Sound Devices 788T-SSD User Manual And Technical Information
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Sound Devices 788T-SSD User Manual And Technical Information

788t series 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. 1.71
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. 1.71 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 ..... . .3 Outputs – Analog and Digital ... .42 Output Types Front Panel Descriptions .
  • Page 3 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Recording Qualifi ed Drives Pre-Record Buffer DVD-RAM Drives Media Select File Copying Among Available Media ..79 Failure During Recording Error Conditions: Record Timer File Transfer to Computer ....80 Playback .
  • Page 4 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 5: 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. 1. Connect the supplied AC-to-DC power supply to the DC connector on the Right Panel.
  • Page 6 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 5. Press and hold the PWR key for one second to power on. 788T INPUT MENU IN CF EX 6. INPUTS MUST BE ACTIVE TO BE RECORDED. Press in to release recessed Input Gain Controls.
  • Page 7 11. Press the MENU key to enter the Setup Menu. The Setup Menu allows you to confi gure various options, including Sampling Rate, Bit Depth, Time Code, etc. Navigate through the Setup Menu by turning the Multi-Function Rotary Encoder. Refer to the 788T/788T-SSD User Guide for Setup Menu details.
  • Page 8 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Menu Basics: Highlighted selection MENU Selects highlighted option Navigates through the menu Exits option and menu Cancels changes and exits the menu Turn the Multi-Function Rotary Switch to navigate through the Setup Menu, push to select an option.
  • Page 9 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 13. HEADPHONE MONITOR. Press the STOP key to return to the Main Display. Turn the Multi-Function Rotary Switch to select the headphone preset best suited for the particular setup. Active headphone routing. Track L in the left ear, Track R in the right ear.
  • Page 10 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 18. From the Take List, press the HDD key again to enter the Drive Directory. Drive Directory Basics: File Information Toggle Jump to Root Directory MENU Selected File Return to Take List Exits the Drive Directory Drive Formatting and other media-specifi...

  • Page 11: 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 12 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Front Panel Descriptions cont. 788T INPUT MENU IN CF EX Level Meter LEDs HDD Key Eight, 13-segment track level-meters Press to enter the Take List and Drive indicate level in dBFS. Metering bal- Directory. From the Take List, view and...
  • Page 13 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Fast-Forward Key Stop/Pause Key Performs fast-forward (FF) scrubbing Momentarily press and hold this key to through the played fi le when pressed in stop recording. In playback mode, a sin- playback and play-pause mode. Play- gle press pauses playback (play-pause), pause indicated by fl...

  • Page 14: Panel Lock

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Panel Lock Press and hold the 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.

  • Page 15: Right Panel Connectors And Controls

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Right Panel Connectors and Controls WORD / VID IN DC IN 10-18V MENU SELECT FW800 FW400 ANALOG BAL LINE OUTS SYNC BAL AES PIN 4 PIN 1 WORD OUT UNBAL TIMECODE Multi-Function Rotary Switch...

  • Page 16: 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- Multi-function DE-15 connector acts as board and CL-8 Controller See Remote...

  • Page 17: Lcd Display Descriptions

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information LCD Display Descriptions Battery/Voltage Level Indicator Time & Date Display 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...
  • Page 18 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information LCD Display Descriptions cont. Time Code Display Time Code Frame Rate In Stop and Record modes, displays Displays the set time code frame rate. If the time code generated or received by a fi le has time code information embed- the 788T.
  • Page 19 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 20: 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 21 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 22: Track Setup Window

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track Setup Window The Track Setup Window allows a user to record enable or disable tracks, route inputs-to-tracks, adjust master gain levels, and route tracks-to-media. Press the front panel INPUT key to access the Track Setup Window.

  • Page 23: 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 24: 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 25: Take List Descriptions

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Take List Descriptions To access the Take List press the HDD key or select Setup Menu option FILE: VIEW TAKE LIST. From the Take List view and edit metadata across all storage mediums. Current/Last Take...
  • Page 26 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 27: 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 28: Root Directory

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Root Directory The following screen appears if the Root Directory (1) is selected. Media Select Drive Directory Options Menu Highlight desired media to view or per- Press the soft Options (Fast Forward) form drive functions.

