HHB Portadrive PDR 2000 User manual

Location Sound Recorder
Operations Manual
Version 1.01 February 2004

Version 1.01 A
PORTADRIVE KEY FEATURES
• Rugged, all in one, portable 8-channel hard disk (HD) audio recorder
• 3 comprehensively equipped 6-into-2 digital mixers built-in
• Session based recording using either AES31-3 ADL or Pro Tools V5 formats, simplifying
production workflow
• Over 4 hours of uncompressed 8-channel 24-bit/96kHz or around 20 hours of 4-channel 24-bit/48kHz
recording on removable 40GB HD
• Simultaneous recording of mono or stereo rushes to external DVD-RAM drive or other
storage device
• 6 high gain, very low noise microphone balanced XLR-3 inputs with individual phantom powering,
‘gangable’ limiters, input pads, high pass filter (HPF), and phase reverse
• Mic inputs also feature adjustable delays for use with radio mics
• 8 balanced line inputs
• Dual analog balanced stereo outputs
• 8-channel AES input and output, stereo SPDIF input and output
• M/S decoding available on inputs and outputs
• Advanced power management
• Built-in battery charging circuitry
• 8-channel metering with clip and limiting indicators
• Built-in slate mic and tone generator
• Extensive headphone monitoring capability including designated 6-into-2 mixer
• 6 multi-function rotary encoders
• 10 second pre-record buffer
• Top and front panel LCD and control interfaces
• Comprehensive timecode and synchronization capability
• Supports tri-level synchronization for compatibility with HDTV technology
• 2.5" HDD in robust removable caddy ensures extremely reliable recording
• HD compatible with both PC and Mac platforms (FAT32, HFS)
• Records in industry-standard BWF or SDII audio formats
• Metadata (scene, take, comments) can be stored and transferred with audio files
• SCSI interface
• USB2.0 (USB1 compatible) port for high speed data transfer between the PORTADRIVE and a
computer
• Ethernet port for file transfer and upgrades
• Comprehensive remote control via RS422 (Sony P2) and parallel remote socket
• PS2 for connecting keyboard to ease logging / labeling
• Optional 5.25" PDRDS Docking Station allows removable HD caddy to be plugged directly into a
computer drive bay or external drive enclosure
• Optional DC-powered PDRDVDBU DVD-RAM backup unit for recording or backing up on location

B Version 1.01
REGISTRATION
Please register ownership of your PORTADRIVE now at http://www.hhb.co.uk. Select your location
and click on the REGISTER tab at the top of the page. Registration will enable you to receive software
updates and other important PORTADRIVE product news.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment conforms to the requirements of the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) relating to
electromagnetic compatibility by the application of: - EN55013: 2001 and EN55020: 2002
LIMITED SOFTWARE WARRANTY POLICY
All the software provided with, or purchased especially for, HHB products has been tested for
functionality. HHB Communications Ltd will make all reasonable efforts to correct reported software
defects for future releases subject to technical and economic practicality. HHB Communications Ltd
makes no warranty or representation either express or implied with respect to the system's
performance or fitness for a particular purpose.
In no circumstances will HHB Communications Ltd be liable for direct or indirect damages arising from
any defect in the software or its documentation. Further, HHB Communications Ltd will not be liable for
any loss of or damage to programs, sounds, audio recording, sequences or data stored in or used with
HHB products, including the cost of recovery.
The disclaimers above are exclusive and take precedence over all others, oral or written, express or
implied, to the extent permitted by law in the geographical area of the product's sale. No employee of
HHB Communications Ltd, agent, distributor or employee of an agent or distributor is authorised to
offer any variation.
TRADEMARKS
Digidesign and Protools are registered trademarks of Digidesign and/or Avid Technology, Inc.
Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. All other trademark, product and company
names are the property of their respective owners.

