788T High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time Code User Guide and Technical Information for 788T and 788T-SSD Recorders Version 3.02 SATA 2.5" UDMA Sound Devices, LLC E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 • Reedsburg, WI • USA +1 (608) 524-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655 Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 www.sounddevices.com support@sounddevices.com USB 2.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Chapter 1: Quick Start Guide Chapter 2: Panel and LCD Descriptions .................. 8 Panel Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Left Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . . 11 Right Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . 12 Rear Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 LCD Display Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Input Settings Window Descriptions . . . . . . . . .
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Take Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 48 49 51 51 52 52 53 53 Scene Name/Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scene Name Incrementing/Decrementing . . . . . . . . . Take Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Take Number Incrementing/Decrementing . . . . . . . . . False Take Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emptying the False Take Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . 85 86 87 87 88 88 91 788T Drive Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 788T-SSD Drive Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Drive Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 . . 92 92 92 93 93 When to Use External FireWire Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 FireWire Bus Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Chapter 11: Setup and Shortcut Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Saving and Recalling User Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Setup Menu Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Setup Menu Front Panel Button Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Chapter 12: Specifications Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Chapter 13: Accessories Included Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
88T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Sound Devices took advantage of the best in professional and consumer electronic technologies to bring incredible feature depth with ease of use. Hard drives, SSD drives, and CompactFlash are highly reliable, industry standard, and easily obtainable. With the ability to write to an external drive, low-cost, portable media can be delivered to post production. The removable, rechargeable battery is a standard Sony-compatible Li-ion camcorder battery pack.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 1 Quick Start Guide This Quick Start Guide provides a brief overview for first use of the 788T/788T-SSD. The Quick Start Guide walks through the steps of getting signal into the 788T and making a recording. Many operational and relevant technical and operational details are not mentioned in these steps. For detailed operating instructions refer to the 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information. 1. Connect Power.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 4. Connect headphones Connect to either the 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch headphone output on the Right Panel. WORD / VID IN MENU SELECT DC IN 10-18V 1 2 3 ANALOG BAL LINE OUTS FW800 FW400 USB BAL AES OUT 788T Right Panel SYNC PIN 4 (+) PIN 1 (-) UNBAL 5,6 4 1,2 3,4 TIMECODE WORD OUT 5. Press and hold the PWR key for one second to power on. UT 788T PWR ARM C D E F Quick Start Guide 0 dBFS REC 0 dBFS 6.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 7. Access the Input Settings Window To access, momentarily move the Input Selector Switch in the direction of the Input. This action also sends the input signal to the headphone monitor (solo).
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 9. INPUTS MUST BE ROUTED TO TRACKS TO RECORD. From the Input Settings Window, press the PLAY key to enter Input-to-Track Routing. An Input can be assigned to any Track. The Rewind and Fast-Forward keys route inputs to Track L and R, respectively. Turn the Rotary Switch to select a Track from A to X2. Push in on the Rotary Switch to route the input to the track. Press PLAY again to return to the Input Settings Window.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 12. A TRACK MUST BE ARMED TO BE RECORDED. Press the INPUT key to enter the Track Setup Window, where Tracks are enabled for recording. An * (asterisk) character next to a Track indicates that the track is record enabled. Navigate through the Tracks using the Rotary Switch. To enable/disable the track, press in on the Rotary Switch. Track Status is indicated by the asterisk and by the blue Track Status LEDs on the 788T front panel.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 13. HEADPHONE MONITOR. Press the STOP key to return to the Main Display. Turn the 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. 14. Press the REC key to start recording. Press the STOP key to stop the recording. Press the PLAY key to playback the last recorded take. 15. Press the HDD key to enter the Take List.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 16. From the Take List, press the HDD key again to enter the Drive Direc- tory. Drive Directory Basics: File Information Toggle Jump to Root Directory MENU Selected File Return to Take List HDD Exits the Drive Directory Drive Formatting and other media-specific operations are accessed in the Drive Options Menu located at the root directory. 17.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 2 Panel and LCD Descriptions Front Panel Descriptions 1 2 4 3 5 6 7 8 9 INPUT ARM MENU 3 1 2 2 5 4 8 788T HDD L D A E 0 dBFS Panel and LCD Descriptions 1) 14 15 Input Activity Ring LEDs 16 5) The LEDs surrounding each Input gain pot indicate the input’s signal activity and status. See Metering and Display. 2) 3) 4) MENU Key Accesses the 788T Setup Menu.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 14) Eight, 13-segment track level-meters indicate level in dBFS. Metering scale, ballistics, and peak hold times are selected in the Setup Menu. Meters labeled C, D, E, F can be used to view Tracks G, H, X1, X2. See Metering and Display. 9) 10) Power/Charge LED Indicates the 788T is powered and available for operation. Also indicates the charge status of the onboard battery charger.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Front Panel Descriptions cont. 1 2 4 3 5 6 7 8 9 INPUT ARM MENU 3 1 2 5 4 8 788T HDD L D A E B F 0 dBFS IN CF EX 13 2 18) 14 15 Media Activity LEDs 16 20) Panel and LCD Descriptions Indicates storage media activity. IN (internal drive), CF (CompactFlash), EX (external FireWire device).
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 Button 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 activate the appropriate button lock mode There are three modes: Panel and LCD Descriptions • Unlocked – all keys are accessible and operate normally.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Right Panel Connectors and Controls 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 WORD / VID IN DC IN 10-18V MENU SELECT 1 2 3 ANALOG BAL LINE OUTS FW800 FW400 USB BAL AES OUT SYNC PIN 4 (+) PIN 1 (-) UNBAL 8 2 1) 5,6 9 Rotary Switch Panel and LCD Descriptions When in the Setup Menu, the rotary switch moves between menu selections; push to enter selection or enter data. In Record and Playback modes, selects headphone monitor source; press action is user selectable.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Rear Panel Descriptions 1 2 KEYBD OUT C.LINK 3 4 IN AES I/O, GPIO, PWR COMPACT FLASH 1) 6 USB Keyboard Input 5) USB A Female Connector for USB keyboard and CL-8 Controller See Remote Control for more details regarding Keyboard and CL-8 setup and functionality. 2) 3) Mates with Sound Devices XL-88 MultiPin Breakout Cable. The DE-15 connector acts as AES3 Inputs 1-8, AES3 Outputs 5-6, and Logic In and Out.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information LCD Display Descriptions 1 8 2 1) 2 9 10 Battery/Voltage Level Indicator Panel and LCD Descriptions Indicates voltage level of the removable battery or external power sources. If present, external power overrides battery power. Graphical bar for relative level and numeric indicator for precise voltage measurement. 2) 4 3 11 6) 7) 4) Absolute Time (A-time) Display Cue Marker Display In Record mode, indicates when cue markers are set.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information LCD Display Descriptions cont. 10) 9 10 Time Code Display In Stop and Record modes, displays the time code generated or received by the 788T. In Playback mode, displays the the time code information of the file currently selected for playback (if available). If nontime code files are playing, the display shows dashes. The time code display can be exchanged with the A-time display in the Setup Menu.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 15 16 2 17 Panel and LCD Descriptions 18 15) Input Level When input gain is adjusted, gain level is indicated in dB for the input being adjusted and its neighboring input. The relationship of inputs is configured in the following manner and cannot be altered 1,2 / 3,4 / 5,6 / 7,8. Neighboring inputs are not linked or grouped unless specifically linked in the Setup Menu.