  • Page 29: Input Setup And Control

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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 Type

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Input Type Select between Mic, Line, or Digital inputs using the MENU key while in the Input Settings Window. Input Type Input Connectors Gain Range (Trim only) XLR 1-4, TA3 5-8 Off (-infinity) 0 dB to 76 dB...

  • Page 31: Input Polarity

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The Input Activity LEDs illuminate yellow when an input is being limited. The Input Limiters are active for both mic- and line-level inputs. The Limiter is driven by both pre and post fade signals.

  • Page 32: Input Linking (Stereo Or Ms Decoding)

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Input Linking (Stereo or MS Decoding) Inputs 1-8 can be grouped or linked together to ensure that gain is applied evenly across all linked inputs. Linked or grouped inputs can also be muted and un-routed from tracks by using a single Input Trim Pot.

  • Page 33: Input Delay

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The 788T can lock its sample clock to a single AES42 digital microphone signal. This is set from the Setup Menu option REC: SYNC REFERENCE to the corresponding digital inputs. When the 788T is set to use its internal clock any connected incoming AES3 or AES42 signal is sample rate converted.

  • Page 34: Input To Track Routing

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Input to Track Routing The 788T offers a great deal of routing fl exibility. Any input can be routed to any track. With this powerful routing, iso tracks and sub-mixes can be recorded simultaneously.
  • Page 35 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To edit track assignments: Enter the Input Settings Window using the Input Selector Switch. The image below indicates that Input 1 is currently assigned to Track L. To make edits to the input to track assignments press the Play key.

  • Page 36: Routing Using The

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To exit Input to Track Routing press the Play key. The new track assignments will be visible from the Input Settings Window. Routing Using the CL-8 From the CL-8 the user can quickly make input to track routing changes to the Left, Right, Aux 1, and Aux 2 Tracks.

  • Page 37: Routing Using The Track Setup Window

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Press the EDIT soft button ( ) and scroll to the appropriate input screen. Using either the Multi-Function Rotary Switch or the up and down arrows, navigate to the desired input-to-track combinations. When a chosen pairing is highlighted, press either the ASSIGN soft key or the Multi-Function Rotary Switch to assign the combination.

  • Page 38: Track Arming

    Exit the Track Setup Menu by pressing the INPUT key. When recording higher track counts or higher sampling rates, Sound Devices recommends using solid state drives, hard drives, and high speed UDMA CompactFlash cards.

  • Page 39: Master Gain Levels

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To assign tracks-to-media perform the following steps. Enter the Track Setup Window by pressing the INPUT key. Press the soft MEDIA (Fast Forward) key to enter the Track-to-Media View. Use the Multi-Function Rotary Switch to navigate through the track-to-media routing. If media is dis- played the corresponding track will be written to that media, giving that the media has been selected in the Setup Menu and the track is armed.

  • Page 40: Sampling Rate And Bit Depth

    Things to consider when recording High Sampling Rates (above 48.048 kHz): • Real time recording to DVDRAM is not recommended. • Sound Devices strongly recommends using high speed UDMA CompactFlash cards. • Input Limiters are disabled. • Limits recording to only two storage media at a time.

  • Page 41: Bit Depth

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Bit Depth The 788T records at bit depths of either 16 or 24 bits. 24-bit recording provides greater dynamic range and addition headroom for signal peaks relative to 16-bit recordings. 24-bit recording (versus 16-bit) is a signifi cant benefi t for fi eld production audio tracks.

  • Page 42: Word Out

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Word Out Word clock is purely a signal for sync purposes and contains no audio information. It is a square wave signal with a frequency equal to the 788T’s internal sample rate. The 788T word clock output is always active.

  • Page 43: Video Sync

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Video Sync The 788T locks to any valid video sync source, including composite NTSC, PAL and Tri-level con- nected via the Sync Input connector. If a valid video sync is detected, ‘V’ is displayed in the LCD. If a valid video sync is not detected, the input activity LED rings will fl...

  • Page 44: 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 by using the Headphone Output together with the six outputs.

