744T

High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time CodeUser Guide and Technical Information
ﬁrmware rev. 2.63
ATA-5
2.5" HDDSound Devices, LLC
300 Wengel Drive • Reedsburg, WI • USA+1 (608) 524-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625
www.sounddevices.com
support@sounddevices.com

backside - front coverTable of Contents
Quick Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Panel LockLCD Display Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Left Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Right Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Back Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Input Setup and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Input Source Selection
Analog Inputs 1 and 2
Input Linking (Stereo or MS Decoding)Analog Inputs 3 & 4
Digital Inputs – AES3
Digital Inputs – AES3id (S/PDIF)
Signal Presence and Peak Indicator
Input Delay

Input-to-Track Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Selective Input Muting

Sampling Rate and Bit Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sampling Rate
Bit Depths

Word Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Clock Master
Clock SlaveMulti-Unit Linking Via C. Link

Outputs – Analog and Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Master Output Bus
Output Bus 2

Headphone Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Output Meter
Meter Ballistics
Peak LEDs
Tone Oscillator
LCD Contrast & Backlight, LED Brightness
LCD Gain Display
Record Indication

Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Frame Rate
F Sampling Rate Modes
Time Code Modes
Time Code Hold Off
Jam Menu
User Bits
NTSC Standard Def Video Production

Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Recording
Pre-Record Buffer
Failure During Recording
Record Pause
Record Timer

Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AutoPlay

Audio File Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

.WAV
.FLAC
.MP2
.MP3
iXML

Recording Time Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Uncompressed Recording Time in Track-Hours
MP3 Compressed Record Time in Hours

File Naming / Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Scene Name/Numbering
Mono Track Name Designators
Duplicate File Names

File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
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 Deletion
False Take Control
Emptying the Trash and False Take Folders
Take Number Incrementing
Take List
Circle Take

Storage Medium – Internal Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Formatting
Drive Type
Drive Replacement
Drive Failure

Storage Medium – Removable CompactFlash . . . . . . . . . . 52
When to Use CF
Formatting
Speed Testing
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
External Powering and Battery Charging
Time Code Clock Battery
Auto Functions with External Powering
Power-up Messages
Power Consumption Variables

Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Version Information
Upgrading Firmware

CL-1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface . . . . . . . . . . 60
Connecting the CL-1
Logic Inputs
Logic Outputs

Setup Menu Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Built-In Presets
User Setup Data File

Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Setup Menu Shortcuts

Front Panel Button Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Software License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Warranty and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

WelcomeThank you for purchasing the 744T. The ultra-compact 744T records and plays back audio to andfrom its internal hard drive, CompactFlash, or external drives, making field recording simple andfast. 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 andMP3 files. The time code implementation makes the 744T ready for any recording job—from overthe-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, andlow 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 learning 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 electronics technologies tobring 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 astandard 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 anymeans, 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, oralterations to this product, or failure to strictly comply with SOUND DEVICES, LLC’s operating and installation instructions.
Microsoft Windows is registered trademarks of Microsoft 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.

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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, pleasefamiliarize 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) battery 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 topower 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 extended 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, routing, and control parameters. The single layer
menu structure allows for very quick navigation and selection of functions. To enter the setup menu
key. Once in the setup menu, the following conventions are shared forpress the front panel
navigating among selections and to select specific parameters.
•- enters setup menu
• ITEM - highlighted menu item•
- selects highlighted item or parameter• - moves up in menu and between menu parameters• - moves down in menu and between menu parameters• - exits the selected menu or menu altogether• The
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 adjacentslide 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.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

Routing Inputs to Tracks
Before recording, inputs must be assigned to tracks. Each of 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
STOP key then press the
INPUT key to cycle through factory routing presets. The 744T has six often-used presets for quick setup of input-to-track routing combinations. Notethe 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
input key will eventually cycle to the custom routing option (see Input to Track Routing, pg. 18).
theFrom 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, External drive, or any combinationsof 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 willassure that every device is using the same time reference. (See Time Code for additional information ontime code setup).

RecordingWith 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
STOP key to end recording.

Playback
When recording is stopped, the most recently recorded file is immediately available for playback.
Press thekey to begin file playback from the beginning of the file.

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Features 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 theplay key to begin playback.

When playback has finished, the filename will begin flashing. Use thefast-forward key or
rewind key to step through files in the folder, or press thestop key to exit playback mode.

FireWire File Transfer to ComputerSound 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 ofisolated problems when hot-plugging IEEE 1394 (FireWire) devices. (Hot-plugging refers to making connections when one or more of the devices—including the computer—is on.) When hot-plugging, there arerare 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 computer (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 isconnected 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 andalways properly dismount the drives from the operating system. On Mac OS platforms, drag the drive
icons to the trash. On Windows platforms, use the “Disconnect External Media” icon in the system tray.
Dismount the 744T after file transfer by “ejecting” the volume from the computer. In Mac OS, dragthe disk icon from the desktop to the trash or hit -e. In Windows OS, highlight the disk icon, rightclick, and select “eject”. It is best practice to “eject” the 744T volume from the computer to maintainfile integrity (see FireWire File Transfer).

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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 transmitters and receivers.
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744T
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1)

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Digital Input LEDs
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 present.

2)

MENU Key
Used to access all 744T setup menu
selections. When in menu mode, used tomove up through the menu selections.
Pressing the HDD and MENU keys
simultaneously brings up the time code
jam menu.

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5)

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LCD Display
Primary display of 744T status. The
LCD is backlit using the LCD backlightcontrol (#15).

6)

Tone Oscillator
Press to activate the tone oscillator, press
and hold for two seconds or longer tolatch on, press again to deactivate. Frequency, tone level, and routing are controlled in the Setup Menu. When in the
Setup Menu use the TONE key to enter
Setup Menu options and select parameters when the check mark appears in theupper right hand corner of the LCD.

7)

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 during “custom” routing mode shows theselected input/track combination.

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 balance.

4)

15

Input 1 Gain
Controls the analog gain (input trim) of
the channel 1 input. Normal mic 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 bedefeated and gain can be setup menucontrolled. If the LCD display shows“locked” when the pot is turned, gain
control of the line-level input is menucontrolled. When inputs are linked asa stereo pair, Input 1 Gain controls thegain of both inputs.

3)

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8)

INPUT Select Key
Pressing the INPUT key brings up the
input muting and routing menu. Holddown the INPUT key and press oneof the four indicated soft keys to muteinputs. Pressing the STOP key and the
INPUT select key cycles through thesix 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. (SeeInput-to-Track Routing)Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

9)

Level Meter LEDs
Four, 19-segment track level-meters indicate level in dBFS. Metering ballistics
are selected in the setup menu.

10) Power Key
Press and hold to power up the 744T.
Press and hold to power down.
11) Charge LED
Indicates the charge status of the onboard battery charger. LED flashes when
external power is connected and the removable battery is charging; illuminatessolid when battery is fully charged.
12) Power LED
Indicates the 744T is powered and available for operation. LED flashes when theremovable battery or external DC is in a
low-voltage state.
13) Record Key
Press to record. The 744T is a recordpriority device; pressing this key starts
recording and discontinues all otherfunctions, except file operations. Pressing key during recording can set a cue
marker or start a new file, as selected in
the setup menu.
14) Stop/Pause Key
Press and hold this key for 150 ms tostop recording. In Record Pause mode
the STOP key will pause the recording,pressing it twice will finalize the recording. In playback mode, a single press
pauses playback (play-pause), allowing
audio scrubbing with the FF and REW
keys. Another press of the key enters
play-stop mode where the FF and REW
keys select files for playback from thecurrent directory. One more press of the
key exits playback mode. In the setup
menu the stop key is also used to exitfrom any menu, returning to the main
display.
15) 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 thecancel key.

16) Fast-Forward Key
Performs fast-forward (FF) scrubbing
through the played file when pressed in
playback and play-pause mode. Playpause indicated by flashing A-time on
LCD. Fast forward rate increases the longer 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).
17) Play Key
Plays back the file displayed in the LCD.
If pressed immediately after recording is
stopped, the most recently recorded fileis played back.
18) Rewind Key
Performs reverse (REW) scrubbing
through the played file when pressed in
playback and play-pause mode. Playpause indicated by flashing A-time on
LCD. Reverse playback rate increases
the longer the key is held. In play-stopmode (indicated by flashing filename
on LCD) selects the previous file in therecord folder (either daily folder or main
folder).
19) HDD (File Viewer) Key
Press to enter the File Viewer. The
selected medium shown in white typewill be the destination when the button 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.
20) Headphone Output Peak LED
Indicates overload of the headphone
amplifier. When lit, the headphone circuit is overloading. Reduce headphonelevel.
21) LIM LED
Indicates that the microphone input
limiters are engaged. This LED does notshow input limiting activity (see descriptor #27, Microphone Input Limiter LEDs).

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

22) Link LED
Indicates that channels 1 and 2 arelinked as a stereo pair. In link mode input 1 potentiometer controls gain, input
2 potentiometer controls left-to-rightbalance. Inputs can be linked as either astereo L/R pair or as a a Mid-Side (MS)pair.
23) Media Ready LEDs
Indicates storage media is present andavailable to record; IN (internal hard
drive), CF (CompactFlash), EX (external FireWire device). Flashing indicatesmedia problem.
24) Media Activity LEDs
Indicates storage media read/write
activity. IN (internal hard drive), CF(CompactFlash), EX (external FireWire
device).
25) High-Pass Filter LEDs
Indicates that the high-pass (low-cut)
filter is active for the input. High-passonly operates when the input is set tomicrophone level.

26) Phantom Power LEDs
Indicates that phantom power (48 volts)
is active for the individual input. Phantom can be applied to microphone orline-level signals (menu-selected).
27) Microphone Input Limiter LEDs
Illuminates orange when limiting is occurring on the microphone input. If constantly lit, the microphone input is being
hit with too “hot” of a signal. Reduce theinput sensitivity until limiting occurs
infrequently.
28) Input Signal Presence LEDs
Indicates presence of analog or digital
signal and its relative level on each of
the four inputs.
29) Input Peak (Overload) LED
Indicates analog signal is approachingclipping (–3 dBFS) on each of the four
inputs. Also used to indicate that an
input is muted.

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 button lock options enabled.
select the soft buttons toactivate the appropriate
button lock mode

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, Rewind and Fast Forward.
• Lock All – All front panel keys are locked except the Record key. The Record key is kept active so the user can initiate recording after entering this mode and enter cue markers. To stop
recording in this mode, you must disengage the panel lock and hit the stop key.

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

LCD Display Descriptions
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1)

Battery Level Indicator

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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.
2)

3)

Absolute Time (A-time) Display
Shows the elapsed time of the file being recorded or played back in hours,
minutes, seconds, and tenths. The Atime and the time code display can beexchanged if a large time code display
is needed. This display can be set to reverse or flash during recording. Flashes
in playback-pause mode.

4)

Time & Date Display
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.

5)

Bit Depth Indicator
Shows the set record bit depth. In playback, shows the file bit depth.

6)Time Code Rate
Shows the set time code frame rate. If a
file has time code information embedded, the playback frame rate is indicated. If external time code is connected
and the external rate differs from therate set internally, the time code rate will
flash.

File Name Display
Shows file name actively being recorded
or played back. In playback-stop mode,
flashing file name indicates that the fastforward and rewind keys can be used tostep through files in the current playback directory.

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8)

Headphone Source Display
Indicates the source for headphone output. Sources and selection order are user
selectable in the setup menus.

9)

Time Code Display
In stop and record, shows the time code
generated or received by the 744T. In
play mode, the display shows the playfile’s time code information (if available). If non-time code files are playing,
the display shows dashes. The time code
display can be exchanged with the Atime display via a user menu selection.

10) External Media Space Status(space remaining/record ready)If a drive is not attached the indicatorshows dashed lines. Bar graph indicatesamount of record time remaining on
the external FireWire volume. Numbers
show time in hours and minutes basedon the presently selected number ofrecord tracks, sample frequency, bit rate,
and file type.

Sample Rate Indicator
Shows the set record sampling rate. In
playback shows the file sampling rate.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

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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 andminutes based on the presently selectedof number of record tracks, sample frequency, bit rate, and file type.
12) CompactFlash Status(space remaining/record ready)Bar graph indicates amount of record
time remaining on the CompactFlashmedia. Numbers show time in hours
and minutes based on the presently selected number of record tracks, sample
frequency, bit rate, and file type.
For all three media types, an asterisk in frontof the media descriptor indicates that the media is selected for record. Highlighted media
descriptor indicates media selected for record
monitoring, playback or file directory display.

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note the white-on-black number option
to indicate recording (menu-selectable)

1513) Input 1/2 Level
When input 1 or 2 gain is turned thisindicates the gain level in dB for inputs
1 and 2. Gain levels can be selected toalways be displayed in the Setup Menu
option LCD: GAIN DISPLAY. Normal
mic input gain range is from 26 dB to70 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 displayedon 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 are set. Markers set by pressing
the record key (option must be selected
in setup menu). In playback mode, displays cue points numerically as they arereached in a file.
15) External Digital Clock Indicator
The 744T is locked to a valid external
digital or word clock source for recording when the L is in the display.

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Left Panel Connectors and Controls
3

1

1)

4

2

XLR Input 1/AES3 Input 1&2

5

8

5)

Dual function input connection. Input
type set with switch above. Active-balanced analog microphone- or line-level
input for input 1. Transformer-balanced
two-channel AES3 input (1 and 2).
2)

XLR Input 2/AES3 Input 3&4

Mic-Line-AES3 Input Switch

6)

TA3 Channel 3&4 Line Inputs
Active-balanced line-level input connectors. Pin-1 ground, pin-2 (+), pin-3 (−).

TA3 Master (L/R) Analog Outputs

Headphone Output
3.5 mm TRS stereo headphone connector. Can drive headphones from 8 to1000 ohm impedances to very high levels. Tip-left, ring-right, sleeve-ground.

