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

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. 2.10
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. 2.10 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 Sample Rate Converters Word Clock Input Front Panel Descriptions ....10 Video Sync Panel Lock Digital Inputs 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8...
  • Page 3 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Time Code Hold Off Storage Media – Internal Drive ...82 Jam Menu 788T Drive Type Jam RX TC 788T-SSD Drive Type Jam Zeros Drive Replacement Jam Value Storage Medium –...
  • Page 4 Appendix E - Accessories ....145 Returns 788T CE Declaration of Conformity ..147 COMs Software License .....148...
  • 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 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 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

    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 30: Input Setup And Control

    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 Settings Window

    To enter the Input Settings Window, press the desired input’s Front Panel Input Selector Switch. The Input Settings Window will latch on, this allows for one handed operation of the 788T. If momentary action is desired, press and hold the Input Selector Switch for one second or more. To exit the Input Settings Window press the selected Input Selector Switch again or select another Input.

  • Page 32: High-Pass Filters

    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 33: Input Polarity

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Input Polarity Input Polarity inversion (sometimes referred as phase reverse) can be applied to both analog or digi- tal inputs. This can be used to rectify incorrectly wired balanced cables, to prevent signal cancellation when a source is dual-miked from opposite directions, or reverse left/right with MS microphones.

  • Page 34: Input Settings Window

    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 35: Input To Track Routing

    Input Settings Window. 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. Input to track routing is managed from any of four screens/controls: •...

  • Page 36: Pre-Fade Vs. Post Fade

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Pre-Fade vs. Post Fade Inputs can be assigned to tracks either pre- or post-fade. Pre-fade tracks are fed the respective input’s audio signal immediately following the Trim level stage of the signal path. Fader adjustments have no effect on pre-fade Tracks.

  • Page 37: Routing Using The Setup Menu

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Inputs can be sent to tracks pre or post fade. To toggle between the pre- and post-fade setting, press and hold the Multi-Function Rotary Switch. If the Track has a line above it is set as post-fade, if the Track has a line below it is set as pre-fade.

  • 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: Routing Using The

    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 40: Track-To-Media Routing

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track LED/ Track Status Description Asterisk Status Track is disabled and will not be recorded. Track has been disabled in the Track Setup Window or by pressing the CL-9 Track Button. This is useful when using a track as an output or monitoring bus.

  • Page 41: Master Gain Levels

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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, that is, if the media has been selected in the Setup Menu and the track is armed.

  • Page 42: 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 43: 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 44: Clock Master

    When the 788T is slaved to an external clock source, be certain that the signal is stable. Loss of sync signal during recording can cause the 788T to revert back to its internal set sampling frequency caus- ing audio glitches and/or sync issues later in post.

  • Page 45: Word Clock Input

    Word Clock Input When the 788T is set to receive external word clock, the 788T locks to a valid clock signal connected to the Sync Input connector. If a valid word clock is detected, ‘W’ is displayed in the LCD. If no valid word clock is detected, the input activity LED rings will fl...

  • Page 46: Multi-Unit Linking Via C. Link

    The 788T C. Link In port is disabled when the Setup Menu FireWire/USB: Connection 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 47 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 48: 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 49: Headphone Output

    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 50: Headphone Source As Outputs

    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 51: Input Solo (Pfl)

    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 52: Multi-Function Rotary Switch Behavior

    If multiple monophon- ic SoundField .WAV fi les are named using the “_W, _X, _Y, _Z” suffi xes, the 788T will recognize that these are multiple monophonic B-format fi les and will play them back in the proper track order.

  • Page 53: Headphone Power Up Gain

    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 54: 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 55: Digital Meter View

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To set a scale as the Favorite follow these steps. Access the Setup Menu option METER: SCALE. Scroll down to Set Favorite. Press the soft check mark (Tone) key to enter the Select Favorite Window.

  • Page 56: 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 57: Lcd Contrast & Led Brightness

    fl ash during record. This is selected in the Setup Menu option REC: RECORD INDICATOR. 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 58: Metering And Display

    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 59: Frame Rate

    • 30DF – This is a rarely used non-standard frame rate. Do not use unless specifi cally requested by production. • 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 48 kHz, 30 frames per second.

