Sonifex COURIER Instruction Manual

Portable Hard Disk Recorder
User Handbook



Sonifex Ltd, 1997-2001
All Rights Reserved
These handbook pages will alter depending on the version of firmware installed in your
Courier. These pages were written for release with V3.0 Courier firmware.
Revision 3.01 June 2001
Email : [e-mail]
Website : http://www.sonifex.co.uk
Courier Firmware Update : http://www.sonifex.co.uk/courier/upgrade.htm
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the
vendor. Sonifex Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error
contained in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal
use, without the express written permission of Sonifex Ltd.
Unless otherwise noted, all names of companies, products and persons contained herein are part of a completely fictitious
adaptation and are designed solely to document the use of Sonifex products.
Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows, Windows for Workgroups, MS-
DOS and DOS are a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. SADiE is a trademark of Studio Audio and Video Ltd, DADpro32
and DAD are trademarks of Enco Systems Inc and Dalet is a trademark of Dalet Digital Systems. All other trademarks or
references are acknowledged.

Contents
Courier User Handbook C-1
Contents
N. Notation used in this handbook................................................................... N-1
1. Warranty & safety information...................................................................1-1
1.1. Warranty and liability ............................................................................. 1-1
1.1.1. Returning the warranty card ......................................................................... 1-3
1.1.2. Reporting software bugs ............................................................................... 1-3
1.2. Equipment safety ....................................................................................1-4
2. Introduction...................................................................................................2-1
2.1. What’s supplied with your Courier ? ...................................................... 2-1
2.2. Summary of features ...............................................................................2-1
2.3. Notes on operation..................................................................................2-4
2.3.1. Handling the unit .......................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.2. Care of the unit ............................................................................................. 2-4
2.3.3. Use of Courier for the partially sighted ........................................................ 2-4
2.4. Identification of parts.............................................................................. 2-5
2.5. Front Panel Controls...............................................................................2-6
2.6. Right side panel connectors & controls ................................................ 2-10
2.7. Left side panel connectors & controls...................................................2-12
2.8. Top panel controls ................................................................................ 2-14
3. Preparing the machine for use .....................................................................3-1
3.1. Power supply ..........................................................................................3-1
3.1.1. Mains power requirements............................................................................ 3-1
3.1.2. Portable power requirements ........................................................................ 3-1
3.1.3. Optional 12V power supply.......................................................................... 3-2
3.1.4. Optional charger ........................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.5. Optional AA cell adapter pack...................................................................... 3-2
3.1.6. Inserting the battery...................................................................................... 3-3
3.1.7. Removing the battery.................................................................................... 3-3
3.1.8. Hot swap battery changes ............................................................................. 3-3
3.1.9. Changing the [Battery Type] in Courier ....................................................... 3-4
3.1.10. Recharging the external battery .................................................................... 3-4
3.1.11. Recharging the internal cells (used for the hot swap) ................................... 3-5
3.2. Removable disks for operation in Courier ..............................................3-6
3.2.1. Types of PCMCIA hard disk ........................................................................ 3-6
3.2.2. Types of PCMCIA flash card ....................................................................... 3-6
3.2.3. Inserting a PCMCIA disk ............................................................................. 3-7
3.2.4. Removing a PCMCIA disk........................................................................... 3-7
3.3. Connecting the Courier for use ...............................................................3-8