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 pushing it to the right will select the even numbered inputs. Press the Input Selector Switch for the select input again to return to the previously displayed screen.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 11) Mix Assist The highlighted selection shows whether or not the input is automixed. This option will be crossed out when MIXASSIST: MODE is set to Off. Automix is toggled on and off using the Rewind key. See Mix Assist The following screen appears if the select Input is linked as a stereo pair. 12 2 Panel and LCD Descriptions The following screen appears if the select Input gain pot is switched to the Off position.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track Level Meters View 2 1) Track Status Indicator An * (asterisk) next to a Track indicates that the track is record enabled. Navigate through the Tracks using the Rotary Switch. The selected track has a box around it (Track G in the example above). To enable/disable the track, press in on the Rotary Switch. Track Status is indicated by the asterisk and the 788T Front Panel Track Status LEDs.
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. 7 8 2 7) Track Routing 8) Panel and LCD Descriptions Displays all inputs currently routed to the given track. Rotate the Rotary Switch to move the selector box. Press in on the Rotary Switch to route an Input to the Track. Pre- or post-fade routing is applied as it is defined in the Input Settings Window or the Setup Menu.
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. 15 11) 13 16 14 17 L/R Meters 18 17) Displays real time metering of Left and Right Track Levels. 12) Track Limiter Indicator 18) Track Limiter Linked AUX Meters 19) L/R Master Gain Level Displays gain level applied to the Master Left and Right Tracks.
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. 1 3 2 5 4 2 6 1) 7 Current/Last Take Panel and LCD Descriptions The * (asterisk) indicates the current take being recorded or the last take to have been recorded by the 788T. 2) 9 6) 7) 8) 5) Next File Destination 22 v. 3.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The following screen appears if the next (n) file is highlighted. 12 11 11) Take +/- 12) Appears when the next take, indicated by the “n” is highlighted. Pressing the soft Take +/- (Rewind) key will access the Take increment or decrement options. Scene +/Appears when the next take, indicated by the “n” is highlighted. Pressing the soft Scene +/- (Fast Forward) key will enter the Scene increment or decrement window.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 16) Scene - 17) Appears when the Scene +/- is selected in the above window. Pressing the Scene (Rewind) key will decrement the scene. Scene + Appears when the Scene +/- is selected. Pressing the soft Scene + (Fast Forward) key will increment the scene. Scenes will be incremented with either alpha characters or numeric digits, depending on the setting for Setup Menu option REC: SCENE INCREMENT MODE.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Root Directory The following screen appears if the Root Directory (1) is selected. 12 13 14 12) 15 Media Select Highlight desired media to view or perform drive functions. 13) Free Space 14) Panel and LCD Descriptions Displays the amount of free space available on the highlighted media. The time available is dependent on user setup. Media Size Displays the media size for the highlighted media.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 3 Inputs and Outputs Input Setup and Control The 788T has eight inputs and twelve record tracks. Inputs can be analog or digital sources. Analog inputs 1 through 4 are on 3-pin XLR connectors; inputs 5 through 8 are on 3-pin TA3 connectors. Digital AES3 inputs 1-8 use the DE-15 (D-Sub) connector. 3 Analog and digital inputs can be used simultaneously, for a total of eight.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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. When the CL-8 is attached to the 788T and the Setup Menu option INPUT: FRONT PANEL CONTROLS is set to Trim Controls or Fader Controls, the behavior of the front panel Input Gain Control adjusts trim levels and the CL-8 rotary potentiometer controls the Input Fader level.
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) Mic XLR 1-4, TA3 5-8 Off (-infinity) 0 dB to 76 dB Line XLR 1-4, TA3 5-8 Off (-infinity) -25 dB to 50 dB Digital AES3 1-8 (D-Sub 15) Off (-infinity) -25 dB to 76 dB. Phantom Power 3 Phantom power (48 volts) can be activated individually, for each analog input on.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The Input Activity LEDs illuminate yellow when an input is being limited at either stage. When a fader accessory is connected, the 788T will indicate pre-fade limiting and the fader accessory will indicate post-fade limiting. The Input Limiters are active for both mic- and line-level inputs. Enable or disable the Input Limiters using the soft Lim (HDD) key while in the Input Settings Window. This enables/disables both the pre- and post-fade limiters.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Analog Inputs Analog inputs 1-4 on XLR connectors and analog inputs 5-8 on TA3 connectors, are the primary connections into the recorder. These inputs accept balanced or unbalanced mic- or line-level inputs. Gain is controlled by the front panel Input Gain Pots. 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Digital Inputs The 788T accepts AES3 (AES/EBU) balanced and AESid unbalanced digital signals in professional or consumer format via its DE-15 connector. The 788T will auto detect the type of digital signal and adjust accordingly. Digital input gain is controlled via the front panel potentiometers. To use a digital input, the Input Type switch located in an input’s Input Settings Window must be set to Digital.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Deactivate Inputs Deactivate inputs by turning the Input Gain Pot to the full counter-clockwise (Off) position, the pot should click off. A deactivated input is muted and un-routed from any of its designated tracks. Deactivated inputs disables associated circuitry and ultimately extends battery life. Input Activity LEDs for each respective input will remain off when deactivated.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Outputs can be set to receive Slate Mic (CL-8 or CL-9) or COM1 or COM2 (CL-9 only) announcements. See the CL-8 Slate Mic or CL-9 Communications sections for details. Output Types Audio signals routed to an output are sent to both the analog and digital outputs simultaneously. For example, the audio source signal selected for Output 1 is sent to both analog output 1 and digital output (AES) 1.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 4 Routing and Mixing Input to Track Routing The 788T offers a great deal of routing flexibility. 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: 4 • • • • • • the Input Settings Window, the Setup Menu the Track Setup Window, or from an attached CL-8 (only tracks L, R, X1, and X2 can be routed from the CL-8).
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Without a CL-2, CL-8, or CL-9 attached and with the front panel gain controls set to Trim Controls, fader levels are fixed at unity gain. Routing Using the Input Settings Window The Input to Track Routing in the Input Settings Window allows the user to quickly view and edit the input-to-track routing for the selected input. The highlighted selections indicate the tracks that the input is currently routed to.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The image below indicates that Input 1 is now routed to Track L post fade and Track A pre fade. Once changes have been made, the settings will be saved in the INPUT: TRACK ROUTING Setup Menu option under the “Edited” routing selection. 6. To exit Input to Track Routing press the Play key. 7. The new track assignments will be visible from the Input Settings Window. 4 5.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To assign custom input routings: 1. Press the INPUT key until INPUT TRACK ROUTING is displayed on the LCD display.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 2. Press the soft ROUTING (REWIND) key to enter the Track Routing View. 3. Use the Rotary Switch to navigate through the Track Routings. If a number is displayed the corresponding input is assigned to the given track. 4. Press in on the Rotary Switch to toggle the routing of an input to a track. 4 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Last Mic Lock-On When talking stops, the last input to be active will remain open. This maintains a consistent level of natural sound and avoids a dramatic transition to silence on the track, even when no inputs are in use. One Mic Per Sound Source Often a sound source (i.e. someone speaking) is captured by more than one microphone.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 5 Recording and Playback The 788T is a record-priority device. With very few exceptions (disk formatting, and file transfers), pressing the REC key at any point during operation will initiate recording. The largest, most easily accessed control on the 788T is its REC key. The 788T will immediately enter Record mode when the REC key is pressed.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information pling rates, Sound Devices recommends using hard drives, solid state drives, and high speed UDMA CompactFlash cards. Media must be selected in the Setup Menu option REC: MEDIA SELECT in order for material to be written to it. Tracks can be individually routed to CompactFlash, Internal drive, and External media. See Track-to-Media Routing.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track Enabling Using the CL-9 From the CL-9 the user can quickly enable any Track for recording. See CL-9 Linear Fader Controller section for more details. 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).