  • Page 60: Fostex Dv40

    30ND, while the fi le is identifi ed as 29.97ND. It is important to note that most productions will not accept fi les at 96 kHz rates. Time Code Modes The 788T includes the following time code modes: The time code generator is disabled. The front panel time code display is blank. v. 2.10...

  • Page 61: Free Run

    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 62: Jam Menu

    Exit the Setup Menu by pressing the soft X (Brightness) key or the Stop key. Begin rolling time code from the master time code source. The 788T recorder will display the Record Pending message immediately after detecting a time code signal.

  • Page 63: Jam Rx Tc

    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 64: User Bits

    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 65: Pre-Record Buffer

    This ensures fi le integrity in the unlikely event of a total loss of power. If no tracks are armed to record, the 788T will not enter Record Mode. Make certain that at least one record track is armed for recording.

  • Page 66: Record Timer

    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 67: Wav

    File Type The 788T has two fi le type options for recording, WAV mono and WAV poly. Select the fi le type in the Setup Menu option REC: FILE TYPE. Monophonic When WAV Mono is selected, the 788T will generate a separate audio fi...

  • Page 68: Scene Name/Numbering

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Scene Name/Numbering Scene names are selected for use from a scene name list. This list is managed in the Setup Menu op- tion REC: SCENE NAME/NUMBER. Any number of scene name lists can be generated and these can be made up of any number of scene names.
  • Page 69 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To increment the Scene Name/Number from the Take List. Press the HDD key to access the Take List. Scroll to the top of the Take List and highlight the next take, which is indicated by the letter n.

  • Page 70: 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 71: False Take Control

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Indicates active take Indicates next upcoming take False Take Control To identify a take as a False Take, perform the following: Press the STOP key to end the recording. Wait for the fi le to fi nish writing, the activity LED will turn from orange to green.

  • Page 72: Track Naming

    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 73: Take Edit Menu

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information loading. Takes containing fi les beyond the most recent 100 fi les will need to be loaded manually by pressing the soft REFRESH (Play) key. Take Edit Menu From this menu, the user can perform the following edit operations while the recorder is in Standby or Record modes: •...

  • Page 74: Renaming Takes

    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 75: Project

    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 76: Renaming Tracks

    Wave Agent Metadata Entry and Editing Sound Devices Wave Agent Control Mode allows a Sound Devices 788T or 788T-SSD to be connected to Wave Agent over USB. When connected, Wave Agent can be used to enter or edit various meta- data fi...

  • Page 77: Wave Agent Beta

    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 78: File Time And Date

    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 79: 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 80: 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 81: 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 82: 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 83: 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 84: 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 85: Drive Replacement

    In typical service conditions Sound Devices recommends hard drive replacement once every three years. The internal drive is mounted to the bottom-side of the recorder’s chassis and is screwdriver acces- sible.

  • Page 86: Storage Medium - Removable Compactflash

    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 87: Storage Medium - External Firewire Drives

    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 88: Qualifi Ed Drives

    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 89: 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 90: File Transfer To Computer

    788T’s internal drive and CompactFlash card will mount to a Mac OS X or Windows computer as a local, removable mass storage volumes. Using Mac Finder, Windows Explorer, or any other fi le utility, fi les can be copied, read, and deleted directly to and from the 788T internal drive.

  • Page 91: Powering

    “Disconnect External Media” icon in the system tray. To disconnect the 788T from the computer: Make certain that any software applications that reference the 788T drive are closed and that all fi le copy functions to and from the 788T have completed.

  • Page 92: External Powering And Battery Charging

    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 93: 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 94: Firmware Upgrades

    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 95 fi le to use. Press the Multi-Function Rotary Switch or the soft Check Mark (TONE). To verify that the PRG fi le selected is correct, the 788T will ask “Are you sure?” Press the Multi-Function Rotary Switch or the soft Check Mark (TONE) key to say yes.

  • Page 96: Remote Control

    Remote Fader, the Sound Devices CL-8 Controller, the CL-9 Linear Fader Controller, and Sound Devices Wave Agent. 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 97: 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, along with Control-, Alt-, and Shift- can also be programmed.