Contents
C-2 Courier User Handbook
3.4. Booting up the Courier............................................................................3-8
3.5. Switching off the Courier........................................................................3-9
3.5.1. Automatic shutdown .....................................................................................3-9
3.6. Inserting the Courier into the carry case ...............................................3-10
4. Menu operation & structure ........................................................................4-1
4.1. Menu key ................................................................................................4-1
4.2. Menu navigation keys .............................................................................4-1
4.3. Menu operation .......................................................................................4-2
4.4. Making a menu selection.........................................................................4-2
4.5. Menu structure ........................................................................................4-3
4.6. Cut List menu structure ...........................................................................4-4
5. Recording .......................................................................................................5-1
5.1. Making a recording .................................................................................5-2
5.2. Pausing and stopping a recording ...........................................................5-3
5.3. Automatically starting a recording ..........................................................5-3
5.4. Placing Marks on a recording .................................................................5-4
5.5. Confidence monitor.................................................................................5-5
5.6. Checking the battery status & disk time remaining while recording .......5-6
5.6.1. Battery status.................................................................................................5-6
5.6.2. Disk time remaining......................................................................................5-7
5.7. Selecting the recording format (Record Style)........................................5-8
5.7.1. Record Style menu ........................................................................................5-8
5.7.2. Checking the settings of the Courier’s current Record Style.......................5-10
5.7.3. Altering the parameters of a Record Style...................................................5-11
5.7.4. Volume data................................................................................................5-14
5.7.5. Adding a new Record Style.........................................................................5-14
5.7.6. Renaming a Record Style............................................................................5-15
5.7.7. Deleting a Record Style...............................................................................5-15
5.7.8. Checking the Record Style setting of a cut..................................................5-16
5.8. Audio Options.......................................................................................5-17
5.8.1. Using the Mic Filter ....................................................................................5-17
5.8.2. Using the Limiter ........................................................................................5-18
5.8.3. Changing the metering between dB scale and PPM scale...........................5-21
5.8.4. Setting the peak LED level..........................................................................5-22
5.8.5. Muting the speaker while recording............................................................5-23
5.8.6. Phantom power options...............................................................................5-24
5.8.7. Waveform (Sound) option...........................................................................5-25
5.8.8. Mpeg Coding ..............................................................................................5-26

Contents
Courier User Handbook C-3
6. Playing & Monitoring................................................................................... 6-1
6.1. Playing and reviewing a recording..........................................................6-1
6.1.1. Transport keys .............................................................................................. 6-2
6.1.2. Adjusting the output level............................................................................. 6-3
6.2. Monitoring audio .................................................................................... 6-4
6.2.1. Headphone and speaker monitoring ............................................................. 6-4
6.2.2. Headphone and speaker level control ........................................................... 6-4
6.3. Playback options.....................................................................................6-5
6.3.1. Playback timer count-up or count-down....................................................... 6-5
7. Editing............................................................................................................7-1
7.1. Overview ................................................................................................ 7-1
7.2. Keys used for editing .............................................................................. 7-2
7.3. Entering the Edit Mode...........................................................................7-4
7.4. Principles of editing................................................................................7-5
7.4.1. Using Marks ................................................................................................. 7-5
7.4.2. Removing audio segments ............................................................................ 7-7
7.4.3. Keeping audio segments ............................................................................... 7-7
7.4.4. Selecting multiple sections of audio ............................................................. 7-7
7.5. Saving edited audio files......................................................................... 7-8
7.5.1. Save .............................................................................................................. 7-8
7.5.2. Save As......................................................................................................... 7-9
7.6. Editing tools.......................................................................................... 7-10
7.6.1. Undo ........................................................................................................... 7-10
7.6.2. Changing the display scale ......................................................................... 7-11
7.6.3. Changing the mode of the timer display ..................................................... 7-12
7.7. Exiting the Edit Mode........................................................................... 7-12
7.8. Cut and paste editing ............................................................................7-13
7.8.1. Creating a new Playlist ............................................................................... 7-13
7.8.2. Opening an existing Playlist ....................................................................... 7-14
7.8.3. Adding cuts or clips to a Playlist ................................................................ 7-14
7.8.4. Saving a Playlist ......................................................................................... 7-15
7.8.5. Playing a Playlist ........................................................................................ 7-16
7.8.6. Deletion or renaming of a cut that is also included in a Playlist................. 7-17
7.8.7. Checking the contents of a Playlist............................................................. 7-17
7.9. Editing a Playlist in the Playlist Compile Mode ................................... 7-18
7.9.1. Rearrangement of cuts in Playlists.............................................................. 7-19
7.9.2. Deleting Playlist cuts .................................................................................. 7-19
7.9.3. Segueway (cut join) auditioning................................................................. 7-20
7.9.4. Fine-editing cuts in a Playlist ..................................................................... 7-20
7.10. Merging linear files............................................................................... 7-21