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To assign tracks-to-media perform the following steps. 1. Enter the Track Setup Window by pressing the INPUT key. 2. Press the soft MEDIA (Fast Forward) 3. Use the Rotary Switch to navigate through the track-to-media routing. If media is displayed 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 3. Press the soft L/R (Rewind) or the soft AUX (Fast Forward) key to select the pair of tracks to be adjusted. This is indicated by the box around the Left and Right Track Meters as shown in the above image. Tracks are adjusted independently or as a linked stereo pair. To adjust the gain of each track independently, press the Rewind or Fast Forward key respectively to highlight the Track to be adjusted.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Sampling Rate When a sampling rate is selected for recording, all tracks are recorded at the selected sampling rate. Sampling rates are selected among common rates from 32 kHz to 192 kHz. Additionally, nonstandard sampling rates can be applied when the 788T is word clocked from an external source (clock sources between 32 kHz and 192 kHz).
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Feature > 48.048 kHz > 96.096 kHz Timecode Hold-off 4 sec. max 2 sec. max Wave Agent Control Available Disabled * Track counts here refer to the number of enabled Tracks. Unused Tracks must be disabled by pushing the Input key and using the Rotary Encoder to remove the asterisk from them. Steps to Prepare for Recording at 88.2 kHz - 96.096 kHz Sample Rate 5 1. Access Setup Menu option REC: MEDIA SELECT and choose any option of 2 media or less.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information tial measure (exponent of 2), so as bit depth increases, the amount of data it represents increases exponentially. The majority of field recording is done with 16-bit audio, therefore, each sample is represented by a digital word of 2^16 (65,536) possible values. 24-bit audio has a word length of 2^24 (16.7 million) possible values per sample. The 788T has 24-bit analog-to-digital converters.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information For polyphonic wav file recordings, a take is represented by a single polyphonic file generated at the time of recording. The single polyphonic file contains all the tracks of the take. In this case, since the take is represented by this one file, its name is the same as the file’s name. In the 788T, a polyphonic take/file name consists of a scene name, take number, and a file extension.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 2. 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. 3. Use the Rotary Switch or the Up and Down Arrow soft keys to choose characters. Press the Rotary Switch or press the FAST FORWARD key to save the character and move to the next position. 4.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Scroll to the top of the Take List and highlight the next take, which is indicated by the letter n. 3. Press the soft Scene +/- (Fast Forward) key to enter the Scene increment/decrement screen. 4. Press the soft Scene + (Fast Forward) key to increment the scene name from WILDCAT1T02. WAV to WILDCAT2T01.WAV. 5. Press the soft Done (Play) key. 6. The name of the next take will be displayed on the top line indicated by the n. 5 2.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Take Numbers Take numbers are integers between 01 and 99,999, with or without preceding zeros, which increase by one each time a new file is recorded. Take numbers can be set with or without a take separator, such as the character “-” or “T”. The take separator can be used to clearly identify the take number within the file name. Take numbers are managed in the Setup Menu option REC: TAKE NAME/NUMBER.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 7. Exit the Take List by pressing X. 8. Press and hold the STOP key to display the next incremented take’s file name. Indicates active take Indicates next upcoming take 5 Recording and Playback False Take Control To identify a take as a False Take, perform the following: 1. Press the STOP key to end the recording. 2. Wait for the file to finish writing, the activity LED will turn from orange to green. 3.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track Naming Each track in a file, whether monophonic or polyphonic, can be named with a unique, descriptive track name. Descriptive track names such as ‘radio mic 1’, ‘boom 2’ or ‘John Smith’ are more helpful to editors than track numbers. Track names with up to 26 characters are managed in the Setup Menu option REC: TRACK NAMES. The track names selected prior to recording are stored in the Broadcast Wave Extension (BEXT) data as well as in the iXML data.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Start Time Code iXML, bEXT Duration M; Stored as a sample count since midnight M U-Bits iXML, bEXT U Time Code Sample Rate iXML M iXML M; Track Number Track Information Channel Index Interleave Index iXML M Track Name iXML, bEXT U; via Track Names menu or HDD menu iXML M Speed Information Master Speed 5 Current Speed iXML M Speed Note iXML M bEXT M Originator Information Originator
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Metadata edits performed in the Take List are applied across all connected media on which the take resides. The File Viewer (Drive Directory) is accessed by pressing the soft DRV (HDD) key from within the Take List or via the Setup Menu option FILE: VIEW FILES. Refresh Take Metadata Recording and Playback During power up, the 788T automatically loads the metadata for the last 100 files (mono and poly) recorded.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Post-record metadata editing can also be performed with Sound Devices Wave Agent Beta. See Wave Agent Beta for more details. 5 Notes Notes can be added to a Take to describe its contents. BEXT and iXML support notes fields. To add notes to a Take: Recording and Playback 1. Enter the Take List by pressing the 2. Highlight the desired file. 3. Press the soft EDIT (Play) key to access the Take Edit Menu. 4. Select Notes 5.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Circle Take Take names can be altered to include the “@” symbol preceding the file name. This can be used to highlight a take as a “Circled Take”. Circled Takes are often used to identify good takes for transferring. Circle Take information is also embedded within the BEXT and IXML data chunks. 1. Press the STOP key to end the recording. 2. Press the HDD key to enter the Take List. 3. Scroll among files to highlight the file as a Circled Take. 4.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Deleting Takes Takes and their associated files are now deleted from the Take List Edit Menu. Deleted files are sent to the respective media’s Trash Folder. The Trash Folder is emptied via the Drive Directory Options Menu. To send a Take to the Trash Folder. Enter the Take List by pressing the HDD key. 2. Highlight the file that you wish to delete. 3. Press the soft Edit (Play) key to access the Edit Menu. 4. Highlight and select the Delete option.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 7. Press the soft Check Mark (Tone) key to send the take to the Trash Folder. Load Settings User Settings can be recalled from any take recorded by the 788T post firmware revision post 2.18. See Saving and Recalling User Settings Renaming Tracks Track names can be renamed during and after recording via the Take List. To rename a track: 1. Enter the Take List by pressing the 2. Highlight the desired take to be edited. 3.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Overview Section The table below lists the rows that make up the Overview section. Row Description Default 5 Recording and Playback Project: The name of the project. Producer: The name of the producer. Director: The name of the director. Job: The title of the job. Date: The date. The option will insert the current system date (In MM/DD/YY format) at the time the report is generated.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information • Take • Length • Start TC • T1 to T12 (12 fields) • Notes Generating Sound Reports A sound report can be generated for all the files in any folder on the 788T. There are two methods for creating a sound report. Each method will create a CSV file named SOUND_REPORT.CSV in the target folder. To generate a sound report in the current recording folder on all media, simultaneously press the STOP and MENU buttons.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Playback The 788T has high-resolution playback circuitry and is appropriate for any reference audio application. Any file recorded by the 788T can be played back. In addition, MP2, MP3, and WAV files 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 6 Synchronization and Timecode Synchronization A stable sample clock source is essential for high quality digital audio. Setups involving multiple digital recording/playback devices often require that all devices are locked to a common clock reference to ensure they are synchronous, i.e. run at the same speed and in phase with one another.