Version 1.01 C
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTADRIVE KEY FEATURES................................................................................................................A
REGISTRATION.........................................................................................................................................B
CONFORMITY ..............................................................................................................................B
SOFTWARE WARRANTY.............................................................................................................B
TRADEMARKS..............................................................................................................................B
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................................C
RIGHT SIDE PANEL...................................................................................................................................1
MIC/LINE INPUTS.........................................................................................................................2
MAIN L/R OUTPUTS.....................................................................................................................2
AUX L/R OUTPUT.........................................................................................................................2
AES/EBU OUT ..............................................................................................................................2
2 CH RETURN ..............................................................................................................................3
HEADPHONE OUTPUT................................................................................................................3
TIMECODE INPUT / OUTPUT......................................................................................................3
WORDCLOCK OUTPUT...............................................................................................................3
SYNC INPUT.................................................................................................................................3
SPDIF INPUT/OUTPUT ................................................................................................................4
AES 8-CHANNEL I/O D-SUB CONNECTOR................................................................................4
LEFT SIDE PANEL.....................................................................................................................................5
BATTERY COMPARTMENT.........................................................................................................6
DC INPUT......................................................................................................................................6
REMOVABLE DISK DRIVE CADDY .............................................................................................7
PS2 KEYBOARD INPUT...............................................................................................................7
PARALLEL REMOTE CONNECTION...........................................................................................7
RS422 PORT.................................................................................................................................8
USB2 CONNECTION....................................................................................................................8
ETHERNET CONNECTION..........................................................................................................8
SCSI-2 CONNECTION..................................................................................................................8
PDR2000 FRONT PANEL..........................................................................................................................9
METERS........................................................................................................................................10
MODE KEYS .................................................................................................................................11
LCD / ENCODERS / SOLO KEYS.................................................................................................12
TRANSPORT CONTROL..............................................................................................................13
HEADPHONE CONTROL .............................................................................................................14
DISPLAY KEY ...............................................................................................................................15
LIGHT KEY....................................................................................................................................17
MARK KEY....................................................................................................................................17
ERROR LED..................................................................................................................................17
UTILITY KEYS...............................................................................................................................18
UNDO............................................................................................................................................18
JAM TC..........................................................................................................................................18
SLATE...........................................................................................................................................19
TONE.............................................................................................................................................19
GROUP .........................................................................................................................................19
INTERNAL MICROPHONE...........................................................................................................19
FRONT PANEL MODES.............................................................................................................................20
INPUT MODE................................................................................................................................20
BUSMIX MODE.............................................................................................................................23
TRACK MODE...............................................................................................................................25
OUTPUT MODE............................................................................................................................27
HEADPHONE SETUP MODE.......................................................................................................32

D Version 1.01
PDR2000 TOP PANEL...............................................................................................................................35
POWER SWITCH..........................................................................................................................36
TRANSPORT CONTROLS............................................................................................................36
PANEL ON / OFF..........................................................................................................................37
MODE KEYS .................................................................................................................................37
SPEAKER......................................................................................................................................38
LCD ...............................................................................................................................................38
CURSOR KEYS / DATA WHEEL ..................................................................................................39
ENTER KEY ..................................................................................................................................39
LIGHT KEY....................................................................................................................................39
PROGRAMMABLE KEYS .............................................................................................................39
USING THE TOP PANEL SCREENS............................................................................................40
NAMING ITEMS ON THE PORTADRIVE .....................................................................................40
ABOUT THE TOP PANEL MODES...............................................................................................41
TOP PANEL MODES..................................................................................................................................42
INPUT MODE................................................................................................................................42
INPUT SOURCE..............................................................................................................42
LIMITER...........................................................................................................................43
PHASE REVERSE...........................................................................................................43
INPUT LEVEL..................................................................................................................44
BUSMIX MODE.............................................................................................................................46
LEVELS ...........................................................................................................................46
PANS...............................................................................................................................46
MS DECODE ...................................................................................................................46
TRACKS MODE ............................................................................................................................48
TRACK ARMING .............................................................................................................48
OUTPUT MODE............................................................................................................................49
MAIN OUTPUT ................................................................................................................49
AUX OUTPUT..................................................................................................................50
HEADPHONE..................................................................................................................51
DISK MODE ..................................................................................................................................58
FORMAT DISK ................................................................................................................61
NAVIGATING DISKS.......................................................................................................62
DISK / FILE HIERARCHY................................................................................................63
COPYING ITEMS ............................................................................................................64
CREATING A NEW FOLDER OR SESSION...................................................................65
SAMPLE RATE................................................................................................................67
BIT-DEPTH......................................................................................................................67
SESSION MODE...........................................................................................................................68
TAKE INFO......................................................................................................................69
NEW SESSION................................................................................................................70
SAMPLE RATE................................................................................................................70
BIT-DEPTH......................................................................................................................70
TC MODE......................................................................................................................................71
TIMECODE SETTINGS...................................................................................................71
USER BITS......................................................................................................................72
TIMECODE CHASE.........................................................................................................73
TIMECODE JAM..............................................................................................................74
SETUP MODE...............................................................................................................................75
TONE GENERATOR .......................................................................................................75
SLATE..............................................................................................................................76
POWER MANAGEMENT.................................................................................................77
BATTERY CHARGE........................................................................................................77
LCD CONTRAST.............................................................................................................78
WORDCLOCK SYNC ......................................................................................................79
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS........................................................................................81
TEMPLATES....................................................................................................................83
P1 - P2 ASSIGN ..............................................................................................................84
METERING OPTIONS.....................................................................................................85
OS UPDATE ....................................................................................................................86
DATE / TIME SETUP.......................................................................................................87