7)

Headphone Volume
Adjusts the headphone volume. NOTE:
the 744T is capable of producing eardamaging levels in headphones.

Selects the input level and mode of theassociated XLR input connector.
4)

7

Active-balanced, line-level analog L/R
outputs for the Master Output Bus. Program source and attenuation level areuser selectable. Pin-1 ground, pin-2 (+),
pin-3 (–).

Dual function input connection. Input
type set with switch above. Active-balanced analog microphone- or line-level
input for input 2. Transformer-balanced
two-channel AES3 input (3 and 4).
3)

6

8)

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, sleeveground.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

Right Panel Connectors and Controls
1

2

9

1)

8

Time Code Multi-Pin

3

4

7

6

6)

Time code input and output on 5-pin
LEMO® connector.
2)

3)

4)

C. Link In/Out
RS-232 protocol interface on 6-pin
modular (“RJ-12”) connector for linking multiple 7-Series recorders together.
Word clock, machine transport, and timecode are carried on the C. Link connector.

5)

7)

AES3id Output Bus 2
Unbalanced digital output, two-channel,
for Output Bus 2. Signal source is menuselected.

FireWire (IEEE-1394) Port
Connection to a computer (Mac OS,
Windows 2k/XP, Vista, Linux) to accessthe 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.

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 running. There is no sample rate conversion
onboard the 744T.

AES3id Inputs 1/2 and 3/4
Unbalanced digital input accepts twochannel AES3 (or S/PDIF) on BNC connectors. Supports sample rates up to 200
kHz.

5

8)

AES3id Master Output Bus
Unbalanced digital output, two-channel,
for the Master Output Bus. Signal sourceis menu-selected and is identical to theAnalog Master Output Bus signal.

9)

Multi-Function Rotary Switch
When in the setup menu, the rotaryswitch 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.

External DC In
Accepts sources of 10–18 volts DC for
unit powering and removable Li-ion
battery charging. The Hirose 4-pin connector is wired pin-1 negative (−), pin-4
positive (+). Pin-2 (−) and pin-3 (+) areused to charge the removable Li-ion
battery. DC ground at both pins-1 and
2 is at the same potential as chassis andsignal ground.

12v. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Back Panel Descriptions

1

1)

2

Security Slot

3

3)

Compatible with the Kensington® Security Slot specification. Useful for securing the recorder to a fixed object with acompatible computer lock.
2)

Battery Mount
Accepts Sony® InfoLithium L- or MSeries batteries. Also accepts batteries
conforming to this mount. Numerous
capacities, from 1500 mAh to 7000 mAh
are available.

CompactFlash Slot
Accepts CompactFlash medium with thelabel-side up. Compatible with Type I,
Type II, and MicroDrives.

44)

Battery Release Pin
Push down the pin with a long skinny
object such as a key, screwdriver, or apen. With the pin pushed in, slide the Lor M-Series battery to the right to release
the battery.

13

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
AES3 (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 ordigital 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.
Digital sources connected to AES3id BNC inputs override analog signals on the corresponding XLR input. The BNC input signal type is set in the menu settings INPUT 1,2: 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 associated with an input pair to reduce power draw and extend battery runtime. When an input pair isdisabled, the digital input LEDs associated with the pair will slowly flash. In playback-only applications, 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 unless the input source is set to analog in the setup menu.
In the setup menu, the following functions can be controlled for analog 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 ().
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 powerwith line level output devices susceptible to damage from DC.

14v. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Shortcut: To toggle phantom power without entering the menus, press and hold the tone key thenpress the menu key for channel 1. Channel 2 phantom can be toggled by pressing the tone key thenpressing the HDD key. If the inputs are in line level mode, phantom power will not activate from theshortcut keys and must be activated from the menus. Phantom power is linked when the inputs arelinked. (See Input Linking)Input Limiters (mic-level only)
Microphone inputs 1 and 2 each have a limiter circuit designed to prevent input overload. In normal operation, with proper gain settings, the limiters should rarely engage. When activated, theselimiters will prevent unusually high input signal levels from clipping the analog input stage ofthe preamp. The front panel LIM LED () shows that the limiter is engaged. Limiter activity is
indicated by additional front panel LEDs, one for each input channel (). The input limiters areactive 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 microphonepreamplifier. 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 provides 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 reduce sensitivity to low frequency signals. When the high-pass is engaged on an input, its front-panel
LED illuminates to indicate it is active (). 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 poles ofhigh-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 backlight key and press themenu 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 accessible.

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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 potentiometer controls the signal level of both inputs, and the channel 2 pot controls the left-to-right balanceof 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 left/right stereo, where the gain and balance for the pair work the same as stereo linking above. Input 1 is for Mid signal, input 2 for Sidesignal.
When the inputs are linked, phantom power and the high pass filters also act as linked pairs. Engaging and disengaging phantom power or the high pass filters on input one will force the same function upon input two. Engaging or disengaging phantom power or the high pass filter on input twocauses no effect on input one.
If MS stereo linking is selected for inputs, program sent to tracks and headphones will be L/R stereo program. To record discrete M and S signals, do not link for MS, but monitor the MS signal in headphones.

Things to consider when Linking Input 1,2 as MS:• Digital Inputs cannot be linked as an MS pair.
• If linking Line Inputs as an MS pair, the Setup Menu option LINE INPUT 1,2: GAIN CTRL
must be set to Use Front Panel Knobs.

Analog Inputs 3 & 4
Appearing on Switchcraft TA3 connectors, inputs 3 and 4 accept balanced or unbalanced linelevel signals. These inputs have few controls and are typically fed from the output of a mixer or
preamplifier.
Gain (sensitivity) for inputs 3 & 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 inpairs—AES3 signals on XLR-1 appear at inputs 1 and 2, AES3 signals input to XLR-2 appear at inputs 3 and 4. To use the AES3 inputs, the input mode-select switch must be set to AES/EBU.
The front panel digital input LEDs will illuminate when digital input is selected for the indicated track(s). If the LED is flashing, digital input is selected but a no valid digital clock is received.

16

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

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.
When a digital signal is present, the 744T will lock its sampling rate to the source frequency. This isindicated by a highlighted block on the main LCD display to the right of the bit depth and sampling 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 thedigital 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 thefirst digital signal is removed.

Signal Presence and Peak Indicator
The four signal presence and peak indicators show audio activity before input-to-trackrouting. 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 is selectable in tenthsof a millisecond (0.1 msec) steps. The Rotary Switch and menu arrows are accelerated. The more youpress 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 available is dependent on thesampling frequency in use.
Sample Frequency

Maximum Amount of Delay Available (per input)

32, 44.1, 47.952, 48, 48.048 kHz

30 mS

88.2, 96, 96.096 kHz

15 mS

176.4, 192 kHz

7.5 mS

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.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

Input-to-Track Routing
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 aninput is assigned to a record track.

any combination of
the four inputs canbe routed to any of
the four tracks

Pressing the

INPUT key brings up the following menu.

Routing
Hold down the STOP key then press the
key to cycle through the six preset input-to-track routing combinations. These presets are factory set and cannot be changed. The last three preset selections are CUSTOM ROUTE 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 track
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 theinput key until INPUT ROUTING is displayed on the LCD display.
arrow indicates highlighted input is assigned
to highlighted track
select to exit menu andapply selected routing

selet to move up
and down menu

18

v. 2.63

select to remove
input assignment

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 combinations.

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-totrack 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 screen whether entered from the input key or themenu selection.

Selective Input Muting
When the INPUT key is pressed, individual input muting is available. This feature can be used toquickly mute microphones while maintaining their respective track assignments.
Indicates that an input isavailable for routing.
No indication here showsthat an input is muted.

A solidly lit input Peak LED indicates that an input is muted.
A solid illuminatedPeak LED indicatesthat an input is muted

Mono- and polyphonic files behave differently when selective muting is applied When monophonicfiles are selected, files from tracks A, B, C, and D are named with the suffix “_1, _2, _3, and _4” respectively. 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 blanktrack. Blank tracks in polyphonic files take up the same amount of storage space as tracks that areassigned.

Sampling Rate and Bit Depth
When recording the 744T generates uncompressed PCM audio WAV files in the Broadcast Wave Fileformat at the user-selected sampling rate and bit depth. The 744T LCD calculates available recording
time based on the sampling rate, bit depth, number of tracks set for recording and the selected storage media available capacity. See the Calculating Recording Time later in this guide to estimate record
time.

Sampling Rate
When a sampling rate is selected for recording, all tracks are recorded at the selected samplingrate. Sampling rates are selected among common rates from 32 kHz to 192 kHz. Additionally, nonstandard 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 bestamped with the rate closest to an internally generated frequency.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

Relationship Between Sampling Frequency and Audio Bandwidth
The sampling frequency is expressed in samples per second (in hertz) and defines the number oftimes 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 maximum analog frequency = sampling frequency/2. Higher sampling frequencies allow for wider audio
bandwidth.
The 744T generates the following sampling rates:• 32 kHz• 44.1 kHz• 47.952 kHz• 47.952kF - file stamped at 48 kHz• 48 kHz• 48.048 kHz• 48.048kF -file stamped at 48 kHz• 88.2 kHz• 96 kHz• 96.096 kHz• 96.096kF - file stamped at 96 kHz• 176.4 kHz• 192 kHzSee 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 tothe maximum dynamic range that can be represented by the digital signal. Larger bit depths accommodate more dynamic range. A quick estimate of maximum dynamic range capable of being represented 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 exponentially. The majority of field recording is done with 16-bit audio, therefore, each sample is represented by a digital word of 2^16 (65,536) possible values. 24-bit audio has a word length of 2^24
(16.7 million) possible values per sample.
The 744T has 24 bit analog-to-digital converters. To obtain 16 bit recording the 744T can be set todither 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 anotherenvironment, such as an audio workstation. Alternatively, a real-time analog transfer is often performed
instead of sample rate conversion.

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Word ClockA 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 andthe others as slaves. Generally, the device with the analog-to-digital converter is designated as theword 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 clock input connection. As a word clock master the 744T generates wordclock 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 awireless receiver with a digital output, it may not have an external word clock input, and will be theword 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 theproper speed. For reliability, we recommend you set the 744T to the same sample frequency as theword 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.

Multi-Unit Linking Via C. Link
The proprietary C. Link (control link) connection enables multiple 744T, 722, 702T, and 702 recorders to be connected for recordings requiring high track counts. C. Link also enables connection to theCL-1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface.
When linked, the 7-Series recorders have a master/slave relationship. The master recorder and theslave 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:• word clock• time code information (744T, 702T only)• RS-232 machine transport data

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

master
unit

slave
unit

slave
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 (ifused). 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 masterrecorder’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 namesynchronization with multiple unit linking.

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 torecord or stop. Using the master unit will assure that all machines begin and end recording together.
Master/Slave relationships between C.Linked recorders is established immediately after the C.Link
Out to C.Link In connection is made. To reverse the Master/Slave relationship, power down all
recorders, establish the new Master/Slave relationships by reconnecting the C.Link Out to C.Link In
connectors in the desired sequence, then power on all units in order of their Master/Slave relationships.
The C. Link jack is a proprietary RS-232 port. Under no circumstances should analog or digital telephonelines be connected to either jack. Serious damage to the recorder could result.

Outputs – Analog and Digital
The 744T has two two-channel output buses, the Master Output Bus and Output Bus 2. Each of thesebuses is assigned audio sources independently, enabling the 744T to feed multiple outputs withunique 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
Input 1
Input 2
Input 3
Input 4

Description
Inputs are assignable for each channel of the output bus.
When inputs are selected as the source for the outputs, the state of recording or playback activity has noeffect on the output signal. This allow uninterrupted audio at the outputs.

Track A
Track B
Track C
Track D22

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Available Output Sources

Description

Input 1,2
Input 3,4
Input 1,3
Input 2,4
Input 1,2,3
Input 2,3,4
Input 1,2,3,4

Multiple inputs are summed with these selections.

Track A,B
Track C,D
Track A,C
Track B,D
Track A,B,C
Track B,C,D
Track A,B,C,D

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:• analog line out, 2 x TA3, two-channel• analog tape out, 3.5 mm TRS, two-channel• 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 connectors. The output level is a nominally 0 dBu at −20 dBFS. The level of the line output can be attenuatedin 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.

The format for the AES3id output is selectable between professional AES and SPDIF. In either casethe 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 Master Output Bus or headphone assignments. 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 connections 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 increments by 40 dB.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

Headphone Output
The 744T headphone output is a flexible tool for monitoring audio in the field. The 744T allows theuser to monitor inputs, tracks, and post-record tracks in a number of combinations. MS stereo andB-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 () shows the audio sources sent toheadphones. 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 monitoring sources.

Track Monitoring While Recording (Conﬁdence Monitoring)
The 744T can monitor actual recorded audio written to the internal hard drive or CompactFlash during 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 ofthe 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 Management 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 headphone monitoring include:
HP Sources

Description

Inputs 1,2
Inputs 3,4

Stereo monitoring of input pairs. Inputs 1 and 3 are assigned to left headphone output;
inputs 2 and 4 are assigned to right headphone output.

Tracks A,B
Tracks C,DStereo monitoring of track pairs. Tracks 1 and 3 are assigned to left headphone output;
tracks 2 and 4 are assigned to right headphone output. Upon playback, will play as track
monitor.

Monitor A,B
Monitor C,D

Stereo monitoring of playback (post-record) track pairs. Tracks 1 and 3 are assigned to left
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.

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Input 1, 1
Input 2, 2
Input 3, 3
Input 4, 4

Solo monitoring of selected input. This signal is sent to both sides of the headphones.

Track A, A
Track B, B
Track C, C
Track D, D

Solo monitoring of selected track. This signal is sent to both sides of the headphones.
Upon playback, will play as track monitor.