  • Page 45: Headphone Output

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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 46: Input Solo (Pfl)

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Available audio sources for headphone monitoring include: HP Sources Description Stereo monitoring of input pairs. Inputs 1, 3, 5, and 7 are assigned Inputs 1,2 Inputs 5,6 to left headphone outputs; inputs 2, 4, 6, and 8 are assigned to right...

  • Page 47: Ms Stereo Monitoring

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information tor mode has been selected with the Multi-Function Rotary Switch or with the Input Selector/Solo Switch. If it is desired to access the Input Settings Window without soloing the input, disable the PFL function in the Setup Menu option INPUT: PFL FUNCTION.

  • Page 48: Multi-Function Rotary Switch Behavior

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Multi-Function Rotary Switch Behavior From the Factory, pressing in on the Multi-Function Rotary Switch will automatically recall the head- phone monitor source defi ned in the Setup Menu option HP: FAVORITE MODE. It can also be set to quickly toggle through the available storage media from which the recorder will playback from, or it can be disabled.

  • Page 49: Metering And Display

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Metering and Display The 788T features a 104 LED (8 x 13) Output Meter. The DSP-controlled output meter provides a selection of ballistics and lighting intensities. Input Activity Ring LEDs are available on each of the inputs indicating input level and clipping activity.

  • Page 50: Vu (Volume Units)

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information VU (Volume Units) Ballistics correspond closely to how the human ear perceives loudness and provides a good visual indication of how loud a signal will be. In VU mode, the attack and decay of the meter signal is 300 msec.

  • Page 51: Headphone Peak Led

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information LED Color Description Flashing Yellow Input type has been selected to digital but the input is not currently locked. i.e. No digital input has been detected. All eight input activity LEDs will flash yellow when a video or word clock reference has been selected but a valid source is not detected.

  • Page 52: Lcd Backlight

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information LCD Backlight To toggle the LCD and Front Panel Soft Key backlight press and hold the LCD Backlight and press in on the Multi-Function Rotary Switch. Backlighting is suitable in low or no ambient light situations.

  • Page 53: Time Code

    Counts 0.1% faster than real time. • 30+ – This setting is specifi c to Sound Devices recorders. Records at 48.048 sampling rate at 30 frames per second but stamps the fi le at 48kHz, 30 frames per second.

  • Page 54: 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 55: 96.096K And 96.096Kf

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 96.096k and 96.096kF Both 96.096 and 96.096kF settings use a record sampling rate of 96.096 kHz, 0.1% higher than 96 kHz. The 96.096F mode is a rarely used workfl ow and should only be selected if specifi cally requested by production.

  • Page 56: Time Code Hold Off

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information code is stopped, 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” may interrupt time code. This is appropriate when dual- system sound is used with video cameras set for Rec Run time code.

  • Page 57: Jam Menu

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Things to consider when using Time Code Hold Off: • This feature only applies to Ext TC - Auto Record and Ext TC/Cont - Auto Record modes. • If Pre-Roll is set, it will be applied. Pre-Roll will only capture audio from the initial detection of a time code signal.

  • Page 58: Jam Zeros

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Jam Zeros This menu selection resets the internal generator to zero. value to jam, or zeros press to jam menu selection 788T current timecode value Jam Value Press the enter soft key (TONE key) or the Multi-Function Rotary Switch button to jam the user- entered time code start value into the internal generator.

  • Page 59: Recording

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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 60: Pre-Record Buffer

    48048 and below. Higher Sampling rates are limited to eight tracks to two media only. When recording higher track counts and higher sam- pling rates, Sound Devices recommends using hard drives, solid state drives, and high speed UDMA CompactFlash cards.

  • Page 61: Audio File Formats

    _1 and _2, identify the track number of the fi le. If a take contains 10+ mono tracks the tracks will be suffi xed with _A (10), _B (11), _C (12). Monophonic fi les can be combined into poly- phonic fi les using Sound Devices Wave Agent software utility. Polyphonic When WAV Poly is selected, the 788T will generate one audio fi...