  • Page 98: Shortcut List Functionality

    Simulates a front panel key shortcut. Ex: (Stop+Play) opens TakeList Menu Logic In The Logic Input enables external devices to initiate functions on the 788T. This is commonly used for “remote rolling” using a mixing console with a record control.

  • Page 99: Logic Out (Record Tally)

    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 100: Keyboard Interface

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-1 Keyboard Interface The CL-1 allows a user to use a PS/2 compliant keyboard to control the 788T. All functionality and setup of the Keyboard Assignments are identical to that of the USB Keyboard.

  • Page 101: Remote Fader (Optional)

    All settings will remain the same, provided that the fader level has not been adjusted. If the check mark is selected, the 788T will revert back to stand alone operation.

  • Page 102: 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 103: 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 104 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Function Switches 1, 4 Switches 2, 3 Notes (Latching) (Momentary) Momentary Toggle Toggle Only Rotary Switch Up Acts as Multi Function Rotary Switch Up (Toggles headphone routings in Main LCD display) Rotary Switch Down...

  • Page 105: 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 106: 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 107: 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 108: 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 109: 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 110: 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 111: 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 112 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 113 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 114: 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 115: 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 116: Monitor Selection

    See Returns and CL-9 Communications for details. Connecting the CL-9 to the 788T grants the Sound Mixer access to the 788T’s parametric EQ. The EQ settings are adjustable on each input and are applied pre-fade. EQ is not available with Sampling Rates at 88.2 kHz or above.
  • Page 117 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 118: 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 119 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 120: 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 121 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 122: 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 123: 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 124: Slate

    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 125: Returns

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Returns The CL-9 has two active-balanced, line-level, XLR Return Inputs on the Rear Panel. These are used to monitor external line-level audio sources. This is useful for monitoring the returns from a camera or a return communication line from a Boom Op.

  • Page 126: Setting Up A Bidirectional Talk Back Circuit

    Release the COM Switch to deactivate the COM. 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 127 CL-9 Headphone Level Control. This adjusts the Com send level sent to the COM1 routing destina- tions. In this scenario this would adjust the Com send signal sent to Output 1(Boom-Op’s headphones) and 788T/CL-9 Left Headphone Monitor (Sound Mixer’s headphones). The following diagram illustrates a wireless Talk Back setup using a Sound Devices MM-1.

  • Page 128: 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 129: 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 FIREWIRE/USB: CONNECTION. Select the CONNECT TO WAVE AGENT (USB ONLY) option.

  • Page 130: Setup Menu

    Click on the Wave Agent Mode pull-down menu in the Menu Bar. Select the Control Mode option. The Control Mode option is grayed out and unavailable when the 788T is not properly connected or is run- ning an unsupported fi rmware.

  • Page 131: 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 132 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Input: Track Routing Allows the user to setup the routing • 2 track (1:L, 2:R) • 2 mix (L,R) 6 Iso matrix among all available inputs and • 2 track (1:A, 2:B) (A-F) tracks.
  • Page 133 • 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 134 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default Time Code: Frame Rate Sets the time code frame rate. All • 23.976 common time code frame rates are • 24 available. • 25 • 29.97 • 29.97DF •...
  • Page 135 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 136 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default HP: Rotary Switch Function Selects the function activated when • Disabled: Selects Favorite the Multi-Function Rotary Switch pressing in on the switch, makes no change to Mode is pressed in while in Record and the headphone matrix.
  • Page 137 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Description Options Factory Default −40 to 0 dBFS in 1 dB steps Tone: Level Sets the reference tone’s output level. -20 dBFS Tone: Frequency Sets the tone oscillator frequency. 100–10,000 Hz in 10 Hz steps...

  • Page 138: 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 139: 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 140: 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 141: 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 142 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 143: Appendix A - Recording Time Calculation

    40.5 60.7 161.8 80.5 323.6 795.5 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...

  • Page 144: Record Time

    ((16 x 48000) / 1,048,576) / 8) x 60 = 5.49 MB/min 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 145: 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 146: Monophonic Wav File Track Number Designators

    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 147: Appendix E - Accessories

    788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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 148 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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 149: 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 150: Software License

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

  • Page 151: 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...
  • Page 152 788T/788T-SSD rev. 2.10 - Printed in U.S.A.

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