Sound Devices 633 User manual

®
633
Field Production Mixer with
Integrated Recorder
User Guide

Sound Devices, LLC
E7556 Road 23 and 33
Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA
Direct: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.sounddevices.com
[email protected]
Legal Notices
Product specications and features are subject to
change without prior notication.
Copyright © 2016 Sound Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.
This product is subject to the terms and conditions
of a software license agreement provided with the
product, and may be used in accordance with the
license agreement.
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 distrib-
uted, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes,
such as selling copies or providing educational ser-
vices or support.
This document is supplied as a technical guide. Spe-
cial 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 inaccura-
cies. Sound Devices, LLC does not accept responsi-
bility for any losses due to the user of this guide.
Trademarks
The “wave” logo and USBPre are registered
trademarks; FileSafe, PowerSafe, SuperSlot,
MixAssist, and QuickBoot are trademarks of Sound
Devices, LLC. Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple
Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Win-
dows and Microsoft Excel are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other coun-
tries. All other trademarks herein are the property of
their respective owners.
FCC Notice
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
FCC Part 15.19(a)(3)
Symbol Description
> This symbol is used to show the order
in which you select menu commands
and sub-options, such as: Main Menu
> Audio indicates you press the Menu
button for the Main Menu, then scroll to
and select Audio by pushing the Control
Knob.
+ A plus sign is used to show button or
keystroke combinations.
For instance, Ctrl+V means to hold the
Control key down and press the V key
simultaneously. This also applies to
other controls, such as switches and
encoders. For instance, MIC+HP turn
means to slide and hold the MIC/TONE
switch left while turning the Headphone
(HP) encoder. METERS+SELECT means
to hold the METERS button down as you
press the SELECT encoder.
iA note provides recommendations and
important related information. The text
for notes also appears italicized in a dif-
ferent color.
⚠A cautionary warning about a specic
action that could cause harm to you,
the device, or cause you to lose data.
Follow the guidelines in this document
or on the unit itself when handling elec-
trical equipment. The text for caution-
ary notes also appears italicized and
bold in a different color.
Manual Conventions
This document is distributed by Sound Devices, LLC
in online electronic (PDF) format only. E-published
in the USA.
633 User Guide • Rev 1-A • February 10, 2016

3
Revision History
This table provides the revision history and cross-reference links to “what’s new” in this guide.
Rev# Date Firmware
Version
Description
1-A Feb 2016 v2.11 Initial Ofcial Release of Redesigned Publication
Includes Firmware feature updates for:
• CL-12 Integration: “CL-12 Linear Fader Controller” on page
115
• External TC User Bits: “Setting User Bits” on page 71
• QR Codes: “Viewing User Guide via Smart Phone QR Code” on
page 96

User Guide
4

5
Table of Contents
Overview of Chassis
Front Panel......................................9
Left Side Panel..................................12
Right Side Panel ................................12
Back Panel .....................................13
The LCD and User Interface
Meter Views....................................15
Using Meter Views ............................16
Customizing Meter Views ......................16
Accessing the Main Menu ........................17
Customizing the LCD and LEDs ....................18
Using LCD Daylight Mode ......................18
Headphone Monitoring
Connecting Headphones .........................19
Selecting Headphone Source .....................19
Setting Headphone Encoder Mode ................20
Configuring the Headphone Preset List. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Defining Custom Headphone Presets ............21
Choosing a Favorite Headphone Preset ..........22
Using Headphone Source Shortcuts ................22
Headphone Peak LED............................22
Power
Powering the 633 ...............................23
Using External Power..........................23
Using Battery Power ..........................24
Voltage Ranges and Thresholds ...................24
Configuring Power Settings ......................25
PowerSafe .....................................26
QuickBoot .....................................27
Forcing Power Off (Optional) .....................27
Power Consumption.............................27
Inputs
Physical Input Controls ...........................29
Activating an Input..............................30
Accessing the Input Setting Screens ................30
Setting Input Source...........................32
Setting Input High-Pass Filters ..................33
Setting L, R, X1, and X2 Routing ................33
Using a Track Name Shortcut ...................34
Inverting the Phase ...........................35
Adjusting Trim and Fader Controls.................35
Adjusting Pan ..................................36
Accessing Input Settings..........................36
Configuring Linking ...........................37
Configuring Phantom Voltage ..................38
Configuring the PFL Toggle Mode...............38
Configuring Input to ISO Routing ...............39
Configuring Input Delay .......................40
Outputs
Output Connections .............................41
Adjusting Output Gain...........................41
Accessing Output Settings ........................42
Configuring Output Linking ......................43
Setting Output Type and Nominal Level ............43
Output Routing.................................44
Accessing AES Output Routing Screen ...........44
Accessing Aux (X1 - X4) Routing Screens..........45
Configuring Playback to Outputs ..................47
Adjusting Output Delay..........................47
Sending Tone to Outputs.........................48
Limiters
Overview ......................................49
Enabling the Limiters ............................50
Adjusting the Threshold .........................50
Linking Limiters.................................50
Recording
Using Media....................................53
Using the Transport Control ......................54
Arming or Unarming Recording Tracks .............55
Accessing Recorder Settings ......................56