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

HP Sources

Description

Monitor A, A
Monitor B, B
Monitor C, C
Monitor D, D

Solo monitoring of playback (post-record) track. Highlighted media is source of monitor program. This signal is sent to both sides of the headphones. When not in playback,headphones have no program.

Inputs 1, 2 (MS)Inputs 3, 4 (MS)Stereo monitoring of discrete M (mid) and S (side) input pairs. Highlighted media is sourceof monitor program.

Tracks A, B (MS)Tracks C, D (MS)Track A, B (MS): 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 sourceof 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 haveno 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 headphones during recording. During playback the recorded track audio is heard in headphones. To set theavailable headphone source options for headphone monitoring:
1.

Enter the HP: MONITOR modes menu. Once you enter the Monitor Modes menu you will immediately bein 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 tothe 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 headphone monitoring. The 10 factory presets will be erased.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

MS Stereo Monitoring
The MS stereo mode decodes discrete Mid-Side stereo signals to a left/right stereo signal for monitoring 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 input4). 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 result in two MS decoders being inserted in the signal path. The resulting audio in the headphones would be the discrete M andS signals!

SoundField B-Format Surround Monitoring
SoundField B-format is a four channel surround sound format generated by SoundField surroundmicrophones. 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 Bformat. The Z-axis signal is not used. Similar to the 744T’s MS stereo monitoring, the stereo width isfixed for headphone monitoring.
To record and monitor B-format signals, connect signals as follows:SoundField
W signal
X signal
Y signal
Z signal

744T
input 1, track A
input 2, track B
input 3, track C
input 4, track D

Resulting File Name (for monophonic file type)
FILE _ 1.WAV
FILE _ 2.WAV
FILE _ 3.WAV
FILE _ 4.WAV

SoundField files generated in other recorders or software applications can be copied to CompactFlash or the 744T hard drive and can be played back and monitored in stereo. Make certain thatchannel assignments follow the order above for proper headphone decoding. If multiple monophonic SoundField .wav files are named using the “_W, _X, _Y, _Z” suffixes, the 744T will recognize thatthese are multiple 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.
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.

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Rotary Switch Behavior
The action of the Rotary Switch during recording and playback is set from among the three available
options:• Disabled: pushing the Rotary Switch has no effect.
• Selects Favorite Mode: places the headphone source into the mode selected in the HP Favorite
menu.
• Headphones to C/D meters: shows the level of the headphone output on the C/D track meters.
• Playback/Monitor Drive Select: pressing 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 headphone selection can be selected as the headphone favorite.

Headphone Playback Mode
A single headphone source can be set to automatically activate upon playback. All headphone monitor combinations are available for the Headphone Playback Mode, as well as “No Change”, whichmakes no change to the headphone selection during playback. Headphone Playback Mode is selected 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 beselected from off or –20 to –12 dBFS in the setup menu.

Recording Start and Stop Bells
If the Setup Menu option HP: RECORD/STOP BELL is enabled, the 744T will generate beeps to alert
the user of the recorder’s current status. These beeps are only sent to the headphone monitor, thesebeeps are not present in the recordings or at the analog outputs.

7-Series Status

HP: BellRecording

One 440 Hz beep

Paused (if using Rec: Record Pause)

One 220 Hz beep

StoppedTwo 220 Hz beeps

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 inheadphones. 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.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

Metering and Display
The 744T features a 76 LED (4 x 19) output meter. The DSP-controlled output meter provides a selection of ballistics and lighting intensities. In addition, separate peak indicators on input channels
show clipping activity.

Output Meter
0 dBFS track LEDs are programmableas peak LEDs
(0 dBFS to −20 dBFS)

The meter uses energy efficient LEDs which are viewable in full sunlight. The 744T output meter isunaffected by shock or extremes in temperature and humidity. Meter ballistics are setup menu selectable 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 importantpart 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
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 visualindication 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 meters gives poor
information on actual signal peaks and are virtually useless for tracking to the 744T. In VU mode, thefront panel meter labeling is in volume units.

Peak
Peak-reading ballistics correspond to actual signal maximums, but don’t necessarily correspond toperceived 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 recording, 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 levelindication for several seconds. Peak-hold indicators are useful for metering in applications when an
overload condition is unacceptable.

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

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 thiscombination the user gets the best of both VU and Peak metering by seeing both the “loudness” ofthe 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 for several seconds before
releasing. Peak Hold indicators are useful for metering in applications when an overload condition is
unacceptable.

Peak LEDs
input peak LEDs
input signal present LEDs

headphone peak LED

In addition to the main LED output meter, peak LEDs show input peaks, track peaks, and headphone peaks.

Input PeakThe 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 isuseful, since headphones can often overload before the recorder overloads. Monitoring without avisual indication of headphone clipping may mislead the operator into thinking that the output or
return tracks are distorting.

Tone Oscillator
The tone oscillator can be used as an aid to lining up levels. Both tone level and frequency are user
selectable. Reference level is adjustable over a range of −40 to 0 dBFS in the Setup Menu option
TONE: LEVEL. The tone frequency is adjustable from 100 to 10,000 Hz in increments of 10 Hz fromthe Setup Menu option TONE: FREQUENCY. Standard tone levels vary according to the practices andneeds of production and post-production, but are generally in the –20 to −12 dBFS range.
The tone oscillator is activated by pressing the
TONE key. Press and hold for two seconds tolatch on, pressing again will deactivate the tone signal. Tone is routed where specified in the Setup
Menu option TONE: MODE. Routing choices include: Outputs only, Outputs and Tracks, Tracks only,
or no tone routing (disabled). When routed to Tracks, all selected record tracks will receive the tone

29744T User Guide and Technical Information

signal. Changes to tone oscillator settings made while tone is latched on do not take affect until tone
is turned off.
To record tone at the head of a take, activate the tone signal then press the REC key. From the factory,
subsequent presses of the TONE key are locked out to prevent tone from being inadvertently recorded. Tone can be activated while recording by following these steps.
1.

Enter the Setup Menu option FILE: MARKER MODE and set it to disabled.

2.

Press the REC key to begin the recording.

3.

To record tone, Press and hold down the REC key then press the TONE key. To latch tone, press andhold the Tone key for 2 seconds, press again to release. Once tone is generated the REC key can bereleased.

The tone oscillator can be activated anytime during recording by setting the TONE: RECORD LOCK
feature in the Setup Menu. Press the Tone key anytime to generate a tone signal. Please note thatwhen enabled, any slight press of the tone key will generate tone and override any program material
where tone has been routed to, including record tracks.

LCD Contrast & Backlight, LED Brightness
LCD contrast is setup menu controlled. From the factory the contrast is set to 50%, suitable for mostviewing conditions. Contrast can be increased or decreased.
The front panel
key toggles the LCD and key backlight. Backlighting is suitable in low or noambient light situations.
LED brightness is continuously adjustable from low to high. Hold down thekey, then turn the
Rotary Controller to change brightness levels. The brightness of all LED’s is adjusted. In stealthmode (Setup Menu selected) the LEDs are toggled on and off with the LCD backlight key.

LCD Gain Display
By default, the 744T displays the set Bit Depth and Sampling Rate in the right-hand side of the MainLCD Display. The gain level for inputs 1 and 2 temporarily override the Bit Depth and Sampling
Rate display while the input gain pots are in use. The LCD display can be set to always display gain
by selecting Gain Only in the Setup Menu option LCD: GAIN DISPLAY.

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 display. If time 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 toreverse contrast or to flash during record. This is menu-selected.

reversed numbers indicating that recording is active

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Time CodeThe 744T uses time code circuitry developed by Ambient Recording GmbH, a leading developer ofstable, portable time code products (visit Ambient on the web at www.ambientaudio.com). Clockstability and continuity are critical aspects of the 744T time code implementation. Its temperaturecontrolled (compensated) crystal oscillator ensures rock solid TC stability and accuracy (< 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, rechargeable AA NiMH time code cell. After two hours without power, the 744T reverts to a less precise time-of-day crystal to maintain the date/time of the unit. This time code battery is charged frominternal 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 timecode devices to ensure proper synchronization.
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 timecode 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 postproduction.

Frame Rate
A single time code frame rate is selected in the TIMECODE:FRAMERATE menu.

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 definition 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, faux, Fostex—take your pick) is a specific compatibility modefor use with the Fostex DV40 software (1.74 and previous), Avid, Final Cut Pro, and other post-production environments that do not recognize audio files written at 48.048 kHz. In this mode files arerecorded 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.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

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 panelof the unit will show 30 ND during recording. No other frame rate is available in 48.048kF mode.

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.

on playback, file appears at 48 k, 29.97 ND

Fostex DV40
When using files recorded in the 48.048kF mode in with a DV40 with early software, set the DV40
time code frame rate to 29.97ND. 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 withcameras 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 timecode 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 internal generator from the jam menu.

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Free Run Jam Once
The onboard time code generator will re-jam from external time code whenever a valid, running
time code signal is connected to the TC input. Similar to free run mode, the generator runs continuously without regard to record mode. For a jam to occur, the time code signal must be disconnected
and re-connected to the time code input. Free run Jam Once is useful when using the recorder as aslave, 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 thetime-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 TCThe 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 recorded 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 input. 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.

Ext TC-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. This is appropriate when dualsystem 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 isremoved the internal generator continues to run to preserve continuous time code. Useful for timecode transmission over RF where RF “hits” may interrupt time code. This is appropriate when dualsystem 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 notadvance, the file will be stamped with the stopped time code number. Back stamping the file allows theaudio time code to properly correspond to picture time code if sound rolls before picture in a video Rec
Run environment.

Time Code Hold Off
In the industry there are a wide variety of time code generators. Time code streams are standard
from device to device; however, the start and stop sequence of the time code stream can differ. Because of this, the 744T recorders are susceptible to generating unintentional takes whenin EXT TC - AUTO RECORD or EXT TC/CONT - AUTO RECORD modes.
Time Code Hold Off is designed to eliminate unintentional takes from occurring. The user can determine a duration in which a valid external time code signal has to be detected before the recorder33

744T User Guide and Technical Information

generates a new take. The value of Time Code Hold Off needed is dependent on the start and stop
sequence of the master time code source.
To use the Time Code Hold Off feature:1.

Access the Setup Menu option TIMECODE: HOLD OFF.

2.

Set a value between 0 and 8 seconds in .1 second increments using the soft Up and Down Arrow (Menuand HDD) keys or the Multi Function Rotary Switch. 2.0 seconds is the factory default.

3.

Save the selected value by pressing the soft Check Mark (Tone) key or by pressing in on the Multi Function Rotary Switch.

4.

Exit the Setup Menu by pressing the soft X (Brightness) key or the Stop key.

5.

Begin rolling time code from the master time code source.

6.

The 744T will display the Record Pending message immediately after detecting a time code signal.

7.

When the selected Hold Off value has elapsed, the 744T will begin recording.

Things to consider when using Time Code Hold Off:• This feature only applies in EXT TC - AUTO RECORD and EXT TC/ CONT - AUTO RECORD.
• If Pre-Roll is set, it will be applied. Pre-Roll will only capture audio from the initial detection ofa time code signal. If no Pre-Roll is selected, the file will begin after the Hold Off time expires.
It is best practice to set Pre-Roll, in the Setup Menu option REC: PRE-ROLL TIME, to a value
greater than the selected Hold Off value. This ensures that audio is captured from the momenta time code signal is detected and unintentional files triggered by short bursts of time code are
not generated.

Jam Menu
external time code/u-bit value received by 744T
press to jam
menu
selection

current 744T timecode/u-bit value

Time code setup is done from the jam menu selection, TIMECODE JAM MENU. Pressing thedrive
key andmenu 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 incoming timecode 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, and34

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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 the744T is jammed to the external time code, the external and internal numbers will match and run insync.
no valid time code is received

Make certain 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.
Identical to the Ambient Recording series of time code products, the 744T time code generator can “crossjam” 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
press to jammenu selection

744T current timecode value

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 withthe jam value selection above. The initial screen of this menu shows the currently set value as wellas the current time code setting of the 744T. Press the Rotary Switch or the enter key (tone key) toenter into edit mode. The user can set the time code numbers in pairs (hours, minutes, seconds andframes). Once (DONE) is selected the value is available to jam into the internal generator with the jam
value selection.
A value is not jammed into the 744T time code generator until JAM VALUE is selected.

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 suchas the date, take, sound roll, or camera roll number.
User bits are edited from the EDIT U-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 (in35744T User Guide and Technical Information

pairs). Once DONE is selected, the user bits are set. If editing is not available in the selected user bit
mode “NO USER EDITS“ 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 perhour 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 perhour 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, check with post-production, if possible.
As a rough guideline, video for NTSC broadcast is drop-frame. Whether at drop or non-drop rates, makecertain 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.

Recording
The user interface of the product has been designed similar to a “tape recorder”. Recording and playback functions are quite similar to that of tape-based machines. The flexibility of file-based recording
provides control not possible with tape-based recorders.

Recording
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 immediately enters record mode when the REC key is pressed. When recording, the adjacent red LED
will illuminate to indicate that the unit is in record mode.
In the event that the system is not ready to begin a new file, the recorder will enter standby mode.
“REC Pending” will appear in the File Name field of the LCD display and the adjacent red LED will
flash. The 744T will immediately begin recording as soon all selected media is ready.
If no inputs are routed to tracks, recording cannot take place. Make certain that at least one record track is
assigned for recording.

36

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Recording integrity is further enhanced through a process of periodic, automatic file directory andheader updates written to disk during recording. This ensures file integrity in the unlikely event of a
total loss of power.
The auto save feature does not apply to MP3 or FLAC recordings. If power is lost while recording to theseformats the recordings maybe invalid.
While recording, the power, ff, rew, input, tone, and drive keys are disabled. Stop recording by pressing 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-selected actions:• 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 byone.
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 becorrupted and there is a possibility of FAT 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 ofbuffered audio is available. At a 96 kHz 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, External Time CodeAuto Record, and External Time Code Continuous Auto Record. This prevents 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 bya 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 DVDRAM 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.