  • Page 62: Take Management

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Take Management A Take is a single recording which is composed of one or more audio fi les. For polyphonic wav fi le recordings, a take is represented by a single polyphonic fi le generated at the time of recording.

  • Page 63: 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 64: Take Numbers

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Press the soft Done (Play) key. The name of the next take will be displayed on the top line indicated by the n. Take Numbers Take numbers are integers between 01 and 99,999, with or without preceding zeros, which in- crease by one each time a new fi...

  • Page 65: 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 66: Emptying The False Take Folders

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Alternatively, the last take can be identifi ed as a False Take from within the Take List. This can be done by decrementing the take number to match the most recent recorded take’s fi lename.

  • Page 67: Refresh Take Metadata

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information • Beginning time code stamp • Scene name • Time of fi le creation • Drives that contain the fi le • Date of fi le creation • Folder that contains the fi le The following functions are performed within the Take List.

  • Page 68: Notes

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Notes Notes can be added to a Take to describe its contents. BEXT and iXML support notes fi elds. To add notes to a Take: Enter the Take List by pressing the HDD key.

  • Page 69: Project

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Press the STOP key to end the recording. Press the HDD key to enter the Take List. Scroll among fi les to highlight the fi le as a Circled Take. Press the soft EDIT (PLAY) key to enter the Take Edit Menu.

  • Page 70: Renaming Tracks

    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 71: File Management

    The 788T, like a computer, saves audio recordings to a fi le system containing fi les and folders. The 788T/788T-SSD formats its internal drive, CompactFlash cards, and attached external drives in the FAT32 format as single drives named “788T INDD”, “788T CF”, and “788T EXTHDD,” respectively.

  • Page 72: The Drive Directory (File Viewer)

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information • Mid-Level / Tape (Roll) Folder – can be selected as a Roll folder with user-selected name or as a <DAILY> folder, or not used. The name of this folder is inserted in the <TAPE> (Roll) fi eld of the iXML and bEXT chunks.

  • Page 73: Navigation

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Navigation Moving from fi le to fi le is similar to navigating among fi les on a computer. To access the Drive Direc- tory perform the following: From the Main screen, press the HDD key to access the Take List.

  • Page 74: Folder Options Menu

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Folder Options Menu The Folder Options Menu is accessed by pressing the soft OPTIONS (FAST FORWARD) key for any folder in the Drive Directory. Here it is possible to rename folders, set and clear copy fl ags, and delete folders.

  • Page 75: Drive Directory Options Menu

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Select a media or folder in the Drive Directory. Press the soft OPTIONS (FAST FORWARD) key, then choose Set Copy Flag or Clr Copy Flag respec- tively. If the media or folder contains sub-folders, the 788T will display the following prompt: Drive Directory Options Menu All drive specifi...

  • Page 76: Erase (Media Format)

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Once the trash folder has been emptied, any fi les or folders it contained are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. After the trash folder has been emptied, a prompt to empty the false takes folder is displayed.

  • Page 77: Storage Media - Internal Drive

    Storage Media – Internal Drive The 788T and 788T-SSD internal drive is the primary storage medium. The large capacity and fast data read/write speeds of hard drives and solid state drives are a perfect choice when long form, high data rate recording is performed.

  • Page 78: Storage Medium - Removable Compactflash

    “fl ex board”. Since the high-density circuitry and tight construction require specif- ic electronics knowledge, Sound Devices strongly recommends drive replacement be performed by a qualifi ed technician using proper ESD precautions. Drive replacement done by a qualifi ed technician has no warranty implications.

  • Page 79: Speed Testing

    CF medium. Qualifi ed CF Cards Sound Devices does not specifi cally “qualify” CompactFlash cards for use in the recorder. From our tests of numerous cards—including medium from Lexar Media, SanDisk, and Kingston Technolo- gy—newer cards in capacities from 128 MB and above will successfully operate in the 788T. Some older CF cards are known to have compatibility issues with the 788T.

  • Page 80: When To Use External Firewire Drives

    • Bus powering a drive requires external DC powering of the 788T, however, the 788T can bus- power select lower power devices such as a CF card reader from Li-ion power. Sound Devices recommends using the supplied XL-WPH3 in-line power supply when bus-powering external storage media such as hard drives and DVD-RAM burners.