User Guide
6
Setting File Type and Media Track Assignment ......57
WAV (Broadcast WAV).........................57
MP3 ........................................57
Changing the MP3 Bit Rate .......................58
Setting the Sample Rate .........................58
F Sample Modes ..............................59
Setting the Bit Depth ............................59
Setting the Pre-roll ..............................60
Using the Slate Microphone ......................60
Playing Back Active Takes ........................60
Viewing Approved Media List via Smart Phone ......61
Slate Mic and Return
Disabling the Slate Microphone ...................63
Setting Slate Mic Gain ...........................64
Routing the Slate Mic............................64
Using the Slate for Notation ......................65
RTN Monitoring ................................65
Timecode
Timecode ......................................67
Setting the Timecode Mode ....................68
Setting the Frame Rate ........................69
Setting Timecode Hold Off .....................69
Jamming the Timecode ........................70
Setting the Timecode Generator ................70
Setting User Bits ..............................71
Setting Display Mode..........................72
File Storage
File Structure ...................................73
Transferring Files to PC...........................74
Take List and File List ............................74
Accessing the File List..........................75
Deleting Files or Folders .......................76
File Storage Settings .............................76
Setting Folder Options ...........................78
Generating Sound Reports .......................79
Defining File Max Size ...........................79
Setting Scene Increment Mode....................80
Setting Take Reset Mode .........................80
Setting File Playback Mode .......................81
Selecting a Default Playback Card .................81
Erasing / Formatting Media .......................82
Metadata and Take List
Take List Overview ..............................83
Accessing the Take List.........................84
Playing Takes ...................................84
Editing Metadata on the 633 .....................84
Metadata Overview .............................85
Renaming or Deleting Previous Takes ..............86
Editing Metadata in Other Programs...............87
System
Setting up Tones and Bells........................89
Configuring Record/Stop and Warning Bells ......90
Configuring the Meters ..........................91
Setting Meter Ballistics and Peak Hold ...........92
Setting Peak Hold.............................93
Setting up Date and Time Parameters ..............93
Calibrating Faders & Pans ........................95
Using a USB Keyboard ...........................96
Viewing Shortcut Information ....................96
Viewing User Guide via Smart Phone QR Code ......96
Viewing Version Information .....................97
Updating Firmware .............................97
Quick Setup
Saving Settings .................................99
Copying Quick Setup Files .....................100
Deleting Quick Setup Files ....................100
Loading Previously Saved Settings ................101
Shortcuts
Front Panel Shortcuts ...........................103 USB Keyboard Shortcuts ........................105
Specifications
Analog Inputs .................................107 Digital Inputs ..................................108