Front Panel Lockout
See Panel Lock to engage panel lock during recording.

37

744T User Guide and Technical Information

Record Pause
This allows a recording to be stopped then continued without creating a new take or file. Record
Pause is useful for live music recording, reporter interviews, or any other application that can benefit
by stopping and starting recording without generating a new file. To use the Record Pause Feature:1.

Access the Setup Menu option REC: Record Pause and select Enabled.

The Record Pause feature does not support time code. If the Record Pause Enabled setting is crossed out,
time code is active and must be turned off before Record Pause is available.

Navigate to the Setup Menu Option TIMECODE: MODE and set it to Off.

2.

Press the REC key to begin recording.

3.

Pause the recording at any time by pressing the STOP key once. When paused the absolute time andRecord LED will flash.

4.

Press the REC key again to continue recording.

5.

Press the STOP key twice will finalize the recording. At this point, the file is available for Playback andthe next press of the REC key will begin recording the next incremented take.

Things to consider when using Record Pause:• Time code must be Off.
• Multi-unit linking using the C. Link connection is not supported.
• Pre-Roll is only added at the beginning of a file or take. Pre-Roll is not added when recording isresumed from the paused state.

Record Timer
The 744T is equipped with a record start and stop timer. This allows a user to record a takeat a specific time from an unattended recorder. Set the start time in the Setup Menu option REC: TIMER START then set the record stop time in the Setup Menu option REC: TIMER STOP.
The 744T will only start recording if the recorder is On when the timer start time elapses.

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PlaybackThe 744T has high-resolution playback circuitry and is appropriate for any reference audio application. 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 usefulwhen using the 744T as a high-resolution playback device.
The 744T plays back the last recorded audio file unless another file is selected. There 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 directories. 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 thecurrent daily directory.

AutoPlay
The 744T can be set to play back all valid audio files in a directory. Files will play back in their orderin the directory. Autoplay can be set with the following options:• Disabled – auto playback is off• Play all – all files in the directory will play, then stop when all files have been played• Repeat one – the selected file will play back continuously until stopped by the user
• Repeat all – all files in the directory will play in succession, then repeat until stopped by the
user

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 fileextensions. 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. Softwarethat 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 audio. It is a convenient way to extend recording time with no effect on audio quality. It is suitable forrecording 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

39

744T User Guide and Technical Information

Agent (www.waveagent.com) a free Windows based software used to extract FLAC to WAV as wellas 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.com) to extract Broadcast Wave
files from 7-Series recorded FLAC files.
• Auto save feature does not apply to FLAC files, if power is lost while recording the file maybe
invalid.

.MP2
MPEG-1 Layer II is a lossy compression algorithm often used for speech recording.

What to consider when recording to MP2:
• time code is enabled (with BEXT or iXML data)• mono recordings are not allowed with bit rates above 192k
• limits your input routing to inputs 1 and 2 and tracks A and B only
• limits your sampling rate to 48 kHz• limits your bit depth to 16 bit• 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:
• time code is enabled (no BEXT or iXML data)• limits your input routing to inputs 1 and 2 and tracks A and B only
• limits your sampling rate to 48 kHz• limits your bit depth to 16 bit• limits recording to only one storage medium at a time
• Auto save feature does not apply to MP3 files, if power is lost during recording the file maybe
invalid.
The chart below indicates the limitations of all file types available on the 744T.

40

v. 2.63

File
FormatBit Depth(bits)

Sampling Rate - kHz

Maximum
Number of
TracksFile
ExtensionMultiMedium
RecordingPCM

16 or 24

32 to 192

4

.WAV

yes

FLAC

16 or 24

32 to 48

FLAC

16 or 24

32 – 96

4

.FLAC

no

2

.FLAC

no

MP2 (mono)

16

32, 44.1,, 48(64, 96, 128, 160, 192)

1

.MP2

no

MP2 (stereo)

16

32, 44.1, 48(64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 256, 320, 384) *

2

.MP2

no

MP3 (mono)

16

32, 44.1 48(32, 64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 256, 320)

1

.MP3

no

MP3 (stereo)

16

32, 44.1, 48(32, 64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 256, 320) **

2

.MP3

no

(Bit Rate – kbps)

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

* 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.

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..

Recording Time Calculation
The calculation of available 744T recording time involves three factors:• track count - how many concurrent audio tracks are selected for recording.
• 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” is for theaudio signal (see the calculation below for determining PCM audio).
• storage capacity - typically expressed in GB

Uncompressed Recording Time in Track-Hours(1000 MB = 1 GB)

Storage in GB

Data Rate (bit depth/sampling rate), one track
16/44.1(5.05 MB/min)

16/48(5.49 MB/min)

24/48(8.24 MB/min)

24/96(16.5 MB/min)

24/192(33.0 MB/min)

1

3.30

3.03

2.02

1.01

0.51

2

6.60

6.07

4.05

2.02

1.01

4

13.2

12.1

8.09

4.05

2.02

8

26.4

24.3

16.2

8.09

4.05

15

49.5

45.5

30.3

15.2

7.59

40

132

121

80.9

40.5

20.2

60

198

182

121

60.7

30.3

80

264

242

161.8

80.5

40.2

100

330

303

202

101

50.6

41

744T User Guide and Technical Information

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 thetrack hours figure by two. Similarly for four-track recording, divide track-hours by four. Note thatthe 744T supports additional sampling rate / bit depth combinations, however, only the most common 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, thisyields 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 uncompressed 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 megabits to megabytes; multiply by 60 converts seconds to minutes.
(((16 x 48000) / 1,048,576) / 8) x 60 = 5.49 MB/min

MP3 Compressed Record Time in Hours(1000 MB = 1 GB)

Storage in GB

MP3 Data Rate (bit depth/sampling rate), stereo track
64 kb/s

96 kb/s

128 kb/s

160 kb/s

192 kb/s

256 kb/s

320 kb/s(0.47 MB/min)(0.70 MB/min)(0.94 MB/min)(1.17 MB/min)(1.40 MB/min)(1.86 MB/min)(2.34 MB/min)

1

35

23

17

14

11

8

7

2

71

47

35

28

23

17

14

4

142

94

71

56

47

35

28

8

284

189

142

113

94

71

56

15

533

355

266

213

177

133

106

40

1422

948

711

568

474

355

284

60

2133

1422

1066

853

711

533

426

80

2844

1896

1422

1136

948

710

568

100

3555

2370

1777

1422

1185

888

711

The chart above shows recording time available with the 744T when recording to an MP3 file. Timeis expressed in hours at the specified MP3 supported by the 744T. Note that all recordings are twochannel recordings.

Compressed Audio
When digital audio is compressed using some form of lossy, perceptual process such as MPEG2Layer3 (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. Compressed audio has
enabled the practical distribution of audio over low speed data networks.

42v. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

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
numbertakenumbermono
file
designatorextension

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

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 withthe corresponding scene in a production. Scene names can also be used to identify other items, including recording date, artist name, or any other descriptor as required.
Scene names are user-selected from the setup menu and do not change until changed by the user.

To change scene numbers:
1.

Enter the user menu and navigate to the Scene Name/Number option.

2.

Use the REW (<<) and FF (>>) soft keys to move among characters. Use the PLAY key to delete characters. Characters are entered from left to right and deleted from right to left.

3.

Use the Rotary Switch or the soft key arrows to choose characters. Press the Controller or hit the fastforward key to save the character and move to the next position.

4.

To save the scene name, press the soft check key or the Controller without selecting a character. Afterthe 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 increaseby 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

43744T User Guide and Technical Information

suffix, starting with “A” is added to the file name, before the extension. Note that take number handling can be selected to reset if set in the setup menu (see File Management and Copying).

To change take numbers:
1.

Enter the user menu and navigate to the Take Name/Number option.

2.

Use the REW (<) and FF (>) soft keys to move among decimal places and to jump to the single alphanumeric take spacer character. Use the PLAY key to reset the take number to 1. Characters are enteredfrom 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• Either scene or daily– takes reset on either change

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 thefirst track recorded has “_1” appended to it. The file name suffix, _1, _2, _3, and _4 always corresponds 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 Broadcast Wave Extension (BEXT) data as well as in the iXML data.
Track names are entered from the Setup Menu.

Duplicate File Names
When the 744T detects that a duplicate file name is going to be generated in any specific folder, the744T changes the file name by adding of a letter suffix before the extension. For instance, if takenumbers 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.

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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 subfolder. 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.
• Top-Level folder - is a root-level folder and can be set with a user-selected name. The TopLevel folder can also be de-activated by selecting <NONE> from the Setup Menu. If the TopLevel 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 subfolders.
• Mid-Level /Daily folder - can be selected as a <DAILY> 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 thedrive’s root. If set to <DAILY> a new folder will be created daily. When recording past midnightthe 744T will prompt to make to a new daily folder.
• Bottom-Level /Scene Folders - can be selected as a <SCENE> folder which will use the namegenerated 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.
Example: If a daily Folder is desired, set the TOP-LEVEL to <NONE>, the MID-LEVEL folder to<DAILY>, and the BOTTOM-LEVEL to <NONE>. This will generate a Daily Folder in the root directorywith it’s files directly inside the folder.

A hierarchical view of files generated by the 744T is below.
744T FALSETAKES SOUNDDEV TRASH TOP-LEVEL MID-LEVEL BOTTOM-LEVEL
Example:744T FALSETAKES SOUNDDEV TRASH PROJECT
 07Y01M15
 SCENE
NAMET01.WAV
NAMET02.WAV

The FALSETAKES, SOUNDDEV, and TRASH folders are automatically generated. SOUNDDEV is not viewable from the 744T File Viewer.
A TOP-LEVEL folder sits in the root directory. This folder can be
negated by choosing <None> in the menu File: Folder Options.
A MID-LEVEL folder can be used as a sub-folder. This folder can beselected to be a <Daily> folder in the menu File: Folder Options.
A BOTTOM-LEVEL folder could also be used as a sub-folder. This
folder can be selected to be a <Scene> folder in the menu File: Folder
Options.
This is a TOP-LEVEL folder named PROJECT activated in the menu
File: Folder Options.
This is a MID-LEVEL folder set to <Daily> from the menu
File: Folder Options.
This is a BOTTOM-LEVEL folder set to <Scene> from the menu
File: Folder Options.
These two files are title NAME in the menu
Rec: Scene Name/Number.

45

744T User Guide and Technical Information

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:VIEW FILES 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 thefolder first opened. The 744T knows this file name by reading a .txt file written to each time the unit
records or plays audio.

2.

To move up the hierarchy scroll up to the top of the menu to “\..” .

3.

Press enter or push the Rotary Switch to go up one menu level.

4.

From the root menu, selecting \.. opens the media select screen.

5.

Continuing up the file hierarchy the media menu is viewable. Select either internal hard drive or CF (ifinstalled) and drill down through the directories of that medium to the file required.

Larger files and files from CompactFlash take added time to show details; this is normal.

File Viewer Screen
The file viewer screen contains information about the individual audio files contained in the directory. 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:• file creation date, file flag (archive) bit status, checked means the file archive bit is set, clear
means the file archive bit is cleared• file creation time, file size
• number of tracks, bit depth, sampling rate
• beginning (BEG) time code stamp of the file
• There is additional information available. Pushing the Rotary Switch will cycle through the beginning 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.

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

File Time and Date
Similar to a computer file system, all files recorded by the 744T are stamped with the time and dateof file generation. To ensure that accurate time-of-day and file generation dates are written for eachfile, 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 incrementand decrement
time and date,
controller can beturned, as welladvances to thenext selection
returns to theprevious 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 8days, or more.

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 (internal 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 maximumof 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 thousandsof files on the 744T storage volume(s), the largest any single file may be is 4 GB. The 744T automatically splits an audio file before the 4 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 factory default setting for maximum
file size is 2 GB. Some applications will not properly import audio files above 2 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 clear the selected file, set or clear all the files in
the current folder, or set or clear all files on the volume.

All files created by the 744T have their archive bit set to on.

47744T User Guide and Technical Information

Automatic Flag Clearing
The recorder can be set to clear the flag bit of copied files automatically. When enabled in the Setup
Menu option FILE: COPY FLAG RESET, all files copied internally by the recorder will have their flag
bits cleared on the original file. Flags are not cleared when copying to a computer over FireWire.

File Copying Among Available Drives
Audio files are easily transferred between the 744T’s internal hard drive, CF, and external drives. Filetransfer is initiated from the setup menu option FILE:COPY FILE
The File Copy menu has numerous options for each media type:
Copy All [Media] > [Media]:
Copies all files from one media to the other.
Last 24Hr [Media] > [Media]:
Copies files created in the last 24 hours between media.
Last 48Hr [Media] > [Media]:
Copies files created in the last 48 hours between media.
Flagged [Media] > [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 willthen search the destination drive looking for duplicate file names. The LCD will report the numberof files found, the number of duplicates found, and the number of files to be copied and prompt tocontinue.
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 numberof 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 copying. If an error occurs during file copying, the 744T will prompt to cancel the transfer. When thedestination 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 deleting 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, performthe following:
1.

Press theHDD button to enter the File Viewer.

2.

Navigate to the file to be deleted.

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
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.

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False Take Control
To identify a take as a false take, perform the following:
1.

Press stop

to end recording.

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 inthe 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 willremain on the drive until the FALSETAKES folder is deleted (see Emptying the Trash and False Take
Folders above).

Emptying the Trash and False Take Folders
Files that have been moved to the trash and false take folders (see below) can be permanently deleted from the recorder. Each drive has its own Trash and False Take folders and they are permanently
deleted independently.

