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High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time Code User Guide

1. MP3 mono 16 32 44 1 48 1 MP3 no 32 64 96 128 160 192 256 320 MP3 stereo 16 32 44 1 48 2 MP3 no 32 64 96 128 160 192 256 320 For MP2 Stereo the per channel bit rate is half of the selected bit rate MP3 Stereo uses Joint Stereo Coding which improves per channel resolution over MP2 Stereo but can not be quantified into a specific per channel bit rate IXML The 744T includes iXML revision 1 5 data in addition to the broadcast wave extension data For iXML aware software applications this data is available For applications that don t recognize ixML this information is ignored Notes iXML supports notes fields From the File Viewer select OPTIONS then Notes HIIS ename TrackH TAZ MAL x COPY FLAG w Using an external keyboard via the CL 1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface the entry of notes is much quicker than using the Rotary Switch If time code is turned off metadata will still be written SOUND DEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Recording Time Calculation The calculation of available 744T recording time involves three factors e track count how many concurrent audio tracks are selected for recording e data rate calculated from the sampling rate and bit depth for non compressed audio and by bit rate for data compressed audio Data rate determines how big the data container i
2. 76 INHDD Space Shows the drive file system total size and space remaining on the internal hard drive 77 _ INHDD Erase Formats the internal hard drive Caution while various PC utilities are able to recover files from a re formatted drive once formatted old audio data is not accessible by the 744T e Empty Trash e Empty False Takes i Empty both 78 INHDD Repair Runs a utility to repair minor errors in the directory FAT of the drive 79 INHDD Empty Trash Allows user to delete files previously sent to the trash as well as false takes 80 CF Space Shows the drive file system total size and space remaining on connected CompactFlash medium 81 CF Erase Formats installed CompactFlash medium Caution while various PC utilities are able to recover files from re formatted drives once formatted old audio data is not accessible by the 744T 82 CF Repair l Runs a utility that will repair minor errors in the directory structure of the CompactFlash 83 CF Empty Trash Allows user to delete files previously sent to the trash as well as false takes e Empty Trash e Empty False Takes Empty both 84 EXHDD Space Shows the drive file system total size and space remaining on connected external medium 85 EXHDD Erase Formats attached FireWire storage volume Cauti
3. Connect switches between assigned pins 1 6 pin 7 ground and pin 8 5V on the CL 1 See Logic Inputs and Outputs The C Link port on the 744T provides power for CL 1 operation Keyboard Assignments Standard keyboard shortcuts have been pre assigned and are listed below Menu Keys Shortcut Key Function Cancel Exits without saving in all menus Enter o Ok Exits with saving in all menus Check Mark or Edit Mirrors the LCD Up Arrow in all menus Mirrors the LCD Down Arrow in all menus Left Arrow Mirrors the LCD RWD Arrow in all menus oo Route User Interface Un assign Route Time Menu Moves to previous field Right Arrow irrors the LCD FFWD Arrow in all menus Custom Route User Interface Assign Route InRoute User Interface Edit if on Custom Route File User Interface Selects Options for Folders Files when displayed Shortcut Edit User Interface Edit shortcut if on shortcut number Scene Track Lists Edits Same as hitting Play button Time Menu Moves to next field CTRL Up Arrow Setup User Interface Menu Moves to the previous category CTRL Down Arrow Setup User Interface Menu Moves to the next category Page Up Setup User Interface Menu Moves to the previous category or marker Page Down Setup User Interface Menu Moves to the next category or marker Shortcut Edit User Interface Menu Same as Enter Setup User Interface Menu Moves to the top of the list File User Interface
4. Moves to the top of the list Shortcut Edit User Interface Goes to first shortcut number or Hot Key String User Interface Goes to the beginning of the string Setup User Interface Menu Moves to the bottom of the list Shortcut Edit User Interface Goes to last shortcut number or Hot Key String User Interface Goes to the end of the string being edited Scene Track Lists Deletes entry when permitted String User Interface Deletes character when permitted EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Setup User Interface Menu Toggles Markers String User Interface Inserts a space when permitted 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 to menu list number Shortcut User Interface Menu Jumps to shortcut number String Edits amp Take Name Number Renaming amp Notes Hot Key Function ASCII Characters Scene Prints Character and moves to next character Take 0 9 Prints Number A Z Prints Spacer Take Same as Reset Play Button Ok Exits with saving Down Arrow Left Arrow Right Arrow Next Character in both menus Goes to the beginning of string being edited Goes to the end of the string being edited Assignable Shortcuts Keyboar
5. 16 bit 24 bit 5 i Rec File Type Selects the file format type recorded to the e wav poly MP3 320 kb s selected medium e wav mono MP2 64 kb s i e flac MP2 96 kb s 6 l Rec Media Select 7 Rec Scene Name Number Selects the storage media used for recording Media is selectable even if it is not present User defined alpha numeric file scene names can be pre set and selected from a list Scene name lists can be saved to hard drive Up to 9 alpha numeric characters can be entered for the scene name Scene name can also be left blank e MP3 32 kb s e MP3 64 kb s e MP3 96 kb s MP2 128 kb s MP2 160 kb s MP2 192 kb s e MP3 128 kb s MP2 256 kb s e MP3 160 kb s MP2 320 kb s e MP3 192 kb s MP2 384 kb s e MP3 256 kb s e INHDD Only INHDD and CF CF Only EXHDD and INHDD e EXHDD Only EXHDD and CF EXHDD and INHDD and CF e lt None gt e lt Add New Entry gt e lt Add New Entry gt e lt Load List From INHDD gt e lt Save List From INHDD gt SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Rec Track Names Setup Description used to identify a track name which shows up in iXML and BWF metadata Setup Options e Track A e Mix e Track B Boom e Track C e lt Add New Entry gt e Track D e lt Load List From INHDD gt e lt Save List From INHDD gt Rec Take Name Number Numeric auto incrementing n
6. C C Track A B MS D D Track A B MS CD CD Stereo monitoring of discrete M mid and S side track pairs Highlighted media is source of monitor program Upon playback will function as MS track monitor Monitor A B MS Monitor C D MS Stereo monitoring of playback post record discrete M mid and S side track pairs Highlighted media is source of monitor program When not in playback headphones have no program Inputs 1 2 3 4 Inputs 1 2 3 4 Inputs 1 2 1 2 Inputs 1 3 1 3 Inputs 2 4 2 4 Inputs 3 4 3 4 Inputs 1 2 3 4 Inputs 1 3 2 4 Combinations of summed inputs appear in each ear The first selection is summed mono monitoring of all four inputs Tracks A B C D Tracks A B C D Tracks A B A B Tracks A C A C Tracks B D B D Tracks C D C D Tracks A B C D Tracks A C B D Tracks A C A D Tracks B C B D Tracks A B C A B D Combinations of summed tracks appear in each ear The first selection is summed mono monitoring of all four tracks Inputs B format stereo Tracks B format stereo The built in SoundField B format decoder uses three input or record tracks to build a left right stereo signal for monitoring When tracks A B C or D are monitored in headphones audio assigned to the tracks is heard in head phones during recording During playback the recorded track audio is heard in headphones SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information To set t
7. When linked record start and stop 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 set to record or stop Using the master unit will assure that all machines begin and end recording together The C Link jack is a proprietary RS 232 port Under no circumstances should analog or digital telephone lines be connected to either jack Serious damage to the recorder could result 22 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Outputs Analog and Digital The 744T has two two channel output buses the Master Output Bus and Output Bus 2 Each of these buses is assigned audio sources independently enabling the 744T to feed multiple outputs with unique program The chart below shows the audio sources available for the each channel of the Master Output Bus and Output Bus 2 connections The audio sources for each output bus are selected in the setup menu Available Output Sources Description Input 1 Inputs are assignable for each channel of the output bus Input 2 When inputs are selected as the source for the outputs the state of recording or Input 3 playback activity has no effect on the output signal This allow uninterrupted audio Input 4 at the outputs Track A Track B Track C Track Multiple inputs are summed with these sel
8. back shows the file bit depth Sample Rate Indicator Shows the set record sampling rate In playback shows the file sampling rate a Time Code Rate Shows the set time code frame rate If a file has time code information embed ded the playback frame rate is indi cated If external time code is connected and the external rate differs from the rate set internally the time code rate will flash Headphone Source Display Indicates the source for headphone out put Sources and selection order are user selectable in the setup menus Time Code Display In stop and record shows the time code generated or received by the 744T In play mode the display shows the play file s time code information if avail able If non time code files are playing the display shows dashes The time code display can be exchanged with the A time display via a user menu selection External Media Space Status space remaining record ready If a drive is not attached the indicator shows dashed lines Bar graph indicates amount of record time remaining on the external FireWire volume Numbers show time in hours and minutes based on the presently selected number of record tracks sample frequency bit rate and file type SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information o Ea ee 99343 18 78 wR BF Spat Gi 1PM 24h lt 4 45k oo E TELD a HAL i 21F4 CF GSS kts PE PEE 29
9. pin 4 See Powering section for additional details Environmental Operation and Storage ambient temperature 5 55 C relative humidity non condensing lt 80 Other LCD Display 202 x 32 pixels extended temperature backlit display Tone Oscillator 100 Hz 10 kHz variable output assigned to tracks or outputs menu selectable Quick Setups four factory presets one user setup stored to CF or HD as data file Dimensions and Weight Size 45 mm x 209 mm x 125 mm H x W x D 1 8 x 8 2 x 4 9 Mass unpackaged 1 2 kg 2 6 Ibs without battery 78 78 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Connector Pin Assignments Each connector type electrical characteristics and pin assignment is shown below Connector Pin Assignments Notes XLR 1 ground 7 5k ohm input impedance mic level Analog Inputs 2 signal 20k ohm input impedance line level 3 signal active balanced XLR 1 ground transformer balanced for use 110 ohm twisted pair AES Inputs 2 signal cabling AES3 specification 3 signal TA3M 1 ground 20k ohm input impedance line level Inputs 2 signal active balanced Mates with Switchcraft TA3F type con 3 signal nector TA3M 1 ground 120 ohm output impedance active balanced Master Output Bus 2 signal For unbalanced connection pin 1 ground
10. 744T User Guide and Technical Information File Size Maximum The 744T storage volumes internal hard drive CF external drives are formatted and write to FAT32 file structures This structure allows these drives to directly mount in a wide variety of computer platforms including Windows and Mac OS Using the FireWire connection both internal drives in ternal hard drive and CF appear as external FAT32 volumes Windows XP has a limitation on FAT32 drive formatting XP can format a FAT32 volume to a maximum of 32 GB however it can read FAT32 volumes as large as 2 TB FAT32 has a maximum individual file size limitation of 4 GB While it is possible to have thousands of files on the 744T storage volume s the largest any single file may be is 4 GB The 744T automati cally splits an audio file before the 1 8 GB size is reached and begins writing to a new file When joined in an editing program these files match seamlessly with no samples lost The 744T has menu selectable file size maximums of 512 MB 1 GB 2 GB and 4 GB The 512 MB size allows the user to break an audio program into CD R sized files for backup to inexpensive CD R medium There is also a selection of sizes to ensure that files recorded will fit onto common CompactFlash card capacities Setting Clearing Flag Bits Pressing the tone key in the File Viewer display opens the SET OR CLEAR FLAG BIT screen The options for setting or clearing flag bits include set or
11. Drive Type The 744T ships with a 2 5 inch ATA 5 interface 5400 RPM hard drive Sound Devices has chosen the specific mechanism for maximum vibration and shock resistance Most 2 5 inch drives conforming to the ATA specification can be substituted for the factory hard drive When choosing a substitute hard drive note that higher RPM hard drives draw more current reducing battery run time Higher speed drives may be used with the 744T however they will not significantly improve performance They will slightly increase transfer throughput with the penalty of increased current draw and reduced battery run time The 744T can address drives with capacities up to 2 TB Drive Replacement The internal hard drive can be removed and replaced if the device fails or if a different capacity drive is needed The internal hard drive is not intended to be a swappable deliverable medium Its multi pin connector is not rated for repeated insertion and removal cycles and may be prone to breakage with repeated cycling In typical service conditions Sound Devices recommends hard drive replacement once every three years The hard 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 unit s high density circuitry and tight construction require specific electronics knowledge
12. External drive or any combinations of the three drives for recording Time Code Setup When using a time code workflow proper time code setup is essential for accuracy Skip this section if time code is not being used 1 Select a time code frame rate appropriate for your project For film production typical the time code rates are 30 fps non drop US or 25 fps EU For standard definition video projects use either 29 97 or 29 97 non drop For high definition projects use either 23 976 or 29 97 2 Select the time code run mode free run record run 24 hr run or one of the external run modes 3 Use the 744T as the master clock source and jam time code to all other recording devices This will assure that every device is using the same time reference See Time Code for additional information on time code setup Recording With file parameters set you are ready to begin recording The 744T is a record priority device pressing the record key cancels all functions except file based operations and immediately begins recording a new file When record is pressed the red record LED illuminates to confirm record mode The filename on the LCD display shows the currently recorded file Push and hold the CD STOP key to end recording Playback When recording is stopped the most recently recorded file is immediately available for playback Press the gt key to begin file playback from the beginning of the file a v 2 40 Fe
13. FireWire and moved back to its original folder Files and folders moved to the trash cannot be removed from the trash from the 7 Series recorder False Take Control To identify a take as a false take perform the following Press stop D to end recording 1 2 Wait for the file to finish writing the activity LED will turn off 3 Hold down the stop key and press rewind to be prompted to delete the most recent take 4 Press the soft check box to delete the take Files that have been deleted as false takes are moved to the FALSETAKES folder This folder sits in the drive root When recording to internal hard drive CompactFlash and external FireWire storage devices files from each media will be moved to each media s FALSETAKES folder False takes will remain on the drive until the FALSETAKES folder is deleted see Emptying the Trash and False Take Folders above SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Emptying the Trash and False Take Folders Files that have been moved to the trash and false take folders see below can be permanently delet ed from the recorder Each drive has its own Trash and False Take folders and they are permanently deleted independently 15 Wil elete lles in the trash tolder Are sou sure Once the trash and False Take folders have been emptied any files or folders they contain are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered Take Number Incrementing To
14. check with post produc tion if possible As a rough guideline video for NTSC broadcast is drop frame Whether at drop or non drop rates make certain all time code devices are at the same rate 1 Set the 744T to either 29 97DF or 29 97 respectively 2 Jam the camera using a LEMO 5 to BNC adapter cable connected to the time code input on the video camera 3 Switch the camera to free run time code The 744T time code should appear in the time code display on the camera 4 Disconnect the time code cable The camera and recorder time code should now be running in sync Check it after roughly 5 minutes to be certain synchronization is maintained Video cameras are notorious for time code instability when switched off If the video camera must be shut down re jam it when it is powered back up SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Recording The user interface of the product has been designed similar to a tape recorder Recording and play back functions are quite similar to that of tape based machines The flexibility of filed based record ing provides control not possible with tape based recorders Recording REC The largest most easily accessed control on the 744T is its record key Recording takes priority over all activity except for disk formatting disk speed tests and file transfers The 744T will immediately enter record mode whenever the record key is pressed When recordi
15. pin 2 hot 3 signal pin 3 not connected Mates with Switchcraft TA3F type connector 3 5 mm tip signal L Master Output Bus signal in an unbalanced consumer Master Output Bus ring signal R electronic level sleeve signal ground 3 5 mm tip signal L mates with 3 5 mm TRS jack Headphone ring signal R sleeve signal ground 5 pin LEMO 1 1 ground LEMO B series connector pin assignments as viewed Time code 2 5 2 SMPTE TC In on panel mounted connector 3 ASCII in out 4 tuning out 5 SMPTE TC out AES3id S PDIF Inputs center pin signal BNC female unbalanced coaxial connection 75 ohm 34 IEN sleeve ground connectors recommended AES3id S PDIF Outputs EX N Center pin signal BNC female unbalanced coaxial connection 75 ohm sleeve ground connectors recommended Word Clock Input and center pin signal BNC female unbalanced coaxial connection 75 ohm Output sleeve ground connectors recommended FireWire 1394 center pin signal 6 pin male FireWire cable sleeve ground C Link In Out 1 43 3V Not a telephone jack a M 2 Tx output 0000001 0000 0C 3 pi ground 4 Rx input 5 WC in 6 TC in Hirose 4 pin 1 ground DC applied to pin 3 will operate and charge the unit DC Input 2 ground same as pin 1 when on and off 3 Pe DC applied to pin 4 will operate and charge the unit 4 DC wh
16. 0 cece cece eee een eens 83 Warranty and Technical Support 0000 84 SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Welcome Thank you for purchasing the 744T The ultra compact 744T records and plays back audio to and from its internal hard drive CompactFlash or external drives making field recording simple and fast It writes and reads uncompressed PCM audio at 16 or 24 bits with sampling rates between 32 kHz and 192 kHz It also writes and reads data compressed FLAC and audio compressed MP2 and MP3 files The time code implementation makes the 744T ready for any recording job from over the shoulder to cart based production The 744T implements a no compromise audio path that includes Sound Devices next generation microphone preamplifiers Designed specifically for high bandwidth high bit rate digital recording these preamps set a new standard for frequency response linearity low distortion performance and low noise With documentary and ENG mixing engineers in mind the 744T is very small while still being feature rich No other recorder on the market matches its size and feature set In addition its learn ing curve is quite short powerful does not mean complicated While the 744T is a very capable recorder by itself it truly excels when used in conjunction with an outboard audio mixer such as Sound Devices own 442 or 302 Sound Devices took advantage of the best in professional and consumer
17. 2 Use the REW lt and FF gt soft keys to move among decimal places and to jump to the single alpha numeric take spacer character Use the PLAY key to reset the take number to 1 Characters are entered from left to right and deleted from right to left 3 The Rotary Switch or the soft keys are used to choose characters numbers Press the Controller or hit the soft check key to save the character and move to the next position From the user menu the action for take resetting is controlled from the following options Never take numbers do not reset When scene is changed take resets when scene name is changed When daily folder is changed takes reset on new day e e e e Either scene or daily takes reset on either change a2 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Mono Track Name Designators When recording monophonic Broadcast WAV files each track is recorded in a separate data file To identify each track each file is identified by an underscore and track number suffix The file of the first track recorded has _1 appended to it The file name suffix _1 _2 3 and _4 always corre sponds to tracks A B C and D For instance if track D is the only track recorded it s file name suffix will be _4 Track Naming Each track in a file whether monophonic or polyphonic files can be named with a unique track name These names appear in the Br
18. Auto Record applies external time code to the recorder Unit enters Record when time code runs and stops when time code stops e Ext TC cont Auto Record applies external time code to the recorder internal generator continues to run if time code signal is lost Unit enters Record when time code runs and stops when time code stops 48 Time Code User Bits Sets the time code user bits generated by the i i T44T mm month dd day of week yy year tt take number uu user defined e Not Used user bits are not set or output e mm dd yy tt E dd mm yy tt e uu uu tt tt user bits are set to 4 user definable digits with 4 take digits e uuiuuiuu uu e tt tt tt tt user bits are set to the take counter for all 8 digits e mmi dd yy uu e dd mm yy uu 70 70 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Setup Name Setup Description Setup Options 49 Time Code Jam Menu Allows the user to jam or edit the internal time e Jam RX TC jams the internal generator to code generator and user bits Also accessible received external code a HDD and Menu keys simultane Jam Zeros resets the internal generator to zero e Jam Value sets the internal generator to the value set in edit value Edit Value allows to user to enter a free form num