7
Analog Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Digital Outputs/Recorder .......................109
Timecode and Sync .............................109
Power ........................................110
Environmental ................................110
Dimensions and Weight ........................110
Accessories
Electronic Accessories ...........................111
Cables and Connectors..........................112
Cases .........................................113
Software......................................114
CL-12 Linear Fader Controller
Overview of Panels ............................115
Top: EQ & OUTPUTS Sections ..................117
Left: Channel Strip Section ....................118
Right: Buttons and HP Encoder ................120
Altered Functionality ...........................122
Feature Comparison Chart ....................122
CL-12 Sub-menu .............................123
Selecting One or More Input Channels ............124
Activating PFL of an Input .......................125
Setting SEL to follow PFL......................125
Adjusting Trim Levels (688 only) ..................126
Adjusting Trim Levels (664 only) ..................126
Adjusting Trim Levels (633 only) ..................126
Routing Input Channels .........................127
Adjusting Output or Track Levels .................127
Configuring Output Meters (688 only) ..........128
Arming L, R, X1, X2 Tracks .......................128
Using the 3-Band Equalizer (688 only).............128
Accessing the EQ Submenu....................130
Bypassing EQ................................131
Setting the Q-Factor..........................131
Setting LF and HF Frequency Defaults...........132
Setting LF and HF Filter Types ..................132
Setting EQ Routing...........................133
Using High-pass Filters ..........................133
Naming Tracks .................................133
Configuring User Programmable Buttons..........134
Adjusting CL-12’s LED Brightness .................135
Specifications..................................136
Features ......................................137
Specifications..................................137
CS-633

User Guide
8

9
Topics in this section include:
Overview of Chassis
Front Panel
The 633 chassis is made of light-weight
and durable carbon-ber.
The front panel of the chassis features
several easy-to-reach controls,
switches, LEDs, and a sunlight-visible
LCD screen.
Its side panels provide a variety of
connection options for ultimate I/O
exibility, and the back panel has
battery mounts for ultimate portability.
Front panel
The front panel provides the LCD as well as several buttons, switches, and
controls as dened in the following tables.
Front Panel
Left Side Panel
Right Side Panel
Back Panel

User Guide
10
Power Switch and LED
Menu Button
Headphone Encoder
Headphone Clipping LED
RTN/FAV SwitchMIC/TONE Switch
Slate/Tone LED
Select Encoder
Meters Button
Transport Control
Timecode LED
Feature Description
Power Switch and LED Powers 633 on and off, and indicates power status.
Timecode LED Flashes blue to indicate whether the internal timecode generator (and
QuickBoot) is active while the mixer is off.
Menu Button Provides access to the Main menu. Also used for various shortcut
functions.
Headphone Encoder Adjusts headphone level and monitor source. Also used for various
shortcut functions.
Headphone
Clipping LED
Illuminates red to indicate headphone output is approaching clipping
level.
RTN/FAV Switch Toggles monitor source. Also used for various shortcut functions.
MIC/TONE Switch Toggle slate mic and tone generator. Also used for various shortcut
functions.
Slate/Tone LED Indicates slate mic is active or tone generator is locked on.
Select Encoder Multiple purpose rotary encoder. Also used for various shortcut
functions.
Meters Button Cycles between meter views. Also used for various shortcut functions.
Transport Control Controls playback and recording. Also used for various shortcut
functions.
Also on the front panel, there are three sets of controls related to inputs, such
as pans, faders, and trims.

11
OVERVIEW OF CHASSIS
Fader (1-3)
Pan (1-3)
PFL (Left: 1-3, Right: 4-6)
Trim (1-3)
PFL status / Activity LED (4-6)
PFL status / Activity LED (1-3)
Mini-Fader (4-6)
Feature Description
PFL Switch By default, this switch has dual-functionality. It activates
Pre-Fade Listen (PFL) and displays Input Settings screen for
input 1-3 (slide left) and 4-6 (slide right). Slide again to de-
activate. The functionality of this switch may be altered via
the Main menu’s Inputs > PFL Toggle Mode.
Does not affect Master Output signal. For momentary ac-
tion, hold the switch for one second or longer. The input LED
ashes yellow when an input’s PFL is active.
Fader (1-3) Adjusts fader level for inputs 1-3.
Mini-Fader (4-6) Adjusts fader level for inputs 4-6.
Trim (1-3) Adjusts trim level for inputs 1-3. Trim levels for inputs 4,
5, and 6 are controlled via their respective Input Settings
screens.
Pan (1-3) Adjusts pan between L and R tracks. Inputs 4, 5, and 6 are
routed to the L and R mix via their respective Input Settings
screens.
PFL status / Activity LED (1-3) Indicates PFL status and input signal activity.
PFL status / Activity LED (4-6) Indicates PFL status and input signal activity.
MIC The slate microphone.