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 advance to a higher take number hold the STOP button and press FastForward. The file name tobe recorded is indicated above the file time.
Indicates
active takeIndicates next
upcoming takeTake 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 thenext 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.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

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 tohighlight a take as a “circle take”. Circled Takes are tagged <CIRCLE>= TRUE in the iXML chunkand @ is added to the BEXT Filename. Circle Takes are often used to identify good takes for transferring.
To identify a circle take, perform the following steps:
1.

Press the STOP key to end recording.

2.

Press and hold the STOP key 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).

To remove the circle take indication, 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 andfast data read/write speeds of hard drives are a perfect choice when long form, high data rate recording 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 adrive with multiple partitions is installed, the 744T will only “see” and address the primary partition.
For best operation periodic re-formatting of the 744T hard drive is recommended. Formatting thehard drive rebuilds the FAT (file allocation table) and erases all audio and data files present on themedium. Formatting the drive prevents fragmentation and reduces the likelihood of directory corruption.
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:50

v. 2.631.

Ensure that all data on the hard drive has been copied or is no longer needed.

2.

Press the Menu key.

3.

Use the Rotary Switch to scroll to IN HDD: (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 (checkmark) to begin formatting.

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Press and holddown the play key

Hit the tone key tobegin formatting

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.

Drive TypeThe 744T ships with a 2.5-inch ATA-5 interface, 5400 RPM hard drive. Sound Devices has chosen thespecific 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 driveis needed. The internal hard drive is not intended to be a swappable, deliverable medium. Its multipin 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 circuitboard via a “flex board”. Since the unit’s high-density circuitry and tight construction require specificelectronics knowledge, Sound Devices strongly recommends drive replacement be performed by aqualified technician using proper ESD precautions. Drive replacement done by a qualified technician
has no warranty implications.

744T with bottom panel
removed showing hard
drive mounting location

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

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 operation, the drive head is typically over the drive platters reading and writing data. When a physicalshock 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 physicalshock occurs in the non-operating state, the head can contact the ramp it is positioned over and damage 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 operating and non-operating shock.
The mechanical construction of the 744T is designed to minimize the transmission of shock to thehard 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 beachieved by operating the unit in a carry case.
If the recorder is used in applications subject to extreme motion, Sound Devices recommends recording toCompactFlash 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 thedrive. 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 temperature 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.
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 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:• wider temperature range capability than hard drives• greatly increased shock immunity versus hard drives• convenient, portable, removable media• ubiquitous card readers and transfer tools

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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 asa 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 cameras.
After recording to CF has stopped, it may take several seconds for the 744T to finish “housekeeping” on
CF. When preparing to remove the CF, 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 becorrupted and there is a possibility of FAT corruption as well.

Speed TestingCF 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 recommends against recording to CompactFlash if 192 kHz sampling rates are required.

Qualiﬁed CF Cards
Sound Devices does not specifically “qualify” CompactFlash cards for use in the recorder. From ourtests of numerous cards—including medium from Lexar Media, SanDisk, and Kingston Technology—cards in capacities from 128 MB and above will successfully operate in the 744T. The unit will
support up to 2 TB of data. 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 activate host mode select EXTERNAL DRIVE via the Setup Menu item FIREWIRE: CONNECTION. Because

53744T User Guide and Technical Information

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 attached
and is selected
as the recording
destination

External FireWire drives require 2.0-ready 744T hardware. Only recorders specifically labeled 2.0 readyare 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:• the choice of drive types include DVD-RAM optical drive or hard drive• near limitless recording capacity when a large volume external hard drive is attached (up to 2
TB)
• fast, no-waiting simultaneous record option• post-record copying to quickly back up internal 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, the744T 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 sameprocedure as formatting the internal hard drive, substituting the external drive menu selection for
the internal hard drive.
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 thedrive 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 FAT corruption on the drive.

FireWire Bus Powering
The six-pin FireWire port on the 744T provides power for bus-powered FireWire drives. The following conditions should be observed when connecting to bus-powered drives.
• Bus powering a drive requires external DC powering of the 744T. The 744T cannot operate buspowered drives from an attached Li-ion battery.
• 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 fromthe 744T.
• 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 withthe 744T. These include:54

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• external hard drives, bus-powered or mains powered. Drives as large as 2 TB can be addressed,• FireWire CompactFlash card readers,• 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 theOxford 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 tothe 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 revisions 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.

File Transfer Using FireWire

FireWire port

FireWire cable - 744T to computer
The 744T’s FireWire (IEEE-1394) port makes transfering of recorded files to a computer quick andeasy. 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 toand from the 744T hard drive.
It is best practice to copy original audio files from the original recorded medium to another volume before
editing.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

To mount the 744T to a computer via FireWire:
1.

Stop all playback and recording 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.

4.

The 744T will now show the screen below when successfully connected via FireWire. When connected,
all audio functionality of the 744T is defeated.

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 platforms, use the “Disconnect External Media” icon in the system tray.
To disconnect the 744T from FireWire:
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 selectdrag the drive icon to the trash in the dock.

2.

In Windows, right-click the drive icon and select “eject.”3.

The 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.

-e to eject the volume. Alternatively,

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 entering 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.

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During typical operation the 744T will run for approximately four hours from the included 4800
mAh Li-ion battery.

Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
The 744T is compatible with Sony-mount L- or M-type Li-ion rechargeable batteries. Numerous power capacities are available in these battery types, ranging from 1000 mAh to 7000 mAh. The 744T’s
mount accommodates unlimited battery depth. Larger 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 warnthat 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).

External Powering and Battery Charging
The 744T can be powered externally from 10–18 VDC (2 amp minimum). External DC fully powers 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 available:
External DC Input Wiring

Operation

pin-2 to negative (–)
pin-3 to positive (+)

operates the on-board Li-ion charger when the unit is both turned on and off. Use whenplugged into AC power

pin-1 to negative (–)
pin-4 to positive (+)

operates the on-board Li-ion charger only when the unit is turned on—there is no external current draw when powered off. Use when connecting to an external battery packRegardless 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 ispowered on.

Pin-1 and pin-2 of the external DC input are at the same ground potential as chassis and signal ground.
). When the
The voltage level of the source powering the unit is shows on the LCD (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 automaticallyswitch over to the removable battery. If no battery is installed the unit will shut down.
The included AC-to-DC power supply operates the unit and charges the removable batteries 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 charging 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 disabledOn

Completed charge / battery fully charged

Blinking

Charger enabled / battery is charging

If the charge LED shows anything but a successful charge, the Li-ion battery may require replacement.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

Time Code Clock Battery
The 744T has an internal NiMH LR6 (AA) battery to power to the time code generator circuitry andtime-of-day clock. This battery is charged simultaneously with the Li-ion battery. Additionally, theAA 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 worryof time code jumps or inaccuracy. When the NiMH battery reaches a factory-set voltage, the timecode generator will shut off and the time-of-day clock will take over — holding time and date for up
to 60 days.
744T maintains accurate time code for 2 hours after power-down with a fully charged NiMH battery timecode 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 recorder. Options available include:• Power on unit – unit will turn on and be ready for operation.
• Power on and begin recording – unit will power on and begin recording with the settings
used when previously powered down.
• Power on, power off unit – external DC functions as the on/off switch.
• Power on and begin recording, power 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 powersource. 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) canbe 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 forsurveillance applications.
Pin-3 (+) of the external DC input must be wired in order for the External Power Functions to operate.

Power-up Messages
This Setup Menu option provides a choice of whether or not the 7-Series displays messages uponboot up. It is best practice to set POWER: POWER-UP MESSAGES to disabled when using the external power functions to activate recording. This prevents power up messages, such as daily folder
prompts, output attenuation notices, and time and date setting notices, from prohibiting the 7-Series
from beginning a recording

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 recording setup.
The 744T power consumption varies over a range between 4 W to 20 W (12 volts), depending on active functions. The following functions have the most significant affect on power consumption:

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Inputs

Active analog inputs increase power consumption. If recording from digital sources, disable 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 themicrophone preamps draw current whether they are idle or active. Active inputs draw 1.5 W
compared 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 thephantom 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.

Firmware Upgrades
The 744T uses upgradable EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) to holdthe 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 andswitches, 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 therecorder.
The 744T firmware version and unit serial numbers are written to the data chunk of every WAV
audio file generated by the 744T.

Upgrading Firmware
From time to time Sound Devices may issue revisions (new versions) of firmware for the 744T. Firmware 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 thefirmware 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 isthe 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.

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744T User Guide and Technical Information

4.

When the upgrade and verify process is complete, power cycle the 744T. On power-up the LCD willturn solid black and the green LED next to the FireWire port will blink 20 times. When the update sequence is complete, the 744T will reboot once again.

5.

Verify the firmware version using the INFO:VERSION menu.

6.

Reset the time-of-day clock, time code generator, and verify any recording parameters.

7.

It is 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 toa 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.

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 using the CL-1, front panel controls and menu selections on the 744T can be mapped to keyboard shortcuts, 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 “remoterolling” 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.
Connect switches between assigned pins 1-6, pin-7 (ground), and pin-8 (+5V) on the CL-1. (See Logic

4.

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

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v. 2.63

FunctionSpace BarEnters Playback Mode
Pauses the take when in Playback Mode

EscapeCancel – Exits without saving in all menusEnter

Ok – Exits with saving in all menus (Check Mark or Edit)

Up Arrow

Mirrors the LCD Up Arrow in all menus

Down Arrow

Mirrors the LCD Down Arrow in all menus

Left Arrow

Mirrors the LCD RWD Arrow in all menus
Custom Route User Interface – Un-assign RouteTime Menu – Moves to previous field

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Right Arrow

Mirrors 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

Menu

Enters the Setup Menu

Home

Setup User Interface Menu - Moves to the top of the list.
File User Interface – 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 stringEnd

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

DeleteScene/Track Lists – Deletes entry when permitted
String User Interface – Deletes character when permitted

InsertSetup User Interface Menu - Toggles Markers
String User Interface – Inserts a space when permitted

Custom Assignment“Hot Key”

Shortcut Edit User Interface Menu - Selects Hot Key In Set Key Mode
Global - Executes Command if function is assigned to Hot Key

01 - 99 (number sequence)

Setup User Interface Menu – Jumps to menu list number.
Shortcut User Interface Menu – Jumps to shortcut number.

String Edits & Take Name/Number (Renaming & Notes)
Hot Key

Function

ASCII Characters

Scene – Prints Character and moves to next character.
Take – ‘0-9’ – Prints Number, ‘A-Z’ – Prints Spacer

Backspace

Deletes previous character and moves one character to the left

DeleteDeletes currently selected character
Take – Same as ‘Reset’ (Play Button)

Enter

Carriage Return if permitted, otherwise
Ok – Exits with saving

CTRL + Enter

Ok – Exits with saving. (Only when Carriage Return is permitted.)

InsertInserts a space when permitted

EscapeCancel – Exits without saving in both menus

Up Arrow

Increment Character in both menus

Down Arrow

Decrement Character in both menus

Left Arrow

Previous Character in both menus

Right Arrow

Next Character in both menus

Home

Goes to the beginning of string being edited

End

Goes to the end of the string being edited

Assignable Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can be programmed to control nearly every function on the 744T. Shortcuts canselect and change menu items with a simple key strokes. Combinations of computer keyboard func-

61

744T User Guide and Technical Information

tion keys, along with Control-, Alt-, and Shift- can also be programmed. The following chart shows
what keys are programmable.

Key

Shift-

Ctrl-

Alt-

F1-F12

Hot Key

X

X

X

X

0-9

-

-

X

X

A-Z

-

-

X

X

Logic In 1-6

X

-

-

-

To program a shortcut perform the following steps:
1.

Enter the External Keyboard Assignment Setup Menu selection.
Shortcut number. Up
to 50 shortcuts can be
programmed

2.

Select an unassigned shortcut number for programming. If a duplicate key sequence is selected the lowest shortcut number action takes place. The example below shows the F1 key being reprogrammed.

3.

After selecting a key sequence select the desired Setup Menu item or action. The example below shows
the reprogramming of the F1 key to change the sampling rate to 48048.
Specific Setup
Menu options canbe programmed if
multiple options areavailable.

If a single key or key combination is programmed for multiple shortcuts, the shortcut with the lowest
number will take precedence.

Shortcut List Functionality
The shortcut list is a user definable list of keyboard keys/Logic In that perform specified actions.
The actions that a keyboard key can perform are listed in the below table. Macros are currently not
implemented.

Action62

v. 2.63

Function

Momentary Button

Logic In only. Simulates selected button. Can simulate in any menu

Toggle Button

Logic In only. Toggles state of selected button. Play and Record are supported

Open Menu

Opens a SetupUI Menu

Cycle Settings

Cycles a SetupUI parameter to the next setting and saves it

Set Settings

Sets a SetupUI parameter to the given setting and saves it

Open Time Code Menu

Opens the TimeCode: Jam Menu and goes to the given parameter

Jam Time Code Item

Jams given TimeCode parameter

Edit Time Code Item

Opens the TimeCode: Jam Menu Edit screen for the given parameter

Button Shortcuts

Simulates a front panel button shortcut. Ex: (Stop+Play) opens TakeList Menu

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Logic Inputs and Outputs

Identical to shortcuts assigned to computer keyboard key sequences, the CL-1 has six contacts thatcan 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 closure 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 andwhen it is “off”, it puts out +5 volts.

Logic Inputs
Configured as a switch-closure input, a pin can be connected to a switch that a user has wired toassigned 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 thoughtof as just another key on the keyboard. 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 soon. 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 connected via a series resistor between the +5V output and a switch-closure output and light up whenever 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 undefined, Stop, Play, Record, or Pause. Note that if a pin is assigned to be both an input (via theEXT KEYBOARD ASSIGN Setup Menu) and an output (via the CL-1: LOGIC OUT ASSIGN Setup
Menu), the pin will automatically default to an output.

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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 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 parameters for the defined application. Presets are applied by entering the setup menu and selecting thepreset. All previous settings are lost when a preset is applied.

