Sound Devices 688 User manual

688
12-Input Mixer with Integrated
16-Track Recorder and MixAssist™
QUICK START GUIDE

Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the 688, a 12-input portable production audio mixer with 16-track recorder
with MixAssist. The 688 is an extremely versatile device with many advanced features and capabilities.
It provides full digital mixing and routing capabilities with input delay selectable on all 12 inputs and
output delay on all 8 buses. It records 16- or 24-bit polyphonic or monophonic broadcast WAV les at
up to 192 kHz sample rate, with extensive metadata, to SD and CompactFlash memory cards. It can
also simultaneously record MP3 les.
Included with your purchase:
Quantity itEM
1 688 Portable Mixer and Recorder
1 Cable (USB Standard A to USB Standard B) 2M Length RoHS
1 Connector (USB 2.0 A Female to Female)
2 Link Port Cover
1 LCD Protective Cover
4 Adhesive Rubber “Bumpers”
>1 Colored Dot stickers
>1 Sound Devices Promo Stickers
>1 Video Devices Promo Stickers
1 Registration/Warranty card
1 Quick Start Guide
This Quick Start Guide provides the initial steps necessary to set up and begin using the 688 right out
of the box. It also provides warranties and licensing information and a brief overview of features.
For a full description of all product features, user-based procedures, specications, and any safety
information, please refer to the product’s User Guide located on the Sound Devices website; the link to
which is provided in this guide for your convenience.
Read and Register...
Sound Devices strongly encourages you to register your product for information on
timely updates and optional product news.
Full User Guide:
http://www.sounddevices.com/download/guides/688ug_en.pdf
Register Your 688:
www.sounddevices.com/support/registration/
Email Support:
[email protected]
Call Support:
1-608-524-0625
1-800-505-0625
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
1. Connect Power
The 688 is powered from any external DC power source (from 10-to-18 VDC) or from internal AA
batteries. When multiple sources are connected, the 688 will use one source at a time, using rst
external power, then the AA batteries. The 688 also features PowerSafe™ which provides a 10-
second reserve in the event of inadvertent power loss so that recording and le operations are properly
stopped prior to automatic shutdown.
To connect the 688 to external power:
▶Connect a DC power source (not included) to the 10-18 VDC input on the right panel.
Note: Pin-4 of the locking, Hirose connector is positive (+) and pin-1 is negative (-).
The 688 uses ve AA-sized batteries as a back-up in the event that external power is removed or
depleted. While alkaline AA batteries may be used, NiMH batteries are preferred.
Depending on the battery, run times could vary. For alkaline, run time will be limited to between 10 and
15 minutes, based on settings. NiMH and lithium batteries offer up to 90 minutes of run time.
To insert AA batteries:
1. Unscrew the battery cap (counter-clockwise).
2. Insert ve AA NiMH batteries (not included) into the battery tube. Orient the batteries with the
positive (+) end facing in and the negative (-) end facing out.
688 Key Features
• 12-input, 16-track mixer/recorder with full digital mixing and routing
plus input and output delay
• The SL-6, an optional powering and wireless system, simplies inter-
connection between the 688 and slot-in receivers, reducing cable
requirements and de-cluttering sound mixers’ bags. When used with
SuperSlot™ compatible receivers, the 688 gains fully integrated con-
trol of the receivers (sold separately). The SL-6 also provides USB
charging port, two 12V isolated outputs, and two non-isolated direct
battery outputs for powering additional devices.
• MixAssist™ is an integrated 12-channel auto-mixing feature that mixes
the post fade outputs by automatically attenuating the level of micro-
phones that are not active. Using the most sophisticated algorithm on
the market, MixAssist helps maintain consistent background sound
levels regardless of the number of open microphones and reduces
comb ltering and phasing artifacts when multiple mics pick up a
single sound source. It also increases gain before feedback when the
recorder is feeding a sound reinforcement system.
• PowerSafe™ circuitry offers smart sensing of available power sources,
front panel warning indication of power loss, and an integrated 10-
second power reserve that will, in the event of an inadvertent power
loss, allow the 688 to safely stop recording, properly stop all le opera-
tions and then automatically shut down.