User Guide
12
Left Side Panel
Battery Compartment
XLR Inputs
TA3 Inputs Headphone Output
Feature Description
XLR Inputs (1-3) Active-balanced analog microphone- or line-level inputs. Input 1 can
also accept AES3 or AES42 (Mode 1) signal.
Pin-1 = ground, pin-2 = hot (+), and pin-3 = cold (-).
TA3 Inputs (4-6) Active-balanced analog line-level inputs.
Pin-1 = ground, pin-2 = hot (+), and pin-3 = cold (-). Float pin 3 to
unbalance.
X3/X4 Output Multi-purpose auxiliary analog output. Two channels on unbalanced
3.5mm TRS connection. Level can be adjusted from -30 dB (mic lev-
el) up to 0 dB (sufcient for driving headphones).
Tip = left, ring = right, and sleeve = ground.
Battery Compartment Holds six AA (LR6) batteries for backup powering. NiMH rechargeable
cells advised. Top row inserted with negative (-) end facing out; Bot-
tom row inserted with positive (+) end facing out.
Right Side Panel
RTN Input
SD Card Slot
CompactFlash SlotUSB B Connector
Timecode I/O
DC Input
Main OutputsHeadphone
X1, X2 Outputs

13
OVERVIEW OF CHASSIS
Feature Description
USB B Connector Factory use and keyboard connection (with adapter).
CompactFlash Slot Accepts approved CompactFlash cards with the label-side toward the
rear of the mixer. Compatible with Type I and Type II cards. High-
speed UDMA cards are recommended for higher track count recording.
RTN Input Unbalanced stereo 3.5 mm female connector for Return audio input.
Sleeve = ground, tip = left, ring = right.
X1, X2 Outputs Line, -10, or Mic level selected in Main menu OUTPUTS section.
(Pin 1 = Ground, pin 2 = Hot (+), pin 3 = Cold (-))
Float pin 3 to unbalance.
DC Input Accepts DC voltages from 10–18 V for powering.
(Pin 1 = Negative (–), pin 4 = Positive (+))
SD Card Slot Accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with the notched corner oriented to-
ward the top of the 633. High speed class 10 cards are recommended.
Insert until it clicks securely in the slot. The card should glide smoothly
into the slot. Press to eject.
Timecode I/O Timecode input and output on 5-pin LEMO® connector.
Headphone Output A 1/4” TRS headphone output. Can drive headphones from 8 to 1000
ohm impedances to very high levels.
Tip = left, ring = right, and sleeve = ground.
Main Outputs Transformer-balanced analog outputs on standard 3-pin XLR-3M con-
nectors. Can be set to send AES3 digital signals (1,2 and 3,4 on L and
R respectively) in Main menu OUTPUTS section.
(Pin 1 = Ground; pin 2 = Hot (+); pin 3 = Cold (-))
Unbalance by grounding pin 3 to pin 1.
Back Panel
The back panel provides additional powering options for the 633 with two L-type
mounts for Lithium Ion batteries (not included):
Battery Mounts
Feature Description
Battery Mounts Battery mounts (B1 and B2) on the 633’s back panel are compatible
with Sony® L-Series batteries. Any capacity supported.