Contents
C-4 Courier User Handbook
8. Using the Courier file system........................................................................8-1
8.1. File management .....................................................................................8-1
8.1.1. Naming audio recordings ..............................................................................8-1
8.1.2. Renaming recordings already made ..............................................................8-4
8.1.3. Deleting cuts from the disk ...........................................................................8-5
8.1.4. Deleting multiple cuts from the disk .............................................................8-6
8.2. Disk management....................................................................................8-6
8.2.1. Formatting a disk ..........................................................................................8-7
8.2.2. Show format command in the main Cut-List Mode menu.............................8-7
8.3. Where recordings and information files are stored .................................8-8
8.3.1. Audio files.....................................................................................................8-8
8.3.2. Information files............................................................................................8-9
8.4. Displaying information about a cut in the Properties Mode .................8-10
8.5. Audio file formats .................................................................................8-11
8.5.1. Compatibility with editing systems .............................................................8-12
9. System settings and display options .............................................................9-1
9.1. System settings........................................................................................9-1
9.2. Altering Courier’s clock..........................................................................9-1
9.2.1. Selecting the date format...............................................................................9-1
9.2.2. Altering the time ...........................................................................................9-2
9.2.3. Altering the date............................................................................................9-2
9.3. Checking the current time & date settings...............................................9-3
9.4. Reading and writing setup .ini files.........................................................9-4
9.4.1. Writing a setup file to disk ............................................................................9-4
9.4.2. Reading a setup file from disk.......................................................................9-5
9.5. Passwording ............................................................................................9-6
9.5.1. Setting the password .....................................................................................9-6
9.5.2. Entering the password at the [Setup] menu...................................................9-7
9.5.3. Entering an incorrect password .....................................................................9-7
9.6. Display options .......................................................................................9-9
9.6.1. Display of the Cut-List..................................................................................9-9
9.6.2. Appearance of the menu..............................................................................9-10
9.6.3. Type of warning beep..................................................................................9-12
10. Battery and power management ................................................................10-1
10.1. Battery management..............................................................................10-1
10.1.1. BATT/DISK status button...........................................................................10-1
10.1.2. Battery status icon.......................................................................................10-3
10.1.3. Front panel power indicator LED................................................................10-4
10.1.4. Charger features ..........................................................................................10-4
10.2. Power management ...............................................................................10-5
10.2.1. Power saving features..................................................................................10-5