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Internal The 788T generates its own clock at the set rate and disregards all external clocks connected. When set to Internal, the Sample Rate Converters are activated for all incoming AES signals. Sample Rate Converters The 788T has high-quality, hardware sample rate converters (SRCs) on each of its AES/EBU digital inputs. The SRCs apply to AES signals when the Setup Menu option REC: SYNC REFERENCE is set to Internal.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Notes regarding Word Clock Input and Digital Input clock references 1. Loss of clock reference: When using external clock and the clock source is removed, the portion of the file recorded after the loss of the clock source may not play back at the proper speed. For file integrity, it is recommended that you set the 788T to the same sample frequency as the external clock source.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 6 • 24 – Frame rate of standard film. Sometimes, it is also used in high-definition video production when the video files go through a telecine process. • 25 – The frame rate of PAL video. Most often used in video and film production in Europe and other PAL-based environments. • 29.97 – The frame rate of NTSC color video. Most often used in the USA and other NTSC based nations. Counts 0.1% slower than real time. • 29.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The audio file, however, is stamped with a 29.97 ND frame rate, along the 48 kHz sampling rate. It will appear as if the file was originally recorded at a 48 kHz sampling rate at a TC rate of 29.97 ND. on playback, file appears at 48 k, 29.97 ND Fostex DV40 When using files recorded in the 48.048kF mode in with a DV40 with early software, set the DV40 time code frame rate to 29.97ND.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Free Run Jam Once The onboard time code generator will re-jam from external time code whenever a valid, running time code signal is connected to the TC input. Similar to Free Run mode, the generator runs continuously without regard to Record mode. For a jam to occur, the time code signal must be disconnected and re-connected to the time code input.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Time Code Hold Off Time Code Hold Off is designed to eliminate unintentional takes from occurring by specifying an amount of time to wait (“hold off”) before beginning to record when using an external auto-record time code mode. The value of Time Code Hold Off needed is dependent on the start and stop sequence of the master time code source. 1. Access the Setup Menu option TIMECODE: HOLD OFF. 2. Set a value between 0 and 8 seconds in .
8T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Jam Menu external time code/u-bit value received by 788T press to jam menu selection current 788T time code/u-bit value 6 Time code setup is managed in the Setup Menu option TIME CODE: JAM MENU. To quickly enter the Jam Menu simultaneously press the HDD key and the MENU key. In this menu, the top of the display shows the value of signal present on the time code input and the bottom of the display shows the currently set time code value.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Jam Zeros This menu selection resets the internal generator to zero. Edit Value / Jam Value The EDIT VALUE selection allows the user to set any valid time code value (00:00:00:00–23:59:59:29) and the JAM VALUE selection jams the internal generator to that value. The initial screen of the EDIT VALUE selection shows the currently set value as well as the current time code setting of the 788T.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 7 Monitoring and Metering Headphone Output The 788T headphone output is a flexible tool for monitoring audio in the field. 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. 7 The headphone output is independent of the Output Buses and audio sources can be routed to headphones independent of routing assignments to output buses.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Available audio sources for headphone monitoring include: Description Inputs 1,2 Inputs 3,4 Inputs 5,6 Inputs 7,8 Stereo monitoring of input pairs. Inputs 1, 3, 5, and 7 are assigned to left headphone outputs; inputs 2, 4, 6, and 8 are assigned to right headphone outputs. Tracks L,R Tracks A,B Tracks C,D Tracks E,F Tracks G,H Tracks X1,X2 Stereo monitoring of track pairs.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information To edit a custom headphone routing: Enter the HP: MONITOR MODES Setup Menu option. Once you enter the Monitor Modes menu you will immediately be in slot-1 of the routing matrix. 2. Press the Rotary Switch or the soft key ENTER (Tone) key to move to the next slot. Repeat this action until you have highlighted the slot you wish to set as a custom heaphone routing. 3.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information When a CL-9 is attached a user can quickly solo an input by pressing the input’s rotary encoder from the CL-9 Top Panel. See CL-9 Linear Fader Controller section for more details. If the selected input is stereo linked, both of the inputs will be soloed in the headphone monitor. MS Stereo Monitoring The MS stereo mode decodes discrete Mid-Side stereo signals to a left/right stereo signal for monitoring purposes.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Rotary Switch Behavior From the Factory, pressing in on the Rotary Switch will automatically recall the headphone monitor source defined 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. • Disabled: pressing the Rotary Switch has no effect. • Selects Favorite Mode: recalls the headphone source selected in HP: FAVORITE MODE.
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. In addition, a Headphone Peak LED is available to indicate that clipping is occurring in the headphone monitor.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Zoom Meter Scale Resolution 7 The LED Output Meter uses a tri-color scale, allowing the track levels to be easily viewed and monitored. The standard scale is separated by Green LEDs to indicate normal input-to-track activity from -44 to -12 dBFS, Orange LEDs to indicate a hotter input-to-track activity from -9 to -6 dBFS, and Red LEDs to indicate that the input-to-track activity is approaching clipping from -3 to 0 dBFS.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information and the Track Setup Windows by pressing and holding the LCD Backlight key. When the favorite scale is active, the VU1/VU2/A-H display in the bottom-right corner of the LCD will alternate with the FAV display as shown: At factory default, the favorite meter scale is set to Zoom. The factory Zoom scale is designed to offer the user with a high resolution alternative to the Standard scale. 1. Access the Setup Menu option METER: SCALE. 2.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information formation on actual signal peaks and thus not ideal for use during recording. In VU mode, the front panel meter labeling is in volume units. Peak Only Peak-reading ballistics correspond to actual signal maximums, but don’t necessarily correspond to perceived signal loudness. A peak meter has a near-instantaneous attack to display maximum signal amplitude and a slow decay to allow the user to see them.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Tone Oscillator The tone oscillator can be used as an aid to lining up levels. Both tone level and frequency are user selectable. Reference level is adjustable over a range of 40 to 0 dBFS in the Setup Menu option TONE: LEVEL. The tone frequency is adjustable from 100 to 10,000 Hz in increments of 10 Hz from the Setup Menu option TONE: FREQUENCY.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information White/Green/Red This is the Factory Default setting. The backlight will illuminate White in Standby, Green during Playback, and Red during Recording. Red on Record Only The LCD backlight will illuminate Red during Recording and White for Standby and Playback.. Green on Play Only The LCD backlight will illuminate Green during Playback and White for Standby and Record.. White Only The LCD backlight will remain White at all times.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Wave Agent Metering and Display 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 display 788T track metering, time code, and various other settings. See Wave Agent Control for details. CL-WiFi Metering and Display 7 Monitoring and Metering With a CL-WIFI accessory connected to the C.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 8 File Management and Storage The 788T, like a computer, saves audio recordings to a file system containing files 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.