Version 1.01 E
LOCATE........................................................................................................................................88
LOCATE TAKE ................................................................................................................88
LOCATE MARK ...............................................................................................................89
LOCATE TIMECODE.......................................................................................................90
APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................................91
TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SYSTEM...............................................................................................91
FACTORY TEMPLATES............................................................................................................................93
CONNECTOR PINOUTS............................................................................................................................94
DC POWER CONNECTOR...........................................................................................................94
PARALLEL REMOTE....................................................................................................................94
AES AUDIO I/O .............................................................................................................................95
TIMECODE CONNECTOR............................................................................................................95
RS422 9-PIN CONNECTOR .........................................................................................................95
2 CHANNEL RETURN...................................................................................................................96
ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUT...........................................................................................................96
ANALOGUE AUDIO OUTPUT.......................................................................................................96
NOTES ON USING EXTERNAL SCSI HARD DISK DRIVES....................................................................97
WHAT IS SCSI? ............................................................................................................................97
SCSI IDs........................................................................................................................................97
SCSI CABLES...............................................................................................................................98
TERMINATION..............................................................................................................................98
CABLE LENGTH ...........................................................................................................................98
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................................99

F Version 1.01

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
Version 1.01 1

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
2 Version 1.01
The PORTADRIVE is comprehensively equipped with a wide range of professional audio and
synchronisation connectors. These are located on the right side panel. They are as follows:
MIC/LINE INPUTS
These six balanced XLR inputs can accept both microphones and line level signals. When used as a
microphone input, each channel has (switchable) phantom power for use with condenser
microphones.
MAIN L/R OUTPUTS
Carries a stereo or 2-mono channel signal (which can be derived from a large variety of sources) on
balanced XLR connectors.
AUX L/R OUTPUT
This is an additional stereo or 2-mono channel output source and can be used to carry an alternative
mix on balanced analogue XLR connectors. Like the MAIN L/R OUTPUT, the AUX OUTPUT can be
derived from a large number of sources.
AES/EBU OUT
This digital output can be OFF, MAIN OUT, AUX OUT or TRACKS L&R.
It is not necessarily a stereo mix - it might be 2 mono channels or just one mono channel if one
channel is muted.

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
Version 1.01 3
2 CH RETURN
This analogue connection provides an extra pair of line inputs that can be used for a variety of
purposes.
HEADPHONE OUTPUT
A stereo or 2-mono channel headphone output for private monitoring. The audio at the headphone
output can be set to follow whatever is selected for metering ( e.g. inputs, track, outputs etc.) so that
what you see is what you hear. It can also take as its source a wide variety of other signals easily
selectable as pre-configured user presets.
TIMECODE INPUT / OUTPUT
This allows you to slave to external timecode or act as a master timecode source.
WORDCLOCK OUTPUT
This BNC carries a wordclock signal that is equal to the PORTADRIVE’s own internal sampling
frequency. This can be used to synchronise other digital audio equipment to the PORTADRIVE.
SYNC INPUT
This BNC connector allows you to synchronise the PORTADRIVE to external wordclock, video, tri-
level or digital audio sync. When external digital audio equipment is being used with the
PORTADRIVE, it is important that they are accurately synchronised - this connector allows the
PORTADRIVE to ‘slave’ to external digital audio equipment.

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
4 Version 1.01
SPDIF INPUT/OUTPUT
Carries a stereo SPDIF digital audio input and output. The SPDIF input can be assigned to INPUTS
1&2 and the SPDIF output is sourced from the same signal that is routed to the AES/EBU output..
AES 8-CHANNEL I/O D-SUB CONNECTOR
This provides 8-channels of AES/EBU digital audio input and output and can be used to connect the
PORTADRIVE to a digital mixing console or multitrack recorder.