Contents
Courier User Handbook C-5
11. PhoneBook...................................................................................................11-1
11.1. Protocol & connection information........................................................11-1
11.1.1. Communication method............................................................................... 11-1
11.1.2. Transfer protocol used ................................................................................. 11-2
11.1.3. Entering a number ....................................................................................... 11-3
11.1.4. Selecting a script file ................................................................................... 11-4
11.1.5. Modem types ............................................................................................... 11-4
11.2. Adding an entry to the PhoneBook ........................................................11-5
11.3. Editing an entry in the PhoneBook ........................................................ 11-7
11.4. Deleting an entry in the PhoneBook ...................................................... 11-8
11.5. Renaming an entry in the PhoneBook....................................................11-8
11.6. Setting the default phone number for file transfer.................................. 11-9
11.7. Setting the default phone number for live audio transmission ............. 11-10
12. Connectivity.................................................................................................12-1
12.1. Connecting directly to a PC .................................................................. 12-2
12.1.1. Using a drive-bay........................................................................................ 12-2
12.1.2. Using the serial connection......................................................................... 12-2
12.1.3. Using the USB connection ......................................................................... 12-2
12.2. Using a telephone line to transfer audio................................................ 12-4
12.2.1. Using a modem to transfer data .................................................................. 12-4
12.2.2. Transferring multiple files .......................................................................... 12-4
12.2.3. Using a telephone hybrid to transfer audio ................................................. 12-9
12.3. Using a GSM mobile phone to transfer audio.....................................12-11
12.4. Using an ISDN line to transfer audio..................................................12-12
12.4.1. Setting up the internal ISDN modem........................................................ 12-12
12.4.2. Transferring data files over ISDN............................................................. 12-16
12.4.3. Live audio over ISDN............................................................................... 12-17
12.4.4. Dialling the last number used ................................................................... 12-19
13. Courier Configuration Manager ...............................................................13-1
13.1. Installing the Courier Configuration Manager software........................ 13-1
13.2. Running the Courier Configuration Manager software......................... 13-5
13.2.1. Saving a setup.ini file ................................................................................. 13-6
13.2.2. Format of the Setup .ini file........................................................................ 13-7
13.2.3. Description of setup .ini terms.................................................................... 13-9
13.3. Transferring files between the Courier and a PC using CCM.............13-12
13.3.1. Setting up the Courier comms options for PC connection........................ 13-12
13.3.2. Connecting the Courier to a PC................................................................ 13-13
13.3.3. Enabling the Courier to send and receive files ......................................... 13-13
13.3.4. Setting up the communications port of the PC ......................................... 13-13
13.3.5. Establishing a connection ......................................................................... 13-14
13.3.6. Sending files from the PC to the Courier.................................................. 13-15
13.3.7. Sending files from the Courier to the PC.................................................. 13-18

Contents
C-6 Courier User Handbook
13.4. Script files...........................................................................................13-21
14. Specification & connection details .............................................................14-1
14.1. Specifications........................................................................................14-1
14.1.1. Physical specification..................................................................................14-1
14.1.2. Audio specification .....................................................................................14-1
14.1.3. Connections ................................................................................................14-1
14.1.4. Operational controls....................................................................................14-2
14.1.5. Additional information................................................................................14-2
14.1.6. Firmware versions.......................................................................................14-3
14.1.7. Recording durations for various disk sizes..................................................14-4
14.1.8. Accessories..................................................................................................14-5
14.2. Connection details.................................................................................14-7
14.2.1. Analogue audio inputs ................................................................................14-7
14.2.2. Analogue audio outputs ..............................................................................14-7
14.2.3. AES-EBU digital audio output....................................................................14-7
14.2.4. RS232 .........................................................................................................14-7
14.2.5. Headphone ..................................................................................................14-8
14.2.6. Power ..........................................................................................................14-8
A. Appendix A : Upgrading the firmware.......................................................A-1
A.1. Format of a firmware download file.......................................................A-1
A.2. Where to get new firmware....................................................................A-1
A.3. Upgrading the firmware .........................................................................A-2
A.4. Subscribing to the Courier firmware updates list ...................................A-3
B. Appendix B : Diagnostics and troubleshooting.......................................... B-1
B.1. Diagnostics............................................................................................. B-1
B.1.1. Checking the LCD........................................................................................ B-1
B.1.2. Checking the buttons and switches .............................................................. B-2
B.1.3. Checking the speaker and headphones with beeps....................................... B-2
B.1.4. Checking the RS232 port ............................................................................. B-3
B.1.5. Setting the BATT/DISK button to be latching............................................. B-3
B.1.6. Show the charging parameters on the battery display screen ....................... B-4
B.2. Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... B-6
B.2.1. PC compatibility problems........................................................................... B-6
B.2.2. Physical problems ........................................................................................ B-6
B.2.3. Power-up problems ...................................................................................... B-7
B.2.4. Recording problems ..................................................................................... B-8
B.2.5. Communications problems........................................................................... B-9
C. Glossary of terms..........................................................................................C-1
I. Index ............................................................................................................... I-1