• QuickBoot enables the 688 to turn on and start recording in less than
two seconds. QuickBoot is active for two hours after the 688’s power
switch is turned off. With QuickBoot active and the mixer power switch
off, the front panel Timecode LED ashes every 2 seconds.
• Expandable with optional CL-6 input controller, which adds six, full-
sized, dedicated fader controls for channels 7-12, sunlight-viewable
LED metering, and back-lit Record / Stop transport controls.
• Supports all common sampling rates, including up to 192 kHz on up
to six tracks
• Ambient™ timecode generator and reader supporting all common
rates and modes
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
2. Power Up
To turn on the 688:
▶Slide the Power button to the right.
The power LED will illuminate yellow then green. The Sound Devices splash
screen will appear briey on the LCD, and then the Main screen will be dis-
played.
Note: The rmware version is shown on the splash screen at startup and via Menu >
System > Version Info. Ensure you are using the latest rmware, which is available as a
download from the Sound Devices website.
Power LED
3. Activate an Input
To activate an input:
1. If the Trim control for an Input is recessed, push it in and it will pop out.
2. Turn the Trim control clockwise until it clicks to activate the input.
Note: The input is deactivated whenever the Trim control for that input is fully rotated
counter-clockwise.
Trim Control
4. Select an Input Type
To select an input type:
1. Slide the Pre-Fade Listen (PFL) switch to the left to access the Input
Settings screen for that Input.
Note: Step 1 is based on factory defaults. If sliding the switch to the left does not dis-
play the Input Settings screen, then the PFL Toggle Mode is not set to its 12-Channel
default. When the PFL Toggle Mode is set to only 6 Channels, you must slide the PFL
switch to the right instead of the left since sliding to the left is used to activate PFL
without leaving the Main screen.
2. Press the Headphone encoder to display the list of available input types.
3. Turn the encoder to highlight an input type and press it in to make your
selection.
• OFF – Use to deactivate an input without having to change trim.
• MIC – Use for dynamic microphones or mic-level sources.
• MIC-PH – Use for microphones requiring phantom power.
• LINE – Use for analog line level sources.
• LINE-PH – Use for phantom-powered condenser microphones. Pro-
vides 48V or 12V phantom power, but at a line-level gain range.
Useful in high sound-pressure-level environments.
• AES42 – Use for digital AES42 (Mode 1) microphones.
• AES3 – Use for a digital AES3 source.
4. Slide the PFL switch to the left again to return to the Main screen.
PFL Switch
Headphone
Encoder
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
Input 1
XLR Connector
5. Connect Audio Source
On the left panel, there are six XLR-3F connectors for balanced microphone
or line-level inputs, and six TA3-F connectors for line level inputs.
To connect an audio source:
▶Use a standard XLR cable and connect a microphone or line level analog
source to an Input XLR connector.
Note: Input 1 or 6 can also accept AES3 or AES42 (Mode 1) signal. (Pin-1 ground, pin-2
positive, pin-3 negative.)
6. Connect Headphones
Be careful of high headphone levels when connecting your headphones.
To connect headphones:
1. Prior to connecting your headphones, turn the Headphone encoder
counter-clockwise until the LCD shows the headphones off.
2. Connect headphones to either the 1/4-inch or 3.5mm headphone out-
puts, located on the left panel of the 688.
3. Turn the Headphone encoder clockwise slowly until the level you want
is reached.
1/4”
3.5mm
Headphone
Encoder
7. Select a Headphone Source
To set up the headphone source:
1. Press the Headphone encoder to display the list of available sources.
The list will auto-close if no selection is made within a few seconds.
2. Turn the encoder to choose LR ST, the master left and right stereo bus.
3. Press the encoder to conrm selection.
8. Adjust Trim and Fader Controls
The gain of an input is adjusted by two controls, Trim and Fader.
This two-stage architecture is identical to the
topology of large mixing consoles and provides a great deal of
control. Trim is often thought of as a coarse gain control and the
Fader as the ne gain control.
To adjust trim and fade:
1. Set Fader control to 0 dB (12 o’clock).
2. Adjust Trim control clockwise until optimal level is achieved on
metering and in headphones.
