Sound Devices 702T User manual

702 / 702T (time code)
High Resolution Digital Audio Recorders
User Guide and Technical Information
firmware rev. 1.67
Sound Devices, LLC
300 Wengel Drive • Reedsburg, WI • USA
[phone] • fax: [phone]
Toll-Free: [phone]
www.sounddevices.com

backside - front cover

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
1
Note About This Guide
Quick Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Powering the Unit
Menu Navigation Basics
Connecting Audio Sources
Routing Inputs to Tracks
Selecting Recording Parameters and File Destination
Time Code Setup (702T only)
Recording
Playback
FireWire File Transfer
Front Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Panel Button Lock
LCD Main Display Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Left Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . . . 11
Right Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . . 12
Back Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Input Setup and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Input Source Selection
Analog Inputs
Input Linking (Stereo or MS Decoding)
Signal Presence and Peak Indicator
Digital Input – AES3
Digital Input – AES3id (S/PDIF)
Input Delay
Input-to-Track Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Routing
Selective Input Muting
Sampling Rate and Bit Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Sampling Rate
Bit Depths
Word Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Clock Slave
C. Link – Multi-Unit Linking
Outputs – Analog and Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Analog Output Bus
Digital Output Bus
Headphone Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Selecting Headphone Sources
Setting Headphone Source Options
MS Stereo Monitoring
Rotary Switch Behavior
Headphone Favorite Selection
Headphone Playback Mode
Warning Tones
Metering and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Output Meter
Meter Ballistics
Peak LEDs
Tone Oscillator
LCD Contrast & Backlight, LED Brightness
Record Indication
Time Code (702T only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Frame Rate
48048-F Sampling Rate Mode
Time Code Modes
Jam Menu
User Bits
NTSC Standard Definition (SD) Video Production
Audio File Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
WAV / BWF
MP3 Files
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Recording
Pre-Record Buffer
Failure During Recording
Display Options
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
AutoPlay
File Naming / Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Scene Name/Number
Take Numbers
Mono Track Name Designators
Duplicate File Names
File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
File Finder Navigation
File Viewer Screen
Folder Actions
File Time and Date
File Size Maximum
File Deletion
File Transfer – FireWire
Compact Flash Recording Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Formatting
Speed Testing
Media Repair Utility
Qualified CF Cards
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
External Powering and Battery Charging
Time Code Clock Battery
Auto Functions with External Powering
Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Version Information
Upgrading Firmware
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Power Consumption Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Recording Time Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Uncompressed Recording Time in Track-Hours
MP3 Compressed Record Time in Hours
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Front Panel Button Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Setup Menu Shortcuts
Warranty and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Software License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
702 Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
702 Setup Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Built-In Presets
User Setup Data File
702T Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
702T Setup Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Built-In Presets
User Setup Data File
Table of Contents