Notation
Courier User Handbook N-1
N. Notation used in this handbook
Throughout this handbook, the following notation is used :
1. Any button presses are displayed in capital letters :
for example press the PLAY button to begin playback.
2. Menu selections are shown in square brackets with a series of menu selections
shown separated by commas, for example :
[Setup], [Display], [Show Type]
means that from the menu you should select the “Setup” option and then the
“Display” option and then the “Show Type” option.
3. Notes to the main text are always shown in bold - these refer to anomalies or
irregularities of the text above the note. For example :
Note : There is an option to mute the speaker to prevent feedback.
4. Modes of operation are displayed in italics and are self-explanatory. For
example :
Edit Mode - This is where editing is carried out and is entered by pressing the
EDIT button.
Cut-List Mode - This is the normal operational mode of Courier and shows a
scrollable list of cuts on the display.
Play Mode - Press the PLAY button to enter the Play Mode.
Record Mode - This mode is entered when you begin recording.
AutoStart Record Mode - This is the mode used when AutoStart recording is
selected.
Record Pause Mode - Slide the RECORD PAUSE switch to the right to enter
the Record Pause Mode.

Notation
N-2 Courier User Handbook
Properties Mode - From the Cut-List Mode, press the ENTER button to see the
properties of a cut.

Chapter 1 - Warranty & Safety Information
Courier User Handbook 1-1
1. Warranty & safety information
1.1. Warranty and liability - important : the
purchaser is advised to read this clause
(a) The Company agrees to repair or (at its discretion) replace Goods which are
found to be defective (fair wear and tear excepted) and which are returned to the
Company within 12 months of the date of despatch provided that each of the
following are satisfied:
(i) notification of any defect is given to the Company immediately upon its
becoming apparent to the Purchaser;
(ii) the Goods have only been operated under normal operating conditions and
have only been subject to normal use (and in particular the Goods must have
been correctly connected and must not have been subject to high voltage or to
ionising radiation and must not have been used contrary to the Company's
technical recommendations);
(iii) the Goods are returned to the Company's premises at the Purchaser's
expense;
(iv) any Goods or parts of Goods replaced shall become the property of the
Company;
(v) no work whatsoever (other than normal and proper maintenance) has been
carried out to the Goods or any part of the Goods without the Company's prior
written consent;
(vi) the defect has not arisen from a design made, furnished or specified by the
Purchaser;
(vii) the Goods have been assembled or incorporated into other goods only in
accordance with any instructions issued by the Company;
(viii) the defect has not arisen from a design modified by the Purchaser;
(ix) the defect has not arisen from an item manufactured by a person other than
the Company. In respect of any item manufactured by a person other than the
Company, the Purchaser shall only be entitled to the benefit of any warranty or
guarantee provided by such manufacturer to the Company.
(b) In respect of computer software supplied by the Company the Company does
not warrant that the use of the software will be uninterrupted or error free.
(c) The Company accepts liability:
(i) for death or personal injury to the extent that it results from the negligence of
the Company, its employees (whilst in the course of their employment) or its
agents (in the course of the agency);