Fader (1-6)
Pan (1-6)
PFL
(Left: 1-6,
Right: 7-12)
Trim (1-6)
PFL status / Activity LED (7-12)
PFL status / Activity LED (1-6)
Fader (7-12)
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
3. Do either of the following:
• Select Erase/Format CF to reformat a CompactFlash card.
• Select Erase/Format SD to reformat an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card.
4. Press the Headphone encoder to begin the formatting process.
5. Follow the message(s) that appear on screen and press the Headphone
encoder to continue.
6. Press the METERS button to return to the Main screen.
10. Start and Stop Recording
To begin recording:
▶Push up the Transport control to record.
To stop recording:
▶Press in the Transport control to stop recording.
While recording, both the Take name background color (top of Main screen)
and Timecode counter (bottom left of Main screen) will become red, and the
absolute time counter (bottom of Main screen) will run. Additionally, the CF
and SD indicators will glow amber when media is being accessed.
METERS
Button
Headphone
Encoder
MENU
Button
Transport
Control
9. Insert and Format Media
The slots for Compact Flash (CF) or Secure Digital (SD) memory cards are
located on the right panel behind the Media Door, which is held closed
magnetically.
To install media:
1. Firmly pull open the Media Door.
2. Insert your choice of media memory card into the slots provided.
When inserting the SD card, ensure the bottom of the card (the side with
metal contacts visible) is facing the rear of the unit. When inserting a CF
card, ensure the top of the card (the side with the branding label) is facing
the rear of the unit.
Note: Sound Devices Quality Assurance engineers perform extensive testing to
ensure media approved for use with the 688 works reliably and provides the best
performance. When choosing media, please refer to the Approved Media List
available on the Sound Devices website at:
www.SoundDevices.com/Approved.
The SD or CF card must be formatted by the 688 before recording.
Warning: Reformatting a card will erase all data on the card.
To format an SD or CF card:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Turn the Headphone encoder and press it to select File Storage.
Media Door
Stop (press in)
Record (push up)
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
11. Remove Media to Transfer Files
When recording is complete, ensure the CF and SD indicators (in
top right corner of Main screen) are no longer glowing amber before
removing the memory card(s). Once removed from the 688, the memory
cards may then be connected to a computer for transfer and backup of
recorded les.
To remove the CF card:
▶Open the Media Door and pull out the card.
To remove the SD card:
1. Open the Media Door.
2. Push it in to release the card, and then pull it out.
12. Force Power Off (Optional)
In the unlikely event you need to manually force a complete shutdown of the
688, by-passing the PowerSafe and QuickBoot features, do the following:
To force power off to the 688:
1. Slide the Power button to the left.
2. Press and hold the MENU button for 5 seconds.
After the 688 is manually powered off, the Timecode LED no longer ashes.
Main Screen
The Main screen displays important information at-a-glance. The Main screen can be accessed
quickly from any other screen by pressing the METERS button. Press and hold the METERS button,
and then slide the RTN / FAV switch (below the screen) to the left to toggle between display of time-
code frame rate and sample rate. This sample image shows default settings.
Current Take
Active playback media
Media time remaining and audio le format
Power source and level
Input limiting
activity
Monitor (Headphone)
RTN levelsSample rate information
Absolute recording time
SMPTE timecode
Powered off input
Armed track Unarmed track
Meter View
Meter style can be changed to solid, and track names can optionally be shown in the meters.
Pressing the METERS button from the Main screen cycles through three Meter Views. Use the Main
menu option: System > Meter Views to dene which one of various congurations is used by each
Meter View.
For complete information on the features of the 688 as well as procedures, tips and more, read the
688 User Guide, available in PDF format from the company’s website:
http://www.sounddevices.com/download/guides/688ug_en.pdf
CF Memory
Card Slot
SD Memory
Card Slot
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
Accessories
The 688 works with various accessories which may be purchased separately and used to further
enhance your eld mixing and recording experience.
aCCESSORy PHOtO DESCRiPtiOn
CL-6 This optional input controller attaches to the bottom
of the 688 and adds six full-sized tactile fader
controls, sunlight-viewable LED metering and big,
back-lit Record and Stop controls. When the CL-6 is
attached to a 688, the 688’s mini-faders, originally
assigned as faders for 7-12, switch to control trim
levels of 7-12, and the CL-6 faders control fader levels
of 7-12.