19. Deletion False Take Control Emptying the Trash and False Take Folders Take Number Incrementing Take List Storage Medium Internal Hard Drive 49 Formatting Media Repair Utility Drive Type Drive Replacement Drive Failure Storage Medium Removable CompactFlash 52 When to Use CF Formatting Speed Testing CF Media Repair Qualified CF Cards Storage Medium External FireWire Drives 53 When to Use External FireWire Drives Formatting FireWire Bus Powering Qualified Drives DVD RAM Drives File Transfer Using FireWire 0 cceeeeeeeee 55 Powering anns ip raana eE 56 Lithium lon Rechargeable Battery External Powering and Battery Charging Time Code Clock Battery Auto Functions with External Powering Power Consumption Variables Firmware Upgrades cccecceeveeeeeeeeeees 59 Version Information Upgrading Firmware CL 1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface 60 Connecting the CL 1 Logic Inputs Logic Outputs Setup Menu Presets ccccsceeeeee eee neeeee 64 Built In Presets User Setup Data File Setup Menu s ses seiscnasteavessta siemens T EE inn 67 Setup Menu Shortcuts Front Panel Button Shortcuts cee eee eee 75 Specifications ss acca dei ca ceaciviien nace vain eaienaee et 76 Connector Pin Assignments 0cceseeeeeee 79 ACCESSOFICS 1 0 ccc cece cece eee eee eens 80 CE Declaration of Conformity 0ccee eee 82 Software License
20. Inputs 1 amp 2 are linked Low cut 2 Backlight and HDD Toggles Input 2 high pass filter Connect Stop and HDD FireWire D Initiates FireWire connection if previously disconnected via an eject command False Stop and Rewind Take Delete last take prompt Increase Stop and Fast Forward Take Increments take number to be recorded for next file Take Stop and Play List D if Take list and circle take identifying screen Toggle O HDD Drives Hold the HDD button down for 1 second to toggle between view able drives LED Level p Backlight and Rotary Switch Rotary Switch Adjusts level of LED brightness Flashlight la Rewind and Play and Stop Mode CE With the power off hold down these buttons while powering the unit to enter Flashlight mode This illuminates all LEDs except for three Press power again to exit SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Specifications System Sampling Frequency internal 32 44 1 47 952 48 48 048 88 2 96 96 096 176 4 192 kHz external clocking 32 192 kHz via word clock input Internal Data Path and Processing 32 bit 192 dB dynamic range A D D A Converters 24 bit 192 kHz sampling rate maximum A D converters on socketed field upgradeable daughter board A D Dynamic Range 114 dB A weighted bandwidth 110 dB 20 Hz 22 kHz bandwidth D A Dynamic Range 112 dB A weighted bandwidth 108 dB 20 Hz 22 kHz bandwi
21. Mi Inp t2 Low Cut Frequency Mic Input 1 Gain Range Mic Input 2 Gain Range Input 3 4 Source Input 1 2 Linking MS Line Input 1 2 Gain ot Disabled Disabled Keep Recording toa a new file Enabled Disabled E Disana ENSIA 40Hz Hz 12 dB oct Normal Auto Select Auto Select i Unlinked Normal Numbers 1 gt A 2 gt B 3 36 4 gt D Input 1 48V Phantom Input 2 48V Phantom 40 Hz 12 dB oct Normal Use Front Panel Knobs Disabled Disabled Keep Recording to a new file Normal Numbers 1 gt A 2 gt B 3 gt C 4 gt D o Enabled Disabled Disabled 40 Hz 12 dB oct 40 Hz 12 dB oct Normal Normal Auto Select Auto Select Unlinked Use Front Panel Knobs Disabled Disabled Keep Recording to a new file Normal Numbers 1 gt AB 2 gt AB Enabled Enabled Enabled 40 Hz 24 dB oct 40 Hz 24 dB oct Auto Select Auto Select Unlinked Use Front Panel Knobs 40H Disabled Disabled Keep Recording toa a new file Normal Numbers 1 gt A 2 gt B Enabled Disabled Disabled 40 Hz 12 dB oct 12 dBloct Normal Normal Input 1 2 Source Auto Select Auto Select Linked 1 2 Use Front Panel Knobs Line Input 3 Gain 0 0 dB 0 0 dB 0 0 dB 0 0 dB Line Input 4 Gain 0 0 dB 0 0 dB 0 0 dB 0 0 dB Input 1 Delay 0 usec 0 usec 0 usec 0 usec 64 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com fo
22. Nothing F1 gt Record F2 gt Stop Button F5 gt Rewind Button F6 gt Play Button F7 gt Fast Forward Button CTRL C gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr CF gt EXHDD CTRL H gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr INHDD gt EXHDD English Preset 11 0 volts Do Nothing F1 gt Record F2 gt Stop Button F5 gt Rewind Button F6 gt Play Button F7 gt Fast Forward Button CTRL C gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr CF gt EXHDD CTRL H gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr INHDD gt EXHDD English Preset 11 0 volts Do Nothing F1 gt Record F2 gt Stop Button F5 gt Rewind Button F6 gt Play Button F7 gt Fast Forward Button CTRL C gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr CF gt EXHDD CTRL H gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr INHDD gt CL 1 Logic Out Assign Undefined User Setup Data File Undefined Undefined Undefined All of the set parameters in the table above can be saved in a date file to internal hard drive or to CF card By entering QUICK SETUP from the Setup Menu selecting SAVE USER TO INHDD CF the user can save or restore parameters to and from this data file This binary file is named 744T SUP and is saved in the SOUNDDEV directory on the medium selected in the setup menu 66 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Setup Menu The Setup Menu controls a wide range of parameters for the 744T
23. Pee eer on playback file appears at 48 k 29 97 ND SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information 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 Time code stamps will properly match the original time code start times 47 952k and 47 952kF Both 47 952 and 47 952kF settings use a record sampling rate of 47 952 kHz 0 1 lower than 48 kHz The 47 952kF mode however identifies the file as being recorded at 48 kHz Additionally in 47 952kF mode the time code rate is restricted to 29 97ND while the file is identified as 30ND 47 952F mode is useful in applications where the 744T is recording in high def environments with cameras at 23 97 and post production is using a straight 24 frame session Time Code Modes The 744T includes the following time code modes Off The time code generator is disabled The front panel time code display is blank Free Run The internal time code generator runs continuously without regard to the record mode Any time code value can be used as the start value by jamming value in the jam menu Record Run The time code generator runs only when the 744T is recording Time code in this mode defaults to 00 00 00 00 at power up When switching to record run from another mode the internal generator will stop at the last number generated A user defined value can be jammed into the i
24. STOP key and the INPUT select key cycles through the six factory preset input to track routing combinations plus the custom routing menu In the custom routing menu any input can be routed to any track See Input to Track Routing Level Meter LEDs Four 19 segment track level meters in dicate level in dBFS Metering ballistics are selected in the setup menu 6 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation 10 Power Key 11 12 13 wa lt ae Press and hold to power up the 744T Press and hold to power down Charge LED Indicates the charge status of the on board battery charger LED flashes when external power is connected and the re movable battery is charging illuminates solid when battery is fully charged Power LED Indicates the 744T is powered and avail able for operation LED flashes when the removable battery or external DC is in a low voltage state Record Key Press to record The 744T is a record priority device pressing this key starts recording and discontinues all other functions except file operations Press ing key during recording can set a cue marker or start a new file as selected in the setup menu 14 Stop Pause Key 15 ma Press and hold this key for 150 ms to stop recording In playback mode a sin gle press pauses playback play pause allowing audio scrubbing with the FF and REW keys Another
25. 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 materials and online or electronic documentation SOFTWARE PRODUCT By using installing or copying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA do not use or install the SOFTWARE PRODUCT Software Product License The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed not sold Grant of license This EULA grants you the following limited non exclusive rights In consideration of payment of the licensee fee Sound Devices LLC as licensor grants to you the licensee a non exclusive right to use this copy of a Sound Devices LLC software program hereinafter the SOFTWARE on a single product and or computer All rights not expressly granted to licensee are reserved to Sound Devices LLC Software ownership As the licensee you own the hardware on which the SOFTWARE is recorded or fixed Sound Devices LLC shall retain full and complete title
26. Sound Devices strongly recommends drive replacement be performed by a qualified technician using proper ESD precautions Drive replacement done by a qualified technician has no warranty implications EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation 744T with bottom panel removed showing hard drive mounting location The internal hard drive is not intended as a swappable exchange medium The header connector is not rated for repeated removal and insertion Only qualified service technician using proper ESD precautions should perform drive replacement Drive Failure Hard disk drives are mechanical devices and are susceptible to damage from physical shock One type of physical shock called operating shock occurs when the disk is in operation During opera tion the drive head is typically over the drive platters reading and writing data When a physical shock to the drive occurs during operation the head and the platters can come into contact causing both components to be damaged The second type of shock called non operating shock occurs when the head is in the unloaded position or not positioned over the platters When a physical shock occurs in the non operating state the head can contact the ramp it is positioned over and dam age the ability of the head to read and write data to the hard disk drive All devices with hard drives are subject to damage from operat
27. electronics technologies to bring incredible feature depth with ease of use Hard drive and CompactFlash are highly reliable industry standard and easily obtainable With the ability to write to an external drive a low cost portable medium can be turned in to post production The removable rechargeable battery is a standard Sony compatible Li ion camcorder cell The 744T interconnects with Windows and Mac OS computers for convenient data transfer and backup 744T Firmware Known Issues For a complete list of known issues regarding the most current firmware please visit Sound Notes http www sounddevices com notes recorders known issues Copyright Notice and Release All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without the expressed written permission of SOUND DEVICES 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 modifications repairs or alterations to this product or failure to strictly comply with SOUND DEVICES LLC s operating and installation instructions Microsoft Windows is registered trademarks of Microsof
28. enters record e Normal Numbers e Reverse Numbers e Flash Numbers Input Routing Allows the user to setup their routing matrix among all available inputs and tracks There are preset routings and three custom routings available Pressing the input select key repeat edly will cycle through all preset routings Primarily accessible from the Input Select Key eta ft A 248B 19 A 13B 14 AB 27AB 17A 274B 3 gt C 47D e123 gt A 1 gt B 2 gt C 3 gt D e Custom Route 1 e Custom Route 2 e Custom Route 3 18 19 Input 1 48V Phantom Input 2 48V Phantom Enables or disables 48 V phantom power on inputs 1 and 2 e Off e On Mic e On Mic and Line 20 21 22 Mic Inputs Limiter l Mic Input 1 Low Cut Mic Input 2 Low Cut Enables or disables the analog input limiter on _ input 1 and 2 mic preamps Enables the high pass low cut filter to reduce _ sensitivity to low frequencies e Disabled e Enabled e Disabled e Enabled 23 Mic Input 1 Low Cut Freq Mic Input 2 Low Cut Freq Selection of twelve high pass filter frequency and slope combinations for microphone inputs 40 80 160 240 Hz 24 dB oct e 40 80 160 240 Hz 12 dB oct e 40 80 e 160 e 240 Hz 18 dB oct 25 26 Mic Input 1 Gain Range Mic Input 2 Gain Range Selects the sensitivity of the microphone inp
29. for Mid signal input 2 for Side signal When the inputs are linked phantom power and the high pass filters also act as linked pairs Engag ing and disengaging phantom power or the high pass filters on input one will force the same func tion upon input two Engaging or disengaging phantom power or the high pass filter on input two causes no effect on input one If MS stereo linking is selected for inputs program sent to tracks and headphones will be L R stereo pro gram To record discrete M and S signals do not link for MS but monitor the MS signal in headphones Analog Inputs 3 amp 4 Appearing on Switchcraft TA3 connectors inputs 3 and 4 accept balanced or unbalanced line level signals These inputs have few controls and are typically fed from the output of a mixer or preamplifier Gain sensitivity for inputs 3 amp 4 is controlled in the setup menu Gain resolution is in 0 1 dB increments Analog Line Input Sensitivity Input level sensitivity for the line level inputs is adjustable in 0 1 dB steps from 6 dBu to 18 dBu While adjusting the input sensitivity the meters will show the relative signal level present on each input on the meters While channel 1 and 2 levels can be controlled by either the menu settings or the front panel pots channels 3 and 4 are adjusted only in the setup menu Digital Inputs AES3 The 744T accepts AES3 AES EBU balanced digital at the XLR connectors Digital inputs are
30. including all audio routing recording settings and time code options The setup menu is a single flat architecture with no sub menus easing navigation Each setup controls a specific parameter with several selections The chart below shows the setup number a description of the control and the menu options available Setup Name 1 Quick Setup Setup Description Allows the user to quickly apply default menu setups and save retrieve user setups to disk or CF Setup Options Load Factory Settings restores the factory default settings e Load Film Settings applies typical setups for film production e Load Reporter Settings applies typical setups for voice recording e Load Music Settings applies typical setups for music recording e Load User from INHDD applies settings saved by user to hard disk Load User from CF _ applies settings saved by user to CF e Save User to INHDD saves present state to file on hard drive Save User to CF _ Saves present state to file on CF 2 FireWire Connection Activates FireWire drive mode e Computer Connect STOP HDD buttons External Drive 3 Rec Sample Rate Sets the audio sampling frequency of the 744T 32 kHz 88 2 kHz 44 1 kHz 96 kHz i e 47 952 kHz 96 096 kHz e 47 952k F 96 096 k F 48 kHz e 176 4 kHz e 48 048 kHz e 192 kHz i 48 048k F 4 Rec Bit Depth Sets the bit depth of the 744T recordings
31. limitation may not apply to you Governing Law This agreement and limited warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Wisconsin SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Warranty and Technical Support Warranty amp Service Sound Devices LLC warrants the 744T Portable Audio Recorder against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE 1 year from date of original retail purchase This is a non transferable warranty that extends only to the original purchaser Sound Devices LLC will repair or replace the product at its discretion at no charge Warranty claims due to severe service conditions will be addressed on an individual basis THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE SOUND DEVICES LLC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICU LAR PURPOSE SOUND DEVICES LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY Because some jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion or limitations set forth above they may not apply in all cases For all service including warranty repair please contact Sound Devices for an RMA return mer chandise authorization before sending your unit in for repair Product returned without an RMA number may experience delays in repair When sending a unit for repair please do not include accesso
32. long period of time Storage Medium Removable CompactFlash CompactFlash CF is a practical portable storage medium for audio recording Its speed capacity and price continue to evolve to the benefit of portable recorders The 744T can write to and read from CF cards as either its sole storage medium or simultaneously with the internal hard drive When to Use CF The key benefits of CompactFlash include e wider temperature range capability than hard drives e greatly increased shock immunity versus hard drives e convenient portable removable media e ubiquitous card readers and transfer tools Formatting Upon insertion of an unformatted or non FAT32 formatted CF card the 744T will prompt the user to format the card If the card is formatted as a FAT32 volume the card will be ready to be selected as a storage medium To reformat the CF medium follow the same procedure as formatting the hard drive substituting the CF menu selection for the hard drive The 744T can format and use CompactFlash cards with capacities of 64 MB and greater Formatting the CF rebuilds the FAT file allocation table and erases all audio and data files present on the card While some PC and Mac utilities can recover files immediately after formatting a CF card consider that the files have been permanently erased FAT32 volumes generated by the 744T may not be compatible with some consumer electronic devices including entry level digital cam
33. monophonic B format files and will play them back in the proper track order The 744T can play back monophonic or polyphonic B format files 26 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation There are two B format monitoring selections one for inputs and one for tracks They are listed as INPUT B FMT STEREO and TRACK B FMT STEREO For most recording and playback applications the track monitor selection is appropriate If the user wants to hear the inputs at all times the input monitor selection is appropriate Rotary Switch Behavior The action of the Rotary Switch during recording and playback is set from among the three available options e Disabled pushing the Rotary Switch has no effect Selects Favorite Mode places the headphone source into the mode selected in the HP Favorite menu e Headphones to C D meters shows the level of the headphone output on the C D track me ters Playback Monitor Drive Select pushing the Rotary Switch toggles between Internal Hard Drive CompactFlash and External Hard Drive for playback and monitoring while recording Headphone Favorite Selection If SELECTS FAVORITE MODE is selected from the choices above pushing the Rotary Switch selects the assigned Headphone Favorite source This feature is helpful to quickly return to a selected headphone monitoring selection while recording or playing One of the available head
34. of duplicates found and the number of files to be copied and prompt to continue Pressing the soft key to Enter or the Rotary Switch begins the copy process The LCD will report the progress of the copying operation When file copying is completed the 744T will report the number of files successfully copied Error Conditions If a file is to large for the destination storage medium the 744T will prompt to skip it or cancel copy ing If an error occurs during file copying the 744T will prompt to cancel the transfer When the destination storage medium is full the 744T will report the error and end the transfer File Deletion Any file or folder on either internal hard drive or CompactFlash can be deleted Permanently delet ing files is a two step process Similar to Mac OS and Windows operating systems the 7 Series uses a trash folder to temporarily hold files which have been deleted To send a file to the trash perform the following Press the HDD button to enter the File Viewer Navigate to the file to be deleted 1 2 3 Press the soft key marked OPTIONS 4 Select DELETE 5 You will be prompted to verify file deletion The file has now been moved to the trash folder and will no longer appear in the file listing It will however appear in the trash folder Files sent the trash folder can be viewed and played If a file or folder has accidentally been sent to the trash the drive can be mounted to a computer via
35. off unit will power and begin recording then turn off when power is removed These functions are useful when the unit is part of a production kit powered by a single power source A single power switch can be used to power on the whole kit In addition to the internal record timer the auto functions power on begin record power off can be used for more extensive unattended recording control Using an outboard timer attached to a DC supply the 744T can be placed and activated to record events including EFX or nature and for surveillance applications Power Consumption Variables The 744T draws power from either its on board Li ion battery or from external DC sources Two factors need to be considered to calculate battery runtime battery power supply capacity and unit power consumption The best determination of your run time is to experiment with a given record ing setup The 744T power consumption varies over a range between 4 W to 20 W 12 volts depending on ac tive functions The following functions have the most significant affect on power consumption Inputs Active analog inputs increase power consumption If recording from digital sources dis able analog inputs or inputs altogether to reduce power consumption If recording solely to inputs 1 and 2 disable inputs 3 and 4 to reduce power consumption Analog inputs and the microphone preamps draw current whether they are idle or active Active inputs draw 1 5 W compared
36. perform specified actions The actions that a keyboard key can perform are listed in the below table Macros are currently not implemented Action Function Button Shortcuts Simulates a front panel button shortcut Ex Stop Play opens TakeList Menu Logic Inputs and Outputs SSOOSSOO 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 The Logic pins on the CL 1 can be set individually as either a switch closure input or a switch clo sure output The inputs and outputs are logic low devices meaning that to turn on an input it must be connected to ground zero volts Likewise when an output is on it puts out 0 volts and when it is off it puts out 5 volts 62 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Logic Inputs Configured as a switch closure input a pin can be connected to a switch that a user has wired to assigned contact This switch can then trigger the 744T to begin recording Other functions can be assigned as well from the Setup Menu The switch closure on a given pin of the CL 1 can be thought of as just another key on the key
37. the 744T s four inputs 1 2 3 4 can be assigned to any of the four tracks A B C D These 256 possible routing combinations are shown on the front panel with 16 blue LEDs Illuminated LEDs indicate input to track assignment 1 Press and hold the aD STOP key then press the INPUT key to cycle through factory routing pre sets The 744T has six often used presets for quick setup of input to track routing combinations Note the routing combinations on the blue LEDs with each successive press 2 If none of the preset routing combinations are suitable assign a custom routing Sequential presses of the input key will eventually cycle to the custom routing option see Input to Track Routing pg 18 From the custom input routing menu any input can be assigned to any track including multiple inputs assigned to a single track 3 Press EXIT to leave input routing mode If no input is assigned to a track the 744T will not record Selecting Recording Parameters and File Destination For most productions the general recording parameters of bit depth sampling rate media selection and file format are infrequently changed Enter the setup menu to verify recording settings Bit depth and sampling rate are displayed on the LCD panel 1 Select the bit depth as needed 2 Set the sampling rate as needed 3 Select the file type WAV mono or WAV poly FLAC MP2 or MP3 4 Select the storage medium s Internal hard drive CompactFlash