Chapter 1 - Warranty & Safety Information
1-2 Courier User Handbook
(ii) for any breach by the Company of any statutory undertaking as to title, quiet
possession and freedom from encumbrance.
(d) Subject to conditions (a) and (c) from the time of despatch of the Goods from
the Company's premises the Purchaser shall be responsible for any defect in the
Goods or loss, damage, nuisance or interference whatsoever consequential
economic or otherwise or wastage of material resulting from or caused by or to the
Goods. In particular the Company shall not be liable for any loss of profits or other
economic losses. The Company accordingly excludes all liability for the same.
(e) At the request and expense of the Purchaser the Company will test the Goods to
ascertain performance levels and provide a report of the results of that test. The
report will be accurate at the time of the test, to the best of the belief and
knowledge of the Company, and the Company accepts no liability in respect of its
accuracy beyond that set out in Condition (a).
(f) Subject to Condition (e) no representation, condition, warranty or other term,
express or implied (by statute or otherwise) is given by the Company that the
Goods are of any particular quality or standard or will enable the Purchaser to
attain any particular performance or result, or will be suitable for any particular
purpose or use under specific conditions or will provide any particular capacity,
notwithstanding that the requirement for such performance, result or capacity or
that such particular purpose or conditions may have been known (or ought to have
been known) to the Company, its employees or agents.
(g) (i) To the extent that the Company is held legally liable to the Purchaser for any
single breach of contract, tort, representation or other act or default, the
Company's liability for the same shall not exceed the Price of the Goods.
(ii) The restriction of liability in Condition (g)(i) shall not apply to any liability
accepted by the Seller in Condition (c).
(h) Where the Goods are sold under a consumer transaction (as defined by the
Consumer Transactions (Restrictions on Statements) Order 1976) the statutory
rights of the Purchaser are not affected by these Conditions of Sale.

Chapter 1 - Warranty & Safety Information
Courier User Handbook 1-3
1.1.1. Returning the warranty card
In order to register the date of purchase so that we can keep you informed of any
design improvements or modifications, it is important to complete the warranty
registration document that is enclosed with you and return it to Sonifex Ltd in the
UK.
For your own records you should write down the type of machine the serial number
(which can be found on the underside of the Courier) and software version (which
is found on the information menu screen).
Courier Type CO-STD 

CO-ISDN-S 

CO-ISDN-U 


CO-STD-USB 

CO-ISDN-S-USB 


CO-ISDN-U-USB 


Serial Number CO……………………….
Software Version V…………………………
1.1.2. Reporting software bugs
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the Courier software is bug-free, it
is possible that there are bugs in the software. If you find any bugs, please report
them to Sonifex because it helps us to improve the quality of the product and we
will usually be able to issue another version of firmware onto the Sonifex website
for you to upload into your Courier.
Report any bugs by email to : [e-mail]
When you report a bug, please add the following points :
1. The Courier serial number and the firmware version you are using (found in the
[Information] menu screen).
2. A contact who we can get in touch with regarding the problem, together with a
reply email address.
3. What you were doing when the bug occurred.
4. What actually happened, in as much detail as possible.
5. What you think the problem was caused by.
The more information you include, the easier it is to find the bug and cure it so
please add as much information as you can.

Chapter 1 - Warranty & Safety Information
1-4 Courier User Handbook
1.2. Equipment safety
This equipment has been designed to meet the safety regulations currently advised
in the country of purchase.
The mains supply which is provided with the Courier has four adapters for use in
different countries of the world. It is important to use the correct adapter for the
particular country that you are using the Courier in.
The power supply is rated at 12V, 2.5A, with a maximum output of 30W. The
following approvals are pending on the power supply : VDE, SEMKO, DEMKO,
NEMKO, FIMKO, UL, CSA and BABT.
The power cable supplied does not have an earth because the power supply is a
“double insulated” type. Also, the supply has a “self-healing” fuse, so you will
never need to change the fuse in the event of a power failure.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to open the case for either the power
supply, or the Courier.
This equipment conforms to the safety regulations specified by use of the
CE Mark.