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
Version 1.01 5
LEFT PANEL
BATTERY
COMPARTMENT PS2 KEYBOARD INPUT REMOVABLE DISK DRIVE PARALLEL REMOTE CONNECTION
DC INPUT USB ETHERNET SCSI RS422

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
6 Version 1.01
The left side panel accommodates a variety of other connections and facilities. These are:
BATTERY COMPARTMENT
This is where the LI - ION battery, NP-L50, is housed. To replace the battery, undo the large
thumbscrew and carefully remove the battery. Replace the battery and tighten the screw back up.
**** IMPORTANT ****
NEVER REMOVE THE BATTERY DURING RECORDING!
DOING SO WILL (UNDERSTANDABLY) RESULT IN LOSS OF DATA!
NEITHER SHOULD YOU REMOVE / CHANGE THE BATTERY IMMEDIATELY AFTER MAKING A
RECORDING. DOING SO MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF DATA!
Every effort has been made to safeguard data in the event of power loss and/or battery removal.
However, please exercise caution (and common sense) when removing/exchanging the battery in
order to protect your data.
DC INPUT
This 4-pin XLR connector will accept a DC power supply from the supplied power adaptor or an
external battery with the correct rating - see technical specifications – page 99

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
Version 1.01 7
REMOVABLE DISK DRIVE CADDY
This caddy houses the PORTADRIVE’s internal hard disk.
The drive caddy is removable - that is, the disk can be taken out of the PORTADRIVE and connected
to other systems via the optional HHB Docking Station.
To remove the caddy, turn the large 'screw’ in the middle counter-clockwise to the 9-o-clock position.
Now carefully pull the caddy out.
To insert a drive, reverse the above procedure -- carefully insert the caddy into the compartment and
turn the screw clockwise to the 12-o-clock position (as shown above).
**** IMPORTANT ****
Please exercise extreme caution when removing and inserting drives.
Please refer to the section that describes safe handling of disk drives.
PS2 KEYBOARD INPUT
This socket allows you to connect a standard PS2 keyboard to the PORTADRIVE to make to make it
easier to input text such as scene name, notes, input name, session name etc. Input of text is still
possible without a keyboard attached (see page 40). PS2 keyboards can be purchased at any
computer store - you may already have a spare one that you use!
PARALLEL REMOTE CONNECTION
This is a parallel remote connection that allows the user to connect a simple switch based remote
control. Functions are implemented by shorting various pins together.

SIDE PANELS/CONNECTIONS
8 Version 1.01
RS422 PORT
This allows machine control using the Sony 9-pin protocol.
USB2 CONNECTION
This allows you to download operating system software updates for the PORTADRIVE from your
computer and allows the transfer of data to and from a computer.
ETHERNET CONNECTION
Allows the PORTADRIVE to be connected to a network so that transfer of data to and from the
network is possible
SCSI-2 CONNECTION
This allows you to connect to the optional HHB DVD Backup Unit (PDRDVDBU), external hard disk
drives or other forms of data storage and should be used primarily for copying data (backing up) and
recording from the PORTADRIVE.

FRONT PANEL
Version 1.01 Page 9
PDR2000 FRONT PANEL
METERS PEAK RESET
METER/MONITOR
MODE SELECT KEYS SOLO KEYS MULTI-PURPOSE ENCODERS TRANSPORT
HEADPHONE
CONTROL
LCD MIC UTILITY
KEYS
ERROR LED

FRONT PANEL
10 Version 1.01
METERS
These high resolution, 18-segment meters offer detailed, precision level metering.
PEAK HOLD
The meters have a peak hold function. It is possible to set the peak hold time between OFF, ON or 1-4
seconds. It can also be switched off completely if you prefer. These options are set in the
PORTADRIVE’s SETUP mode (more on this later).
The PEAK RESET key to the right of the meters allows you to reset any held peaks. It also allows you
to reset the margins in the MARGINS (see later).
LIMITER ACTIVE LEDS
At the top of the meters are 8 x LEDS that show the action of the PORTADRIVE’s soft-saturate
limiters. The six LED’s above columns 1-6 illuminate when the analogue input limiters are active.
The LED’s remain illuminated for the duration of the limiter’s action, or, in the case of a limiter
switching in when a short peak transient is received, they simply flash momentarily. The two LED’s
above the L & R columns illuminate when the 2-CH return input limiters are active.
Note - The limiter LED’s are only active when in INPUT or BUSMIX. However, the limiter LED ’s for the
2ch return do not function when in BUSMIX mode.
Also, the LIM indicators have no function for inputs whose sources are digital.
CLIP INDICATORS
These red LED’s illuminate when the signal exceeds 0dB. The clip indicators will remain illuminated for
a minimum of 2 seconds. However, depending on the settings of the PEAK HOLD, options, the clip
indicators will follow the PEAK HOLD duration.
REC ARM INDICATORS
The red REC arm indicators at the bottom of the meters indicate which tracks are enabled for record.
These LEDS will flash when the PORTADRIVE is armed for recording; the LED’s will be steadily
illuminated when recording.