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 folder, or not used. The name of this folder is inserted in the (Roll) field of the iXML and bEXT chunks. If a TOP-LEVEL folder is in use, the MID-LEVEL folder will be a sub-folder of the TOP-LEVEL folder. If no TOP-LEVEL folder is used, the MID-LEVEL folder will reside at the drive’s root. If set to a new folder will be created daily.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information ties depending on what is selected on the left hand side. File and folder names are listed in the order in which they were recorded. Navigation 8 Moving from file to file is similar to navigating among files on a computer. To access the Drive Directory perform the following: File Management and Storage 1. From the Main screen, press the HDD key to access the Take List. 2. Press the soft DRV (HDD) key to access the Drive Directory.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Selecting Files for Playback Enter the Drive Directory and navigate to the desired file for playback. Once the desired file is highlighted, press play. The 788T will playback according to what has been selected in the PLAY: AUTOPLAY MODE Setup Menu option. If a monophonic file is selected, the 788T will playback all associated monophonic files from the same take simultaneously. See Playback.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information to temporarily hold files which have been deleted. To send a folder and all of its contents to the trash, perform the following: 1. Enter the Drive Directory. 2. Navigate to the folder to be deleted. 3. Press the soft OPTIONS (Fast Forward) key. 4. Select DELETE. 5. You will be prompted to confirm folder deletion. The file has now been moved to the select media’s trash folder and will no longer appear in the Drive Directory.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 3. Press the soft Options (Fast Forward) key to access the Drive Directory Options Menu. Set and Clear Copy Flags File Management and Storage 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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 (file allocation table) and erases all audio and data files present on the medium. Formatting media prevents fragmentation and reduces the likelihood of directory corruption. Be certain that all files on the drive have been backed up to another media before formatting.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 9. Press the soft Check Mark (TONE) key to begin formatting. Press the TONE key to begin formatting When the operation is complete, the 788T will generate a fresh menu hierarchy. Dynamic lists such as track names, scene names, folder options, etc. will be saved. File Management and Storage Storage Media – Internal Drive The 788T and 788T-SSD internal drive is the primary storage medium.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The internal drive is mounted to the bottom-side of the recorder’s chassis and is screwdriver accessible. The drive is “suspended” in the unit with a shock absorbing foam and is attached to the main circuit board via a “flex board”. Since the high-density circuitry and tight construction require specific electronics knowledge, Sound Devices strongly recommends drive replacement be performed by a qualified technician using proper ESD precautions.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information card, consider that the files have been permanently erased. FAT32 volumes generated by the 788T may not be compatible with some consumer electronic devices, including entry-level digital cameras. After recording has stopped, it may take several seconds for the 788T to finish “housekeeping” on CF. When preparing to remove the CF, always observe the CF activity LED. If it is lit yellow or red, wait until it turns green before removing the card.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information After recording to an external drive has stopped, it may take several seconds for the 788T to finish “housekeeping” on drive. This is especially true when recording to DVD-RAM disks, which generally have slower throughput than hard drives. When preparing to disconnect a FireWire drive, always observe the activity LED labeled EX. If it is yellow, wait until it turns green before disconnecting the drive.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information • Copy All [Media] > [Media]: Copies all files from one media to the other. • Last 24Hr [Media] > [Media]: Copies files created in the last 24 hours from one media to the other. • Last 48Hr [Media] > [Media]: Copies files created in the last 48 hours from one media to the other. • Flagged [Media] > [Media]: Copies all files with their Copy Flag set from one media to the other.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 2. Navigate to the Setup Menu Option File: Copy Files. 3. Highlight and select the option Flagged INHDD > CF. Error Conditions: If a file is too large for the destination storage media, the 788T will prompt to skip that file and continue with the next or abort copying all together. If an error occurs while copying, the 788T will prompt to cancel the transfer.
3. Connect the 788T to the host computer with a FireWire 400, FireWire 800, or USB cable. If connecting with a USB cable make sure that the Setup Menu option CONNECTION MODE is set to Connect as Mass Storage. No drivers are required if the computer meets the requirements. See Specifications. 4.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 8 File Management and Storage 98 v. 3.02 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 9 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, Sound Devices CL-2 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Shortcut Key Function Delete Scene/Track Lists: Deletes entry when permitted String User Interface: Deletes character when permitted Insert Setup User Interface Menu: Toggles Markers String User Interface: Inserts a space when permitted Custom Assignment “Hot Key” Shortcut Edit User Interface Menu: Selects Hot Key In Set Key Mode Global: Executes Command if function is assigned to Hot Key 01 - 99 (number sequence) Setup User Interface Menu: Jumps
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 2. Select an unassigned shortcut number for programming. If a duplicate key sequence is selected the lowest shortcut number action takes place. The example below shows the F1 key being reprogrammed. 3. 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. Remote Control Shortcut number.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Jam Time Code Item Jams given TimeCode parameter Edit Time Code Item Opens the TimeCode: Jam Menu Edit screen for the given parameter Key Shortcuts 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information master unit slave unit slave unit The 788T C. Link In port is disabled when the Setup Menu Connection Mode is set to Wave Agent CTRL. 788T Multi-Unit Linking is not supported when this mode is selected. When linked, ttansport and false take commands on slave units will not affect units “above” in the linked chain. This makes it possible for units to get out of synchronization if a unit other than the master is controlled.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information C.Link Setup Procedure To link 788T units: Connect multiple units as shown in the illustration above, using the Sound Devices XL-RJ cable. Note: Although the C.Link jacks use a standard 6P6C connector, the C.Link communication protocol requires a non-standard wiring configuration. RJ11, RJ14, RJ25, etc cables are not compatible! 2. On all units, set the Setup Menu option CONNECTION MODE to something other than WAVE AGENT CTRL (USB ONLY).
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 6. Wait for the slave unit(s) Media Activity LEDs to extinguish before pressing record again on the master. If record is pressed while the Media Activity LEDs are on, the slave units may not receive the record command. C.Link Metadata Sharing (788T Only) When Setup Menu option CONNECTION MODE is set to C-LINK METADATA SHARING, the master unit will share additional information with the slave unit. All 788T recorders in the C.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information • • • • • • • • • • • • Changing of sampling rate, frame rate, and start time code metadata stamps Splitting and combining polyphonic and monophonic files with selectable track assignments Batch editing Generating customized PDF and CSV Sound Reports Large time code display Monitor mixer with faders, pans, solos, mutes, and meters Drag-and-drop operation Comprehensive keyboard shortcuts for accelerated operation Mac OS and Windows compatible Remote Record
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Connecting the CL-WIFI 1. Connect the included Wi-Fi antenna to the CL-WIFI by screwing it in place. Do not use any tools. 2. Connect the included C.Link cable to the 788T’s C.Link Input connector. 3. Connect the opposite end of the C.Link cable to the CL-WIFI’s C.Link connector. The C.Link port on the 788T provides power for CL-WIFI operation. Configuring the CL-WIFI Once the CL-WIFI is properly connected, it must be configured from the 788T. 1.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Configuring Apple iOS Wi-Fi Settings In order for the CL-WiFi application to communicate with the 788T, a device-to-device (ad-hoc) network connection must be established between the CL-WIFI and the Apple iOS device. Make certain the the CL-WIFI interface is connected to the 788T, configured, powered on, and within range. see Connecting the CL-WIFI and Configuring the CL-WIFI. 2.