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
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v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the 702 / 702T digital recorder. The super-compact 702 records and plays
back audio to and from Compact Flash, making field recording simple and fast. It writes and reads
uncompressed PCM audio at 16 or 24 bits with sampling rates between 32 kHz and 192 kHz. Com-
pressed (MP3) audio playback is also supported. The time code implementation on the 702T extends
its usefulness in audio-for-picture applications—from over-the-shoulder to cart-based production.
The 702 implements a no-compromise audio path that includes Sound Devices’ high-resolution,
discrete microphone preamplifiers. Designed specifically for high bandwidth, high bit rate digital
recording, these preamps set a new standard for frequency response linearity, low distortion perfor-
mance, and low noise.
With documentary and ENG sound engineers in mind, the 702 is very small, while still being fea-
ture-rich. No other recorder on the market matches its size and feature set. In addition, its learning
curve is quite short—powerful does not mean complicated. While the 702 is a very capable recorder
by itself, it truly excels when used in conjunction with an outboard audio mixer such as Sound
Devices’ own 442 or 302.
Sound Devices took advantage of the best in professional and consumer electronics technologies to
bring incredible feature depth with ease of use. Compact Flash media is highly reliable, industry
standard, and easily obtainable. The removable, rechargeable battery is a standard Sony-compatible
Li-ion camcorder cell. The 702 interconnects with Windows and Mac OS computers via FireWire for
convenient data transfer and backup.
Note About This Guide
Throughout this guide the 702 model variation will be referenced, describing features of both the 702
and 702T models. Features exclusive to the 702T will be identified throughout.
Copyright Notice and Release
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the expressed written permission of SOUND DEVICES,
LLC. SOUND DEVICES is not responsible for any use of this information.
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: accident, 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.
Microsoft Windows is registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer. Other
product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The sound waves logo is a registered trademark of Sound Devices, LLC.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
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Quick Start Guide
The 702 is an extremely powerful and flexible portable audio recorder. Before recording, please
familiarize yourself with the product. Several settings should be verified or set based on individual
recording needs.
Powering the Unit
1. Apply power to the unit by attaching the (included) removable, rechargeable Li-ion (lithium ion) bat-
tery to the back panel battery mount. The metal tabs on the mount line up with the electrical contacts
on the battery. From the factory, the battery may not have a charge, so external DC may be needed for
initial operation and charging. Connect the included AC-to-DC power adapter to the DC input plug to
power and charge the battery.
2. Press and hold the power button to turn on the unit. Press and hold the power button to turn off the
unit.
If this is the first time the recorder has been powered, or if it has been without a battery for an ex-
tended period, the date and time may need to be set.
Charge the included Li-ion battery for 6 hours prior to initial use.
Menu Navigation Basics
The Setup Menu provides options for recording, routing, and control. The single layer menu struc-
ture allows for very quick navigation and function selection. To enter the Setup Menu press the front
panel menu button. Once in the Setup Menu, the following conventions are shared for navigat-
ing among selections and to select specific parameters.
• - enters Setup Menu
• iITEMh- highlighted menu item
• - selects highlighted item or parameter
• - moves up in menu and between menu parameters
• - moves down in menu and between menu parameters
• - exits the selected function or Setup Menu altogether
• The stop button will exit from any menu and cancel any changes. Use it to escape out of
the Setup Menu.
The right panel Rotary Switch (labeled “Select”) is a convenient control to quickly navigate among
menu items and item options. Its push-to-select function duplicates the check mark in most menus.
Connecting Audio Sources
1. Connect audio sources, either analog or digital, to the appropriate input connector.
2. Set the appropriate input level—mic, line, or digital (input 1)—with the adjacent slide switch.
3. If mic-level inputs are used make certain that phantom power, input limiters, and high-pass filters are
activated as required.
Routing Inputs to Tracks
Before recording, inputs must be assigned to tracks. Each 702 input (1 and 2) can be assigned to the
two recorded tracks (A and B). These 16 possible routing combinations are shown on the front panel
with 4 blue LEDs. Illuminated LEDs indicate input-to-track assignment.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
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v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
1. Press and hold the STOP button then press the INPUT button to cycle through factory rout-
ing presets. The 702 has several often-used presets for quick setup of input-to-track routing combina-
tions. Note the routing combinations on the blue LEDs with each successive press.
2. If none of the preset routing combinations are suitable, assign a custom routing. Sequential presses of
the input button will eventually cycle to the custom routing option (see Input to Track Routing, pg.
18). From the custom input routing menu any input can be assigned to any track, including multiple
inputs assigned to a single track.
3. Press EXIT to leave input routing mode.
If no input is assigned to a track the 702 will not record.
Selecting Recording Parameters and File Destination
For most productions, the general recording parameters of bit depth, sampling rate, and file format
are infrequently changed. Enter the Setup Menu to verify recording settings. Bit depth and sampling
rate are displayed on the LCD panel.
1. Select the bit depth as needed.
2. Set the sampling rate as needed.
3. Select the file type, WAV, BWF or MP3, for recorded files.
Time Code Setup (702T only)
When using a time code workflow, proper time code setup is essential for accuract sync of picture
and sound. Skip this section if time code is not being used.
1. Select a time code frame rate appropriate for your project. For film production, typical the time code
rates are 30 fps non-drop (NTSC) or 25 fps (PAL). For standard definition video projects, use either 29.97
or 29.97 non-drop. For high-definition projects, use either 23.98 or 29.97, depending on what post work-
flow or format is used.
2. Select the time code run mode: free run, record run, 24 hr. run, or one of the external run modes.
3. Typically, the 702T is used as the master clock source and all other cameras and slates are jammed to it.
This will assure that every device is using the same time reference. (See Time Code for additional infor-
mation on time code setup).
Recording
With file parameters set, the 702 is ready to record. The 702 is a record-priority device—pressing the
record button cancels all functions, except file-based operations, and immediately begins recording
a new sound file. When record is pressed, the red record LED illuminates to confirm that the unit is
recording. The file name on the LCD display shows the currently recorded sound file. Press and hold
the STOP button to end recording.
Playback
When recording is stopped, the most recently recorded file is immediately available for playback.
Press the button to start file playback from the beginning of the file.
To select files for playback:
1. Press and hold the button to enter the File Viewer and navigate among sound files and folders
for playback. The folder of where the most recent file was recorded is opened when the button is
pressed.
2. Use either the Rotary Switch or the arrow soft-buttons, to navigate through file folders.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
5
3. Once a file is highlighted, press the play button to begin playback.
When playback has finished, the filename will flash on the LCD display. Use the fast-forward
button or rewind button to step through files in the folder, or press the stop button to exit
playback mode.
FireWire File Transfer
Sound Devices strongly recommends shutting down equipment before connecting to or from any
FireWire device with a connection that carries power (6-pin). Reports have come to our attention of
isolated problems when hot-plugging IEEE 1394 (FireWire) devices. (Hot-plugging refers to making
the connections when one or more of the devices—including the computer—is on.) When hot-plugging,
there are rare occurrences where either the FireWire device or the FireWire port on the host computer is
rendered permanently inoperable. From our experience, any FireWire connection which carries power is
susceptible to this type of damage.
When connected via FireWire (IEEE-1394a) to a Mac OS or Windows OS computer (see Specifications
for computer requirements), the Compact Flash card mounts onto a computer as “letter” accessible,
removable storage media. This effectively makes the 702 a card reader for Compact Flash cards. Use
the appropriate FireWire cable (6-pin to 4-pin or 6-pin to 6-pin) for interconnection. From the com-
puter files on the 702 CF card can be treated as if they are local files, including renaming files, copy-
ing, deleting and playing directly through the 702.
In general, it is good practice to transfer sound files from the 702 to a computer before any processing is
performed on the files.
To connect the 702 for FireWire transfer:
1. Stop all playback and recording, then shut down the recorder
2. Make certain the 702 battery is fully charged, or that the unit is connected to external DC.
3. Connect the 702 to the host computer with a FireWire cable.
4. Power the 702.
4. The 702 will enter FireWire mode, indicated by COMPUTER CONNECTION on the LCD display. All func-
tions of the 702 are stopped while the 702 is connected to a computer through FireWire.
5. Navigate to the attached drive from the computer and copy all needed sound files to local storage on
the computer.
To avoid possible corruption of data on the Compact Flash card, do not interrupt the connection process
and always properly dismount (eject) the drives from the operating system. On Mac OS platforms, drag
the drive icons to the trash. On Windows platforms, right-click the 702 volume and choose eject.
Dismount the 702 after file transfer by “ejecting” the volume from the computer. In Mac OS, drag the
disk icon from the desktop to the trash or hit -e. In Windows OS, highlight the disk icon, right-click,
and select “eject”. It is best practice to “eject” the 702 volume from the computer to maintain file
integrity (see FireWire File Transfer).

