal (+) 8–Digital In 4 Ground 9–Digital In 3 signal (-)

  • Page 63: Audio Recording

    Two, front-mounted Sound Devices approved 2.5-inch drives (PIX-CADDY 2) or CF cards mounted drives (PIX-CADDY CF) eSATAp conected drives Two, rear panel eSATAp ports for drives meeting Sound Devices specifications, supplies 5V @ 2A See Sound Devices’ website for a list of approved media: www.sounddevices.com/approved...

  • Page 64: Timecode And Sync

    970 User Guide and Technical Information Timecode and Sync Modes Supported Freerun, Frerun Auto Mute, 24 Hour run, 24 Hour run Auto Mute, Record run, External timecode, External timecode Halt Frame Rates 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97DF, 29.97ND, 30DF, 30ND Accuracy •...
  • Page 65 970 User Guide and Technical Information Declaration of Conformity According to EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004 Manufacturer’s Name: Sound Devices, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 Reedsburg, WI 53959 Declares under sole responsibility that the product as delivered Product Name:...
  • Page 66 Sound Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
  • Page 67 Sound Devices hosts a user support forum. The URL is: http://forum.sounddevices.com Sound Devices cannot guarantee that a given computer, software, or operating system configuration can be used satisfactorily with the 970 Audio Recorder based exclusively on the fact that it meets our minimum system requirements.
  • Page 68 Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark Telefon 3946 0000, fax 3946 0040 www.interstage.dk - pro audio with a smile 970, v 2.00 - Printed in U.S.A.

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