FRONT PANEL
Version 1.01 11
MODE KEYS
The four mode keys below the meters allow you to select the metering / monitoring.
The PORTADRIVE has three mixers, two of which (BUSMIX and OUTPUT MIX) can be selected here.
The four modes are:
INPUT
When INPUT is pressed, the meters will show input levels 1-8. Also, the LCD in the centre of the front
panel will show Page 1 of the INPUT menu. If the H/P Preset is set to ‘FOLLOW METERS’, the signal
in the headphones will be a stereo mix of the inputs 1-6.
BUSMIX
When BUSMIX is pressed, the meters will show input levels 1-6 and the bus mixer’s stereo output.
Also, the LCD in the centre of the front panel will show Page 1 of the BUSMIX menu. If the H/P Preset
is set to ‘FOLLOW METERS’, the signal in the headphones will be the stereo output (BUSMIX L&R) of
the bus mixer.
TRACK
When TRACK is pressed, the meters will show track levels 1-8 (i.e. the level of the signal on disk).
Also, the LCD in the centre of the front panel will show Page 1 of the TRACK menu. If the H/P Preset
is set to ‘FOLLOW METERS’, the signal in the headphones will be a stereo mix of the tracks 1-6.
OUTPUT
When OUTPUT is pressed, the meters will show the MAIN L&R output signal . Also, the LCD in the
centre of the front panel will show Page 1 of the OUTPUT menu. If the H/P Preset is set to ‘FOLLOW
METERS’, the signal in the headphones will be a copy of the MAIN output signal.
If OUTPUT is pressed again, the meters will show the AUX L&R output signal and the LCD will show
page 2 of the OUTPUT menu. If the H/P Preset is set to ‘FOLLOW METERS’, the signal in the
headphones will be a copy of the AUX output signal.
If OUTPUT is then pressed for a third time, the meters will show the OUTPUT MIXER’s source 1-6 and
stereo output. The LCD will show Page 3 of the OUTPUT menu and if the H/P Preset is set to
‘FOLLOW METERS’, the signal in the headphones will be the stereo output of the OUTPUT MIXER.
When the modes are selected, the LED’s in the keys illuminate to indicate status.
Also, as you select different modes/mixer, the functions in the front panel LCD change to reflect the
selected mode/mixer.
We’ll look at each mode’s functions in more detail later in the manual.

FRONT PANEL
12 Version 1.01
LCD / ENCODERS / SOLO KEYS
In the centre of the PORTADRIVE’s front panel is a large 40 x 2 character LCD. This is used to show
levels, pan/balance and other parameters.
The top line of the display shows general information:
CURRENT 'MODE / PAGE' 'NOW' TIME FREE ON DISK BATTERY CHARGE
The LCD also works in conjunction with the encoders below it and you will note how the parameters
on the bottom line of the LCD line up with the encoders and you can see the exact values of the
encoders on the LCD. However, the encoders have a ‘collar’ of LED’s around them that show their
position at a glance.
Below the encoders are six SOLO keys that allow you to listen to channels/tracks in isolation. The
solo’d signal only appears (in mono) in the headphone mix - it does not get recorded to disk, neither
will it appear at the main L/R output. Thus it’s possible to solo any channel whilst recording without
affecting the recording in any way.
What gets solo’d depends on the PORTADRIVE’s status:
RECORDINGSTOPPED PLAYING
Inputs Tracks
STATUS
SOLO
It is possible to solo any number of channels / tracks simultaneously. The input solo signal is post the
input fader.
By default, pressing a channel’s SOLO key will solo that channel and the selected key will illuminate -
press the key again to ‘un-solo’ it. However, depending on the way you like to work, there are various
options for how the SOLO keys react - these are available in the top panel’s SETUP mode (more on
this later).