User Guide
14

15
Topics in this section include:
The LCD and User Interface
Meter Views
The LCD display is the primary source
of information when operating the 633.
All settings are congured via the LCD
display. All signal level meters can be
displayed on the LCD display.
This chapter describes meter views,
including the Main screen which is
displayed when no other screens
are active, the Main menu, and LCD
Daylight mode.
Other screens, such as the Input
Settings screen, are described where
applicable throughout the guide.
The 633 displays important metering information at a glance on its LCD. All
meter views provide various combinations of input, track, and return meters. By
default, the rst of three predened meter views is shown. This view is known
as the Main screen.
Current Take
Active playback media
Media time remaining and audio le format
Power source and level
Unarmed track
Monitor (Headphone) information.
RTN levelSample rate information
Absolute recording time
SMPTE timecode
Powered off input
Armed track
Input limiting activity
Meter View
The three predened meter views are:
• LR, X1, X2, 1-6 — This meter view (shown above) shows left, right, X1, and
X2 bus tracks as well as all 6 input tracks.
• LR, X1-X4, RTN — This meter view shows left, right, X1, and X2 bus tracks,
plus signal from X3, X4, and return.
• LR, 1-3 — This meter view shows left and right bus tracks as well as signal
from inputs 1-3.
Meter Views
Using Meter Views
Customizing Meter Views
Accessing the Main Menu
Customizing the LCD and LEDs
Using LCD Daylight Mode

User Guide
16
The following images show all three predened meter views.
iThe time and date is displayed in place of the small RTN meter on the LR, X1-X4,
RTN meter view. Also, a fourth conguration (not shown) with only LR and inputs
1-6 is available as a display option for meter views.
Using Meter Views
Although the rst meter view is known as the Main screen, there are other
screens, which may appear on the LCD, such as the Main menu or the Input
Settings screen. Regardless of what screen is visible, returning to the Main
screen and its meter view is easy.
To return to the main screen at any time:
XPress the METERS button.
You can also easily switch to any of three different meter views.
To toggle between the three meter views:
XPress the METERS button. Each press of the button switches the display to
the next view.
Customizing Meter Views
While the 633 provides three meter views by default, all three may be custom-
ized to display the information you deem most important. The second and third
meter views may also be turned off so that only one meter view is shown as the
Main screen at all times.
To customize the meter views:
1. Press MENU.
2. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select SYSTEM > Meter Views.
3. Select the meter view you would like to change.
4. Select the display option for that meter view.
For more information on conguring the meters displayed in Meter Views, see
Conguring the Meters.

17
THE LCD AND USER INTERFACE
Accessing the Main Menu
The majority of the 633’s settings are congured with the Main menu.
To access the Main menu:
XPress the MENU button.
The Main menu is made up of categories, each with its own set of
sub-menu options. Turn the Headphone encoder to navigate the
Main menu and press it in to select any category or sub-menu
option.
While sub-menu options are covered in more detail throughout this guide in
sections related to those options, the Main menu’s categories are provided with
brief descriptions in the following table.
category Description
POWER Settings related to external power sources. Also displays voltage lev-
el of External DC, Internal DC (AA), and Li-Ion batteries (labeled B1
and B2). See Conguring Power Settings for details.
INPUTS Settings related to channel linking, phantom power, PFL modes, input
to ISO routing, and input delays. See Accessing Input Settings for
details.
OUTPUTS Settings related to linking, output types or levels, output sources,
output routing, and output delays. See Accessing Output Settings for
details.
LIMITERS Settings related to input and output limiters. See Limiters for details.
RECORDER Settings to target recording media, WAV sample rate / bit depth, MP3
bit rate, and recording pre-roll time. See Accessing Recorder Settings
for details.
TIMECODE Settings related to timecode synchronization. See Timecode and Sync
for details.
FILE STORAGE Settings related to le storage and metadata. See File Storage Set-
tings for details.
SYSTEM Various system settings. See System for details.
CL-12 Settings related to the CL-12 linear fader controller. This sub-menu is
disabled (grayed out) unless the CL-12 accessory is connected to the
mixer.
QUICK SETUP Allows user to save and recall user settings to and from SD, CF, and
internal memory. Also allows resetting all settings to factory default.
See Quick Setup for details.
MENU Button
Headphone Encoder