SL-6 This optional powering and wireless system simplies
interconnection and provides better control, display
and navigation of the user interface for SuperSlot-
compatible wireless receivers. It also provides a USB
charging port, two 12 V isolated outputs, and two non-
isolated direct battery outputs for powering additional
devices, along with PowerSafe for the receivers.
(Wireless receivers are not included.)
CS-664 This production case (designed by CamRade for
Sound Devices) may be used for either the 688 or
664 and one attached accessory, such as the SL-6
or CL-6 (pictured here with the 688). Case has a
detachable accessory compartment and a battery
compartment for NP-type batteries on the bottom.
(Strap sold separately.)
Wave Agent Sound Devices Wave Agent, a le librarian for
computers, provides a comprehensive range of tools
for preparing audio les for problem-free passage
through complex production workows. For more a
free download, visit www.waveagent.com.
aCCESSORy PHOtO DESCRiPtiOn
XL-1B A 12-inch TA3-F to TA3-F cable, used to connect TA3
auxillary outputs to TA3 inputs of receiving devices.
XL-2 A 25-inch TA3-F to XLR-3M cable, used to connect the
TA3 auxillary outputs to third-party devices with XLR-
3F inputs. Each package contains two cables.
XL-2F A 25-inch XLR-3F to TA3-F cable, used to connect
mixers and other devices with XLR-3M outputs to the
TA3 7-12 inputs on the 688. Each package contains
two cables.
XL-4 Bag of four (4) TA3-F-type connectors.
XL-H Bare Hirose 4-pin locking DC connector (HR10-7P-4P).
XL-NPH An NP-type battery cup with 24-inch cable terminated
in Hirose 4-pin locking DC connector (HR10-7P-4P).
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
aCCESSORy PHOtO DESCRiPtiOn
XL-WPH3 The XL-WPH3 is an AC-to-DC (in-line) 100-240V power
supply unit with 50/60 Hz input, a 12 VDC 3.75 A
(45 W) output, and a Hirose 4-pin DC plug. It comes
supplied with a 3-pin IEC cord.
XL-LL LEMO®-5 to LEMO-5 coiled cable for timecode
interconnection between the 688 and other devices.
XL-LB2 LEMO-5 to BNC input and BNC output for timecode
interconnection between the 688 and other devices.
XL-LX LEMO-5 to XLR-3F input and XLR-3M output for
timecode interconnection between the 688 and other
devices.
XL-10 Hirose 10-pin to two-XLR (balanced L/R) and 3.5
mm plug (stereo return A and C) breakout cable;
includes in-line 20-foot extension cable. The XL-10
is a high-quality multi-pin breakout and extension
cable designed specically for Sound Devices
eld production mixers. It provides easy access to
the balanced outputs and stereo return A and C
connections.
This table is not an all-inclusive list of accessories available for use with the 688. For the latest information, visit the
Sound Devices website at: www.sounddevices.com.
Declaration of Conformity
According to EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004
Manufacturer’s Name: Sound Devices, LLC
Manufacturer’s Address: E7556 State Road 23 and 33
Reedsburg, WI 53959
USA
Declares under sole responsibility that the product as delivered
Product Name: 688 Portable Mixer and Recorder
Model Number: 688
Product Options: This declaration covers all options of the above product.
complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European Directives,
and carries the CE marking accordingly:
EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)
EN 55022:2010
EN 55103-2:2009
First date of CE approval February 28, 2015.
This Declaration of Conformity applies to the above-listed product(s) placed on the EU market after:
February 28, 2015
Date Matt Anderson
Director of Engineering
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Quick Start Guide
688 Mixer & Recorder
Warranty and Service
Sound Devices, LLC warrants the 688 against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original
retail purchase. Users who register their product directly with Sound Devices Technical Support by mail, online, or phone, will receive an
additional ONE (1) year of warranty coverage, extending the complete warranty period to TWO (2) years from the date of original retail
purchase. In order to extend the warranty coverage period, registration must be completed within the initial ONE (1) year warranty peri-
od. Products must be purchased through authorized Sound Devices resellers to qualify for Warranty coverage. Damage resulting from
the opening of a Sound Devices product or attempted repairs by a non-authorized Sound Devices repair technician will void warranty
coverage.