Chapter 2 - Introduction
Courier User Handbook 2-1
2. Introduction
2.1. What’s supplied with your Courier ?
Each Courier is shipped with the following equipment. Please check your
packaging to ensure that you have all of the items below. If anything is missing,
please contact the supplier of your equipment immediately.
Where an item is found to have transit damage, notify the carrier immediately with
all the relevant details of the shipment. Packing materials should be kept for
inspection.
Quantity Item
1 Courier portable recorder
1 Carry case
1 Carry strap
1 Universal power supply with 4 different plug adapters
1 1200mAh NiCd battery
1 Serial communication cable (RS-232 to RS-232)
1 3.5” disk containing Courier Configuration Manager software
1 Handbook and warranty card
The first thing to do is to complete your warranty card and to send this back to
Sonifex Ltd in the United Kingdom. This way, you can be sure to receive any
information on software updates for the Courier.
2.2. Summary of features
Courier is a compact, battery powered digital audio recorder designed for in-the-
field applications and digital news gathering.
Courier uses industry standard PCMCIA hard disks and flash-cards (PC cards) to
store high quality digital audio. The PC cards can be changed very quickly and are
capable of storing between 11 minutes and 289 hours of audio. (See Section 12.1.7
for detailed information of recording durations).

Chapter 2 - Introduction
2-2 Courier User Handbook
Courier can sample audio in stereo or mono and audio can be stored in industry
standard linear files or it can be compressed as it is recorded using the mpeg 2 layer
2 compression standard.
It's likely that if you use a specific hard-disk playout system, or prefer a particular
audio compression type you'll want to ensure that the recordings that you make are
in the correct format. You can define parameters such as sample rate, file format,
compression used and whether mono or stereo and give them a name - the
"recording style".
For example, a user in the radio industry may wish to store all audio on their play-
out system in stereo at 384 kbit/sec using mpeg compression. The recording style
could be called "radio" and every time that "radio" is selected as the style, the
recording made would be fully compatible, without the need for setting up the
Courier each time.
When recording in the field you often only get one chance, so it is imperative that
you can rely on your recorder. Courier has a confidence monitor - it is able to
replay material recorded to disk whilst still recording. Once you are recording, all
other controls are disabled except record levels, so you can’t accidentally stop your
recording.
Courier is powered using standard 6V 8mm-camcorder batteries that are
extensively available world-wide. There is an audible warning when the battery is
running low and the battery can even be changed without interrupting the recording
process. Supplied with your Courier is a mains adapter/charger, which
simultaneously charges the battery and powers your machine. An optional cigar-
lighter adapter is available to operate the Courier and charge the battery when in a
car.
Two inputs are available for either a single stereo source, or two mono sources,
which can be at microphone or line level. Each input has a level control, which can
be used separately or ganged together - the record level control is recessed so that it
can’t easily be knocked. Phantom power at 48V can be supplied to both
microphones individually and a high pass filter, essential for eliminating low
frequency traffic noise, together with a limiter, can be switched in.
A clearly visible display details the recording level (there is a separate LED peak
level display) and time count-up whilst recording. It can also give an indication of
disk space remaining and battery condition.

Chapter 2 - Introduction
Courier User Handbook 2-3
As standard, the Courier provides non-destructive, graphical editing facilities
including a jog/shuttle wheel to allow for accurate edits. When editing, the audio
waveform, or optionally a tape-line appears automatically on the graphical display
and the built in loudspeaker, or headphones can be used to monitor the audio
during editing and playback.
Alternatively, you can simply remove the PC card from your Courier and slot it into
a suitably equipped digital audio workstation for instant editing. Recordings can
automatically be given a unique identification code to categorise the audio reports
that are downloaded onto a hard disk system.
V3.0 software contains communications tools to quickly get your audio where you
want it to be. It is often impractical to return to your studios to download the audio,
so Courier can transfer your audio back to base using a number of flexible methods.
These include :
•Built in ISDN communications (for the CO-ISDN-S & CO-ISDN-U models).
•Software for transfer via standard telephone lines.
•Software for transfer over a digital telephone network via a suitably equipped
mobile phone.
•Live Audio over ISDN or via a telephone hybrid.
•Built-in USB support for the USB versions of Courier which operates directly
with Windows 2000 Explorer.
The audio can be transferred as data and loaded directly onto the editing and
playout system located at your studios. The recorded files are MS-DOS™ and
Windows™ compatible.
Continual software updates will ensure that Courier always has the latest features
and compatibility with other equipment. Software upgrades can be downloaded free
of charge from the Sonifex Web site, where you can also find details of compatible
systems.
Each Courier has a unique serial number that is not only affixed to the base of the
unit on a tamper proof label but is also blown into the memory devices of the
Courier. This serial number can not be changed once programmed and therefore
aids security and traceability of the machines because it can also be encoded into
the header format of “broadcast wave format” recordings.