5. Touch the right-facing, blue arrow next to the CL-WIFI’s SSID in the list of Wi-Fi networks or devices. If Auto-Join is set to OFF, touch the switch to turn it ON. 6. Wait 5 seconds for the iOS device to initialize connection to the CL-WIFI. On iOS versions lower than 7, an icon will appear in the upper-left corner indicating a connection is established. This icon indicates that the ad-hoc network is properly configured between the iOS device and the CL-WIFI interface.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information • Reset the network settings in the iOS devices general settings. CL-WiFi Application for Apple iOS The CL-WiFi application is available for free from the Apple App Store. Simply search the App Store for “CL-WiFi” and install the application. The CL-WiFi application features four views: Transport, Take List, Routing, and Info. The views are accessed by the tabs on the bottom of the screen.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Absolute Time Frame Rate Current filename Stop Record Circle Take Timecode Remote Control False Take Track Meters Inputs Armed Track Enabled Unarmed Track Unarmed Track Track Editing Mode toggle Enabling Tracks 9 Enabled tracks are indicated in red, disabled tracks are indicated in white, and tracks that are enabled but not armed are indicated in blue.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Renaming Tracks To rename a track, first ensure that the Name/Enable mode is set to Track Name by pushing the Track Name button. In Track Name mode, touch the track to change its name. This action is performed in the Track view on the iPod and iPhone. Take List 9 Pushing the Take List tab on the bottom of the screen will display the Take List.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Routing The routing view displays a matrix of buttons that indicate which inputs are routed to which tracks. Tracks are represented by rows and inputs are represented by columns. To toggle a routing, touch the button that corresponds to that routing. An orange background on a track label indicates that all inputs routed to that track are routed postfader, while a green backround indicates that all inputs routed to that track are routed pre-fader.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 10 Hardware Controllers CL-1 Keyboard and Remote Control Interface 10 Hardware Controllers The CL-1 Keyboard and Remote Control Interface is an available hardware accessory to interface with PS/2 compliant computer keyboards and enable external devices to control the 788T. When using the CL-1, front panel controls and menu selections on the 788T can be mapped to keyboard shortcuts, allowing for full keyboard control of the recorder.
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. A switch connected between the assigned pin and ground (pin-7) will form a circuit. Closing the circuit will activate the programmed action.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-2 Remote Fader (optional) 10 Hardware Controllers The CL-2 Remote Fader is an optional accessory for the 788T/788T-SSD Digital Recorders. The unit’s linear fader can be programmed for fader control of any 788T input. The CL-2 can be mounted directly to most boom poles for easy level control of the assigned channel. The CL-2 is also usable in-hand or placed a flat surface.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-2 Panel Descriptions 3 C.Link Out Connector 5 4 5) 6-pin modular (“RJ-12”) connector. Not a telephone jack! Connects to the 788T C.Link In for power and operation of the CL-2. 2) 3) 4) 6) PWR/Media Activity LED Multipurpose LED REC LED Illuminates red when the 788T is actively recording. Logic Switch 3 - 4 Logic 3 is a latching switch, Logic 4 is a momentary switch.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Fader Assignment The CL-2 Fader controls the fader level of any 788T Input. Fader assignment is done in Setup Menu option CL-2: FADER ASSIGN. When connected, the 788T fader or CL-8 fader (if attached) of the selected input will be disabled and replaced by the CL-2 fader. Movement of the 788T or CL-8 fader will have no effect on an assigned input while the CL-2 is connected.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Switches 1, 4 (Momentary) Momentary Toggle Switches 2, 3 (Latching) Notes Toggle Only Rotary Switch Push Button Acts as Rotary Switch Push Button Performs action defined in Setup Menu option HP: Rotary Push Function Rotary Switch Up Acts as Rotary Switch Up (Toggles headphone routings in Main LCD display) Rotary Switch Down Acts as Rotary Switch Down (Toggles headphone routings in Main LCD display) PFL 1-8 Sw
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-8 Controller (optional) 10 The CL-8 Controller is an optional control surface for the 788T Digital Recorder that significantly expands 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information same, provided that the fader levels have not been adjusted. If the check mark is selected, the 788T will revert back to stand alone operation. Refer to the CL-8 user guide for complete instructions on how to physically mount the CL-8 to the 788T.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-8 Side Panel Descriptors 1 2 3 ALT SLATE 1) Alt Button 10 Press to toggle between the CL-8 Views (Main, Aux Routing, and Input Settings). See CL-8 Views for more details. 2) Slate Mic Button Hardware Controllers Press and hold to activate the 788T Slate Mic. To adjust the Slate Mic gain, activate the Slate Mic then turn the Rotary Switch. Gain is adjustable from -46 to 6 dB in 1 dB increments.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-8 Fader Control The rotary-style Faders control the post-fade level of any input sent to a track post-fader. Fader levels are relative to the trim level of the selected input. At Factory Default, the fader range is -infinity to +15 dB of gain. The 0 dB or unity gain position can be calibrated using the 788T Setup Menu option FADER CAL.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Aux Routing View From the Aux Routing View any input can be routed to Track X1 (Aux 1) or X2 (Aux 2) by pressing the A and B buttons respectively. While in the Aux Routing View the L, R, Lim, Input Polarity and High-Pass Filter LED indicators are disabled. The Aux 1 and 2 LEDs will illuminate solid for any input that is currently routed to X1 and X2 tracks. The LED illuminates green when the input is routed pre-fade to the Aux track.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The Com Input source is defined in the Setup Menu option COMMS: INPUT SOURCE as: • Disabled, • Built-In, • or, External (Input 8) The selected source serves as the send for the Slate system. At Factory Default, the Com Send Source is disabled. When set to disabled the Slate button is disabled. The Com Send Source shares Input 8’s signal path. When the Slate is active the Input 8 destinations will be silent.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 3. Press in on the Rotary Switch to toggle the routing status of a selected destination. The Slate Mic is routed to all of the highlighted options. Slate Mic Level The Slate Mic gain level can be adjusted from -46 to 6 dB in 1 dB increments. Follow these steps to adjust the gain of the Slate Mic. From the 788T’s Main LCD Screen, press and hold the SLATE button on the CL-8’s Left Panel. 2. Turn the Rotary Switch to adjust the gain.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-9 Linear Fader Controller (optional) The CL-9 Linear Fader Controller is an optional accessory for the 788T Digital Recorder. It significantly expands the mixing capability and accessibility of the recorder. The following is a list of key features of the CL-9.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information If disconnected, the 788T retains all CL-9 settings unless the user confirms disconnection. All CL-9 only settings will then be disabled, including Fader levels, COMs, Slate, EQ, Pan, and Output Mute. If the CL-9 is reconnected without pressing confirmation, the 788T returns to the screen viewed prior to disconnection. All settings remain the same, provided that the fader levels have not been adjusted.