  • Page 81: Dvd-Ram Drives

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information DVD-RAM Drives DVD-RAM drives are essentially optical hard drives. The 788T supports recording to and playing back from DVD-RAM drives when formatted as FAT32 volumes. When recording to DVD-RAM drives in real time, it is important to note the following: Record to polyphonic fi...

  • Page 82: File Transfer To Computer

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information File Transfer to Computer WORD / VID IN WORD / VID IN WORD / VID IN DC IN DC IN DC IN 10-18V 10-18V MENU 10-18V MENU MENU SELECT SELECT SELECT FW800 FW400 FW800...

  • Page 83: Powering

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Navigate to either the internal drive or CF card from the computer and copy all needed audio fi les to local storage on the computer. To avoid possible directory corruption on the 788T internal drive, always properly dismount the unit from the operating system.

  • Page 84: Time Code Clock Battery

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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 85: Auto Functions With External Powering

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Auto Functions with External Powering The 788T can perform several functions when DC power is applied and removed from the recorder. External power functionality is set in the Setup Menu option POWER: EXT POWER FUNCTION. Op- tions available include: •...

  • Page 86: Firmware Upgrades

    fi le. Some fi rmware updates may make changes to user setups; verify all user setups after an upgrade. Upgrading Firmware From time to time, Sound Devices may issue revisions (new versions) of fi rmware for the 788T. Firm- ware is user-upgradeable. To upgrade fi rmware follow these steps.
  • Page 87 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 88: Remote Control

    Remote Control The 788T provides remote control functionality using a USB keyboard, Logic Input/Output via the rear panel DE-15 connector, the Sound Devices CL-1 Remote Roll Accessory, and the Sound Devices CL-8 Controller for the 788T. The USB Keyboard Input is available to plug in a standard USB keyboard to control the 788T. Front panel controls and menu selections on the 788T can be mapped to keyboard shortcuts, allowing for full keyboard control of the recorder.

  • Page 89: String Edits & Take Name/Number (Renaming & Notes)

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Custom Assignment Shortcut Edit User Interface Menu: Selects Hot Key In Set Key Mode “Hot Key” Global: Executes Command if function is assigned to Hot Key 01 - 99 (number sequence) Setup User Interface Menu: Jumps to menu list number.

  • Page 90: Shortcut List Functionality

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Select an unassigned shortcut number for programming. If a duplicate key sequence is selected the low- est shortcut number action takes place. The example below shows the F1 key being reprogrammed. After selecting a key sequence, select the desired Setup Menu item or action. The example below shows the reprogramming of the F1 key to change the sampling rate to the next setting in the list.

  • Page 91: Logic Out (Record Tally)

    Keyboard Assignments are identical to that of the USB Keyboard. See Keyboard Assign- ments for more details. Sound Devices recommends using either a PS/2 keyboard via the CL-1 or a USB Keyboard directly into the 788T Keyboard Input, but avoid using both keyboards simultaneously.

  • Page 92: Cl-1 Logic Inputs And Outputs

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-1 Logic Inputs and Outputs Identical to shortcuts assigned to computer keyboard key sequences, the CL-1 has six contacts that can be programmed to perform Setup Menu items or control the record, play, and stop functions of the recorder.

  • Page 93: Cl-8 Controller

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-8 Controller The CL-8 Controller is an optional control surface for the 788T Digital Recorder that signifi cantly ex- pands its mixing capability and overall usability. Its ergonomic design allows one-handed operation of many of its functions, freeing the Sound Mixer to control other equipment.

  • Page 94: Cl-8 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 95: Cl-8 Side Panel Descriptors

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-8 Side Panel Descriptors SLATE KEYBOARD Alt Button USB Keyboard Input Press to toggle between the CL-8 Views USB A Female Connector for USB (Main, Aux Routing, and Input Settings). keyboards. This acts as a thru port to See CL-8 Views for more details.