38. to the SOFTWARE and all subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE regardless of the media or form on or in which the original copies may exist The license is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE Copyright Alll rights title and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT including but not limited to any images photographs animations video audio music text and applets incorporated into the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT are owned by Sound Devices LLC or its suppliers The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and interna tional treaty provisions Therefore you must treat the SOFTWARE PRODUCT like any other copyrighted material except that you may make copies as only provided below You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT Restrictions on use Licensee may not distribute copies of the SOFTWARE or accompanying materials to others Licensee may not modify adapt translate reverse engineer decompile disassemble or create derivative works based on the SOFTWARE or its accompa nying printed or written materials Transfer restrictions Licensee shall not assign rent lease sell sublicense or otherwise transfer the SOFTWARE to another party with out prior written consent of Sound Devices LLC Any party authorized by Sound Devices LLC to receive the SOFTWARE must agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement Termination Without prejudice to any other
39. when connecting to bus powered drives e Bus powering a drive requires external DC powering of the 744T The 744T cannot operate bus powered drives from an attached Li ion battery e When recording in realtime to bus powered FireWire drives the XL 1394 FireWire Power Filter is recommended This filter network isolates the electrical noise in bus powered drives from the 744T e While hot swapping FireWire cables is possible it is recommended to attach bus powered drives with the recorder turned off Qualified Drives External FireWire storage volumes that can be formatted and addressed as FAT32 can be used with the 744T These include e external hard drives bus powered or mains powered Drives as large as 2 TB can be addressed e FireWire CompactFlash card readers e DVD RAM drives FireWire drives use a variety of chipsets to perform conversion from the drive s native format i e IDE to FireWire Sound Devices has tested and qualified enclosures and card readers which use the Oxford 911 Oxford 922 PL3507 GL711 and FW912 chipsets Other chipsets may operate but Sound Devices does not officially support them To check for compatibility with the 744T attach a FireWire drive and run the media speed test selected from the Setup Menu This will write then read a file to the drive If the drive can perform this test then it can be used to record audio DVD RAM Drives DVD RAM drives are essentially optical hard drives Firmware revision
40. 0t The input limiters are active only with mic level inputs The limiters are engaged by factory default When limiters are engaged audio on channels 1 and 2 is limited to 6 dBFS Microphone Level Control Microphone gain is controlled by the front panel recessed knobs The gain control adjusts an analog gain stage and functions similarly to the input trim on a mixing console or stand alone microphone preamplifier Gain is controllable over two ranges normal and low Gain Range microphone level only The microphone inputs operate in four gain ranges NORMAL NORMAL FADES TO OFF LOW and LOW FADES TO OFF The NORMAL range controls input gain from 24 3 dB to 67 4 dB of gain The LOW range controls input gain from 9 3 dB to 52 4 dB The LOW ranges are useful for high SPL recording environments The fade to off options allow for fader like control of your gain NORMAL FADES TO OFF provides a gain range of off or 0 to 67 4 dB and LOW FADES TO OFF pro vides a gain range of off or 0 to 52 4 dB High Pass Filters microphone level only The high pass filters on the microphone inputs use a combination of analog and digital filters to re duce sensitivity to low frequency signals When the high pass is engaged on an input its front panel LED illuminates to indicate it is active ee The first pole of the high pass circuit is an analog filter at 40 Hz 6 dB per octave and is part of the microphone preamplifier circuit Additional po
41. 9 EX aL EAT BME 1358 61 WAI a age AREE TERA C a 13 20 58 G6 Ree ae ante arn 11 Internal Hard Drive Status space remaining record ready Bar graph indicates amount of record time remaining on the internal hard drive Numbers show time in hours and minutes based on the presently selected of number of record tracks sample fre quency bit rate and file type 12 CompactFlash Status space remaining record ready Bar graph indicates amount of record time remaining on the CompactFlash media Numbers show time in hours and minutes based on the presently se lected number of record tracks sample frequency bit rate and file type For all three media types an asterisk in front of the media descriptor indicates that the me dia is selected for record Highlighted media descriptor indicates media selected for record monitoring playback or file directory display note the white on black number option to indicate recording menu selectable 13 Input 1 2 Level When input 1 or 2 gain is turned this indicates the gain level in dB for inputs 1 and 2 Normal mic input gain range is from 26 dB to 70 dB low gain mic range is from 10 dB to 50 dB line input range is from 6 dB to 18 dB Locked will be displayed on the LCD when the pot is turned with digital inputs selected or with line inputs set to menu control 14 Cue Marker Display In record mode indicates when cue markers
42. C Free Lossless Audio Codec MP3 32 64 96 128 160 192 256 or 320 kb s stereo MP2 64 96 128 160 192 256 or 320 384 kb s stereo Utilities format speed test and repair utility for internal HD CF and external drive volumes Data Transfer Control FireWire C Link Time Code Modes Supported drive mode IEEE 1394a compliant 6 pin FireWire Windows 2000 XP Mac OS X only 6 wire modular input and output RS 232 machine control word clock time code transfer free run record run 24 hour run external time code receive Frame Rates 23 976 24 25 29 97DF 29 97ND 30DF 30ND 30 Accuracy lt 0 2 ppm when tuned with Ambient Master Controller holds TC clock for 8 hours after main bat tery removal AA time code battery installed after 8 hours retains time of day Input Output 20k ohm impedance 0 3V p p 8 dBu minimum 1k ohm impedance 3 0V p p 12 dBu SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Power Internal Voltages 16 VDC regulated audio rails 5 VDC data 3 3 VDC data 1 5 VDC DSP core 48 VDC phantom power Power supply batteries operating cell removable 7 2 V nominal Sony M or L type Li ion operational from 6 8 V time code battery 1 2 V AA nickel metal hydride Power supply external 10 18 V 1000 mA minimum via locking 4 pin Hirose connector use Hirose HR10 7P 4P Digikey HR100 ND for locking mating DC connector pin 1 pin 2 pin 3
43. File based recorders place a single time code stamp in the data header of an AES31 Broadcast WAV file The 744T generates SMPTE time code from this number and extrapolates it based on the time code frame rate for playback All files generated by the 744T 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 simplifies synchronization in post production EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Frame Rate A single time code frame rate is selected in the TIMECODE FRAMERATE menu ajc EEE e ___ z 29 971IF 4 a The 744T supports all of the common production time code rates including 23 976 used with Sony high definition video cameras 24 to sync audio to film where no transfer to NTSC video is expected 25 to sync sound to PAL video 29 97 to sync sound to NTSC video shot in non drop frame mode and Panasonic high defini tion cameras 29 97DF to sync sound to NTSC video shot in drop frame mode 30 to sync sound to film where transfer to NTSC video is expected 30DF to sync sound to film for transfer to NTSC video in drop frame mode 29 97 fps 30 Records at 48 048 sampling rate at 30 frames per second but stamps the file at 48kHz 30 frames per second F Sampling Rate Modes 48 048k and 48 048kF The 48 048kF mode F stands for fake
44. Hz sampling rate five seconds is available At very high rates 192 kHz two seconds of pre record buffer is available Record buffering is disabled when the time code mode is set to record run or to one of the external time code modes This is to prevent possible overlapping time code numbers between adjacent files Failure During Recording In the event of a storage media failure the specific error will be indicated on the front panel and by a tone in headphones Possible causes of media failure include a hard drive in severe motion which results in recording errors a the CompactFlash card filling up while recording or an external DVD RAM that can t keep up with the chosen data rate If more than one drive is selected for recording the remaining drives will continue recording without failure EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Front Panel Lockout See Panel Lock on page 8 to engage panel lock during recording Playback The 744T has high resolution playback circuitry and is appropriate for any reference audio applica tion Any file recorded by the 744T can be played back including MP2 MP3 FLAC and WAV files In addition files copied to the storage medium from a computer can be played back This is useful when using the 744T as a high resolution playback device The 744T plays back the last recorded audio file unless another file is selected T
45. ION menu 6 Reset the time of day clock time code generator and verify any recording parameters 7 Itis best practice to download the latest user guide from the Sound Devices web site since the changes to functionality are documented Firmware upgrades usually preserve all user menu settings However save a snapshot of the settings to a setup file on the hard drive or CF Once a firmware upgrade is complete restore settings from this file if necessary Some firmware updates may make changes to user setups verify all user setups after an upgrade SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information CL 1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface The CL 1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface is an available hardware accessory to interface with PS 2 compliant computer keyboards and enable external devices to control the 744T When us ing the CL 1 front panel controls and menu selections on the 744T can be mapped to keyboard short cuts allowing for full keyboard control of the recorder Additionally the CL 1 has contact closures for programming remote inputs or outputs These are commonly used for machine control and remote rolling using a mixing console with transport controls Connecting the CL 1 1 Connect the included C Link cable to the 744T s C Link Input connector 2 Connect the opposite end of the C Link cable to the CL 1 s C Link connector 3 Connect a PS 2 keyboard to the PS 2 connector on the CL 1 4
46. SOUNDSDEVICES 7441 High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time Code User Guide and Technical Information firmware rev 2 40 Sound Devices LLC 300 Wengel Drive Reedsburg WI USA l 1 608 524 0625 fax 1 608 524 0655 o Toll Free 800 505 0625 www sounddevices com FireWire backside front cover Table of Contents Quick Start Guide 2 cccecrenenseeneerenetenenene 3 Powering the Unit Menu Navigation Basics Connecting Audio Sources Routing Inputs to Tracks Selecting Recording Parameters and File Destination Time Code Setup Recording Playback FireWire File Transfer to Computer Front Panel Descriptions ccseee eee e eens 6 Panel Lock LCD Display Descriptions c cece cece eee 9 Left Panel Connectors and Controls 2 0005 11 Right Panel Connectors and Controls 5 12 Back Panel Descriptions 0c cceeeeeee eens 13 Input Setup and Control cce eee e cence eee 14 Input Source Selection Analog Inputs 1 and 2 Input Linking Stereo or MS Decoding Analog Inputs 3 amp 4 Digital Inputs AES3 Digital Inputs AES3id S PDIF Signal Presence and Peak Indicator Input Delay Input to Track Routing 0c cece eee e eee eee 18 Selective Input Muting Sampling Rate and Bit Depth cee eee 20 Sampling Rate Bit Depths Word Clock 3 sisciccduame toma nanon Srn 21 Clock Master Clock Slave Multi Unit Li
47. Small capacity cards may not format as FAT32 and may not be usable Use the CF transfer speed test to verify that an installed card can support the needed read write speed Storage Medium External FireWire Drives The FireWire port on the 744T can function in either host mode or drive mode see File Transfer Using FireWire for additional information on drive mode 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 files To acti vate host mode select EXTERNAL DRIVE via the Setup Menu item FIREWIRE CONNECTION Because the 7 Series can write to all available mediums simultaneously the ability to write to an external drive reduces the need for post record copying of sound files External hard drive is ened EED O T l WAL a and is selecte 1 58 Gi i 00 Qj th d athe recorda NET Za m External FireWire drives require 2 0 ready 744T hardware Only recorders specifically labeled 2 0 ready are able to connect to external FireWire drives as an available storage medium When to Use External FireWire Drives The key benefits of recording to external drives include e the choice of drive types include DVD RAM optical drive or hard drive e near limitless recording capacity when a large volume external hard drive is attached up to 2 TB e fast no waiting simultaneous record option e post record copying to quickly back up i
48. TSC video is expected e 25 to sync sound to PAL video e 29 97 to sync sound to NTSC video shot in non drop frame mode e 29 97DF to sync sound to NTSC video shot in drop frame mode e 30 to sync sound to film where transfer to NTSC video is expected e 30DF to sync sound to film for transfer to NTSC video in drop frame mode e 30 Records at 48 048 sampling rate at 30 frames per second but stamps the file at 48kHz 30 frames per second e Off time code not active recorded or output Free Run time code is initialized from the jam menu and then runs continuously regardless of record mode E Free Run Jam Once time code is initialized from an external source and updates itself to the external source when reconnected Record Run time code is initially set from the jam value item in the jam menu Time code generation runs only during recording generating continuous time code from file to file e 24 Hr Run time code is initialized from the system clock on startup and enters free run mode Time code is updated if the time of day clock is adjusted e Ext TC applies external time code to the recorder directly The internal time code generator has no effect Ext TC cont applies external time code to the recorder internal generator continues to run if time code signal is lost Useful for time code transmission over RF Ext TC
49. ack combination are displayed in white text The four inputs are shown on the left the four record tracks are shown on the right To assign custom input routings 1 Press the input key until INPUTROUTING is displayed on the LCD display arrow indicates high lighted input is assigned to highlighted track select to exit menu and apply selected routing A He Pan E selet to move up and down menu INPUT 3 TRACK C am INPUT 4 TRACK D MEEN select remove 2 Press the EDIT soft button and scroll to the appropriate input screen 3 Using either the Rotary Switch or the up and down arrows navigate to desired input to track combina tions 4 When a chosen pairing is highlighted press either the ASSIGN soft key or the Rotary Switch to assign the combination Assigned tracks are noted on the screen by the addition of an arrow pointing to the record track The LED routing matrix will also show a flashing blue LED for the currently selected input to track combination 5 Once a track is assigned move to the next input to track combination desired Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation 6 To remove an input to track combination assignment navigate that combination and press the UNASSIGN soft key or Rotary Switch 7 Exit and complete the assignment by pressing the check mark soft key The input routing menu will always exit to the main sc
50. ad protected pin 2 hot pin 3 cold Gain Matching Line inputs 0 1 dB channel to channel Common Mode Rejection Ratio Mic 40 dB minimum at 80 Hz High Pass Filters 40 80 160 240 Hz 12 18 24 dB oct all menu selectable Mic Powering each XLR selectable 48 V phantom through 6 8k resistors 10 mA per mic available menu selected per channel in mic or line level positions Mic Input Limiters analog pre A D converter dual stage optocoupler and FET 4 dBFS threshold 20 1 limiting ratio 5 mS attack time 200 mS release time 76 76 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Output Analog Line Output Clipping Level 20 dBu minimum 10k ohm load Attenuation amp Resolution 0 40 dB 1 dB increments Output Topology Line fully electronically balanced RF ESD short and overload protected pin 2 driven hot pin 3 driven cold let pin 3 float for unbalanced connections Inputs Outputs Digital AES3 id Digital Storage Internal hard drive 75 ohm 0 5 V p p S PDIF compatible with RCA adapter ATA 5 interface 1 8 in or 2 5 in hard drive 4200 7200 RPM supported FAT32 formatted up to 2 TB addressable CompactFlash CF type I Il and microdrive compatible FAT32 formatted up to 2 TB addressable File Types WAV AES 31 format mono or polyphonic at supported Fs 24 bit or 16 bit FLA
51. advance to a higher take number hold the STOP button and press FastForward The file name to be recorded is indicated above the file time Indicates Indicates next active take upcoming take PATEE 16378348 WAL eae BATEE Bolag HHU CRexT i FEE 90 00 00 0 2e ET A 00 00 0 he FEED pi AOI 54 14M o ND RT tt MHE a AE 26 ND Take List The take list shows a sequential listing of the last 200 recorded files without regard to what folder they have been recorded in The first file in the list marked with an indicates the file name of the next recorded take Subsequent takes are listed in the order of recording from the 7 Series Only files recorded on the unit will appear in the take list unlike in the File Viewer where all valid sound files are shown From the take list several controls are available Take Number Incrementing is available as well as False Take deletion Soft keys move among take numbers 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 circle take Circle takes are often used to identify good takes for transferring To identify a circle take perform the following steps 1 Press stop to end recording 2 Hold the stop button down then press PLAY to enter the Take List 3 Scroll among files to highlight the file as a circle take 4 Hit the circle take soft button play 48 v 2 40 Fea
52. alog inputs 1 and 2 Phantom Power Phantom power 48 volts can be activated for inputs 1 and 2 When active phantom is indicated by front panel LEDs ssv Phantom power is available for both mic and line level inputs Using line level inputs with microphones is useful in high SPL environments such as concert recording Make certain to turn off phantom power with line level output devices susceptible to damage from DC Shortcut To toggle phantom power without entering the menus press and hold the tone key then press the menu key for channel 1 Channel 2 phantom can be toggled by pressing the tone key then sa v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation pressing the HDD key If the inputs are in line level mode phantom power will not activate from the shortcut keys and must be activated from the menus Phantom power is linked when the inputs are linked See Input Linking Input Limiters mic level only Microphone inputs 1 and 2 each have a limiter circuit designed to prevent input overload In nor mal operation with proper gain settings the limiters should rarely engage When activated these limiters will prevent unusually high input signal levels from clipping the analog input stage of the preamp The front panel LIM LED HM shows that the limiter is engaged Limiter activity is indicated by additional front panel LEDs one for each input channel O
53. and unlimited user presets Built In Presets The 744T is shipped from the factory with the factory preset applied Its settings are listed below Three additional presets film reporter and music presets allow for quick setup of typical param eters for the defined application Presets are applied by entering the setup menu and selecting the preset All previous settings are lost when a preset is applied Music Preset Film Preset Factory Pre Reporter 744T Presets Preset set Rec FireWire Connection External Drive External Drive Computer Connect Computer Connect Rec Sampling rate 48 kHz 48 kHz 44 1 kHz 44 1 kHz Rec Bit Depth 24 bits 24 bits 16 bits 16 bits Rec File Type wav poly wav poly wav mono wav poly Rec Media Select ExHDD and INHDD EXHDD and INHDD and CF INHDD only INHDD only Rec Scene Name Number None None None None Track A Track A Track A Track A Track A Track A Track A Track A Rec Track Names Track B Track B Track B Track B Track B Track B Track B Track B Track C Track C Track C Track C Track C Track C Track C Track C Track D Track D Track D Track D Track D Track D Track D Track D Rec Take Name Number T01 T01 T01 T 01 Rec Pre Roll Time 2 Sec 2 Sec 2 Sec 2 Sec Rec Dither Off Off On On Rec Timer Start Rec Timer Stop Rec Error Handler Rec Record Indicator Input Routing Mic Inputs Limiter Mic Input 1 Low Cut Mic Input 2 Low Cut Mic Input 1 Low Cut Frequency
54. are set Markers set by pressing the record key option must be selected in setup menu In playback mode dis plays cue points numerically as they are reached ina file 15 External Digital Clock Indicator The 744T is locked to a valid external digital or word clock source for record ing when the L is in the display ma 10 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Left Panel Connectors and Controls mic ESIEBU ic 2 AESIEBU 3 R 1 ae AA OOA a LINE OUT L t LINE OUT LEVEL TAPE OUT XLR Input 1 AES3 Input 1 amp 2 Dual function input connection Input type set with switch above Active bal anced analog microphone or line level input for input 1 Transformer balanced two channel AES3 input 1 and 2 XLR Input 2 AES3 Input 3 amp 4 Dual function input connection Input type set with switch above Active bal anced analog microphone or line level input for input 2 Transformer balanced two channel AES3 input 3 and 4 Mic Line AES3 Input Switch Selects the input level and mode of the associated XLR input connector TA3 Channel 3 amp 4 Line Inputs Active balanced line level input connec tors Pin 1 ground pin 2 pin 3 TA3 Master L R Analog Outputs Active balanced line level analog L R outputs for the Master Output Bus Pro gram source and attenuation level are
55. arger amp hour cells provide more run time When powered by the removable Li ion battery the LCD displays the battery voltage The nominal operating voltage for Li ion batteries is 7 2 V with operating voltages ranging between 6 5 8 5 V When the battery drops to 6 5 V the LCD voltage display and the power LED begin flashing to warn that the battery is nearly depleted When the voltage reaches 6 3 volts the 744T will power down any recordings in process will automatically be closed stopped 56 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation External Powering and Battery Charging The 744T can be powered externally from 10 18 VDC 2 amp minimum External DC fully pow ers the unit and charges an attached Li ion battery simultaneously using the 744T s onboard Li ion charger The charger circuit operates whenever the unit is powered on and optionally when the unit is off depending on the external power wiring see below DC input uses a 4 pin Hirose connector Part HR10 7P4P There are two connection options avail able External DC Input Wiring Operation pin 2 to negative operates the on board Li ion charger when the unit is both turned on and off Use when pin 3 to positive plugged into AC power pin 1 to negative operates the on board Li ion charger only when the unit is turned on there is no exter pin 4 to positive nal current draw when