Factory
Preset744T Presets
Rec: FireWire Connection

64

v. 2.63

External Drive

Film
PresetReporterPresetMusic
PresetExternal Drive

Computer Connect

Computer Connect

Rec: Sampling rate

48 kHz48 kHz44.1 kHz44.1 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
and CF

EXHDD and INHDD and CFINHDD only

INHDD only

Rec: Scene Name/Number

None

None

None

None

Rec: Track Names

Track A: Track A
Track B: Track B
Track C: Track C
Track D: Track D

Track A: Track A
Track B: Track B
Track C: Track C
Track D: Track D

Track A: Track A
Track B: Track B
Track C: Track C
Track D: Track D

Track A: Track A
Track B: Track B
Track C: Track C
Track D: Track D

Rec: Take Name/Number

T 01

T 01

T 01

T 01

Rec: Take Reset Mode

When Scene is changed

When Scene is changed

When Scene is changed

When Scene is changed

Rec: Pre-Roll Time

2 Sec

2 Sec

2 Sec

2 Sec

Rec: Dither

Off

Off

On

On

Rec: Timer Start

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Rec: Timer Stop

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Rec: Record Indicator

Normal Numbers

Normal Numbers

Normal Numbers

Normal Numbers

Rec: Record Pause

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Input: Routing

1->A / 2->B / 3->C /4-> D

1->A / 2->B / 3->C /4-> D

1->A,B / 2->A,B

1->A / 2->B

Input 1: 48V Phantom

OffOn - MicOn - MicOn - Mic

Input 2: 48V Phantom

OffOn - MicOn - MicOn - MicMic Inputs: Limiter

EnabledEnabledEnabledEnabledMic Input 1: Low Cut

Disabled

Disabled

EnabledDisabled

Mic Input 2: Low Cut

Disabled

Disabled

EnabledDisabled

Mic Input 1: Low Cut Frequency

40 Hz, 12 dB/oct

40 Hz, 12 dB/oct

40 Hz, 24 dB/oct

40 Hz, 12 dB/oct

Mic Input 2: Low Cut Frequency

40 Hz, 12 dB/oct

40 Hz, 12 dB/oct

40 Hz, 24 dB/oct

40 Hz, 12 dB/oct

Mic Input 1: Gain Range

NormalNormalNormalNormalMic Input 2: Gain Range

NormalNormalNormalNormalInput 1,2: Source

Auto SelectAuto SelectAuto SelectAuto SelectInput 3,4: Source

Auto SelectAuto SelectAuto SelectAuto SelectInput 1,2: Linking, MS

Unlinked

Unlinked

Unlinked

Linked 1,2Line Input 1,2: Gain Ctrl

Use Front Panel Knobs

Use Front Panel Knobs

Use Front Panel Knobs

Use Front Panel Knobs

Line Input 3: Gain

0.0 dB

0.0 dB

0.0 dB

0.0 dBLine Input 4: Gain

0.0 dB

0.0 dB

0.0 dB

0.0 dB

Input 1: Delay

0 msec0 msec0 msec0 msecFeatures and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Factory
Preset744T Presets

Film
PresetReporterPresetMusic
PresetInput 2: Delay

0 msec0 msec0 msec0 msecInput 3: Delay

0 msec0 msec0 msec0 msecInput 4: Delay

0 msec0 msec0 msec0 msecFile: Marker Mode

New File

New File

New File

New File

File: Max Size

2G CF (1.8 GB)

2G CF (1.8 GB)

2G CF (1.8 GB)

2G CF (1.8 GB)

File: Folder Options

None

None

None

None

File: Copy Files

Copy all INHDD> CF

Copy all INHDD > CF

Copy all INHDD > CF

Copy all INHDD > CF

File: Copy Flag Reset

EnabledEnabledEnabledEnabledTime Code: Frame Rate

30

30

30

30

Time Code: Mode

Free Run

Free Run

Off

Off

Time Code: Hold Off

2 sec

Time Code: User Bits

mm:dd:yy.tt

mm:dd:yy.tt

Not Used

Not UsedTime Code: Jam Menu

Jam RX TC

Jam RX TC

Jam RX TC

Jam RX TC

Time Code: Display ModeBig A-time

Big A-time

Big A-time

Big A-time

Output1 Left: Source

Track A

Track A

Track A

Track A

Output1 Right: Source

Track B

Track B

Track B

Track B

Output1 L,R: Attenuation

0 dB

0 dB

0 dB

0 dB

Output2 Left: Source

Track C

Track C

Track C

Track C

Output2 Right: Source

Track D

Track D

Track D

Track D

Output2 L,R: Attenuation

0 dB

0 dB

0 dB

0 dB

Digital Output: Mode

Consumer

Consumer

Consumer

Consumer

Play: AutoPlay Mode

Play AllPlay AllPlay AllPlay All

Time/Date: 12/24 Hr

12 Hr

12 Hr

12 Hr

12 Hr

Time/Date: Date Format

MM/DD/YY

MM/DD/YY

MM/DD/YY

MM/DD/YY

LCD: Contrast

50%

50%

50%

50%

LCD: Gain Display

Bit Depth, SR & Gain

Bit Depth, SR & Gain

Bit Depth, SR & Gain

Bit Depth, SR & Gain

LCD: Scrolling Direction

NormalNormalNormalNormalMeter: Ballistics

Peak Hold + VU

Peak Hold + VU

Peak Hold + VU

Peak Hold + VU

Meter: Peak Threshold

0 dBFS

0 dBFS

0 dBFS

0 dBFS

Meter: Stealth Mode

Off

Off

Off

Off

HP: Rotary Sw Function

Selects Favorite Mode

Selects Favorite Mode

Selects Favorite Mode

Selects Favorite Mode

HP: Monitor Modes

01> Inputs 1,2
02> Inputs 3,4
03> Tracks A,B
04> Tracks C,D
05> Input 1,1
06> Input 2,2
07> Input 3,3
08> Input 4,4
09> Monitor A,B
10> Monitor C,D

01> Inputs 1,2
02> Inputs 3,4
03> Tracks A,B
04> Tracks C,D
05> Input 1,1
06> Input 2,2
07> Input 3,3
08> Input 4,4
09> Monitor A,B
10> Monitor C,D

01> Tracks A,B

01> Inputs 1,2
02> Inputs 3,4
03> Tracks A,B
04> Tracks C,D
05> Input 1,1
06> Input 2,2
07> Input 3,3
08> Input 4,4
09> Monitor A,B
10> Monitor C,D

HP: Favorite Mode

Tracks A,B

Tracks A,B

Tracks A,B

Tracks A,B

HP: Playback Mode

Tracks A,B

Tracks A,B

Tracks A,B

Tracks A,B

HP: Warning Bell-30 dBFS-30 dBFS-30 dBFS-30 dBFS

HP: Record/Stop Bell

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Tone: Level-20 dBFS-20 dBFS-20 dBFS-20 dBFS

Tone: Frequency

1000 Hz

1000 Hz

1000 Hz

1000 Hz

Tone: Mode

To Rec Tracks and
Outputs

To Rec Tracks and Outputs

To Rec Tracks and Outputs

To Rec Tracks and Outputs

65

744T User Guide and Technical Information

Factory
Preset744T Presets

Film
PresetReporterPresetMusic
PresetTone: Record Lock

Locked While Recording

Locked While Recording

Locked While Recording

Locked While Recording

INHDD: Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

CF: Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

EXHDD: Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Empty Trash

Power: Ext Low Batt Volt

11.0 volts

11.0 volts

11.0 volts

11.0 volts

Power: Ext Power Function

Do Nothing

Do Nothing

Do Nothing

Do Nothing

Power: Power-up Messages

EnabledEnabledEnabledEnabledExt Keyboard: Assign

F1 > Record
F2 > Stop Button
F5 > Rewind Button
F6 > Play Button
F7 > Fast Forward Button
CTRL + C > File: Copy
Files Last 24Hr CF >EXHDD
CTRL + H > File: Copy
Files Last 24Hr INHDD >EXHDD

F1 > Record
F2 > Stop Button
F5 > Rewind Button
F6 > Play Button
F7 > Fast Forward Button
CTRL + C > File: Copy Files
Last 24Hr CF > EXHDDCTRL + H > File: Copy Files
Last 24Hr INHDD > EXHDD

F1 > Record
F2 > Stop Button
F5 > Rewind Button
F6 > Play Button
F7 > Fast Forward Button
CTRL + C > File: Copy
Files Last 24Hr CF >EXHDD
CTRL + H > File: Copy
Files Last 24Hr INHDD >EXHDD

F1 > Record
F2 > Stop Button
F5 > Rewind Button
F6 > Play Button
F7 > Fast Forward Button
CTRL + C > File: Copy Files
Last 24Hr CF > EXHDDCTRL + H > File: Copy Files
Last 24Hr INHDD > EXHDD

Ext Keyboard: Langauge

EnglishEnglishEnglishEnglishCL-1: Re-ProgramCL-1 Module

CL-1 Module

CL-1 Module

CL-1 Module

CL-1: Logic Out Assign(Undefined)(Undefined)(Undefined)(Undefined)

User Setup Data FileAll 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 issaved in the SOUNDDEV directory on the medium selected in the setup menu.

66

v. 2.63

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, including all audio routing,recording settings, and time code options. The setup menu is a single, flat architecture with no submenus, 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.

#
1

Setup Name
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• Load Film Settings- applies typical setups for film production• Load Reporter Settings- applies typical setups for voice recording• Load Music Settings- applies typical setups for music recording• Load User from INHDD- applies settings saved by user to hard disk
• Load User from CF- applies settings saved by user to CF• 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.

• Computer/Connect (STOP+HDD buttons)• External Drive

3

Rec: Sample Rate

Sets the audio sampling frequency of the 744T

• 32 kHz• 44.1 kHz• 47.952 kHz• 47.952k F• 48 kHz• 48.048 kHz• 48.048k F

4

Rec: Bit Depth

Sets the bit depth of the 744T recordings.

• 16 bit,• 24 bit5

Rec: File Type

Selects the file format (type) recorded to theselected medium.

• .wav poly
• .wav mono
• .flac• .MP3 32 kb/s
• .MP3 64 kb/s
• .MP3 96 kb/s
• .MP3 128 kb/s
• .MP3 160 kb/s
• .MP3 192 kb/s
• .MP3 256 kb/s

6

Rec: Media SelectSelects the storage media used for recording.
Media is selectable even if it is not present.

7

Rec: Scene Name/Number

User-defined, alpha-numeric file scene names canbe pre-set and selected from a list. Scene namelists 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

8

Rec: Track Names

Used to identify a track name which shows up in
iXML and BWF metadata• INHDD Only
• CF Only• EXHDD Only

• 88.2 kHz• 96 kHz• 96.096 kHz• 96.096 k F• 176.4 kHz• 192 kHz• .MP3 320 kb/s
• .MP2 64 kb/s
• .MP2 96 kb/s
• .MP2 128 kb/s
• .MP2 160 kb/s
• .MP2 192 kb/s
• .MP2 256 kb/s
• .MP2 320 kb/s
• .MP2 384 kb/s

• INHDD and CF• EXHDD and INHDD• EXHDD and CF• EXHDD and INHDD and CF• <None>• <Add New Entry>• <Add New Entry>• <Load List From INHDD>• <Save List From INHDD>• Track A• Track B• Track C• Track D• Mix• Boom• <Add New Entry>• <Load List From INHDD>• <Save List From INHDD>

67

744T User Guide and Technical Information#

Setup Name

Setup Description

Setup Options

9

Rec: Take Name/Number

Numeric, auto-incrementing number used for takeidentification.

<selectable alpha character + integers up to 32000,
with or without preceding 0’s>

10

Rec: Take Reset Mode

Defines when take numbers are reset. Reset brings
take number to <1>.

• Never- take numbers do not reset• When scene is changed- take resets when scene name is changed• When daily folder changes- takes reset on new day• Either scene or daily- takes reset on either change

11

Rec: Pre-Roll Time

Selects the amount of pre-roll time the 744T will
add to the beginning of each file.

0–10 sec. @ 48 kHz
0–5 sec. @ 88.2–96.096 kHz
0–2 sec. @ >96.096–192 kHz

12

Rec: Dither

Selects whether to dither is added to 24 bit digital
signals while recording 16 bit files.

• Off• On (16 bit only)

13

Rec: Timer Start

Sets a specific start time/date for unattended
recording. Unit must be powered.

<enter time, date>

14

Rec: Timer Stop

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.

<enter time, date>

15

Rec: Record Indicator

Sets how the large display looks when the unit
enters record.

• Normal Numbers• Reverse Numbers• Flash Numbers

16

Rec: Record Pause

Allows a recording to be stopped then continued
without creating a new take or file. Time CodeMode must be set to Off to enable Record Pause.

• Disabled• Enabled

17

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 repeatedly will cycle
through all preset routings.

•1 A•1 A/2 B•1 A/1 B• 1 A,B / 2 A,B•1 A/2 B/3 C/4 D• 1,2,3 A / 1 B / 2 C / 3 D• Custom Route 1• Custom Route 2• Custom Route 3

Primarily accessible from the Input Select Key.

68

18
19

Input 1: 48V Phantom
Input 2: 48V Phantom

Enables or disables 48 V phantom power on inputs
1 and 2.

• Off
• On - Mic• On - Mic and Line20

Mic Inputs: Limiter

Enables or disables the analog input limiter on
input 1 and 2 mic preamps.

• Disabled• Enabled

21
22

Mic Input 1: Low Cut
Mic Input 2: Low Cut

Enables the high-pass (low cut) filter to reduce
sensitivity to low frequencies.

• Disabled• Enabled

23
24

Mic Input 1: Low Cut Freq
Mic Input 2: Low Cut Freq

Selection of twelve high-pass filter frequency andslope combinations for microphone inputs.