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 13) A solid blue LED indicates that the respective track is armed and ready to record. A flashing blue LED indicates that the track is enabled but no active input is routed to it and it will not be recorded. The LED remains off when the track is disabled. The LED flashes green to indicate that the track is soloed and Input-toTrack Routing is active for that track. See CL-9 Input-to-Track Routing. 6) Two-position switch.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 20) Pan/User 3 Button 22) Press to enter Pan Mode. Press shift then PAN Button to enter User 3 as defined in the Setup Menu option CL-9: USER 1-4 ASSIGN. See Pan Mode. 21) EQ Frequency/User 1 Button Press to enter EQ Frequency Mode. Press shift then EQ FREQ Button to enter User 1 as defined in the Setup Menu option CL-9: USER 1-4 ASSIGN.. See EQ Frequency Mode. Press EQ GAIN and EQ FREQ Buttons together to enter Q-Factor Mode. See Q-Factor Mode.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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. The Faders range is selected in the Setup Menu option INPUT: FADER RANGE between Wide, Fade Only, and Narrow. A Wide range (factory default) results in fader control from negative infinity (off) to +15 dB.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information When linked, the track levels of the pair are controlled by a single gain control; Tracks L and R are controlled by the L Master Gain Level Control and Tracks X1 and X2 are controlled by the X1 gain level. CL-9 Headphone Monitor The Sound Mixer is able to monitor several sources in headphones, including the 788T Headphone Monitor Selection, COM Sends, and the CL-9 Returns.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information CL-9 Level Control to perform “X” actions in the Setup Menu. That is, cancel and exit menus. Press and hold the CL-9 Level Control to immediately return to the 788T Main LCD Display. Soloing Inputs. Outputs, or Tracks The CL-9 allows the Sound Mixer to quickly solo any input, output, or track. To solo an input in the headphone monitor, press and release the Rotary Encoder for that input.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information celeration” here refers the speed at which the value changes relative to the speed at which the Rotary Encoder is rotated. • Classic: The acceleration algorithm is the same as past firmware versions. • Fixed (Max): Each click of the Rotary Encoder will adjust the value at the maximum incremental amount. • 2-Speed (Up to max): 2 different adjustment rates that correspond to increasing rotation speeds.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Mode Ring LED 788T LCD Display Encoder Turn Encoder Press Encoder Press and Hold EQ Frequency Metering (PFL + Post-EQ) Input Solo (yellow) Input Mute (red) EQ Frequency in Hz EQ Frequency adjust Toggles Input Solo Toggles EQ On/Off (Bypass control) EQ Gain Metering (PFL + Post-EQ) Input Solo (yellow) Input Mute (red) EQ Gain in dB EQ Gain adjust Toggles Input Solo Toggles EQ On/Off (Bypass control) Q Factor Metering (PFL + Post-EQ) Input
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information EQ Q-Factor 10 Simultaneously press the EQ FREQ and EQ GAIN buttons to enter Q-Factor Mode. In EQ Q-Factor Mode, turn an input’s Rotary Encoder to adjust the Q-Factor of the respective input. The Q-factor is adjustable from 0.1 to 10 in 0.1 steps. To Bypass an EQ setting, press and hold the input’s Rotary Encoder for one second or longer.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Output Mutes are only available with a CL-9 attached. Muted outputs return to the set level in Setup Menu option OUTPUT X: ANALOG GAIN when the CL-9 is disconnected. User Modes (U1-U4) The CL-9 has four assignable User Modes. User Modes are assigned in the Setup Menu option CL-9 USER 1-4: ASSIGN. User selectable modes include: • Input Limiter Mode • Input Delay Mode • Input Low Cut Mode • Input Polarity Mode • Phantom Power Mode • None 1.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Mode Ring LED 788T LCD Display Encoder Turn Encoder Press Encoder Press and Hold Phantom (User Mode) Metering (PFL + Post-EQ) Input Solo (yellow) Input Mute (red) 48V, 48VL, 48V Off N/A Toggles Input Solo Toggles 48V, 48VL, and Off Input Delay (User Mode) Metering (PFL + Post-EQ) Input Solo (yellow) Input Mute (red) Input Delay in mS Input Delay adjust Toggles Input Solo N/A Polarity (User Mode) Metering (PFL + Post-EQ) Input Solo (yellow)
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information are reduced to 15 mS with sampling rates at or above 88.2 kHz and 7.5 mS with sampling rates at or above 96.096 kHz. The Input Delay values are displayed on the 788T Main LCD Display while in Input Delay Mode. Input Polarity Mode (User) Hardware Controllers In Input Polarity Mode, press and hold the input’s Rotary Encoder for one second or longer to toggle the polarity of an input between normal and reversed.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Track LED Track Status Description 10 Off Track is disabled and will not be recorded. Track is 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, without having to record it. Flashing Blue Track is enabled but will not be recorded.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The Com Send Source shares Input 8’s signal path. This allows for flexible routing of the Com send source for all communication systems. However, this does mean that whenever a communication system is active the Input 8 routing destinations receive the Com Send signal. 1. Enter the Setup Menu option COMMS: SEND SOURCE. 2. Select the External (Input 8) option. A Notice appears reminding the user that the Slate and Comms use input 8’s signal path.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information The Slate gain level can be adjusted from -40 to 6 dB in 1 dB increments. Follow these steps to adjust the gain of the Slate Mic from the CL-9. From the CL-9, press and release the Shift Button, the Shift LED flashes blue. 2. Slide and hold the Slate (RTN2) Switch to the right. This will activate the Slate Mic. 3. Turn the CL-9 Headphone Level Control to adjust the gain.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information When a RTN is activated, the current headphone monitor selection is dimmed by -20 dB to allow for clearer monitoring of the Return signal. This behavior can be changed in the Setup Menu option HP: COMS AUTO GAIN CONTROL so that the headphone program remains at normal level or is muted when a RTN is activated. The respective Return signal is sent to the headphone monitor when the respective COM is activated.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Slide and hold the COM1 or COM2 switch to the left. This will activate the respective COM circuit. 2. Turn the CL-9 Headphone Level Control to adjust the gain. The gain level is momentarily displayed in the Sample Rate field of the 788T Main LCD display. 3. Release the COM Switch to deactivate the COM. 10 1.
Hardware Controllers 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 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. This prevents unintentional Stop commands. CL-9 Footswitch 10 On the CL-9 Rear Panel there is a 1/4-inch TRS jack for Footswitch control.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Output Impedance Front Panel Headphone Outputs 3.5mm and 1/4-inch: TRS, unbalanced, 20 ohm Rear Panel Line-Level Headphone Output: TRS, unbalanced,100 ohm Frequency Response Any Input to any Output: 20 Hz to 20kHz ± 1dB re 1kHz Footswitch Input +3.3V at 1k, tip to sleeve, +3.3V at 1k, ring to sleeve, both active low Dimensions 2.75” x 13.75” x 8.75” (H x W x D) 7 cm x 34.5 cm x 22.5 cm (H x W x D) Weight 4 lbs 11 oz 2.