56. atures and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation To select a file for playback 1 Press and hold the File Viewer key to select a drive and folder directory for playback The last file recorded is the default file ready for playback The default playback source is the storage volume highlighted on the LCD display 2 Use the Rotary Switch or the arrow soft keys to navigate through the File Viewer 3 Once a file is highlighted press the play key to begin playback When playback has finished the filename will begin flashing Use the gt fast forward key or rewind key to step through files in the folder or press the CD stop key to exit playback mode FireWire File Transfer to Computer Sound Devices strongly recommends shutting down equipment before connecting to or from any FireWire device with a connection that carries power 6 pin Reports have come to our attention of isolated problems when hot plugging IEEE 1394 FireWire devices Hot plugging refers to making con nections when one or more of the devices including the computer is on When hot plugging there are rare occurrences where either the FireWire device or the FireWire port on the host computer is rendered permanently inoperable From our experience any FireWire connection which carries power is susceptible to this type of damage When connected via FireWire IEEE 1394a to a Mac OS or Windows OS compu
57. balanced XLR outputs XL BNC BNC to BNC cable to connect word clock from external sources to the 744T for synchronizing the 744T also used to sync external devices from the word clock of the 744T XL LB2 5 pin LEMO to two 2 BNC used to jam to and from video cameras XL LL 5 pin LEMO to 5 pin LEMO used to connect the 744T time code circuit to Ambient time code sync boxes slates and controllers or to jam one 744T to another 744T additionally used to jam Aaton cameras from the 744T XL LX 5 pin LEMO to XLR M and XLR F used to connect the time code output to SMTPE time code inputs and outputs EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation XL B2 removable rechargeable Li ion battery 4800 mAh battery it s good to have several spares XL WPH2 power adapter included with unit 100 240 VAC input 12 VDC output it s good to have a spare SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information CE Declaration of Conformity According to ISO IEC Guide 22 Sound Devices LLC 300 Wengel Drive Reedsburg WI 53959 USA declares that the product 744T Professional Digital Audio Recorder is in conformity with and passes 89 336 EEC EMC Directive EN55103 1 1997 EMC product family standard for audio video audio visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use Part 1 Emissions EN55103 2 1997 EMC product family stan
58. ber to initialize the time code Edit U Bit allows the user to edit allowed user bit i numbers 50 Time Code Display Mode Sets the numbers of the large numerical E Big A time display e Big time code 51 Output 1 Left Source Selects the signal source for the Master e Input 1 Inout 244 52 Output 1 Right Source Output Bus TA3 outputs tape outputs and e Input 2 he 14 243 digital 1 outputs e Input 3 Input 24344 Input 4 e Input 1 2 3 4 e Track A e Track A B e Track B e Track C D e Track C e Track A C e Track D e Track B D Input 1 2 e Track A B C Input 3 4 e Track B C D e Input 1 3 e Track A B C D 53 Output 1 L R Attenuation Selects the attenuation level of signal sent to selectable from 0 to 40 dBFS _ the Master Output Bus 54 Output 2 Left Source Selects the signal source for output bus 2 sent nput 1 e Input 2 4 55 o Output 2 Right Source to digital output bus 2 Input 2 Input 14243 Input 3 e Input 2 3 4 e Input 4 e Input 1 2 3 4 e Track A e Track A B e Track B e Track C D e Track C e Track A C e Track D e Track B D e Input 1 2 e Track A B C e Input 3 4 e Track B C D e Input 1 3 e Track A B C D 56 Output 2 L R Attenuation Selects the attenuation level of the signal selectable from 0 to 40 dBFS output to bus 2 57 l Digital Output Mode Selects whether or not the consumer SPDIF e Consumer bit is applied or not in the AES3id output e Professional 58 Pla
59. board Anything that can be assigned to a key can also be assigned to a switch To configure a pin as an input navigate to EXT KEYBOARD ASSIGN in the Setup Menu Select a new SHORTCUT number then locate the Login inputs amongst the assignable keys Choosing LOGIC IN 1 would correspond to pin 1 on the CL 1 LOGIC IN 2 would correspond to pin 2 on the CL 1 and so on After a Logic input is chosen assign the desired action that the Logic input will control Logic Outputs Configured as a switch closure output the CL 1 can drive LEDs relays or any other sort of device which will accept a TTL level or similar input For example the CL 1 can drive a big red LED con nected via a series resistor between the 5V output and a switch closure output and light up when ever the recorder is put into record mode To configure a pin as an output go to CL 1 LOGIC OUT ASSIGN in the Setup Menu The Logic Pin number is on the left hand side 00 01 etc Each of these pins can be assigned to un defined Stop Play Record or Pause Note that if a pin is assigned to be both an input via the EXT KEYBOARD ASSIGN Setup Menu and an output via the CL 1 LOGIC OUT ASSIGN Setup Menu the pin will automatically default to an output SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Setup Menu Presets Presets are useful shortcuts to speed setting the numerous parameters available in the setup menu The 744T has four built in presets
60. c input range is from 25 dB to 70 dB low gain mic range is from 10 dB to 55 dB line input range is from 6 dB to 18 dB For line level inputs this control can be defeated and gain can be setup menu controlled If the LCD display shows locked when the pot is turned gain control of the line level input is menu controlled When inputs are linked as a stereo pair Input 1 Gain controls the gain of both inputs Input 2 Gain Controls input 2 gain as in 2 above When inputs are linked as a stereo pair Input 2 Gain controls left to right bal ance MENU Key Used to access all 744T setup menu selections When in menu mode used to move up through the menu selections Pressing the HDD and MENU keys simultaneously brings up the time code jam menu Primary display of 744T status The LCD is backlit using the LCD backlight control 15 Tone Oscillator Tone frequency tone level and routing are controlled in the setup menu Press and hold to activate the tone oscillator Input to Track Matrix LEDs Blue LEDs indicate inputs 1 2 3 4 enabled for recording to tracks A B C D A solid blue LED indicates an input is routed to a track A flashing LED dur ing custom routing mode shows the selected input track combination INPUT Select Key Pressing the INPUT key brings up the input muting and routing menu Hold down the INPUT key and press one of the four indicated soft keys to mute inputs Pressing the
61. cable between the computer and 744T can now be disconnected If a future connection is going to be made the cable can be left connected If the 744T is disconnected from the computer via an eject command and the FireWire cable is still physically connected between the computer and recorder the data connection can be made by enter ing the setup menu select FIREWIRE CONNECTION Alternatively press the STOP key and HDD key together to begin a FireWire connection Do not remove the CompactFlash card while FIREWIRE CONNECTION appears in the LCD Powering The 744T is powered from either removable Li ion rechargeable batteries or external DC power The included removable 7 2 V Li ion cell can be used as a primary or backup power source The 744T automatically chooses the power source based on the voltage level of the external power supply If it falls below a factory set threshold the unit will transition to Li ion power The transition between external and removable battery powering is seamless and has no affect on recording or playback operation During typical operation the 744T will run for approximately four hours from the included 4800 mAh Li ion battery Lithium lon Rechargeable Battery The 744T is compatible with Sony mount L or M type Li ion rechargeable batteries Numerous pow er capacities are available in these battery types ranging from 1000 mAh to 7000 mAh The 744T s mount accommodates unlimited battery depth L
62. cked for proper information Any out of range values are forced to the nearest valid value 2 FAT Chain Scan each file on the drive is allocated space by linking together data clusters into a chain of clusters Each chain is specified in the drive s file allocation table FAT In this stage of media repair each and every FAT chain is scanned and checked for validity Broken chains lost chains cross linked chains and chains with no end are fixed or truncated 3 Lost Chain Recovery FAT chains that are not tied to a file are considered lost These chains rep resent used space on the drive and may have been separated from their file due to a drive error or improper shut down These chains are converted to files and placed in the RECOVERED folder 4 RIFF WAV file check All RIFF files are checked for proper format RIFF files are composed of chunks of data where each chunk has a type and a size If the size does not match the actual amount of data for the particular chunk which might be the case if the file was not closed properly the size is adjusted At the end of the repair operation the number of errors found and fixed is displayed In some cases errors can not be fixed automatically Also it s possible that the drive is corrupted in such a way the media repair utility is unable to con tinue In this case the operation will abort and the user is prompted to check the hardware and try again
63. clear the selected file set or clear all the files in the current folder or set or clear all files on the volume HDD ad 163784 HAU COPY FLAG v All files created by the 744T have their archive bit set to on Automatic Flag Clearing The 744T can be set to clear the flag bit of copied files automatically When enabled in the FILE COPYFLAGRESET menu all files copied internally by the 744T but not via FireWire will have their flag bits cleared on the original file File Copying Among Available Drives Audio files are easily transferred between the 744T s internal hard drive CF and external drives File transfer is initiated from the setup menu option FILE COPYFILE The File Copy menu has numerous options for each media type Copy All Media gt Media Copies all files from one media to the other Last 24Hr Media gt Media Copies files created in the last 24 hours between media Last 48Hr Media gt Media Copies files created in the last 48 hours between media Flagged Media gt Media Copies all files with their flag archive bit set between media Once file copying has begun the 744T searches the source media for the selected files The 744T will then search the destination drive looking for duplicate file names The LCD will report the number 46 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation of files found the number
64. d button when in record and playback push makes no change to the headphone matrix e Selects Favorite Mode in record and playback modes push will change the headphone source immediately to the favorite selected in HP Favorite Mode e Headphones to C D Meters momentarily shows headphone level on tracks C amp D LED meters _ e Playback Monitor Drive Select Selects the media source for file playback and record monitoring 67 HP Monitor Modes _ Select the sequence of the modes that appear Up to 20 source selections can be entered in any in the Headphone Source Display on the LCD order See headphone monitor section in guide for adjustment and Favorite Mode below for list of i headphone selections 68 HP Favorite Mode Selects the audio source monitored when the Inputs 1 2 Track A B MS CD CD Rotary Switch is pressed during recording or Inputs 3 4 Monitor A B MS playback Tracks A B Monitor C D MS Tracks C D Inputs 1 2 3 4 Monitor A B Inputs 1 2 3 4 Monitor C D Inputs 1 2 1 2 Input 1 1 Inputs 1 3 1 3 Input 2 2 Inputs 2 4 2 4 Input 3 3 Inputs 3 4 3 4 Input 4 4 Inputs 1 2 3 4 Track A A Inputs 1 3 2 4 Track B B Tracks A B C D Track C C Tracks A B C D Track D D Tracks A B A B Monitor A A Tracks A C A C Monitor B B Tracks B D B D Monitor C C Tracks C D C D Monitor D D Tracks A B C D Inputs 1 2 MS Tracks A C B D Inputs 3 4 MS Tracks A C A D Tracks A B MS T
65. d shortcuts can be programmed to control nearly every function on the 744T Shortcuts can select and change menu items with a simple key strokes Combinations of computer keyboard func tion keys along with Control Alt and Shift can also be programmed The following chart shows what keys are programmable Key Shift Ctrl o o a o i ee ee EE ee ee Logic In 1 6 To program a shortcut perform the following steps 1 Enter the External Keyboard Assignment Setup Menu selection cen ee Fi 4 Record Button DONE a Shortcut number Up to 50 shortcuts can be programmed SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information 2 Select an unassigned shortcut number for programming If a duplicate key sequence is selected the low est shortcut number action takes place The example below shows the F1 key being reprogrammed Alcs Record Button TONE i 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 48048 Fi gt Gl _ _ If a single key or key combination is programmed for multiple shortcuts the shortcut with the lowest number will take precedence Specific Setup Menu options can be programmed if _ multiple options are available Ez Shortcut List Functionality The shortcut list is a user definable list of keyboard keys Logic In that
66. dard for audio video audio visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use Part 2 Immunity EN55103 1 Phenomena 2 3 Magnetic emissions at 1 meter 50 Hz 50 kHz 1997 EN55103 2 Phenomena 3 1997 Magnetic immunity 50 Hz to 10 kHz CISPR 22 EN55022 2003 Radiated and conducted emissions Class B EN61000 4 2 2001 ESD 4 kV contact 8 kV air discharge IEC61000 4 2 2001 EN61000 4 3 2001 Radiated RF immunity 10 V m 80 1 kHz amplitude IEC1000 4 3 2001 modulation EN61000 4 4 2001 AC power ports EFT Burst I O lines 0 25 kV to 1 0 TEC61000 4 4 2001 kV power line 0 5 kB 1 kV EN61000 4 4 2001 EFT Burst I O lines 0 25 kV to 1 0 kV power line IEC61000 4 4 2001 0 5kB 1kV EN61000 4 5 2001 Surge 1 kV differential mode line to line 2 kV TEC61000 4 5 2001 common mode line to ground EN61000 4 6 2001 Conducted RF immunity 3 V 80 1 kHz amplitude IEC61000 4 6 2001 modulation EN61000 4 11 2002 Voltage dips and short interruptions at test voltage TEC61000 4 11 2001 level 0 V unominal 70 V unominal 25 period Tested by L S Compliance Inc Cedarburg Wisconsin November 19 2004 Matthew Anderson Director of Engineering Sound Devices LLC 82 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Software License End user license agreement for
67. drive has been copied or is no longer needed 2 Press the Menu key 3 Use the Rotary Switch to scroll to INHDD ERASE 4 To verify that a non recoverable format of the storage device is desired two keys must be pressed to begin formatting Press and hold down the play key to enable the check mark Hit the tone key check mark to begin formatting a g anina arning Are You sure Are YOu sure i FRESS FRESS ress and hold Hit the tone key to down the play keya gt begin formatting w J Formatting the 744T hard drive can take up to 20 seconds When formatting is completed the 744T will generate a fresh menu hierarchy including the daily folder if selected Dynamic lists such as track names scene names folder options etc will be saved Media Repair Utility Included in the software for the 744T is a basic media repair utility The utility is similar to Windows scandisk with added capabilities specific to WAV files This utility can be run after improper media removal or in the event of a write error during recording When selected from the setup menu the repair utility will scan the drive for problems report the number of errors and correct the errors Re SOUNDS DEVICES 49 744T User Guide and Technical Information covered files are placed in a RECOVERED directory that is generated in the SOUNDDEV folder Specific operations include 1 Boot Record Check the volume s boot record is che
68. dth Metering Analog Input 76 segment 4 x 19 sunlight viewable selectable peak VU or peak with or without peak hold with VU ballistics variable brightness all measurements at Fs 96 kHz 24 bit unless noted Frequency Response Mic or Line 10 Hz 40 kHz 0 1 0 5 dB gain controls centered Equivalent Input Noise Mic 133 dBu max 135 dBV 50 ohm source A weighted filter Mic 131 dBu max 133 dBV 50 ohm source 20 Hz 20 kHz BW flat filter gain fully up Mic 130 dBu max 132 dBV 150 ohm source A weighted filter Mic 128 dBu max 130 dBV 150 ohm source 20 Hz 20 kHz BW flat filter gain fully up THD Noise Mic 0 004 max 1 kHz 22 Hz 22 kHz BW gain control down 15 dBu input Line 0 004 max 1 kHz 22 Hz 22 kHz BW gain control down 16 dBu input Gain Mic normal gain mode 24 3 67 4 dB input dBu to 20 dBFS Mic low gain mode 9 3 52 4 dB Mic normal fades to off gain mode off 0 67 4 dB Mic low fades to off gain mode off 0 52 4 dB Line 6 18 dB 0 1 dB increments Input Impedance Mic XLR 7 5k ohm Line XLR and TA3 20k ohm Input Clipping Level Mic input 5 dBu minimum normal gain mode gain control fully down ic input 10 dBu minimum low gain mode gain control fully down Line input 26 dBu minimum gain control fully down Input Topology Mic and Line fully electronically balanced RF ESD short and overlo
69. e extensions The 744T will read files with the BWF extension WAV The 744T writes AES 31 Broadcast Wave formatted files The audio files created by the 744T place additional information in the file header called the Broadcast Audio Extension data chunk Software that does not recognize this additional broadcast wave data chunk will simply ignore this added information Among the values recorded are time code stamp time code frame rate date and time of the original recording bit depth sampling rate originating machine serial number FLAC Free Lossless Audio Codec is a lossless data compression algorithm specifically designed for au dio It is a convenient way to extend recording time with no effect on audio quality It is suitable for recording and archiving FLAC in particular offers data compression rates that range anywhere between 30 and 60 depending on the audio program Sound Devices also introduces Wave Agent www waveagent com a free Windows based software used to extract FLAC to WAV as well as combining monophonic files and splitting polyphonic files What to consider when recording FLAC notes are disabled all other metadata is stored limits your sampling rate to 48 kHz for 4 track recording limits your sampling rate to 96 kHz for 2 track recording limits recording to only one storage medium at a time The 7 Series can play back the recorded FLAC files Use Sound Devices Wave Agent software www waveagent co
70. e meters to aid in the 33 Line Input 3 Gain adjustment 34 Line Input 4 Gain 35 Input 1 Delay Sets a digital delay for each input Can be 0 usec to 30 000 usec up to 48 048 kHz Fs 36 Input 2 Delay used to compensate for delay in various 0 usec to 15 000 usec up to 96 096 kHz Fs 37 Input 3 Delay digital wireless microphone units or digital 0 usec to 7 500 usec up to 192 kHz Fs 38 Input 4 Delay processors 39 File Marker Mode Enables the user to set cue points on the fly e Markers disabled while recording by pressing the record key No cue marks are set e New Cue Cue markers will be set within one contiguous file e New File Anew file is started with each press of the record key the take counter is increased by one 40 File Max Size Selects the file size where the 744T will close l 4 GB CF 3 6 GB then start a new file The 744T will not record 2 GB CF 1 8 GB a file larger than the selected size e 1 GB CF 950 MB The largest file permissible with the 744T s 512MB CF 450 MB FAT32 file system is 4 GB 41 File Folder Options Allows user to organize files in root and sub e TOP LEVEL lt None gt lt Add new entry gt folders To not use any folders select lt None gt MID LEVEL lt None gt lt Add new entry gt lt Daily gt on every level BOTTOM lt None gt lt Add new entry gt lt Scene gt LEVEL 42 l File View Files Enters the file director
71. ecording activity 2 Interconnect the 744T to a FireWire enabled computer using an appropriate FireWire cable No drivers are required if the computer meets the requirements listed in Specifications 3 Make certain that within the FIREWIRE CONNECTION Setup Menu item COMPUTER CONNECT has been selected 1rewlre Lonnect1ori ComPuter Connect STOP HDD D External Drive 4 The 744T will now show the screen below when successfully connected via FireWire When connected all audio functionality of the 744T is defeated TATE LORE OMMecLe o gamu er 1 To nate econ firewire cable 5 Navigate the drives on the computer and copy all needed audio to local storage To avoid possible directory corruption on the 744T hard drive always properly dismount the unit from the operating system On Mac platforms drag the drive icons to the trash On Windows plat forms use the Disconnect External Media icon in the system tray To disconnect the 744T from FireWire SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information 1 Make certain that any software applications that reference the 744T drive are closed and that all file copy functions to and from the 744T have completed 2 In Mac OS X highlight the drive icon on the desktop and select e to eject the volume Alternatively drag the drive icon to the trash in the dock 2 In Windows right click the drive icon and select eject 3 The
72. ections Multiple track assignments are summed with these selections Master Output Bus Audio signals routed to the Master Output Bus are sent to three output connections e analog line out 2 x TA3 two channel e analog tape out 3 5 mm TRS two channel e digital 1 AES3id BNC connection two channel Analog Line Out L R The analog line outputs are active balanced line level signals on Switchcraft TA3M locking connec tors The output level is a nominally 0 dBu at 20 dBFS The level of the line output can be attenuated in the setup menu by up to 40 dB in 1 dB increments Attenuation is done as an output pair Analog Tape Output The tape output connection is stereo unbalanced consumer output level 10 dBV on a TRS 3 5 mm connector Output attenuation affects this output level Digital AES3id Output The unbalanced AES3id output is directly compatible with most S PDIF inputs Professional lt SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information The format for the AES3id output is selectable between professional AES and SPDIF In either case the SCMS bit is not set Attenuation to the Master Output Bus affects both analog and digital signals Output Bus 2 Just as with the Master Output Bus Output Bus 2 can be assigned signal sources from inputs or tracks Sources assigned to Output Bus 2 are exclusive and do not affect the assignments to the Mas ter Output Bus or headphone assign
73. en on SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Accessories Included Accessories The accessories below are included with the 744T XL WPH2 worldwide mains power supply 100 240 VAC input 12 VDC 24 W output XL B2 Li ion removable rechargeable battery 4600 mAh XL 14 3 5 mm to 1 4 inch jack for headphone output extension XL RJ C Link cable for unit to unit linking XL MAN Padded man bag XL 1394 FireWire Power conditioner Optional Accessories The above accessories are just the start of building a flexible recording kit Available accessories from Sound Devices include CL 1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface used to control the 744T with an external keyboard XL DVDRAM An external bus powered FireWire DVD Multi drive Based on the slot loading Panasonic UJ 85 drive mechanism the XL DVDRAM is used with a 7 Series recorder to record directly to optical disk or as a post record storage volume CS 3 Production bag with shoulder strap holds 744T and is compatible with PortaBrace RM acces sories mounts onto CS 442 CS 302 and CS4W mixer bags XL 1A sold as pair TASF to TA3F cable used to connect the direct outputs of the a Sound Devices 442 mixer to the channel 3 4 analog line level inputs XL 2 sold as pair TASF to XLR M cable used for output connection from the master analog output XL 2F sold as pair XLR F to TA3F cable used for input connection to line inputs 3 and 4 from