• 40, • 80, • 160, • 240 Hz @ 12 dB/oct• 40, • 80, • 160, • 240 Hz @ 18 dB/oct• 40, • 80, • 160, • 240 Hz @ 24 dB/oct

25
26

Mic Input 1: Gain Range
Mic Input 2: Gain Range

Selects the sensitivity of the microphone input. Low
sensitivity is used for very loud and/or very hot
microphones.

• Normal• Low• Normal, fades to off• Low, fades to off

27
28

Input 1, 2: Source
Input 3, 4: Source

Forces the inputs to analog or digital mode. Default
is auto-select.

• Auto-select• Analog• Digital (S/PDIF/AES)• Disabled (Power Save)v. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

#
29

Setup Name
Input 1,2: Linking, MS

Setup Description
Selects whether the input 1 & 2 levels are controlled independently or grouped as a pair with orwithout mid-side decoding.

Setup Options• Unlinked
Inputs 1 and 2 operate independently• Linked 1/2
Inputs are linked, channel 1 pot controls level, channel 2 pot controls pan• 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,
selects whether the gain setting is controlled by
the front panel knobs or by the menu sensitivity
settings below.

• Use front panel knobs• Use sensitivity settings

31
32
33
34

Line Input 1: GainLine Input 2: GainLine Input 3: GainLine Input 4: Gain

Adjusts the input sensitivity in 0.1 dB steps –6 dB
and +18 dB.

Meters show a pre-fader level of the input signal of
all four inputs on their respective meters to aid in theadjustment.

35
36
37
38

Input 1: Delay
Input 2: Delay
Input 3: Delay
Input 4: Delay

Sets a digital delay for each input. Can be used tocompensate for delay in various digital wirelessmicrophone units or digital processors.

0 to 30 milliseconds, 0.1 mS increments
0 mS to 30,000 mS up to 48.048 kHz Fs
0 mS to 15,000 mS up to 96.096 kHz Fs
0 mS to 7,500 mS up to 192 kHz Fs

39

File: Marker Mode

Enables the user to set cue points on the fly while
recording by pressing the record key.

• Markers disabled
No cue marks are set.
• New Cue
Cue markers will be set within one contiguous file.
• New FileA new 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,
then start a new file. The 744T will not record a filelarger than the selected size.
The largest file permissible with the 744T’s FAT32
file system is 4 GB

• 4 GB CF (3.6 GB)• 2 GB CF (1.8 GB)• 1 GB CF (950 MB)• 512MB CF (450 MB)

41

File: Folder Options

Allows user to organize files in root and subfolders. To not use any folders select <None> on
every level.

• TOP-LEVEL• MID-LEVEL• BOTTOM-LEVEL

42

File: View FilesEnters the file directory tree for the selected drive.

Highlight media descriptor to navigate the menu

43

File: View Take List

Allows user to view the last 200 takes. Takes canbe selected and converted to circle takes.

• Circle44

File: Copy Files

Allows the user to select a file or a range of files tobe copied from one storage media to another. Files
will only be copied from their current directory toa directory of the same name on the other media.
If a file will not fit on the destination media, user
is given the option to skip that file and continue
with the copy or abort the copy all together. User isadvised at the end of the copy process how many
files were copied successfully.

• Copy all {drive}• Flagged {drive}

Selects whether the flag bit is cleared or not on
files copied from one media to another.

• Disabled• Enabled

45

File: Copy Flag Reset<None>, <Add new entry><None>,<Add new entry>, <Daily><None>, <Add new entry>, <Scene>{drive}• Last 24 hr {drive}{drive}• Last 48 hr {drive}{drive}{drive}All files, when recorded, automatically have their flag
bit set to “on”

69744T User Guide and Technical Information#

Setup Name

46

Time Code: Frame Rate

Setup Description
Sets the time code frame rate. All common timecode frame rates are available.

Setup Options• 23.976 – used with 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 nondrop frame mode
• 29.97DF - to sync sound to NTSC video shot indrop 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
• 30+ – Records at 48.048 sampling rate at 30
frames per second but stamps the file at 48kHz, 30
frames per second

47

Time Code: Mode

Sets the mode for the time code generator• Off – time code not active, recorded or output• Free Run – time code is initialized from the jammenu and then runs continuously regardless ofrecord mode
• Free Run Jam Once – time code is initialized froman external source and updates itself to the externalsource 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.
• 24 Hr Run – time code is initialized from the system
clock on startup and enters free run mode. Timecode is updated if the time of day clock is adjusted.
• Ext TC – applies external time code to the recorderdirectly. The internal time code generator has noeffect.
• Ext TC/cont – applies external time code to therecorder; internal generator continues to run if timecode signal is lost. Useful for time code transmission
over RF• Ext TC-Auto Record – applies external time code
to the recorder. Unit enters Record when time coderuns and stops when time code stops.
• Ext TC/cont-Auto Record – applies external timecode 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: Hold Off

Sets the duration that a valid time code signal has
to be recognized by the 744T before generating a
new take while in Ext TC-Auto Record and Ext TC/
cont-Auto Record modes.

0.0 to 8.0 seconds adjustable in increments of .1
seconds

49

Time Code: User Bits

Sets the time code user bits generated by the 744T.

• Not Used – user bits are not set or output

mm – monthdd – day of weekyy – year
tt – take number
uu – user-defined• mm:dd:yy.tt• dd:mm:yy.tt• uu:uu:tt:tt – user bits are set to 4 user definabledigits with 4 take digits• uu:uu:uu:uu• tt:tt:tt.tt – user bits are set to the take counter for
all 8 digits• mm:dd:yy:uu• dd:mm:yy:uu

70

v. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

#

Setup Name

50

Time Code: Jam Menu

Setup Description
Allows the user to jam or edit the internal time code
generator and user bits. (Also accessible by pressing HDD and Menu keys simultaneously).

Setup Options• Jam RX TC – jams the internal generator toreceived external code
• Jam Zeros – resets the internal generator to zero• Jam Value – sets the internal generator to the value
set in edit value• Edit Value – allows to user to enter a free-form
number to initialize the time code
• Edit U-Bit – allows the user to edit allowed user bit
numbers

51

Time Code: Display Mode

Sets the numbers of the large numerical display.

52
53

Output 1 Left: Source
Output 1 Right: Source

Selects the signal source for the Master Output Bus(TA3 outputs, tape outputs, and digital 1 outputs.

54

Output 1 L,R: Attenuation

Selects the attenuation level of signal sent to the
Master Output Bus.

55
56

Output 2 Left: Source
Output 2 Right: Source

Selects the signal source for output bus 2 sent todigital output bus 2.

57

Output 2 L,R: Attenuation

Selects the attenuation level of the signal output
to bus 2.

Selectable from 0 to –40 dBFS

58

Digital Output: Mode

Selects whether or not the consumer SPDIF bit isapplied or not in the AES3id output.

• Consumer• Professional

59

Play: AutoPlay Mode

Allows user to play file(s) consecutively from selected directory, one time through or continuously.

• Disabled• Play all• Repeat one• Repeat all

Great for playing an MP3 collection during downtime!

• Big A-time• Big time code
• Input 1• Input 2• Input 3• Input 4• Track A• Track B• Track C• Track D• Input 1+2• Input 3+4• Input 1+3• Input 2+4• Input 1+2+3• Input 2+3+4• Input 1+2+3+4• Track A+B• Track C+D• Track A+C• Track B+D• Track A+B+C• Track B+C+D• Track A+B+C+D

Selectable from 0 to −40 dBFS

• Input 1• Input 2• Input 3• Input 4• Track A• Track B• Track C• Track D• Input 1+2• Input 3+4• Input 1+3• Input 2+4• Input 1+2+3• Input 2+3+4• Input 1+2+3+4• Track A+B• Track C+D• Track A+C• Track B+D• Track A+B+C• Track B+C+D• Track A+B+C+D

60

Time/Date: 12/24 Hr

Selects between 12 hour and 24 hour time.

• 12 hr• 24 hr61

Time/Date: Date Format

Selects the date syntax of the recorder.

• mm/dd/yy• dd/mm/yy

62

Time/Date: Set

Sets the internal date and time of the 744T.

<time, date>

Resetting the time re-jams the internal time code
generator to the set time. Setting the internal clock
during a production day will require time codedevices to be re-jammed.

Clock is not set until <done> is selected

Adjusts the contrast level of the LCD display.

0–100%

63

LCD: Contrast

71

744T User Guide and Technical Information#

Setup Name

Setup Description

Setup Options

64

LCD: Gain Display

Sets the Main LCD Display to show the gain valuesof inputs 1 and 2 always or to show Bit Depth andSample Rate and Gain of input 1 and 2 only whenattenuated.

• Bit Depth, SR & Gain
• Gain Only

65

LCD: Scrolling Direction

Defines the direction in which the Multi-Function
Rotary Switch will navigate throughout the 744T.

• Normal• Reverse

66

Meter: Ballistics

Selects among five different meter ballistics settings• VU only• Peak only
• Peak-hold only

67

Meter: Peak ThresholdUser-set level in dBFS where track peak LED’s
illuminate. 0 LED doubles as track peak indicator.

0 to −20 dBFS (1 dB increments)

68

Meter: Stealth Mode

Enables LEDs to toggle on and off with the LCD
backlight key.

• Off
• On

69

HP: Rotary Switch Function

Selects the functionality of the Rotary Switch’s
button when in record and playback.

• Disabled:
push makes no change to the headphone matrix.

• Peak+VU• Peak-hold + VU

• Selects Favorite Mode:in record and playback modes, push will change
the headphone source immediately to the favorite
selected in HP: Favorite Mode.
• Headphones to C/D Meters:
momentarily shows headphone level on tracks C & D
LED meters.
• Playback/Monitor Drive SelectSelects the media source for file playback and record
monitoring

72

70

HP: Monitor Modes

Select the sequence of the modes that appear in
the Headphone Source Display on the LCD.

Up to 20 source selections can be entered in any
order. See headphone monitor section in guidefor adjustment and Favorite Mode below for list ofheadphone selections.

71

HP: Favorite Mode

Selects the audio source monitored when the
Rotary Switch is pressed during recording or
playback.

Inputs 1,2
Inputs 3,4
Tracks A,B
Tracks C,D
Monitor A,B
Monitor C,DInput 1,1
Input 2,2
Input 3,3
Input 4,4
Track A,A
Track B,B
Track C,C
Track D,D
Monitor A,A
Monitor B,B
Monitor C,C
Monitor D,D
Inputs 1,2 (MS)Inputs 3,4 (MS)Tracks A,B (MS) Tracks C,D(MS)
Track A,B (MS): C,C
Track A,B (MS): D,D

72

HP: Playback Mode

Selects the audio source sent to headphones upon
playback.

• No change• Same as options listed above73

HP: Warning Bell Level

Set the output level of the multi-function warningbell.

off, −60 to –12 dBFS in 1 dB steps

74

HP: Rec/Stop Bell

Alerts the user with one beep at the start of recording and two beeps when the recording is stopped• Disabled• Enabled75

Tone: Level

Set the output level of the reference tone

−40 to 0 dBFS in 1 dB steps

v. 2.63

Track A,B (MS): CD,CD
Monitor A,B (MS)Monitor C,D (MS)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
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
In B-format stereo
Trk B-format stereo

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

#

Setup Name

Setup Description

Setup Options

76

Tone: Frequency

Allows the user to set the frequency of the reference tone oscillator

100–10,000 Hz in 10 Hz steps

77

Tone: Mode

Select the destination of the reference tone or todisables it completely• disabled• to record tracks only
• to outputs only
• to record tracks and outputs

78

Tone: Record Lock

Sets the Tone key to be either available or locked
while in Record Mode.

• Enabled While Recording• Locked While Recording

79

Drive: Speed Tests

Performs a write/read speed test on the internal
hard drive, CompactFlash, and external drives.
Data transfer speed is measured in KB/s.

Caution: Drive test will disable processing and muteoutputs for duration of test. Outputs will not return
until test is exited.

80

INHDD: SpaceShows the drive file system, total size, and spaceremaining on the internal hard drive.

81

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.

82

INHDD: Empty Trash

Allows user to delete files previously sent to thetrash as well as false takes.

83

CF: SpaceShows the drive file system, total size, and spaceremaining on connected CompactFlash medium.

84

CF: Erase

Formats installed CompactFlash medium• Empty Trash• Empty False Takes• Empty both

Caution, while various PC utilities are able torecover files from re-formatted drives, once formatted, old audio data is not accessible by the 744T.
85

CF: Empty Trash

Allows user to delete files previously sent to thetrash as well as false takes.

86

EXHDD: SpaceShows the drive file system, total size, and spaceremaining on connected external medium.

87

EXHDD: Erase

Formats attached FireWire storage volume• Empty Trash• Empty False Takes• Empty both

Caution, while various PC utilities are able torecover files from re-formatted drives, once formatted, old audio data is not accessible by the 744T.
88

EXHDD: Empty Trash

Allows user to delete files previously sent to thetrash as well as false takes.

• Empty Trash• Empty False Takes• Empty both

89

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.

90Power: Ext Low Batt Volt

Sets the warning voltage of the low battery alertwith an external power source. Internal battery
warning threshold is factory set.

10.0–18.0 VDC, 0.1 V steps

91

Power: Ext Power Function

Controls the behavior of the unit when power isapplied to the external DC jack.
Pin-3 (+) of the external DC input must be wired inorder for the External Power Functions to operate.

• Do Nothing• Power On Unit
• Power On and Start Record• Power On/Off unit
• Power On/Off unit and Record

73744T User Guide and Technical Information#

Setup Name

Setup Description

92

Power: Power-up Messages

Enables or disables the notifications that appear
upon boot up (daily folder prompt, output attenuation notice, and set time and date message).
Disabling these messages is useful when using theExternal Power Functions to power on and start
recording.