Chapter 2 - Introduction
2-4 Courier User Handbook
2.3. Notes on operation
2.3.1. Handling the unit
Do not use excessive force on the portable recorder as this may cause it to fail in
certain circumstances. Although the machine has been designed to be robust and to
operate in variable conditions, its operation can not be guaranteed if used in severe
environmental and extreme physical situations.
The case is made from a strong ABS plastic moulding and the rubber boots on the
base of the unit have been designed so that for a high impact drop, the battery
should break out of the bottom of the battery compartment causing only minor
damage to the unit.
The Courier should not be left in the following areas :
•In very humid, wet or dusty conditions.
•In extreme cold (< 0°C).
•Next to strong magnetic fields.
•In very hot places, such as in direct sunlight.
•Where the unit is subject to excessive vibration.
The Courier should not be used under water or in extremely heavy downpours, or
in extremely hot conditions (above 40°C).
Note : The Courier itself has a low temperature LCD and can be used in the
temperature range 0°
°°
°C to 40°
°°
°C.
2.3.2. Care of the unit
The Courier casing should only ever be cleaned with a soft moistened cloth using a
neutral detergent. The case is made of ABS plastic which resists corrosion,
withstanding most inorganic acids, bases and salts but which will be damaged if
abrasive cleaners or volatile solvents, such as thinners or alcohol, are used. The
case also has a high impact strength and can be used at temperatures between -40°C
and +60°C.
2.3.3. Use of Courier for the partially sighted
The Courier has a number of features for use by the partially sighted :

Chapter 2 - Introduction
Courier User Handbook 2-5
•The backlit LCD light can be switched on to illuminate the front panel.
•On either side of the RECORD and REC PAUSE switches are two raised bars
to help you locate the switches.
•The PLAY button has raised bars on either side of it to aid location.
•The MARK button has a raised node on the front so that it can be identified.
2.4. Identification of parts
The Courier portable recorder is a compact, light-weight, solid state recorder for
use by journalists and sound recordists.
All the operational controls have been placed on the front panel for ease of access,
split into five groups :
•The four buttons on the left are for power on/off, battery and disk time
remaining indicators, LCD backlight on/off, and the monitor button.
•The record and record pause sliding switches.
•The transport buttons are along the front of the machine and are instantly
recognisable for pause, rewind, play, fast-forward, stop and mark.
•To the right of the LCD, the up and down menu keys, together with an enter
key.
•On the far right, the left and right input level controls are ganged, so that they
can be moved simultaneously, or separately.
The back-lit graphical LCD provides varying information depending on the task
being undertaken : recording, playing, editing or checking cut durations, etc.
The audio connections are on the right hand side (from the front view) of the
machine, together with the headphone socket and volume control.
The PCMCIA slot is on the left hand side with a large orange eject button. The
RS232, USB and ISDN port and mains power input socket are also on this side.
The top surface of the machine is split into three areas :
•The speaker is mounted on the left hand side of the machine.
•The controls for editing are in the centre of the top panel, at the front with the
scrub wheel to the right.
•The third area is for the input selection switches which are in the centre of the
top surface
On the bottom (base) of the machine are two connectors for clipping in the carry
strap of the recorder.

Chapter 2 - Introduction
2-6 Courier User Handbook
2.5. Front Panel Controls
POWER
RECORD
REC PAUSE PAUSE REWIND PLAY FFWD STOP MARK
BATT/DISK
LIGHT
MONITOR
L R
12
34 5
6 6