74. eras After recording to CF has stopped it may take several seconds for the 744T to finish housekeeping on CF When preparing to remove the CE always observe the amber CF activity LED If it is lit wait until it is off before removing the card If the CF is removed while the LED is lit at the very least the file will be corrupted and there is a possibility of EAT corruption as well Speed Testing a se ne El CF cards varied widely in their read and write throughput Later generation 24x and greater CF cards can reliably read and write multi track high sample rate audio The 744T includes a drive speed test to measure the throughput speed of CF medium Few CF cards can sustain write speeds for reliable 192 kHz recording Sound Devices strongly recom mends against recording to CompactFlash if 192 kHz sampling rates are required EI v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation CF Media Repair The same media repair utilities available on the internal hard drive are also available for CF medium Qualified CF Cards Sound Devices does not specifically qualify CompactFlash cards for use in the recorder From our tests of numerous cards including medium from Lexar Media SanDisk and Kingston Technolo gy cards in capacities from 128 MB and above will successfully operate in the 744T The unit will support up to 2 TB of data
75. faux Fostex take your pick is a specific compatibility mode for use with the Fostex DV40 software 1 74 and previous Avid Final Cut Pro and other post pro duction environments that do not recognize audio files written at 48 048 kHz In this mode files are recorded at a 48 048 kHz sampling rate but are stamped at 48 kHz When played they will play back 0 1 slower than real time One use for the 48 048kF mode is to force a 0 1 speed reduction pull down of audio to match MOS telecined film 24 fps to NTSC in non linear edit systems such as Avid or Final Cut Pro Since the file is stamped as a 48 kHz file the edit system will play it back at 48 kHz and not at 48 048 kHz This audio pull down will match the transferred picture without the need for an intermediate step through other software to create the pull down The time code frame rate actual recording rate is forced to 30 ND in 48 048kF mode The front panel of the unit will show 30 ND during recording No other frame rate is available in 48 048kF mode imelode Frame Rat BETHEL T2 HAL D oF ET KER E mam 00 OH 5 B48 gE SEE AA 33152 A H E 2 the file is recorded at 48 048 k 30 ND 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 BED T2 HAL Dap FOE 00 60 82 2 AAD 33049 Ay
76. gt gt soft keys to move among characters Use the PLAY key to delete charac ters Characters are entered from left to right and deleted from right to left 3 Use the Rotary Switch or the soft key arrows to choose characters Press the Controller or hit the fast forward key to save the character and move to the next position 4 Tosave the scene name press the soft check key or the Controller without selecting a character After the ninth character is entered the scene name is automatically saved If all characters are removed no scene name will be written to files If Scene Folder is selected for file management all takes will be placed in the root of the drive Take Numbers Take numbers are integers between 01 and 32000 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 Take numbers can be overridden and a new take number can be set in the setup menu If the 744T detects a file with a duplicate name in the destination folder a letter suffix starting with A is added to the file name before the extension Note that take number han dling can be selected to reset if set in the setup menu see File Management and Copying Go 7 PETE OO St SPACER gt T H a RESET E BGS Q Lb To change take numbers 1 Enter the user menu and navigate to the Take Name Number option
77. h 93 CL 1 Re program The CL 1 has its own firmware which is sup plied from the 744T This utility updates the _ CL 1 firmware 94 CL 1 Logic Out Assign Each logic output pin can be assigned to go e Undefined high when the unit is in the selected mode e Stop Logic input overrides logic output selection e Play e Pause e Record 95 Info Button Shortcuts An informative menu showing the available keyboard shortcuts 96 Info Version Shows the hardware revision serial number and firmware version of the unit 97 Update Software Upgrade tool used to apply new firmware It will search all connected storage for the firmware file and prompt to update Setup Menu Shortcuts The setup menu can quickly be navigated by using the Rotary Switch to scroll up and down through the menu Additionally shortcuts or bread crumbs can be placed on often used menu items A bread crumb is set by holding the play key A small dot is shown to the left of the setup number Any number of bread crumbs can be set but their utility is reduced with too many applied press and hold to set or remove a menu crumb single press navigates to menu item 1 J toggles among menu bread crumbs to lower numbered items with no bread crumbs placed moves to a previous general menu section toggles among menu bread crumbs to higher numbered items with no bread crumbs placed moves to the next general menu sect
78. he available headphone source options for headphone monitoring 1 Enter the HP MONITOR modes menu Once you enter the Monitor Modes menu you will immediately be in slot 1 2 Turn the Rotary Switch to select the source you wish to appear first in your Headphone monitor list 3 Once the chosen source appears press the Rotary Switch or the soft key ENTER tone key to move to the next slot 4 Continue down the list to select the source for each slot in the list 5 Once all sources have been chosen select DONE and press ENTER This will exit the headphone monitor mode setup You can exit the selection process by pressing the stop or cancel backlight key at any time If you press done in the first headphone slot the 744T will select a single option Tracks A B for head phone monitoring The 10 factory presets will be erased MS Stereo Monitoring The MS stereo mode decodes discrete Mid Side stereo signals to a left right stereo signal for moni toring purposes This allows for a proper stereo signal to be monitored in the field while discrete M and S signals are recorded for later post production For the MS decoder to operate properly the Mid signal is connected to either input 1 or input 3 and the Side signal is connected to input 2 or input 4 The amount of stereo spread is fixed to a 50 50 percentage from Mid to Side signal If MS is selected for input linking do not use MS stereo monitoring This would res
79. he drives from the operating system On Mac OS platforms drag the drive icons to the trash On Windows platforms use the Disconnect External Media icon in the system tray Dismount the 744T after file transfer by ejecting the volume from the computer In Mac OS drag the disk icon from the desktop to the trash or hit e In Windows OS highlight the disk icon right click and select eject It is best practice to eject the 744T volume from the computer to maintain file integrity see FireWire File Transfer SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Front Panel Descriptions All 744T 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 field mixers and wireless transmit ters and receivers 2 3 4 11 o y OS n Le 744T i O _ Ses eM MAY 1 i n Ma pee B EEE 00 00 00 0 24b 0000000 e Pe oan MERA a 48k c000000 o O CD 12 34 37 61 RE 24 i Sp ieee ovr we lt lt La gt TRACKS A kai LR A rt 24 Za CA Ga OD GE LA QL 16 LE 14 13 1 Digital Input LEDs 5 LCD Display Indicates the presence of digital signal on the respective input When flashing indicates that digital input is selected but no valid digital clock signal is pres ent Input 1 Gain Controls the analog gain input trim of the channel 1 input Normal mi
80. here are two ways to select another file for playback To select another file in the current record directory push either the FastForward or reverse key to put the 744T into play stop mode The filename display will begin flashing and the FastForward and Reverse keys are used to step through files available in the current record directory To select a file in an alternate directory press the HDD key to enter the media direc tories Navigate to the appropriate directory Select the file that to play back with the Rotary Switch and press play If the stop key is pressed while playing files from an alternate directory the 744T will revert to the current daily directory AutoPlay The 744T can be set to play back all valid audio files in a directory Files will play back in their order in the directory Autoplay can be set with the following options e Disabled auto playback is off e Play all all files in the directory will play then stop when all files have been played e Repeat one the selected file will play back continuously until stopped by the user e Repeat all all files in the directory will play in succession then repeat until stopped by the user SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Audio File Formats The 744T records audio to the industry standard Broadcast Wave file format either monophonic or polyphonic MP2 MP3 or FLAC Files created by the 744T receive the WAV MP2 MP3 FLAC fil
81. iewer The selected medium shown in white type will be the destination when the but ton is pressed Press and hold to toggle between available media If only one media is present press and hold is disabled Pressing simultaneously with MENU opens the time code jam menu Headphone Output Peak LED Indicates overload of the headphone amplifier When lit the headphone cir cuit is overloading Reduce headphone level LIM LED Indicates that the microphone input limiters are engaged This LED does not show input limiting activity see descrip tor 27 Microphone Input Limiter LEDs SOUND DEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information 22 Link LED Indicates that channels 1 and 2 are linked as a stereo pair In link mode in put 1 potentiometer controls gain input 2 potentiometer controls left to right balance Inputs can be linked as either a stereo L R pair or as aa Mid Side MS pair 23 Media Ready LEDs Indicates storage media is present and available to record IN internal hard drive CF CompactFlash EX exter 26 Phantom Power LEDs Indicates that phantom power 48 volts is active for the individual input Phan tom can be applied to microphone or line level signals menu selected 27 Microphone Input Limiter LEDs Illuminates orange when limiting is oc curring on the microphone input If con stantly lit the microphone input is being hit with too hot of a signal Reduce the input sensit
82. igital sources connected to AES3id BNC inputs override analog signals on the correspond ing XLR input The BNC input signal type is set in the menu settings INPUT1 2 SOURCE and INPUT 3 4 SOURCE For most situations the appropriate setting is auto select the 744T will choose the input type based on signal present The 744T is capable of off speed sampling rates when clocked from either external digital inputs or the word clock input Input sources can be set to disabled power save This option shuts down all circuitry associ ated with an input pair to reduce power draw and extend battery runtime When an input pair is disabled the digital input LEDs associated with the pair will slowly flash In playback only applica tions both input pairs can be shut down to maximize power efficiency and battery runtime Analog Inputs 1 and 2 Analog inputs 1 and 2 on XLR connectors are the primary connections into the recorder These inputs accept balanced or unbalanced mic or line level inputs When at mic level gain is controlled by the front panel potentiometers Gain for the line level inputs can be controlled by the front panel potentiometers or menu settings Line input gain is controlled in 0 1 dB steps A digital input present on the BNC inputs will override an analog signal present on the XLR inputs un less the input source is set to analog in the setup menu In the setup menu the following functions can be controlled for an
83. ilable recording time based on the sampling rate bit depth number of tracks set for recording and the selected stor age media available capacity See the Calculating Recording Time later in this guide to estimate record time Sampling Rate s 48 048k lt 43 A4SkF g 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 non standard sampling rates can be applied when the 744T is word clocked from an external source clock sources between 32 kHz and 192 kHz When recording off speed sampling rates files will be stamped with the rate closest to an internally generated frequency Relationship Between Sampling Frequency and Audio Bandwidth The sampling frequency is expressed in samples per second in hertz and defines the number of times in a second that the analog audio signal has been measured Sampling frequency determines the audio bandwidth or frequency response that can be represented by the digital signal A quick estimate of the maximum bandwidth capable of being represented at a given sampling rate is maxi mum analog frequency sampling frequency 2 Higher sampling frequencies allow for wider audio bandwidth The 744T generates the following sampling rates e 32 kHz e 88 2 kHz e 44 1 kHz e 96 kHz e 47 952 kHz e 96 096 kHz e 47 952kF file stamped at 48 kHz e 96 096kE file sta
84. illator is activated by pressing the front panel key Tone will be active only while the tone key is pressed Tone is routed where specified in the setup menu Routing choices include outputs outputs and tracks tracks only or no tone routing disabled When routed to tracks all selected record tracks will receive the tone signal Tone can only be recorded to the head of an audio file To record tone press the tone key and continue to hold it down while starting to record Subse quent presses of the tone key are locked out to prevent tone from inadvertently being recorded SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information LCD Contrast amp Backlight LED Brightness LCD contrast is setup menu controlled From the factory the contrast is set to 50 suitable for most viewing conditions Contrast can be increased or decreased The front panel key toggles the LCD and key backlight Backlighting is suitable in low or no ambient light situations LED brightness is continuously adjustable from low to high Hold down the key then turn the Rotary Controller to change brightness levels The brightness of all LED s is adjusted In stealth mode setup menu selected the LEDs are toggled on and off with the LCD backlight key Record Indication The position of the A time numbers and time code numbers can be exchanged in the setup menu When BIG TIME CODE is selected in the menu the time code is displayed in the main numeric dis play If t
85. ime code is turned off A time is shown as large numbers even with BIG TIME CODE set To provide for additional visual indication that recording is in process the big numerals can be set to reverse contrast or to flash during record This is menu selected BATRA 1336 01 HAL m a AE IN Pz G2 I 5 3 L dk E 13828155 G6 n AE 24 HD reversed numbers indicating that recording is active Time Code The 744T uses time code circuitry developed by Ambient Recording GmbH a leading developer of stable portable time code products visit Ambient on the web at www ambientaudio com Clock stability and continuity are critical aspects of the 744T time code implementation Its temperature controlled compensated crystal oscillator ensures rock solid TC stability and accuracy lt 0 2 ppm when tuned with an Ambient Master Controller The 744T holds accurate time code for up 2 hours between battery changes using its internal re chargeable AA NiMH time code cell After two hours without power the 744T reverts to a less pre cise time of day crystal to maintain the date time of the unit This time code battery is charged from internal or external power whenever the 744T is powered up If the time of day clock is reset during the production day or if the time code mode is changed from 24 hour run to another mode and back the time code value will change You must re jam all time code devices to ensure proper synchronization
86. in pairs AES3 signals on XLR 1 appear at inputs 1 and 2 AES3 signals input to XLR 2 appear at in puts 3 and 4 To use the AES3 inputs the input mode select switch must be set to AES EBU 1234 0000 The front panel digital input LEDs will illuminate when digital input is selected for the in dicated track s If the LED is flashing digital input is selected but a no valid digital clock is received Digital Inputs AES3id S PDIF The 744T accepts AES3id and S PDIF unbalanced digital signals at the BNC connectors The 744T will auto detect the type of digital signal and adjust accordingly Input signals are in pairs signals on BNC 1 appear at inputs 1 and 2 signals on BNC 2 appear at inputs 3 and 4 AES3id inputs override analog signals present at the XLR inputs To input analog audio while using the AES3id signal as a digital clock source you must select analog in the input source menu selection for the appropriate inputs 16 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation When a digital signal is present the 744T will lock its sampling rate to the source frequency This is indicated by a highlighted block on the main LCD display to the right of the bit depth and sam pling rate indicators Recording bit depth is not affected by the external digital source If you are locking the 744T to an external digital signal be certain the source is stable Loss of the digi
87. in that the external time code source appears in the time code jam menu If the 744T does not receive valid time code from the sending source the jam menu displays lines in place of numbers SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Identical to the Ambient Recording series of time code products the 744T time code generator can cross jam differing frame rates The 744T will cross jam time code at the top of the second for phase accurate the 00 frames will match time code at the set frame rate Jam Zeros This menu selection resets the internal generator to zero value to jam or zeros AAG Ge Ge REEL lt press to jam gt 44 MEDIT VALUE 10 52 42 05u 744T current timecode value menu selection Jam Value Press enter tone key or the Rotary Switch button to jam the user entered time code start value into the internal generator Edit Value This menu allows the user to set any valid time code value 00 00 00 00 23 59 59 29 for entry with the jam value selection above The initial screen of this menu shows the currently set value as well as the current time code setting of the 744T Press the Rotary Switch or the enter key tone key to enter into edit mode The user can set the time code numbers in pairs hours minutes seconds and frames Once DONE is selected the value is available to jam into the internal generator with the jam value selection A va
88. ing and non operating shock The mechanical construction of the 744T is designed to minimize the transmission of shock to the hard drive The drive is isolated from the chassis using special shock reducing closed cell foam This material increases the amount of shock the hard drive can withstand Additional protection can be achieved by operating the unit in a carry case If the recorder is used in applications subject to extreme motion Sound Devices recommends recording to CompactFlash only The hard drive will park its write heads to reduce the chance of failure With all electrical devices the higher the ambient temperature the shorter the device s operational life Therefore take care to observe the specified temperature rating There is also a risk from sudden temperature changes which can create condensation inside the drive This condensation can lead to the drive s read write heads adhering to the disk surfaces which will in turn stop the hard disk from rotating Condensation tends to occur when the tempera ture inside the drive suddenly falls for example just after the unit is moved to a new location or after operation is stopped in a cold environment SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Sudden changes in temperature or air pressure can cause disk surface material to evaporate which can also cause the head to adhere to the disk surface This can happen when a hard disk drive is left unused for a
89. ion 74 74 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Front Panel Button Shortcuts To speed navigation the 7 Series has numerous navigation shortcuts For combinations hold down the first identified key and continue to hold while pressing the next keys Function Key Sequence Action Record Tone Record and Tone REC In the menu File Marker Mode must be set to Markers Disabled While recording hold the REC button and press the tone button Tone will be active as long as the tone button is held Jam Menu Menu and HDD t Enters the time code jam menu 702T amp 744T Only Button Lock Backlight and Tone Press backlight then tone to lock all front panel buttons except for Record Stop and Play FF and Rew are available in playback mode Use backlight and tone again to unlock the panel Input Mutes GD Input Hold down and press soft buttons to mute inputs Input Stop and Input Routing D Hold down STOP and press INPUT to cycle through input rout ing presets Last preset will open the input routing menu to the custom route selection Phantom 1 Tone and Menu Toggles Input 1 phantom power Phantom 1 amp 2 are linked when Inputs 1 amp 2 are linked Phantom 2 Tone and HDD 4 Toggles Input 2 phantom power Low cut 1 Backlight and Menu j Toggles Input 1 high pass filter Low cuts 1 amp 2 are linked when
90. ither 24 bit digital signals to 16 bit The 744T uses a proprietary pseudo random dither routine for accurate bit rate reduction Dither can be defeated in the user menu Without dither 24 bit audio is truncated to 16 bit meaning the least significant 8 bits are discarded Once a file is recorded its sampling rate and bit depth can not be changed in the recorder The 744T does not perform sample rate conversion or bit depth changes File conversion must be done in another environment such as an audio workstation Alternatively a real time analog transfer is often performed instead of sample rate conversion Word Clock A stable word clock source is essential for high quality digital audio The 744T uses a rock stable time code crystal to generate its internal word clock frequencies The 744T can clock external devices from its word clock and accept and lock to external clock sources for recording The 744T disregards external clock both AES and word clock during playback Clock Master When sending digital audio to several devices one unit is designated as the word clock master and the others as slaves Generally the device with the analog to digital converter is designated as the word clock master The 744T can function as an A D converter and can be used as the master word clock source Slaved digital devices derive their word clock timing from either their digital audio inputs S PDIF or AES EBU or through their word cloc
91. ivity until limiting occurs infrequently nal FireWire device Flashing indicates media problem 28 Input Signal Presence LEDs Indicates presence of analog or digital signal and its relative level on each of the four inputs 24 Media Activity LEDs Indicates storage media read write activity IN internal hard drive CF CompactFlash EX external FireWire 29 device Input Peak Overload LED Indicates analog signal is approaching clipping 3 dBFS on each of the four inputs Also used to indicate that an input is muted 25 High Pass Filter LEDs Indicates that the high pass low cut filter is active for the input High pass only operates when the input is set to microphone level wa Panel Lock Press and hold the backlight key then the tone key to bring up the front panel Button Lock Screen Button lock prevents unintentional changing of settings or record status The 744T displays any but ton lock options enabled select the soft buttons to activate the appropriate button lock mode LOCK NOM TRANSPORT BUTTONS UNLOCKED LOCK ALL There are three modes Unlocked all buttons are accessible and operate normally Non Transport Lock All front panel controls are locked except the Record Stop Play Re wind and Fast Forward Lock All All front panel keys are locked except the Record key The Record key is kept ac tive so the user can initiate recording after entering this mode a