93

Ext Keyboard: Assign

Enter to setup keyboard shortcuts when using theCL-1 keyboard interface

94

Ext Keyboard: Language

Select the language of the keyboard attached to
the CL-1.

95

CL-1: Re-program

The CL-1 has its own firmware which is supplied from the 744T. This utility updates the CL-1
firmware.

96

CL-1: Logic Out Assign

Each logic output pin can be assigned to go highwhen the unit is in the selected mode. Logic input
overrides logic output selection.

97

Info: Button Shortcuts

An informative menu showing the available keyboard shortcuts.

98

Info: Version

Shows the hardware revision, serial number, andfirmware version of the unit.

99

Update Software

Upgrade tool used to apply new firmware. It will
search all connected storage for the firmware fileand prompt to update.

Setup Options• Disabled• Enabled• English• German• French• Undefined• Stop• Play• Pause• Record

Setup Menu Shortcuts
The setup menu can quickly be navigated by using the Rotary Switch to scroll up and down throughthe 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

toggles among menu bread crumbs tolower numbered itemswith no bread crumbs placed, moves
to a previous general menu section

74

v. 2.63

toggles among menu bread crumbs tohigher numbered itemswith no bread crumbs placed, moves
to the next general menu section

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

Record Tone+
Jam Menu
Button Lock

Menu and HDDEnters the time code jam menu. (702T &744T Only)+

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

Input
Hold down and press soft buttons to mute inputs

Input
RoutingPhantom #1

Phantom #2
Low-cut #1

Low-cut #2

ActionRecord and Tone
In the menu File: Marker Mode must be set to Markers Disabled.
While recording hold the REC key and press the tone button.
Tone will be active as long as the tone button is held.

Stop and Input
Hold down STOP and press INPUT to cycle through input routing presets. Last preset will open the input routing menu to thecustom route selection+

Tone and Menu
Toggles Input 1 phantom power. Phantom 1 & 2 are linked when
Inputs 1 & 2 are linked.

++

Tone and HDD
Toggles Input 2 phantom power+

Backlight and Menu
Toggles Input 1 high-pass filter. Low-cuts 1 & 2 are linked when
Inputs 1 & 2 are linked.

+

Backlight and HDD
Toggles Input 2 high-pass filter

Connect
FireWire+

Stop and HDD
Initiates FireWire connection if previously disconnected via an“eject” command

False
Take

+

Stop and Rewind
Delete last take prompt.

+

Stop and Fast Forward
Increments take number to be recorded for next file+

Stop and PlayTake list and circle take identifying screen

Increase
Take
Take
List

HDD
Hold the HDD button down for 1 second to toggle between viewable drives.

ToggleDrives
LED Level
FlashlightMode+ Rotary Switch++

Backlight and Rotary Switch
Adjusts level of LED brightness.
Rewind and Play and Stop
With the power off, hold down these buttons while powering theunit to enter Flashlight mode. This illuminates all LEDs except
for three. Press power again to exit.

75744T User Guide and Technical Information

Connector Pin Assignments
Each connector type, electrical characteristics, and pin assignment is shown below.

76

Connector

Pin Assignments

Notes

XLR
(Analog Inputs)

1 – ground2 – signal (+)
3 – signal (-)

7.5k ohm input impedance, mic level
20k ohm input impedance, line level
active-balanced

XLR(AES Inputs)

1 – ground2 – signal (+)
3 – signal (-)

transformer-balanced, for use 110 ohm twisted-paircabling, AES3 specification

TA3M
Inputs

1 – ground2 – signal (+)
3 – signal (-)

20k ohm input impedance, line level
active-balanced. Mates with Switchcraft TA3F-type connector.

TA3M
Master Output Bus

1 – ground2 – signal (+)
3 – signal (-)

120 ohm output impedance, active balanced.
For unbalanced connection, pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot,pin-3 not connected. Mates with Switchcraft TA3F-typeconnector.

3.5 mmMaster Output Bus

tip – signal L
ring – signal R
sleeve – signal ground

Master Output Bus signal in an unbalanced, consumerelectronic level.

3.5 mmHeadphonetip – signal L
ring – signal R
sleeve – signal groundmates with 3.5 mm TRS jack.

5-pin LEMO
Time code

1 – ground
2 – SMPTE TC In
3 – ASCII in/out
4 – tuning out
5 – SMPTE TC out

LEMO B-series connector, pin assignments as viewed
on panel-mounted connector

AES3id (S/PDIF) Inputs

center pin – signal
sleeve – ground

BNC female, unbalanced, coaxial connection, 75 ohm
connectors recommended

AES3id (S/PDIF) Outputs

center pin – signal
sleeve – ground

BNC female, unbalanced, coaxial connection, 75 ohm
connectors recommended

Word Clock Input and
Outputcenter pin – signal
sleeve – ground

BNC female, unbalanced, coaxial connection, 75 ohm
connectors recommended

FireWire (-1394)

center pin – signal
sleeve – ground

6-pin male FireWire cable

C. Link In / Out

1 – +3.3 V
2 – Tx (output)
3 – ground
4 – Rx (input)
5 – WC in
6 – TC in

Not a telephone jack!

Hirose 4-pin
DC Input

1 – ground2 – ground, same as pin-1
3 – DC (+)
4 – DC (+)

DC applied to pin-3 will operate and charge the unit
when on and off
DC applied to pin-4 will operate and charge the unit
when onv. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Specifications
SystemSampling 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 inputInternal Data Path andProcessing

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 bandwidthMetering

76-segment (4 x 19), sunlight-viewableselectable peak, VU, or peak (with or without peak hold) with VU ballistics, variable brightness

Analog Input(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(input dBu to −20 dBFS)

Mic (normal gain mode): 24.3–67.4 dB
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 ImpedanceMic (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)
Mic 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 overload protected; pin-2 hot,pin-3 cold

Gain MatchingLine 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 time77

744T User Guide and Technical Information

Output Analog
Line Output Clipping
Level+20 dBu minimum, 10k ohm loadAttenuation & 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

75 ohm, 0.5 V p-p, S/PDIF compatible with RCA adapter

Digital Storage
Internal hard drive

ATA-5 interface 1.8-in or 2.5-in hard drive 4200–7200 RPM supported, FAT32 formatted, up to 2 TB
addressable

CompactFlashCF type I, II, 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
FLAC, (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 and speed test for internal HD, CF, and external drive volumes

Data Transfer / Control
FireWiredrive-mode, IEEE-1394a compliant, 6-pin FireWire, Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS X only

C. Link

6-wire modular input and output, RS-232 machine control, word clock, time code transfer

Time CodeModes Supported

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<0.2 ppm, when tuned with Ambient Master Controller, holds TC clock for 8 hours after main battery 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)

PowerInternal 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-hydridePower 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 (+), pin-4 (+).
See Powering section for additional details

Environmental
Operation and Storage78

v. 2.63

ambient temperature 5–55° C,
relative humidity (non-condensing) <80%

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

OtherLCD 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 WeightSize

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 lbs) without battery

Accessories
Included Accessories
The accessories below are included with the 744T:• Universal In-Line Power Supply, 100–240 VAC input, 12 VDC, 24 W output• Li-ion removable rechargeable battery, 4600 mAh• 3.5 mm to 1/4-inch jack for headphone output extension (XL-14)• C. Link cable for unit-to-unit linking (XL-RJ)• Padded man-bag (XL-MAN)• FireWire Power conditioner (XL-1394)

Optional Accessories
The above accessories are just the start of building a flexible recording kit. Available accessories fromSound Devices include:
CL-1

Remote Control and Keyboard Interface used to control the 744T’s record
start and stop functions using a toggle switch. Allows user to connect a
PS/2 keyboard for control and metadata entry.

CS-3

Production case with high-quality strap for use with Sound Devices
MixPre, 302, 702, 702T, 722, and 744T recorders; NP-type battery
compartment and accessory pouch for wireless. Built for Sound Devices by
CamRade.

CS- MAN

Convenient, padded carry/storage case with handles, handy to store
wallets, keys and mobile phones; handcrafted in China.

XL-1B

TA3F to TA3F cable, connects the direct outputs of a Sound Devices 442
mixer to the 744T’s analog inputs 3 and 4, also used to connect analog
outputs to third-party devices with TA3M inputs, 12-inch.

XL-2

TA3F to XLR-M cable, used to connect analog outputs to third-party
devices with XLR-F inputs, 25-inch; package of two.

XL-2F

XLR-F to TA3F cable, used to connect microphones, mixers, and otherdevices with XLR-M outputs to the 744T analog inputs 3 and 4, 25-inch;package of two.

79744T User Guide and Technical Information

80

XL-4

Bag of four (4) TA3-F-type connectors.

XL-14

3.5 mm right-angle TRS to 1/4-inch female TRS headphone extension, 12inch.

XL-B2

Removable, rechargeable, Li-ion battery; 7.2 V, 4600 mAh battery; good tohave several spares.

XL-BNCBNC to BNC cable for word clock and AES3id interconnection, 24-inch.

XL-DVDRAM

An external bus-powered FireWire DVD Multi-drive. Based on the slotloading Panasonic UJ-85 drive mechanism, the XL-DVDRAM is used witha 7-Series recorder to record directly to optical disk or as a post-record
storage volume.

XL-H

Bare Hirose 4-pin locking DC connector (HR10-7P-4P).

XL-LB25-pin LEMO to two (2) BNC cable, used to jam to and from video cameras,
60-inch.

XL-LCD

Protective, clear Lexan LCD cover for 7-Series Digital Recorders. Protects
the LCD glass from scratches and water. Kit of four covers.

XL-LL

5-pin LEMO to 5-pin LEMO cable, used to connect the 744T time code
circuit to Ambient time code sync boxes, slates, and controllers or to jam
one 744T to another time code equipped 7-Series recorder; additionallyused to jam Aaton cameras from the 744T, 20-inch coiled, 55-inch full
extension..

XL-LX

5-pin LEMO to XLR-M and XLR-F cable, used to connect the time code
output to SMTPE time code inputs and outputs, 25-inch to XLR-M, 14-inch
to XLR-F.

XL-NPH

NP-type battery cup with 24-inch cable terminated in Hirose 4-pin locking
DC connector (HR10-7P-4P) at equipment end.

XL-RJ

RJ-12 to RJ-12 for C.Link to C.Link 702, 702T, 722, and 744T recorderlinking, 12-inch.

XL-WPH3

AC to DC Power Supply (in-line) 100 - 240V 50/60 Hz input, 12 VDC 3.75
A (45 W) output, Hirose 4-pin DC plug. Supplied with 3-pin IEC cord foruse in North America and Japan. It is always good to have a spare.

v. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

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, audiovisual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for
professional use. Part 1: Emissions

EN55103-2, 1997

EMC-product family standard for audio, video, audiovisual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for
professional use. Part 2: Immunity

EN55103-1 Phenomena 2, 3,
1997

Magnetic emissions at 1 meter 50 Hz – 50 kHz

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)/
IEC61000-4-2 (2001)

ESD, ±4 kV contact, ±8 kV air discharge

EN61000-4-3 (2001)/
IEC1000-4-3 (2001)

Radiated RF immunity, 10 V/m, 80% 1 kHz amplitude
modulation

EN61000-4-4 (2001)/
IEC61000-4-4 (2001)

AC power ports: EFT Burst, I/O lines, ±0.25 kV to ±1.0
kV, power line ±0.5 kB – ±1 kV

EN61000-4-4 (2001)/
IEC61000-4-4 (2001)

EFT Burst, I/O lines, ±0.25 kV to ±1.0 kV, power line
±0.5 kB – ±1 kV

EN61000-4-5 (2001)/
IEC61000-4-5 (2001)

Surge ±1 kV differential mode (line-to-line), ±2 kV
common mode (line-to-ground)

EN61000-4-6 (2001)/
IEC61000-4-6 (2001)

Conducted RF immunity, 3 V, 80% @1 kHz amplitude
modulation

EN61000-4-11 (2002)/
IEC61000-4-11(2001)

Voltage dips and short interruptions at test voltage
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

81

744T User Guide and Technical Information

Software License
End-user license agreement for Sound Devices 7-Series Embedded Software / Firmware
Important Read carefully: This Sound Devices, LLC end-user license agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either
an individual or a single entity) and Sound Devices, LLC for the Sound Devices, LLC software product identified above, which includes
computer software, embedded software, and may include associated media, printed 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 shallretain full and complete title to the SOFTWARE and all subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the media or form on or inwhich the original copies may exist. The license is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE.
Copyright. All 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 SOFTWAREPRODUCT are owned by Sound Devices, LLC or its suppliers. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international 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 notmodify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works based on the SOFTWARE or its accompanying printed or written materials.
Transfer restrictions. Licensee shall not assign, rent, lease, sell, sublicense, or otherwise transfer the SOFTWARE to another party without prior written consent of Sound Devices, LLC. Any party authorized by Sound Devices, LLC to receive the SOFTWARE must agree tobe bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement.
Termination. Without prejudice to any other rights, Sound Devices, LLC may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms andconditions 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 andany related documentation is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The entire risk arisingout 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) arisingout of the use of or inability to use this Sound Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility ofsuch damages. In any case, Sound Devices, LLC’s entire liability under any provision of this evaluation license shall be limited to thegreater 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 limitation may not apply to you.
Governing Law
This agreement and limited warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Wisconsin.

82

v. 2.63

Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Warranty and Technical Support
Warranty & Service
Sound Devices, LLC warrants the 744T Portable Audio Recorder against defects in materials andworkmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase. This is a nontransferable 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 ABOVEARE EXCLUSIVE. SOUND DEVICES, LLC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOUND DEVICES, LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANYOTHER 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 merchandise 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 accessories, 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:
http://forums.sounddevices.com
Sound Devices cannot guarantee that a given computer, software, or operating system configuration 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.

83744T rev. 2.63 - Printed in U.S.A.