This is a non-transferable warranty that extends only to the original purchaser. Sound Devices, LLC will repair or replace the product at its
discretion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe service conditions will be addressed on an individual basis.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE. SOUND DEVICES, LLC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EX-
PRESS 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 ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. Because some jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion or limitations set forth above, they may not
apply in all cases.
For all service, including warranty repair, please contact Sound Devices for an RMA (return 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 SSD drives, CF cards, batteries, power supplies, carry cases, cables, or adapters unless instructed
by Sound Devices. Sound Devices repairs and replacements may be completed using refurbished, returned or used parts that have been
factory certied as functionally equivalent to new parts.
Sound Devices, LLC
Service Repair RMA #XXXXX
E7556 State Road 23 and 33
Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Technical Support / Bug Reports
For technical support and bug reporting on all Sound Devices products contact Sound Devices, LLC at:
E-mail: suppor[email protected]
Website: www.sounddevices.com/support/
Phone: [phone]
Toll-free: [phone] — in USA only
Fax: [phone]
Sound Devices hosts a user support forum. The URL is: http://forum.sounddevices.com
Legal Notes
Product specifications and features are subject to change without prior notification.
Copyright © 2015
Sound Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.
This document is protected under copyright law. An authorized licensee of this product may reproduce this publication for the licensee’s
own personal use. This document may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes, such as selling
copies or providing educational services or support. This document is supplied as a technical guide for 688. Special care has been taken
in preparing the information for publication; however, since product specications are subject to change, this document might contain
omissions and technical or typographical inaccuracies. Sound Devices, LLC does not accept responsibility for any losses due to the use
of this guide.
Limitation of Liability
LIMITATION ON SOUND DEVICES’ LIABILITY. 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: ACCI-
DENT, MISUSE, OR ABUSE OF THIS PRODUCT OR UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS, REPAIRS, OR ALTERATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT, OR
FAILURE TO STRICTLY COMPLY WITH SOUND DEVICES, LLC’S OPERATING AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW, SOUND DEVICES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THE END USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR COSTS, EXPENSES,
DIRECT DAMAGES, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, PUNITIVE DAMAGES, SPECIAL DAMAGES, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR OTHER DAMAGES
OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS, THESE TERM/S AND CONDITIONS OR THE
PARTIES’ RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OR RELATED TO THE DELETION OR OTHER
LOSS OF AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDINGS OR DATA, REDUCED OR DIMINISHED AUDIO OR VIDEO QUALITY OR OTHER SIMILAR AUDIO OR
VIDEO DEFECTS ARISING FROM, RELATED TO OR OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PRODUCTS OR THE END USER’S USE OR OPERATION
THEREOF, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE CLAIMED UNDER CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY. “CONSEQUEN-
TIAL DAMAGES” FOR WHICH SOUND DEVICES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE SHALL INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, PENALTIES,
DELAY DAMAGES, LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND OTHER DAMAGES AND LIABILITIES WHICH END USER SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY OR
WHICH END USER OR ANY OTHER PARTY MAY INCUR RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF ITS CONTRACTS WITH ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER
THIRD PARTIES. NOTWITHSTANDING AND WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL SOUND DEVICES BE LIABLE FOR
ANY AMOUNT OF DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF AMOUNTS PAID BY THE END USER FOR THE PRODUCTS AS TO WHICH ANY LIABILITY HAS BEEN
DETERMINED TO EXIST. SOUND DEVICES AND END USER EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THE PRICE FOR THE PRODUCTS WAS DETERMINED
IN CONSIDERATION OF THE LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND DAMAGES SET FORTH HEREIN AND SUCH LIMITATION HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY
BARGAINED FOR AND CONSTITUTES AN AGREED ALLOCATION OF RISK WHICH SHALL SURVIVE THE DETERMINATION OF ANY COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION THAT ANY REMEDY HEREIN FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
Trademarks
The “wave” logo and USBPre are registered trademarks, and SuperSlot, MixAssist, PowerSafe, and
Wave Agent are trademarks of Sound Devices, LLC.
Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
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Part # 6052.000