92. k input connection As a word clock master the 744T generates word clock whether or not audio is sent If devices use separate word clock sources unpredictable behavior will result Clock Slave When connecting digital audio sources to the 744T inputs the recorder will derive its clock signal from the AES S PDIF stream It will slave to the external device If for example you are using a wireless receiver with a digital output it may not have an external word clock input and will be the word clock master If digital audio is connected to the 744T from more than one digital device you must word clock theses sources together otherwise variations between the sources will render their signals unusable If the 744T is slaved to external word clock be certain that the source is stable Loss of the word clock signal during recording can cause the 744T to revert back to its internally set sampling frequency If this occurs the portion of the file recorded after the loss of word clock may not play back at the proper speed For reliability we recommend you set the 744T to the same sample frequency as the word clock source Loss of the word clock signal in this case will most likely cause a glitch in the file but the file may still be usable SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Multi Unit Linking Via C Link The proprietary C Link control link connection enables multiple 744T 722 702T and 702 record ers to be c
93. k of every WAV audio file generated by the 744T l E ardware Ii Software Uepi 2 15 B Serial H 46esbe255815 X Upgrading Firmware From time to time Sound Devices may issue revisions new versions of firmware for the 744T Firm ware is user upgradeable To upgrade firmware follow the steps below 1 Download the firmware file from the Sound Devices web site 2 Transfer the firmware file it will be named VERSION _ NUMBER PRG to the 744T internal hard drive via FireWire or onto a CF card If there are multiple firmware files on the media the 744T will indicate the firmware file listed to apply To prevent confusion ensure that there is only one firmware file available on either 744T media 3 Enter the firmware upgrade menu You will be prompted to search for the firmware file If a valid firmware file is present on either the internal hard drive or CF the recorder will prompt if the path is the proper file to use Press the Rotary Switch or the tone key to say yes The 744T will begin firmware upgrade and validation Progress is indicated with a bar graph Press UR to search drives for a Programming file 4 When the upgrade and verify process is complete power cycle the 744T On power up the LCD will turn solid black and the green LED next to the FireWire port will blink 20 times When the update se quence is complete the 744T will reboot once again 5 Verify the firmware version using the INFO VERS
94. le creation date file flag archive bit status checked means the file archive bit is set clear means the file archi e file creation time fi e number of tracks b ve bit is cleared le size it depth sampling rate e beginning BEG time code stamp of the file e There is additional information available Pushing the Rotary Switch will cycle through the be ginning time code stamp BEG file length LEN user bits USR and frames per second FPS The file viewer always exits to the main screen whether entered from the menus or the HDD key File Time and Date Similar to a computer file system all files recorded by the 744T are stamped with the time and date of file generation To ensure that accurate time of day and file generation dates are written for each file make certain that the time of day clock and calendar are accurately set File time and date and time code are unrelated 1 Enter the TIME DATE SET menu 2 Set the current time and date using the navigation below soft keys increment and decrement time and date controller can be turned as well o i a E gt ze PH e14 done Ha advances to the next selection returns to the previous setting Once set the time and date clock will be kept while the removable rechargeable battery is attached If it is removed the internal AA NiMH time code battery maintains the time of day and date for 8 days or more SOUND DEVICES
95. les of high pass filtering are done in DSP Several frequency and slope combinations are selectable including corner frequencies of 40 80 160 or 240 Hz and filter slopes of 12 dB 18 dB or 24 dB per octave The high pass is selected for each input independently Shortcut The filters can be toggled with a two key combination Press and hold the LCD back light key and press the menu key for channel 1 high pass Press and hold the LCD backlight key and press the HDD key to toggle channel 2 high pass The high pass filters are linked when the inputs are linked See Input Linking Line Level Gain Control When in line level position the gain for inputs 1 and 2 is controlled by the front panel recessed potentiometers or by a menu sensitivity setting When set for front panel control in the user menu LINE INPUT 1 GAIN and LINE INPUT 2 GAIN controls in the user menu are lined out and not acces sible SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Input Linking Stereo or MS Decoding Analog inputs 1 and 2 can be linked as a stereo pair When linked the channel 1 front panel potenti ometer controls the signal level of both inputs and the channel 2 pot controls the left to right balance of the pair When the inputs are linked their peak limiters are linked as well When set to link as an MS pair the inputs are decoded as MS stereo where the gain and balance for the pair work the same as stereo linking above Input 1 is
96. ll be stamped with the stopped time code number Back stamping the file allows the audio time code to properly correspond to picture time code if sound rolls before picture in a video Rec Run environment Jam Menu external time code u bit value received by 744T lt press to jam menu selection mat VOLDE current 744T timecode u bit value Time code setup is done from the jam menu selection TIMECODE JAMMENU Pressing the drive key and menu keys simultaneously quickly enters the jam menu 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 In addition the 744T displays the frame rate of the incom ing time code and the current frame rate setting of the 744T The 744T time code generator can be set in three ways Jam RX TC When the JAM RX TC menu item is highlighted in the jam menu the external time code user bits and frame rate are shown at the top of the LCD screen the 744T internal generator user bits and frame rate are shown at the bottom of the screen To jam the 744T from an external value press soft key next to the jam button or the Rotary Switch button The screen will display JAMMING Once the 744T is jammed to the external time code the external and internal numbers will match and run in sync no valid time code is received EEE E UE 1 Te RAM VALUE UE Make certa
97. lled output meter provides a selec tion of ballistics and lighting intensities In addition separate peak indicators on input channels show clipping activity Output Meter 800800800800000080 0000OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO q 0 dBFS track LEDs are programmable 0000000OOOOOO0O000 as peak LEDs os 0000 0000000000008 0 dBFS to 20 dBFS The meter uses energy efficient LEDs which are viewable in full sunlight The 744T output meter is unaffected by shock or extremes in temperature and humidity Meter ballistics are setup menu select able among VU Peak Peak Hold VU Peak and VU PeakHold The meter uses a non linear metering scale which increases meter resolution in the most important part of the scale From 50 to 40 dBFS each LED segment equals approximately 10 dB From 40 to 12 dBFS each segment equals 2 dB From 12 to 0 dBFS each segment equals 4 dB Meter Ballistics Feak Unly n Peak Hold Only Peak WU Y The output meter can be set to display any of five types of meter ballistics VU Peak Peak hold a combination of VU and Peak and a combination of VU with Peak hold The meter ballistics are selected in the setup menu VU Volume Units Ballistics correspond closely to how the human ear perceives loudness and provides a good visual indication of how loud a signal will be In VU mode the attack and decay of the meter signal is 300 mS While giving a very good visual indication of perceived loudness VU mete
98. lue is not jammed into the 744T time code generator until JAM VALUE is selected EI v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation User Bits The 744T has seven user selectable user bit modes Time code user bits are a portion of the time code data which can be allocated however the user chooses Commonly user bits carry information such as the date take sound roll or camera roll number User bits are edited from the EDITU BIT selection in the jam menu Press enter tone key or the Rotary Switch to enter user bit edit mode The screen will show the format and setting of the user bits Using the Rotary Switch or the soft button up and down arrows user bit digits can be edited in pairs Once DONE is selected the user bits are set If editing is not available in the selected user bit mode NOUSEREDITS will appear in the screen NTSC Standard Def Video Production NTSC video uses a frame rate of 29 97 frames per second Unfortunately that leaves 108 frames per hour unaccounted To keep 29 97 time code in sync with clock time the concept of drop frame was devised Two frames are dropped at the top of each minute not divisible by 10 54 drops per hour x 2 frames 108 frames per hour To sync the 744T to a video camera first 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
99. m to extract Broadcast Wave files from 7 Series recorded FLAC files MP2 MPEG 1 Layer II is a lossy compression algorithm often used for speech recording What to consider when recording to MP2 e time code is enabled with BEXT or iXML data e mono recordings are not allowed with bit rates above 192k e limits your input routing to inputs 1 and 2 and tracks A and B only e limits your sampling rate to 48 kHz e limits your bit depth to 16 bit e limits recording to only one storage medium at a time MP3 MPEG 1 Layer III is a lossy compression algorithm often used for music What to consider when recording to MP3 e time code is enabled no BEXT or iXML data EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation e limits your input routing to inputs 1 and 2 and tracks A and B only e limits your sampling rate to 48 kHz e limits your bit depth to 16 bit e limits recording to only one storage medium at a time The chart below indicates the limitations of all file types available on the 744T File Bit Depth Sampling Rate kHz Maximum File i Multi Format bits Bit Rate kbps agua of Extension Sond PCM 16 or 24 32 to 192 4 WAV yes FLAC 16 or 24 32 to 48 4 FLAC no FLAC 16 or 24 32 96 2 FLAC no MP2 mono 16 32 44 1 48 1 MP2 no 64 96 128 160 192 MP2 stereo 16 32 44 1 48 2 MP2 no 64 96 128 160 192 256 320 384
100. me code are carried on the C Link connec tor External DC In Accepts sources of 10 18 volts DC for unit powering and removable Li ion battery charging The Hirose 4 pin con nector is wired pin 1 negative pin 4 positive Pin 2 and pin 3 are used to charge the removable Li ion battery DC ground at both pins 2 and 3 is at the same potential as chassis and signal ground Word Clock Input and Out Provides clock input and output for the 744T Word input accepts sampling rates between 32 kHz and 192 kHz Word clock output is the rate that box is run ning There is no sample rate conversion onboard the 744T AES3id Output Bus 2 Unbalanced digital output two channel for Output Bus 2 Signal source is menu selected AES3id Master Output Bus Unbalanced digital output two channel for the Master Output Bus Signal source is menu selected and is identical to the Analog Master Output Bus signal Multi Function Rotary Switch 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 push action is user selectable Ei v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Back Panel Descriptions 1 Security Slot Compatible with the Kensington Secu rity Slot specification Useful f
101. ments The same signal sources available for the Master Output Bus are available for Output Bus 2 see chart above Digital AES3id Output 2 Output Bus 2 appears solely on the AES3id BNC output connector There is no analog output con nections for Output Bus 2 The unbalanced AES3id output is directly compatible with most S PDIF inputs The maximum output level is 0 dBFS and can be attenuated in the setup menu in 1 dB incre ments by 40 dB Headphone Output The 744T headphone output is a flexible tool for monitoring audio in the field The 744T allows the user to monitor inputs tracks and post record tracks in a number of combinations MS stereo and B format surround decoding are also available in headphones The headphone output is independent of the Master Output Bus and the Output Bus 2 audio sources can be routed to headphones independent of routing assignments to output buses The 744T is capable of driving headphones to extremely high sound pressure levels Hearing experts advise against exposure to high sound pressure levels for extended periods Selecting Headphone Sources The headphone source display on the main LCD screen Ww ME D shows the audio sources sent to headphones The 744T comes from the factory with several preset headphone audio source selections available on the Rotary Switch These selections include inputs tracks and track monitors Turn the Rotary Switch to select among the available headphone monit
102. mped at 96 kHz e 48 kHz e 176 4 kHz e 48 048 kHz e 192 kHz e 48 048kF file stamped at 48 kHz See Time Code section for more information about the 48 048F 47 952F and 96 096F rates Bit Depths The 744T records at bit depths of either 16 or 24 bit 24 bit recording provides greater dynamic range and addition headroom for signal peaks relative to 16 bit recordings 24 bit recording versus 16 bit is a significant benefit for field production audio tracks Bit Depth Available Dynamic Range Bit depth defines the digital word length used to represent a given sample Bit depth correlates to the maximum dynamic range that can be represented by the digital signal Larger bit depths accom modate more dynamic range A quick estimate of maximum dynamic range capable of being rep resented by a given word length is dynamic range no of bits x 6 dB Bit depth is an exponential measure exponent of 2 so as bit depth increases the amount of data it represents increases expo nentially The majority of field recording is done with 16 bit audio therefore each sample is rep EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation resented by a digital word of 216 65 536 possible values 24 bit audio has a word length of 2424 16 7 million possible values per sample The 744T has 24 bit analog to digital converters To obtain 16 bit recording the 744T can be set to d
103. nd enter cue markers To stop recording in this mode you must disengage the panel lock and hit the stop key ol v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation LCD Display Descriptions ETER VETTETS_1 Wp we pan 00 0l 60 8 wR BF Spat i 11FM 24h lt O 45k lt Battery Level Indicator Shows voltage level of the removable battery or external power sources External power overrides battery power when present Graphical bar for relative level and numeric indicator for precise voltage measurement File Name Display Shows file name actively being recorded or played back In playback stop mode flashing file name indicates that the fast forward and rewind keys can be used to step through files in the current play back directory Absolute Time A time Display Shows the elapsed time of the file be ing recorded or played back in hours minutes seconds and tenths The A time and the time code display can be exchanged if a large time code display is needed This display can be set to re verse or flash during recording Flashes in playback pause mode Time amp Date Display 10 Alternating display between the set date and time of the 744T This information is written as the creation and modification date for generated audio files Bit Depth Indicator Shows the set record bit depth In play
104. nerated by the 744T is below ra The FALSETAKES SOUNDDEV and TRASH folders are automatical am FALSETAKES lt i ly generated SOUNDDEV is not viewable from the 744T File Viewer somo a A TOP LEVEL folder sits in the root directory This folder can be 7 TRASH eee negated by choosing lt None gt in the menu File Folder Options C7 TOP LEVEL A MID LEVEL folder can be used as a sub folder This folder can be MID LEVEL Selected to be a lt Daily gt folder in the menu File Folder Options C7 BOTTOM LEVEL A BOTTOM LEVEL folder could also be used as a sub folder This Example abel can be selected to be a lt Scene gt folder in the menu File Folder ions 7447 P 7 FALSETAKES This is a TOP LEVEL folder named PROJECT activated in the menu 7 souUNDDEV File Folder Options 7 TRasH This is a MID LEVEL folder set to lt Daily gt from the menu 7 PROJECT File Folder Options C7 o7y01m15 p sceme This is a BOTTOM LEVEL folder set to lt Scene gt from the menu NAMETO1 WAV File Folder Options E These two files are title NAME in the menu Rec Scene Name Number File Viewer Navigation Moving from file to file is similar to navigating among files on a computer 1 Enter the file menu by either selecting FILE VIEWFILES file in the setup menu or by pressing the front panel HDD key By default the folder where the last recorded file or played file is located with be the folder first
105. ng the adjacent red LED will illuminate to indicate that the unit is in record mode If no inputs are routed to tracks recording cannot take place Make certain that at least one record track is assigned for recording While recording the power ff rew input tone and drive keys are disabled Stop recording by press ing and holding the STOP key The STOP key must be held for 150 ms or greater to end recording Although you can enter the setup menu during recording menu items that affect recording are lined out in the menu list During recording subsequent presses of the record key can perform one of three setup menu select ed actions e no action new cue cue markers are set within the file being written new file a new file is started with each press of the record key the take counter is increased by one When removing the CompactFlash from the 744T always observe the amber CF activity LED If it is lit wait until it goes out before removing the CF If you remove the CF while the LED is lit the file will be corrupted and there is a possibility of EAT corruption as well Pre Record Buffer To prevent missing record cues or up cutting takes the 744T has an available pre record or pre roll buffer When active pre record begins recording at a set number of seconds PRECEDING the record key being pressed The amount of pre record is sample rate dependent At 48 kHz ten seconds of buffered audio is available At a 96 k
106. nking Via C Link Outputs Analog and Digital 0ceeeeaee 23 Master Output Bus Output Bus 2 Headphone Output ccccercsescneraneaeesasneda 24 Selecting Headphone Sources Setting Headphone Source Options MS Stereo Monitoring SoundField B Format Surround Monitoring Rotary Switch Behavior Headphone Favorite Selection Headphone Playback Mode Headphone Warning Tones Metering and Display cc cece cece e seen eee 28 Output Meter Meter Ballistics Peak LEDs Tone Oscillator LCD Contrast amp Backlight LED Brightness Record Indication MMe Code csere EEE sedan ate 30 Frame Rate F Sampling Rate Modes Time Code Modes Jam Menu User Bits NTSC Standard Def Video Production Recording asin csncasnndeemasaaatanen stan cedewale 36 Recording Pre Record Buffer Failure During Recording Play Dat k ii isa iran eE n oat 37 AutoPlay Audio File Formals lt i ccciiicaeatGaosis tees eeeiad 38 WAV FLAC MP2 MP3 iXML Recording Time Calculation 0cceceee eee eee 40 Uncompressed Recording Time in Track Hours MP3 Compressed Record Time in Hours File Naming Numbering 0cceeeeeeeeeee 41 Scene Name Numbering Mono Track Name Designators Duplicate File Names File Management ccccce cece v ence eee e eens 43 Folder Actions File Viewer Navigation File Viewer Screen File Time and Date File Size Maximum Setting Clearing Flag Bits Automatic Flag Clearing File Copying Among Available Drives File
107. nput 2 2 07 gt Input 3 3 08 gt Input 4 4 08 gt Input 4 4 08 gt Input 4 4 09 gt Monitor A B 09 gt Monitor A B 09 gt Monitor A B 10 gt Monitor C D 10 gt Monitor C D 10 gt Monitor C D 01 gt Inputs 1 2 02 gt Inputs 3 4 03 gt Tracks A B 04 gt Tracks C D 05 gt Input 1 1 06 gt Input 2 2 07 gt Input 3 3 01 gt Inputs 1 2 02 gt Inputs 3 4 03 gt Tracks A B 04 gt Tracks C D 05 gt Input 1 1 06 gt Input 2 2 07 gt Input 3 3 HP Monitor Modes 01 gt Tracks A B Tracks AB y r RAER Disabled 7 p aaa HP Playback Mode HP Warning Bell HP Record Stop Bell Tracks A B 20 ars AEE s Dsl E ETEEN P p PEPEE EET Tracks A B ee 20 cos POETEN r Pr PEENE ETA o Dsl C Dialed ETE E AEE a n saaneina Tracks A B Tone Level 20 dBFS To Rec Tracks and Outputs To Rec Tracks and Outputs To Rec Tracks and Outputs EXHDD Empty Trash Empty Trash Empty Trash Empty Trash Empty Trash SOUNDSDEVICES 744T Presets 744T User Guide and Technical Information Film Reporter Music Power Ext Low Batt Volt Power Ext Power Function Ext Keyboard Assign Ext Keyboard Langauge Factory Pre set 11 0 volts Do Nothing F1 gt Record F2 gt Stop Button F5 gt Rewind Button F6 gt Play Button F7 gt Fast Forward Button CTRL C gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr CF gt EXHDD CTRL H gt File Copy Files Last 24Hr INHDD gt EXHDD English Preset 11 0 volts Do
108. nternal genera tor from the jam menu 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 continu ously 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 Free run Jam Once is useful when using the recorder as a slave although one of the External TC modes may be more appropriate for slaved operation 24 Hour Run Identical to free run with the exception that the generator will automatically jam itself from the time of day clock on power up The generator will also re jam if the time of day clock is reset Once jammed the generator will run continuously from the time code clock not the time of day clock Ext TC 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 744T appears as the re corded file s time code rate value Ext TC cont The internal time code generator follows an external time code signal appearing at the time code in put If the external time code is removed the internal generator continues to run to preserve continu ous time code Useful for time code transmission over RF where RF hits may interrupt time code Ext TC Auto Record The internal time code genera
109. nternal hard drive or CF medium Formatting Identical to both the internal hard drive and CompactFlash attached FireWire drives are formatted as FAT32 volumes Upon connection to an unformatted or non FAT32 formatted external drive the 744T will prompt the user to format the drive If the drive is already formatted as a FAT32 volume the drive will be ready to be selected as a storage medium The front panel drive LED will illuminate to show which drives are available for recording To reformat an attached drive follow the same procedure as formatting the internal hard drive substituting the external drive menu selection for the internal hard drive SOUND DEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information After recording to an external drive has stopped it may take several seconds for the 744T 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 amber activity LED labeled EXT If it is lit wait until it is off before disconnecting the drive If the drive is disconnected while the LED is on there is a high likelihood that the file being written will be unusable and there is a possibility of EAT corruption on the drive FireWire Bus Powering The six pin FireWire port on the 744T provides power for bus powered FireWire drives The follow ing conditions should be observed