  • Page 96: Cl-8 Views

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-8 Views The CL-8 allows for quick control of input-to-track routing and input settings on each Input. Use the Alt button to toggle between the Main, Aux Routing, and Input Settings View. Main View The Main View is always the fi...

  • Page 97: Input Settings View

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Input Settings View From the Input Settings View apply various input settings to any input. Press the A button to en- able/disable the Limiter. Press the B button to enable/disable the High-Pass Filter. Simultaneously press the A and B buttons to invert the polarity of the input.

  • Page 98: Setup Menu

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Menu The Setup Menu controls a wide range of parameters for the 788T, including audio routing, record settings, and time code options. The Setup Menu is a single, fl at architecture with no sub-menus, making it easy to navigate.

  • Page 99: Factory Default

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Rec: Track Names Allows user to give tracks more Track L = Mix L • Mix L • Track H descriptive names, which show up in Track R = Mix R •...
  • Page 100 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Input: Linking, MS Selects whether the input levels Unlinked • Unlinked • 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 are controlled independently, as • 1-2 • 1-2MS stereo pairs, with or without mid-side •...
  • Page 101 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default File: Max Size Selects the file size when the 788T • 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 •...
  • Page 102 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Time Code: User Bits Sets the time code user bits gener- • Not Used – user bits are not set or output mm:dd:yy.tt ated by the 788T. • mm:dd:yy.tt •...
  • Page 103 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default LCD: Backlight Mode 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 •...
  • Page 104 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default HP: Favorite Mode Selects the audio source monitored Any of the HP: Monitor Modes can be selected Tracks L,R when the Multi-Function Rotary as the HP: Favorite Mode. See the above Switch is pressed during Record or chart for options.

  • Page 105: User Setup Data File

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default CL-1: Keyboard: Language Select the language of the keyboard • English English attached to the CL-1. • German • French Logic Out Assign Defines Logic Output behavior . Logic •...

  • Page 106: 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 107 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Connector Pin Assignments Notes TA3M 1 – ground 3.3k ohm input impedance, Mic- and Line-level active- Analog Inputs 5-8 2 – signal (+) balanced 3 – signal (-) TA3M 1 – ground 200 ohm output impedance, active balanced.

  • Page 108: Specifi Cations

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Specifi cations System Sampling Frequency internal: 32, 44.1, 47.952, 48, 48.048, 88.2, 96, 96.096 external clocking: 32–48.048 kHz via word clock or digital inputs AES/EBU inputs can accept signals from 32-192 kHz when sync reference = internal (SRC enabled).

  • Page 109: Dimensions And Weight

    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 CompactFlash CF type I, II, and + (microdrive) compatible, UDMA (x300) compatible, FAT32 formatted, up to 2TB addressable.

  • Page 110: Appendix A - Recording Time Calculation

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Appendix A - Recording Time Calculation The calculation of available 788T recording time involves three factors: • track count - how many concurrent audio tracks will be recorded. • data rate - calculated from the sampling rate and bit depth for non-compressed audio and by bit rate for data compressed audio.

  • Page 111: Appendix B - Metadata Implementation

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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.

  • Page 112: Appendix C - File Naming

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Metadata Type Notes Read Write U = Entered by User M = Automatically Entered by the Machine Originator Information Originator bEXT Creation Date bEXT Creation Time bEXT Originator Reference bEXT Software Version bEXT File Set Information...

  • Page 113: Appendix D- Fat32 And Maximum File Size

    32 GB, however it can read FAT32 volumes as large as 2 TB. Appendix E - Accessories Several high-value accessories are available for the 788T, including a production case, cables, and power accessories. For a full list of Sound Devices products and accessories, visit our web site www. sounddevices.com/products. Included Accessories The accessories below are included with the 788T/788T-SSD: •...
  • Page 114 China. 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.

  • Page 115: Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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:...

  • Page 116: Software License

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

  • Page 117: Warranty And Technical Support

    ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase. This is a non- transferable warranty that extends only to the original purchaser. Sound Devices, LLC will repair or replace the product at its discretion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe service conditions will be addressed on an individual basis.
  • Page 118 788T/788T-SSD rev. 1.71 - Printed in U.S.A.

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