ARRI Sound Devices PIX 240i Manual

INTERCONNECTION AND SETUP OF
ARRI ALEXA WITH
SOUND DEVICES PIX 240i
®
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www.sounddevices.com

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Introduction
Sound Devices PIX 240i recorder is a powerful, flexible recording companion for the Arri
Alexa. The Alexa’s built-in recorder records to removable SxS cards. Recording to the PIX 240i
provides a secondary recording destination for immediate back up, a different storage medium
type, and a different codec. Because the PIX 240i records to either Apple ProRes or Avid
DNxHD files, a connected PIX 240i can be set differently from the camera to provide files for
different purposes. One common application for the PIX 240i files is as REC 709 proxy files for
instant dailies along with LOG C files recorded to the SxS cards.
To get the most out of the PIX 240i, proper connection and setup are necessary. Various settings
in both the Alexa and PIX 240i are described in this note.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Interconnection
Connect the PIX 240i to either of camera’s REC OUT SDI connectors. Connect to SDI IN on the
PIX 240i.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Alexa Menu Settings
Numerous menu setting on the Alexa are necessary for proper interconnection with the PIX
240i including:
• HD-SDI format type
• Output frame rate
• Scan format
• Output range
• SDI remote
• Color gamma
• Time code
Each step is described below.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Alexa Menu
Access the “REC OUT” settings in the Arri Alexa’s menu by navigating to Menu > Recording >
REC OUT.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Frame Rate - Alexa Setting
This setting controls the frame rate being
sent to the REC OUT SDI outputs used
to send the digital video signal to the PIX
240i. The PIX 240i will accept any frame
rate compatible with the PIX 240i.
HD-SDI Format - Alexa Setting
When recording 4:2:2 on the PIX 240i,
this should be set to 422 1.5G SL.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Scan Format - Alexa Setting
Available options include “psf”
(progressive segmented frame), and
“p” (progressive). Both options result
in a usable signal being sent to the PIX.
Progressive is recommended because no
scan conversion takes place.
Output Range - Alexa Setting
Set to Legal. An image encoded in 10-bit
legal range has a code value range from
64 to 940 (876 code values), and a 10-bit
extended range signal has a code value
range from 4 to 1019 (1015 code values).
Apple specifies that ProRes should use the
legal range.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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SDI Remote - Alexa Setting
Set SDI Remote to “On”. Once set, the
SDI start/stop trigger is sent to the SDI
outputs of the Alexa. This tells the PIX
240i to start and stop recording along
with the Alexa. If off, the PIX 240i will not
start and stop with the Alexa.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Gamma - Alexa Setting
The Alexa’s digital video output can be set to different colorspaces. From the home screen press
the center circular button under the LCD labeled “COLOR”. Next, press the button labeled
“GAMMA”. Set the SDI output to REC 709 for accurate color representation on the PIX 240i
screen. If set to any other colorspace, color grading is required after recording.

Interconnection and Setup of Arri Alexa with Sound Devices PIX 240i www.sounddevices.com
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Timecode - Alexa Setting
This setup describes the Alexa as the master timecode source, with its timecode signal carried
over SDI. Verify the timecode settings of the Alexa. On the Alexa, press the blue button labeled
“TC” and the press the button labeled “OPTIONS” on the bottom left of the LCD. Set “Source”
to “Int TC”. Set “Mode” to “Free Run”.