110. oadcast Wave Extension BEXT data as well as in the ixML data Track names are entered from the Setup Menu H HID ename racke LAY p COPY FLAG s Duplicate File Names When the 744T detects that a duplicate file name is going to be generated in any specific folder the 744T changes the file name by adding of a letter suffix before the extension For instance if take numbers are reset but files are recorded to the same directory as previous files a suffix A is added to the file If additional duplicate files are generated the letter suffix increments to B C etc File Management The 744T like a computer saves audio recordings to a file system containing files and folders The 744T formats its internal hard drive CompactFlash medium and attached external drives as single drives named 744T INDD 744T CF and 744T EXTHDD respectively All files generated by the 744T can be saved to the Root Folder a Daily Folder or a Scene Folder Folder Actions Files generated by the 744T are placed in the root 744T folder a daily sub folder or a Scene sub folder File folder action is set in the Setup menu under the selection FILE FOLDER OPTIONS Folder choices include TOP LEVEL MID LEVEL and BOTTOM LEVEL FOLDERS e Top Level folder is a root level folder and can be set with a user selected name The Top Level folder can also be de activated by selecting lt NONE gt from the Set
111. ompressed audio has enabled the practical distribution of audio over low speed data networks File Naming Numbering Files generated by the 744T are named using a syntax made up of four parts scene name number take number mono track designator if mono file is selected and file extension S001T01_1 WAV scene mono extension number take file number designator Scene Name Numbering Scene names are selected for use from a scene name list This list is accessed from the setup menu Any number of scene name lists can be generated and these can be made up of any number of scene names The advantage of scene name lists is that scene names can be built before production so that WILD THING A PA m 3 DELETE EDIT x Scene names are made with alphanumeric characters including _ and and can be any length between zero 0 and nine 9 characters in length Scene numbers are helpful to match audio with the corresponding scene in a production Scene names can also be used to identify other items in cluding recording date artist name or any other descriptor as required SOUND DEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Scene names are user selected from the setup menu and do not change until changed by the user gt GTMOS Bag lt i E E g Cee To change scene numbers 1 Enter the user menu and navigate to the Scene Name Number option 2 Use the REW lt lt and FF
112. on while various PC utilities are able to recover files from re formatted drives once formatted old audio data is not accessible by the 744T 86 EXHDD Repair Runs a utility that will repair minor errors in the directory structure of the external FireWire storage volume 87 EXHDD Empty Trash Allows user to delete files previously sent to the trash as well as false takes e Empty Trash e Empty False Takes e Empty both 88 Balance Cal Calibrates the center position of the input 2 pot when used as the balance control for MS recording Place balance control to center and press to select 89 Power Ext Low Batt Volt Sets the warning voltage of the low battery alert with an external power source Internal battery warning threshold is factory set 10 0 18 0 VDC 0 1 V steps SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Setup Description Setup Options 90 Power Ext Power Function Controls the behavior of the unit when power Do Nothing is applied to the external DC jack e Power On Unit e Power On and Start Record e Power On Off unit e Power On Off unit and Record 91 Ext Keyboard Assign l Enter to setup keyboard shortcuts when using the CL 1 keyboard interface 92 Ext Keyboard Language l Select the language of the keyboard attached English to the CL 1 e German e Frenc
113. onnected for recordings requiring high track counts C Link also enables connection to the CL 1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface When linked the 7 Series recorders have a master slave relationship The master recorder and the slave unit will share sample accurate start and stop record times Multiple units can be daisy chained together to record nearly unlimited tracks The C Link protocol links carries the following data e word clock e time code information 744T 702T only e RS 232 machine transport data J L J L H L J be g L RA A 0000 OUT C LINK IN master slave slave unit unit unit To link units 1 Connect multiple units as shown in the illustration above 2 Set all linked recorders to the same sampling rate bit depth file format and time code frame rate if used This will ensure that all files generated are compatible 3 If time code is being used set slave units to External time code mode so that they will follow the master recorder s time code generator 4 Set scene names on each of the units for easy identification in post production Take numbers should be set to the same on all linked recorders if take numbers are reset before recording There is no file name synchronization with multiple unit linking
114. opened The 744T knows this file name by reading a txt file written to each time the unit records or plays audio To move up the hierarchy scroll up to the top of the menu to Press enter or push the Rotary Switch to go up one menu level From the root menu selecting opens the media select screen 7 PF YP N Continuing up the file hierarchy the media menu is viewable Select either internal hard drive or CF if installed and drill down through the directories of that medium to the file required Media E VS EE N BEH SSE ME g Larger files and files from CompactFlash take added time to show details this is normal aa v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation File Viewer Screen K miE3TAL 1 HAU HG Ge 21 GEES B11 2 ME 2CH 24b 43088 FLAG fe The file viewer screen contains information about the individual audio files contained in the direc tory The left side of the display shows files and folders The top line displays the directory path in the form of DRIVE FOLDER NAME File names are listed in the order they were recorded File types not recognized do not show up in the file viewer although all folders are viewable File detail is shown at the right side of the display The center divider points to the file selected for information viewing Information shown includes e fi
115. or secur ing the recorder to a fixed object with a compatible computer lock CompactFlash Slot Accepts CompactFlash medium with the label side up Compatible with Type I Type IL and MicroDrives Li ion Battery 4 Battery Mount Accepts Sony InfoLithium L or M Series batteries Also accepts batteries conforming to this mount Numerous capacities from 1500 mAh to 7000 mAh are available Battery Release Pin Push down the pin with a long skinny object such as a key screwdriver or a pen With the pin pushed in slide the L or M Series battery to the right to release the battery SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Input Setup and Control The 744T has four inputs and four record tracks Inputs can be analog or digital sources Analog inputs 1 and 2 use XLR connectors inputs 3 and 4 use TA3 connections Digital inputs can be either AESS3 balanced at the XLR or AES3id on BNC inputs One analog pair and one digital pair can be used simultaneously Input Source Selection Input sources are selected in pairs 1 2 and 3 4 Each input pair 1 2 and 3 4 accepts analog or digital audio The input signal type is selected using slide switch above the XLR input connector The setup menu has additional input control Manually selecting the audio source is used to force the inputs to analog while using an AES3 or AES3id input to lock the 744T to an external sampling rate D
116. or several seconds before releasing Peak Hold indicators are useful for metering in applications when an overload condition is unacceptable Peak LEDs 1 input peak LEDs input signal present LEDs In addition to the main LED output meter peak LEDs show input peaks track peaks and head phone peaks Input Peak The 744T has a peak LED associated with each input These LEDs illuminate when input signal reaches 3 dBFS There is no user adjustment to the Input Peak LEDs These LED s also function as indicators of input mute activity see Input to Track Routing Track Peak The 0 dBFS LED on each track can also function as a track peak indicator The user can select a signal threshold above which the 0 dB LED will flash Headphone Peak Like the channel peak LEDs the headphone circuit has an indicator for peak overload This LED is useful since headphones can often overload before the recorder overloads Monitoring without a visual indication of headphone clipping may mislead the operator into thinking that the output or return tracks are distorting Tone Oscillator The tone oscillator level and frequency are user selectable Reference level is adjustable over a range of 40 to 0 dBFS Reference tone frequency is adjustable from 100 to 10 000 Hz Standard tone levels vary according to the practices and needs of production and post production but are generally in the 20 to 12 dBFS range The tone osc
117. oring of track pairs Tracks 1 and 3 are assigned to left headphone output Tracks C D tracks 2 and 4 are assigned to right headphone output Upon playback will play as track monitor Monitor A B Stereo monitoring of playback post record track pairs Tracks 1 and 3 are assigned to left Monitor C D headphone output tracks 2 and 4 are assigned to right headphone output When using the recorded track monitor selection there is a sample rate dependent delay in the signal At 48 kHz sampling the delay is approximately 12 seconds This delay is due to the record buffering topology Audio can not be monitored until it has left the record buffer and written to the recording media Input 1 1 Solo monitoring of selected input This signal is sent to both sides of the headphones Input 2 2 Input 3 3 Input 4 4 Track A A Solo monitoring of selected track This signal is sent to both sides of the headphones Track B B Upon playback will play as track monitor Track C C Track D D Monitor A A Solo monitoring of playback post record track Highlighted media is source of moni Monitor B B tor program This signal is sent to both sides of the headphones When not in playback Monitor C C headphones have no program Monitor D D Inputs 1 2 MS Inputs 3 4 MS Stereo monitoring of discrete M mid and S side input pairs Highlighted media is source of monitor program Tracks A B MS Tracks C D MS Track A B MS
118. oring sources Track Monitoring While Recording Confidence Monitoring The 744T can monitor actual recorded audio written to the internal hard drive or CompactFlash dur ing recording This is commonly referred to as confidence monitoring To monitor recorded tracks during recording select one of the track monitor modes Because of the record buffering topology of the 744T a delay of up to 12 seconds can be expected before recorded audio appears at the output The 744T will play back recorded audio from the media highlighted on the LCD panel see File Man agement and Copying for more information on selecting and highlighting storage medium Setting Headphone Source Options In addition to the 10 preset headphone routings a total of 20 available slots can be filled in a user defined order Headphone monitoring sources can be set from various combinations of inputs tracks and post record tracks including stereo MS decoding and SoundField B Format surround decoding The order of headphone selections is user selectable Available audio sources for head phone monitoring include 24 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation HP Sources Description Inputs 1 2 Stereo monitoring of input pairs Inputs 1 and 3 are assigned to left headphone output Inputs 3 4 inputs 2 and 4 are assigned to right headphone output Tracks A B Stereo monit
119. outing and control parameters The single layer menu structure allows for very quick navigation and selection of functions To enter the setup menu press the front panel key Once in the setup menu the following conventions are shared for navigating among selections and to select specific parameters enters setup menu ITEM highlighted menu item V selects highlighted item or parameter moves up in menu and between menu parameters moves down in menu and between menu parameters X exits the selected menu or menu altogether The CD stop key will exit from any menu and cancel any changes Use it to escape out of the setup menus The right panel Rotary Switch labeled Select is a convenient control to quickly navigate among menu items and item options Its push to select function duplicates the check mark in most menus Connecting Audio Sources 1 Connect audio sources either analog or digital to the appropriate input connector 2 When using either input XLR set the appropriate input level mic line or digital with the adjacent slide switch 3 If mic level inputs are used on XLR input 1 or XLR input 2 make certain that phantom power input limiters and high pass filters are activated as required 4 When using inputs 3 or 4 set gain levels in the setup menu SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Routing Inputs to Tracks Before recording inputs must be assigned to tracks Each of
120. phone selec tion can be selected as the headphone favorite Headphone Playback Mode A single headphone source can be set to automatically activate upon playback All headphone moni tor combinations are available for the Headphone Playback Mode as well as No Change which makes no change to the headphone selection during playback Headphone Playback Mode is select ed in the setup menu Headphone Warning Tones The 744T can generate an audible beep or warning bell in the headphones when an error has occurred The specific error will be reported on the LCD The output level of the warning bell can be selected from off or 20 to 12 dBFS in the setup menu Recording Start and Stop Tones If activated from the setup menu the start of recording can be indicated audibly by a single 440 Hz tone sent solely to headphones When recording is stopped two 220 Hz tones play in headphones Low Battery Warning When either the attached battery or external power supply voltage reaches their low warning levels 6 5 V for the attached Li ion 11 0 V or user selectable for external warning tones are played in headphones The warning tone is a three pop note of 880 Hz every 20 seconds If all warning tones are turned off no tones are sent to headphones including low battery warning tones SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Metering and Display The 744T features a 76 LED 4 x 19 output meter The DSP contro
121. powered off Use when connecting to an external battery pack Regardless of whether pins 1 and 4 or pins 2 and 3 are used the unit will always charge the Li ion battery when the unit is powered on Pin 1 and pin 2 of the external DC input are at the same ground potential as chassis and signal ground The voltage level of the source powering the unit is shows on the LCD EXT RELI When the 744T senses a low voltage condition from an external DC source the power LED and battery voltage display flashes to alert the user When the external DC reaches 9 volts the 744T will automatically switch over to the removable battery If no battery is installed the unit will shut down The included AC to DC wall wart power supply operates the unit and charges the removable bat teries simultaneously Pins 3 and 4 are wired to and pins 1 and 2 are wired to When power is applied the charging circuit evaluates the battery condition and supplies charg ing current if necessary When charging the amber charge LED will flash Once the battery is fully charged the charger will turn off and the amber charge LED will light solid indicating a full charge Large capacity cells increase the charge time Charge LED Activity Description of Activity Off Charger disabled On Completed charge battery fully charged Blinking Charger enabled battery is charging If the charge LED shows anything but a successf
122. press of the key enters play stop mode where the FF and REW keys select files for playback from the current directory One more press of the key exits playback mode In the setup menu the stop key is also used to exit from any menu returning to the main display LCD Backlight Key Press to toggle LCD and keyboard backlighting Hold the key and turn the Rotary Switch to adjust the brightness of LEDs In menu mode functions as the cancel key 16 17 lt x 18 pee 19 20 21 Fast Forward Key Performs fast forward FF scrubbing through the played file when pressed in playback and play pause mode Play pause indicated by flashing A time on LCD Fast forward rate increases the lon ger the key is held In play stop mode indicated by flashing filename on LCD selects the next file in the record folder either daily folder or main folder Play Key Plays back the file displayed in the LCD If pressed immediately after recording is stopped the most recently recorded file is played back Rewind Key Performs reverse REW scrubbing through the played file when pressed in playback and play pause mode Play pause indicated by flashing A time on LCD Reverse playback rate increases the longer the key is held In play stop mode indicated by flashing filename on LCD selects the previous file in the record folder either daily folder or main folder HDD File Viewer Key Press to enter the File V
123. r the latest documentation 744T Presets Factory Pre set Film Preset Reporter Preset Music Preset Input 2 Delay Input 3 Delay Input 4 Delay File Marker Mode File Max Size 0 usec 0 usec 0 usec New File 2G CF 1 8 GB 0 usec 0 usec 0 usec E New File 2G CF a 8 GB 0 usec 0 usec 0 usec New File 0 usec 0 usec 0 usec New File 2G CF 1 8 GB 2G CF 1 8 GB Copy all INHDD gt CF Enabled File Copy Files File Copy Flag Reset TimeCode Frame Rate TimeCode Mode TimeCode User Bits 30 Free Run mm dd yyt Copy all INHDD gt CF Enabled 30 Free Run mm dd yyt Copy all INHDD gt CF Enabled 30 Off Not Used Copy all INHDD gt CF Enabled 30 Off Not Used Output Right Source Output L R Attenuation Output2 Left Source Output2 Right Source Output2 L R Attenuation Digital Output Mode Track B 0 B Track c Track D 0 dB Consumer Track B 0dB Track c Track DO 0 4B Consumer Track D 0 dB Consumer Track B 008 Track c Track D 0 dB Consumer LCD Contrast 50 50 50 50 cer ahs aa ann ees PE Holds WU PEE S EE TS So iow esa Netr Peak Threshold DENR aers thee jars EE AE a ars E ae sors a oe ae i nace ae AAAA E 3 IE ere ere NEETA Ea S Meter Ballistics 01 gt Inputs 1 2 02 gt Inputs 3 4 03 gt Tracks A B 04 gt Tracks C D 05 gt Input 1 1 06 gt I
124. racks C D Tracks B C B D MS Tracks A B C A B D Track A B MS C C In B format stereo Track A B MS D D Trk B format stereo 69 HP Playback Mode Selects the audio source sent to headphones No change upon playback e Same as options listed above 70 HP Warning Bell Level Set the output level of the multi function warn off 60 to 12 dBFS in 1 dB steps ing bell 71 HP Rec Stop Bell Alerts the user with one beep at the start of e Disabled recording and two beeps when the recording Enabled is stopped H 72 Tone Level Set the output level of the reference tone 40 to 0 dBFS in 1 dB steps 73 Tone Frequency Allows the user to set the frequency of the reference tone oscillator 100 10 000 Hz in 100 Hz steps 72 72 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation 74 Setup Name Tone Mode Setup Description Select the destination of the reference tone or to disables it completely Setup Options e disabled e to record tracks only e to outputs only e to record tracks and outputs 75 Drive Speed Tests Performs a write read speed test on the inter nal hard drive CompactFlash and external drives Data transfer speed is measured in KB s Caution Drive test will disable processing and mute outputs for duration of test Outputs will not return until test is exited
125. reen whether entered from the input key or the menu selection Selective Input Muting When the INPUT key is pressed individual input muting is available This feature can be used to quickly mute microphones while maintaining their respective track assignments Indicates that an input is gt 42 available for routing t FOULING No indication here shows INPUT SOFT KEYS mutes that an input is muted UF A solidly lit input Peak LED indicates that an input is muted A solid illuminated Peak LED indicates that an input is muted 000 eooo p Mono and polyphonic files behave differently when selective muting is applied When monophonic files are selected files from tracks A B C and D are named with the suffix _1 _2 _3 and _4 re spectively If for instance track B is muted but tracks A C and D are still selected the resulting files will be named _1 _3 and _4 and track B will not be recorded saving storage space When polyphonic files are selected a four track file will be generated with track B being a blank track Blank tracks in polyphonic files take up the same amount of storage space as tracks that are assigned SOUND DEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Sampling Rate and Bit Depth When recording the 744T generates uncompressed PCM audio WAV files in the Broadcast Wave File format at the user selected sampling rate and bit depth The 744T LCD calculates ava
126. ries including CF cards batteries power supplies carry cases cables or adapters unless instructed by Sound Devices Sound Devices LLC Service Repair RMA XXXXX 300 Wengel Drive Reedsburg WI 53959 USA telephone 608 524 0625 Technical Support Bug Reports For technical support and bug reporting on all Sound Devices products contact Sound Devices LLC E mail support sounddevices com web www sounddevices com contact_support htm Telephone 1 608 524 0625 Toll Free in the U S A 800 505 0625 Fax 1 608 524 0655 Sound Devices hosts a support forum for 7 Series recorders The URL is www sounddevicessupport com Sound Devices cannot guarantee that a given computer software or operating system configura tion can be used satisfactorily with the 744T 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 file type selected EI v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation SOUNDSDEVICES SOUND DEVICES
127. rights Sound Devices LLC may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA In such event you must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and all of its component parts Limited Warranty No warranties Sound Devices LLC expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT The SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any related documentation is provided as is without warranty or condition of any kind either express or implied including without limita tion the implied warranties and conditions of merchantability fitness for a particular purpose or non infringement The entire risk arising out of use or performance of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT remains with you No liability for damages In no event shall Sound Devices LLC or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including without limitation damages for loss of business profits business interruption loss of business information or any other pecuniary loss arising out of the use of or inability to use this Sound Devices LLC product even if Sound Devices LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages In any case Sound Devices LLC s entire liability under any provision of this evaluation license shall be limited to the greater of the amount actually paid by you for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or U S 5 00 Because some states jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages the above
128. rs gives poor information on actual signal peaks and are virtually useless for tracking to the 744T In VU mode the front panel meter labeling is in volume units Peak 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 Peak metering is essential for digital re cording since signal overload can cause immediate distortion The peak meters front panel markings are calibrated in dBFS decibels relative to full scale digital signal Peak Hold Essentially the same as Peak metering where the peak level indication will hold for the peak level indication for several seconds Peak hold indicators are useful for metering in applications when an overload condition is unacceptable Peak VU The meter can simultaneously display VU and Peak level information In this mode the perceived loudness VU is displayed on a bar graph and the Peak signal on a dot above the VU With this 28 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation combination the user gets the best of both VU and Peak metering by seeing both the loudness of the signal and the peaks at the same time Peak VU is the factory default Peak Hold VU Similar to VU Peak mode this mode holds the peak level indication f