10 Hardware Controllers 788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 147
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 11 Setup and Shortcut Reference Setup Menu 11 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, flat architecture with no sub-menus, making it easy to navigate. Each menu option controls a specific parameter with several selections.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Description Options • INHDD Only • CF Only • EXHDD Only • INHDD and CF • EXHDD and INHDD • EXHDD and CF • EXHDD and INHDD and CF Factory Default Rec: Media Select Selects the storage media used for recording. Media is selectable even if it is not present. The 788T will only record to 2 media when recording 9+ tracks. 8. Rec: Scene Name/Number User-defined, alpha-numeric file scene names can be pre-set and selected from a list.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information # Setup Name Description Allows the user to setup the routing matrix among all available inputs and tracks. There are preset routings and three custom routings available. 18. Input: Track Routing Press and hold the STOP key then press the INPUT key repeatedly to cycle through all preset routings. This only routes Inputs to Tracks, Track arming is done independently in the Track Settings Window. 11 Setup and Shortcut Reference 19. 20. 21. 22.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Description Factory Default Options 23. Input: Limiter Threshold Selects the threshold at which the input limiters will become active across all inputs where the input limiter has been enabled in the Input Settings Window. 24. Input: Limiter Recovery Adjusts the recovery time of the limiter in milliseconds.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information # 11 37. Setup and Shortcut Reference 38. 39. Setup Name File: Sound Report File: Marker Mode File: Max Size Description Manage data for sound reports. Enables the user to set cue points or begin recording a new take by pressing the REC key while in Record mode. Selects the file size when the 788T will close, then start a new file. The 788T will not record a file larger than the selected size.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 43. 44. 45. Description Selects whether the flag bit is cleared or not on files copied from one media to another. • Disabled • Enabled Enabled Sets the time code frame rate. All common time code frame rates are available. • 23.976 • 24 • 25 • 29.97 • 29.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information # Setup Name 52. Output 1: Analog Gain 53. Output 2: Analog Gain 54. Output 3: Analog Gain 55. Output 4: Analog Gain 56. Output 5: Analog Gain 57. Output 6: Analog Gain Description Selectable from -40 to 0 dB in 1 dB increments -4 dB • Disabled • Enabled Disabled • Consumer • Professional Professional • Disabled • Play all • Repeat one • Repeat all Play all 58. Digital Input: AES42 Power 59.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Description Factory Default Options 69. Meter: Peak Hold Time Adjusts the duration for which the peak LED stays illuminated. 0 to 5 seconds adjustable in increments of .1 sec 0 seconds 70. Meter: Input Peak Threshold Sets the level in which the Input Activity Ring LEDS will illuminate red. Selectable from -1 to -20 dBFS in 1 dB increments -3 dBFS 71. Meter: Input LED Ring Mode Enables or disables Input Activity LEDs by color.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information # Description Factory Default Options 11 76. HP: Favorite Mode Selects the audio source monitored when the Rotary Switch is pressed during Record or Playback. Any of the HP: Monitor Modes can be selected as the HP: Favorite Mode. See the above chart for options. Tracks L,R 77. HP: Playback Mode Selects the audio source sent to the headphones during Playback. • No change • Same options listed in HP: Monitor Modes Tracks L,R 78.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Description Power: Ext Power Function Controls the behavior of the unit when power is applied to the external DC jack. • Do Nothing • Power On Unit • Power On and Start Record • Power On/Off unit • Power On/Off unit and Record Do Nothing 92. Power: Battery Charger Determines when the Sony L-Mount will charge when connected to external power. • Off • Charge only when unit is on • Charge only when unit is off • Always charge Always charge 93.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information # Setup Name Description 104. Info: Version Shows the current firmware revision, 1394 revision, and serial number of the unit. 105. Update Software Used to install new firmware. It will search both internal drive and Compact Flash media for the firmware file and prompt to update. Options Factory Default Saving and Recalling User Settings 11 User Settings From SUP Files User settings can be saved to the internal drive or to a CF card.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information ber. Any number of bread crumbs can be set, but their utility is reduced when too many have been applied.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Function Key Sequence + Rotary Switch Backlight / LED Level Flashlight Mode + + Action LCD BACKLIGHT + Rotary Switch Press and hod the LCD Backlight key and turn the Rotary Switch to adjust the level of LED brightness. Press and hold the LCD Backlight key and press in on the Rotary Switch to turn on the LCD Backlight. REWIND + PLAY + STOP With the unit powered down, hold down these keys while powering the unit to enter Flashlight mode.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 12 Specifications System Sampling Frequency internal: 32, 44.1, 47.952, 48, 48.048, 88.2, 96, 96.096, 176.4, 192 external clocking: 32–192 kHz via word clock or digital inputs AES/EBU inputs can accept signals from 32-192 kHz when sync reference = internal (SRC enabled).
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Inputs/Outputs – Digital AES3 Balanced AES out 1-4 on TA3 connector; Balanced AES out 5-6 on DE-15 connector110 ohm, 2 V p-p, AES and S/ PDIF compatible with RCA adaptor Balanced AES in 1-8 on DE-15 connector110 ohm, 2 V p-p, AES and S/PDIF compatible with RCA adaptor AES42 AES42 Mode 1 operating system, provides +10 V Digital Phantom Power to Digital Input pairs (menu-selectable). Digital Storage 12 Internal Drive 788T - SATA interface 2.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Other Tone Oscillator 100 Hz–10 kHz, variable output, assigned to tracks or outputs (menu-selectable) Dimensions and Weight Size 45 mm x 257 mm x 163 mm (H x W x D) 1.8” x 10.1” x 6.4” Mass unpackaged: 1.7 kg, (3 lbs 12 oz.) without battery Pin Assignments Notes XLR Analog Inputs 1-4 1 – ground 2 – signal (+) 3 – signal (-) 3.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Connector Pin Assignments Notes USB-A Keyboard Input center pin – signal sleeve – ground For use with USB Keyboards only. Data transfer is not supported. C. Link In / Out 1 – +3.3 V 2 – Tx (output) 3 – ground 4 – Rx (input) 5 – WC in 6 – TC in Not a telephone jack! Used for Multi-Unit Linking and to connect to CL-1 Keyboard and Remote Roll Accessory and CL-2 Remote Fader. C.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 13 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Sound Devices Wave Agent file librarian for Mac OS and Windows computers. Wave Agent provides a comprehensive and indispensable range of tools for preparing audio files for problem-free passage through complex production workflows. Wave Agent allows a 788T to be connected via USB for extended metering and control. For more details and download visit www.waveagent.com.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 14 Appendix Software License End-user license agreement for Sound Devices 7-Series Embedded Software / Firmware Important Read carefully: This Sound Devices, LLC end-user license agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Sound Devices, LLC for the Sound Devices, LLC software product identified above, which includes computer software, embedded software, and may include associated media, printed materia
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information 788T 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: 14 Appendix 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.
788T/788T-SSD User Guide and Technical Information Warranty and Technical Support Warranty & Service Sound Devices, LLC warrants the 788T recorder against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase.
788T/788T-SSD rev. 3.02 - Printed in U.S.A.