User Guide
18
Customizing the LCD and LEDs
Because the 633 is a portable eld mixer, it may be used in a variety of environ-
ments, including some where lighting is an issue that requires adjustments to
the mixer. With some System settings, you can modify the brightness levels of
the LCD, the brightness levels of the LEDs, and even enable or disable the LCD
Daylight mode.
To set the LCD brightness level:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select SYSTEM > LCD Brightness.
3. Turn the Headphone encoder to change the value from 10 to 100%. Then
press the encoder to make your selection.
By default, the LCD brightness level is set to 100%.
To set the LED brightness level:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select SYSTEM > LED Brightness.
3. Turn the Headphone encoder to change the value from 5 to 100%. Then
press the encoder to make your selection.
By default, the LED brightness level is set to 60%.
Using LCD Daylight Mode
The default appearance of the LCD screen is a dark theme—white text on black
background. However, a lighter theme—black text on white background—is
available as an alternative mode, which can make viewing in bright conditions
easier. When enabled, the LCD Daylight mode may be toggled between dark
and light themes.
To enable or disable LCD Daylight mode:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select SYSTEM > LCD Daylight
Mode.
3. Do one of the following:
XSelect On to enable.
XSelect Off to disable.
To toggle LCD Daylight mode:
XSELECT + HP: simultaneously press the SELECT and Headphone encoders.

19
Topics in this section include:
Headphone Monitoring
Connecting Headphones
The 633 provides a headphone output
on its right panel, several options for
headphone sources including up to 10
custom presets, plus a variety of other
customizable features related to audio
monitoring.
iAn unbalanced 3.5 mm TRS connection
on the 633’s left panel, which is
primarily a multi-purpose auxiliary
analog output, may also be used for
headphones.
Connect headphones to the 1/4-inch headphone output, located on the right
panel of the 633.
⚠The 633 can drive headphones to dangerously high vol-
umes. Turn down the headphone gain before attaching
headphones or selecting a headphone source to prevent
accidental high levels. The range for headphone levels
may be set from OFF, -42 dB to +20 dB.
To adjust Headphone gain:
XTurn the Headphone encoder. The gain value will be dis-
played in the lower-right corner of the Main screen next to
the Headphone Source icon.
Selecting Headphone Source
The default list of headphone presets consists of six predened headphone
sources and 10 customizable presets. The predened headphone sources are:
Hp source Description
LR ST Master bus in stereo.
1/4”
Connecting Headphones
Selecting Headphone Source
Setting Headphone Encoder Mode
Configuring the Headphone Preset List
Defining Custom Headphone Presets
Choosing a Favorite Headphone Preset
Using Headphone Source Shortcuts
Headphone Peak LED

User Guide
20
Hp source Description
LR Mono Master bus summed mono to both ears.
L Mono Left channel of master bus sent to both ears.
R Mono Right channel of master bus sent to both ears.
LR MS ST Mid-side stereo - master bus decoded MS stereo to headphones. This
is not to be used if the inputs are already linked as an MS pair.
X1X2 Aux bus in stereo.
To select a headphone source:
1. Press the Headphone encoder to display the list of available sources.
2. Turn the encoder to change the headphone source. Options include: LR ST,
LR Mono, L Mono, R Mono, LR MS ST, X1X2, and HP Preset (1) through HP
Preset (10).
The headphone source changes immediately as it is highlighted in the list.
3. Press the encoder to close the list, or wait two seconds and it will close on
its own. The chosen headphone source is displayed in the lower-right corner
of the Main screen next to the Headphone Source icon.
Setting Headphone Encoder Mode
The default functionality of the Headphone encoder can be reversed so that the
Headphone encoder must be pressed before turning to adjust the headphone
volume, and headphone source can be selected by simply turning the Head-
phone encoder.
To set Headphone Encoder mode:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select SYSTEM > Headphone En-
coder Mode > Preset/Vol. By default, this mode is set to Vol/Preset.
Configuring the Headphone Preset List
Presets can be excluded from this list to make preset selection simpler.
To edit the Headphone Preset list:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select SYSTEM > Headphone Pre-
set List.
The Headphone Preset List will be displayed; presets with a blue back-
ground are visible, and presets with a black background are hidden.
3. Turn and press the Headphone encoder to toggle visibility of each preset.