129. s for the audio signal see the calculation below for determining PCM audio e storage capacity typically expressed in GB Uncompressed Recording Time in Track Hours Data Rate bit depth sampling rate one track 16 441 16 48 24 48 24 96 24 192 5 05 MB min 5 49 MB min 8 24 MB min 16 5 MB min 33 0 MB min 1 3 30 3 03 202 1 01 0 51 ME a a a e n ce 8 24 42243 4 312 8 09 405 SS 40 1320 ee 809 40 5 20 2 100 330 303 22 101 50 6 The chart above shows recording time available with the 744T Time is expressed in hours per track track hours at the specified data rate supported by the 744T If recording two tracks divide the track hours figure by two Similarly for four track recording divide track hours by four Note that the 744T supports additional sampling rate bit depth combinations however only the most com mon are included below Record Time The chart shows that when recording 24 bit 48 kHz audio to a 40 GB hard drive the maximum amount of recording time available roughly 80 track hours If recording a stereo two track file this yields 40 stereo hours of record time Note that most storage media now quote capacity in GB using SI units where 1000 megabytes equals one gigabyte PCM Audio Uncompressed digital audio is expressed numerically by two measurements bit depth and sampling frequency such as 16 bit 48 kHz These two numbers are used to compute the data rate of uncom pres
130. s later than 2 00 support recording to and playing back from DVD RAM drives when formatted as FAT32 volumes When recording to DVD RAM drives in realtime it is important to note the following 1 Keep sampling rates at or below 48048 2 Record to polyphonic file formats 3 Use DVD RAM drive mechanisms and media that support 3X recording speeds Post record copying from internal hard drive or CF to external drives is recommended with material recorded at high sampling rates EI v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation File Transfer Using FireWire L if ee OR ie O 000000 pDororuic QOD LR 1 OUT L R 2 T D CLOCK IN BEN totey A P IN FireWire cable 744T to computer The 744T s FireWire IEEE 1394 port makes transfering of recorded files to a computer quick and easy When connected to a computer the internal hard drive and CompactFlash card of the 744T will mount to a Mac OS X or Windows computer as a local removable mass storage volume Using Mac Finder Windows Explorer or any other file utility files can be copied read and deleted directly to and from the 744T hard drive It is best practice to copy original audio files from the original recorded medium to another volume before editing To mount the 744T to a computer via FireWire 1 Stop all playback and r
131. sed audio Audio Data Rate Bit Depth x Sampling Frequency In the example below the data rate of a single 16 bit 48 kHz audio stream is computed in megabytes per minute Division by 1 048 576 converts from bits to megabits Division by 8 converts from mega bits to megabytes multiply by 60 converts seconds to minutes 16 x 48000 1 048 576 8 x 60 5 49 MB min EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation MP3 Compressed Record Time in Hours MP3 Data Rate bit depth sampling rate stereo track 64kb s 96kb s 128kb s 160 kb s 192kb s 256kb s 320 kb s 0 47 MB min 0 70 MB min 0 94MB min 1 17 MB min lt 1 40 MB min 1 86 MB min 2 34 MB min _ 1 9 2838 17 2 4 2 1 FB 7 ae aa a a a a ee m 4 142 494 7 86 47 B 28 of aes alae ge ae sae ar a gee vac ea ae ae a co ee ee 2a ee a a ee Oe we ek ee ee 100 3555 2370 1777 1422 1185 888 mi The chart above shows recording time available with the 744T when recording to an MP3 file Time is expressed in hours at the specified MP3 supported by the 744T Note that all recordings are two channel recordings Compressed Audio When digital audio is compressed using some form of lossy perceptual process such as MPEG2 Layer3 MP3 audio Windows Media encoding WMA ATRAC encoding used in MiniDisc AAC MPEG 4 audio or others it can have a significant reduction in its data rate C
132. t Corporation Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners The sound waves logo is a registered trademark of Sound Devices LLC a v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Quick Start Guide The 744T is an extremely powerful and flexible portable audio recorder Before recording please familiarize yourself with the product Several settings should be verified or set based on individual recording needs Powering the Unit 1 Apply power to the unit by attaching the included removable rechargeable Li ion lithium ion bat tery to the back panel battery mount The metal tabs on the mount line up with the electrical contacts on the battery From the factory the battery may not have a charge so external DC may be needed for initial operation and charging Connect the included AC to DC power adapter to the DC input plug to power and charge the battery 2 Press and hold the power key to turn on the unit Press and hold the power key to turn off the unit If this is the first time the recorder has been powered or if it has been without a battery for an ex tended period the date and time may need to be set Charge the included Li ion battery for 6 hours prior to initial use Menu Navigation Basics The setup menu provides options for recording r
133. tal signal will cause the 744T to revert to its internally set sampling rate even while recording The portion of the file recorded after the loss of signal may not play back properly Once recording has begun unused digital inputs are muted digital signals that appear on them after the record key has been pressed will not be recorded or affect the sampling rate of the 744T The 744T clocks itself to the first digital signal presented to it If the 744T detects a digital signal on the BNC inputs and locks to that signal a digital signal applied to the XLR input will be ignored until the first digital signal is removed Signal Presence and Peak Indicator 0000 The four signal presence and peak indicators show audio activity before input to track routing Input signal presence LED s illuminate when a 50 dBFS or greater signal is present Input signal peak LEDs illuminate when signal levels reach 3 dBFS or greater Input Delay A digital delay is selectable on each channel of the 744T Delay time per input in one microsecond uS steps 1 000 microseconds equals 1 millisecond ms The Rotary Switch and menu arrows are accelerated The more you press or spin the faster the time setting will increase or decrease Delay is not set until the Rotary Switch is pressed or or the check mark is selected The amount of delay avail able is dependent on the sampling frequency in use Sample Frequency Maximum Amount of Delay A
134. ter see Specifications for computer requirements the internal hard drive and CF card mount onto a computer as letter accessible mass storage volume Use the appropriate FireWire cable 6 pin to 4 pin or 6 pin to 6 pin for interconnection Files on the 744T can be treated as if they are local files including renaming files copying deleting and playing directly from the 744T hard drive In general it is good practice to copy audio files from the 744T to a computer before any processing is performed on the files To connect the 744T for FireWire computer transfer 1 Stop all playback and recording activity 2 Make certain the 744T battery is fully charged or connect to external DC 3 Connect the 744T to the host computer with a FireWire cable 4 Initiate connection to the computer by accessing the FIREWIRE CONNECTION menu option in the Setup Menu Select COMPUTER CONNECT or if this has already been selected simply hit STOP then the HDD key to initiate a connection to the computer The 744T will enter FireWire transfer indicated by FIREWIRE CONNECTION on the LCD display All functions of the 744T are stopped while the 744T is connected to a computer through FireWire 5 Navigate to either the CF card or hard drive from the computer and copy all needed audio files to local storage on the computer To avoid any possible directory corruption on the 744T do not interrupt the connection process and always properly dismount t
135. to deactivated inputs Hard Drive Activity When the unit is recording to or playing back from the internal hard drive power consumption raises by approximately 2 W Microphone Powering Phantom powered microphones draw power for operation Up to 1 W can be drawn from the phantom supply Battery Chargers Depending on the charge state of the on board Li ion and the internal AA time code battery the charging circuit can draw 10 W from external DC Sampling Rate The 744T draws more power at higher sampling rates Each doubling of the sampling rate adds 1 W of power consumption EJ v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Firmware Upgrades The 744T uses upgradable EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read only memory to hold the unit s operating system software or firmware Firmware is the source code which controls all aspects of the device including menu options signal routing signal processing LED s button and switches and data ports Version Information During manufacturing the unit s hardware revision number and serial number are burned into a protected area of the EEPROM and are not changeable These numbers can be viewed from the INFO VERSION selection of the setup menu INFO VERSION also shows the firmware version of the recorder The 744T firmware version and unit serial numbers are written to the data chun
136. tor follows the external time code signal appearing at the time code input When external code advances the 744T enters record mode automatically When the external code is stopped the 744T generator pauses and recording is stopped This is appropriate when dual EI v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation system sound is used with video cameras set for Rec Run time code The video camera will function as master time code and the recorder transport will follow the video camera transport Ext TC cont Auto Record The internal time code generator follows the external time code signal appearing at the time code input When external code advances the 744T enters record mode automatically When the external code is stopped the 744T generator pauses and recording is stopped If the external time code is removed the internal generator continues to run to preserve continuous time code Useful for time code transmission over RF where RF hits may interrupt time code This is appropriate when dual system sound is used with video cameras set for Rec Run time code The video camera will function as master time code and the recorder will follow In Free Run Jam Once and all four external time code modes time code is recalculated back stamped when external static time code advances after the 744T begins recording If external time code does not advance the file wi
137. tures and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation The file name will be altered To remove the circle take indicate highlight the circled file as you would to circle it and select uncircle Storage Medium Internal Hard Drive The 744T s internal hard disk drive is the 744T s primary storage medium The large capacity and fast data read write speeds of hard drives are a perfect choice when long form high data rate re cording is performed hard disk drives offer a good balance of speed reliability noise performance and current draw Formatting The drive installed in the 744T is formatted at the factory as a single partition FAT32 volume If a drive with multiple partitions is installed the 744T will only see and address the primary parti tion For best operation periodic re formatting of the 744T hard drive is recommended Formatting the hard drive rebuilds the FAT file allocation table and erases all audio and data files present on the medium Formatting the drive prevents fragmentation and reduces the likelihood of directory cor ruption Be certain that all files on the 744T drive have been backed up to another media before formatting Once formatted all data on the drive will be erased Dynamic lists such as track names scene names folder options etc will be saved To format the 744T internal hard drive 1 Ensure that all data on the hard
138. ul charge the Li ion battery may require replacement Time Code Clock Battery The 744T has an internal NiMH LR6 AA battery to power to the time code generator circuitry and time of day clock This battery is charged simultaneously with the Li ion battery Additionally the AA is charged from the Li ion battery when the unit is powered on With a fully charged AA battery accurate time code is held for two hours after power down The 744T can be powered down and the removable battery can be removed and replaced without worry of time code jumps or inaccuracy When the NiMH battery reaches a factory set voltage the time code generator will shut off and the time of day clock will take over holding time and date for up to 60 days SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information 744T maintains accurate time code for 2 hours after power down with a fully charged NiMH battery time code AA battery even with the Li ion and external DC power sources removed Auto Functions with External Powering The 744T can perform several functions when DC power is applied to and removed from the record er Options available include e Power on unit unit will turn on and be ready for operation e Power on and begin recording unit will power on and begin recording with the settings used when previously powered down e Power on power off unit external DC functions as the on off switch e Power on and begin recording power
139. ult in two MS decod ers being inserted in the signal path The resulting audio in the headphones would be the discrete M and S signals SoundField B Format Surround Monitoring SoundField B format is a four channel surround sound format generated by SoundField surround microphones The 744T can accept the four signals output from a SoundField microphone and record each to its own track When recording four channel B format audio the 744T headphone monitor can decode the B format signal into L R stereo The 744T 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 744T s MS stereo monitoring the stereo width is fixed for headphone monitoring To record and monitor B format signals connect signals as follows SoundField gt 744T gt Resulting File Name for monophonic file type W signal inputi trackA gt FILE _ 1 WAV X signal input2 trackB FILE _ 2 WAV Y signal input3 trackC FILE _ 3 WAV Z signal gt input4 trackD FILE _ 4 WAV SoundField files generated in other recorders or software applications can be copied to Compact Flash or the 744T hard drive and can be played back and monitored in stereo Make certain that channel assignments follow the order above for proper headphone decoding If multiple monophon ic SoundField wav files are named using the _W _X _Y _Z suffixes the 744T will recognize that these are multiple
140. umber used for take identification lt selectable alpha character integers up to 32000 with or without preceding 0 s gt Rec Take Reset Mode Rec Pre Roll Time Defines when take numbers are reset Reset brings take number to lt 1 gt Selects the amount of pre roll time the 744T will add to the beginning of each file e Never take numbers do not reset e When scene is changed take resets when scene name is changed e When daily folder changes takes reset on new day e Either scene or daily takes reset on either change 0 10 sec 48 kHz 0 5 sec 88 2 96 096 kHz 0 2 sec gt 96 096 192 kHz Rec Dither Selects whether to dither is added to 24 bit digital signals while recording 16 bit files Off e On 16 bit only Rec Timer Start Rec Timer Stop Sets a specific start time date for unattended recording Unit must be powered Set a specific time date to stop recording May be used with or without the Rec Timer Start May be set before the Timer Start time to temporarily stop recording and then resume recording with Timer Start lt enter time date gt lt enter time date gt Rec Error Handler Sets the behavior when a hard drive write error occurs e Stop recording e Keep Recording to New File Rec Record Indicator _ Sets how the large display looks when the unit
141. up Menu If the Top Level folder is not used then the next lower level folder will reside at the drive s root If the TOP LEVEL folder is active then the MID LEVEL and BOTTOM LEVEL folders will be its sub folders e Mid Level Daily folder can be selected as a lt DAILY gt folder a folder with a user selected name or not used 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 lt DAILY gt a new folder will be created daily When recording past midnight the 744T will prompt to make to a new daily folder e Bottom Level Scene Folders can be selected as a lt SCENE gt folder which will use the name generated from REC SCENE NAME NUMBER Setup Menu as a user selected name or not used at all If no upper level folder is in use the BOTTOM LEVEL folder will reside at drive s root If the MID LEVEL and or TOP LEVEL are in use the BOTTOM LEVEL folder will be a sub folder SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Example If a daily Folder is desired set the TOP LEVEL to lt NONE gt the MID LEVEL folder to lt DAILY gt and the BOTTOM LEVEL to lt NONE gt This will generate a Daily Folder in the root directory with it s files directly inside the folder RECORD FOLDER g Tot Hone Mid Level Daily BBottom Level Honet x A hierarchical view of files ge
142. user selectable Pin 1 ground pin 2 pin 3 Headphone Output 3 5 mm TRS stereo headphone connec tor Can drive headphones from 8 to 1000 ohm impedances to very high lev els Tip left ring right sleeve ground Headphone Volume Adjusts the headphone volume NOTE the 744T is capable of producing ear damaging levels in headphones Tape Output Unbalanced tape 10 dBV nominal output on 3 5 mm TRS stereo connector Signal source is identical to the Master Output Bus Tip left ring right sleeve ground SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Right Panel Connectors and Controls 2 J by AMBIENT MENU 3 4 IN 1 2 SELECT AES SPDIF OUT C LINK IN DC IN 10 18V PIN 4 PIN 1 Time Code Multi Pin Time code input and output on 5 pin LEMO connector AES3id Inputs 1 2 and 3 4 Unbalanced digital input accepts two channel AES3 or S PDIF on BNC con nectors Supports sample rates up to 200 kHz FireWire IEEE 1394 Port Connection to a computer Mac OS Windows 2k XP Linux to access the internal hard drive and CompactFlash volumes as mass storage devices Also used to attach external FAT32 formatted FireWire drives to the 744T for direct recording and copying C Link In Out RS 232 protocol interface on 6 pin modular RJ 12 connector for link ing multiple 7 Series recorders together Word clock machine transport and ti
143. ut Low sensitivity is used for very loud and or very hot microphones e Normal e Low Normal fades to off e Low fades to off 68 v 2 40 Features and specifications are subject to change Visit www sounddevices com for the latest documentation Setup Name Setup Description Setup Options 27 Input 1 2 Source Forces the inputs to analog or digital mode e Auto select 28 Input 3 4 Source Default is auto select e Analog e Digital S PDIF AES e Disabled Power Save 29 Input 1 2 Linking MS Selects whether the input 1 amp 2 levels are e Unlinked controlled independently or grouped as a pair Inputs 1 and 2 operate independently with or without mid side decoding e Linked 1 2 Inputs are linked channel 1 pot controls level chan nel 2 pot controls pan e Linked 1 2 and MS Inputs are linked channel 1 pot controls level channel 2 pot controls pan and are decoded for MS stereo 30 Line Input 1 2 Gain Control When inputs 1 and 2 are in LINE input mode e Use front panel knobs selects whether the gain setting is controlled e Use sensitivity settings by the front panel knobs or by the menu sensitivity settings below 31 Line Input 1 Gain Adjusts the input sensitivity in 0 1 dB steps 6 Meters show a pre fader level of the input signal of 32 Line Input 2 Gain dB and 18 dB all four inputs on their respectiv
144. vailable per input 32 44 1 47 952 48 48 048 kHz 30 000 uS 88 2 96 96 096 kHz 15 000 uS 176 4 192 kHz 7 500 uS Input delay can be useful for time aligning input signals from differing sources For example digital wireless mics that have a processing delay in their outputs In addition all digital conversion stages have delay SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Input to Track Routing 18 v 2 40 The 744T uses a flexible routing scheme to assign inputs and tracks for recording The input matrix allows any input to be routed to any recording track Multiple inputs can be routed to a single track to create mono mixed recordings The 4 by 4 blue LED matrix makes it easy to view the set routing A solid blue LED indicates an input is assigned to a record track 1234 A any combination of B e the four inputs can c _ Ve outed to any of the four tracks AIII HDD TRACKS Pressing the INPUT key brings up the following menu d 1 ad t POULLAS E KEYS mutes 4 Routing Hold down the STOP key then press the key to cycle through the six preset input to track rout ing combinations These presets are factory set and cannot be changed The last three preset selec tions are CUSTOMROUTE options Press the EDIT soft key to enter the custom routing menu Custom routing allows any input to be assigned to any record track In the menu highlighted input and tr
145. y AutoPlay Mode Allows user to play file s consecutively l e Disabled i from selected directory one time through or e Play all continuously e Repeat one Great for playing an MP3 collection during Repeat all down time 59 Time Date 12 24 Hr Selects between 12 hour and 24 hour time e 12hr i 24 hr 60 Time Date Date Format Selects the date syntax of the recorder e mm dd yy e dd mm yy 61 Time Date Set Sets the internal date and time of the 744T lt time date gt Resetting the time re jams the internal time Clock is not set until lt done gt is selected code generator to the set time Setting the internal clock during a production day will require time code devices to be re jammed 62 LCD Contrast Adjusts the contrast level of the LCD display 0 100 SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Setup Description Setup Options 63 Meter Ballistics Selects among five different meter ballistics VU only e Peak VU i settings e Peak only Peak hold VU e Peak hold only 64 Meter Peak Threshold _ User set level in dBFS where track peak 0 to 20 dBFS 1 dB increments LED s illuminate 0 LED doubles as track peak indicator 65 Meter Stealth Mode Enables LEDs to toggle on and off with the e Off LCD backlight key e On 66 HP Rotary Switch Function Selects the functionality of the Rotary Switch s e Disable
146. y tree for the selected Highlight media descriptor to navigate the menu drive 43 File View Take List Allows user to view the last 200 takes Takes e Circle can be selected and converted to circle takes 44 File Copy Files Allows the user to select a file or a range of e Copy all drive drive i files to be copied from one storage media to i another Files will only be copied from their f Lastan tarve drive current directory to a directory of the same e Last 48 hr drive drive name on the other media If a file will not fiton e Flagged drive gt drive the destination media user is given the option to skip that file and continue with the copy or All files when recorded automatically abort the copy all together User is advised at have their flag bit set to on _ the end of the copy process how many files _ were copied successfully 45 File Copy Flag Reset Selects whether the flag bit is cleared or not Disabled on files copied from one media to another e Enabled SOUNDSDEVICES 744T User Guide and Technical Information Setup Name Setup Description 46 Time Code Frame Rate Sets the time code frame rate All common i time code frame rates are available 47 l Time Code Mode Sets the mode for the time code generator Setup Options e 23 976 used with high definition video cameras e 24 to sync audio to film where no transfer to N

High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time Code User Guide

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