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
6
v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
1) Digital Input LEDs
Indicates the presence of AES or SPDIF-
digital signal on the respective input.
When flashing, indicates that digital in-
put is selected but no valid digital word
clock signal is present.
2) Input 1 Gain
Controls the analog gain (input trim) of
the channel 1 input. Normal mic input
range is from 25 dB to 70 dB, low gain
mic range is from 10 dB to 55 dB, line
input range is from −6 dB to 18 dB. For
line-level inputs, this control can be de-
feated for setup-menu-controlled gain. If
the LCD display shows “locked” when
the control is rotated, gain control of
the line-level input is menu-controlled.
When inputs are linked as a stereo pair,
Input 1 Gain controls the gain of both
inputs.
3) Input 2 Gain
Controls input 2 gain, as in #2 above.
When inputs are linked as a stereo pair,
Input 2 Gain adjusts left-to-right bal-
ance.
4) MENU Button
Used to access all 702 Setup Menu selec-
tions. When in menu mode, used to
move up through the menu selections.
Pressing the HDD and MENU buttons
simultaneously brings up the time code
jam menu (702T).
5) LCD Display
Primary display of the 702. The LCD is
backlit using the LCD backlight control
(#15).
6) Tone Oscillator
Press and hold to activate the tone
oscillator. Tone frequency, tone level,
and routing are controlled in the Setup
Menu. Tone must be pressed before en-
tering recording to lay tone to the head
of a sound file. Tone level and frequency
are menu-controlled.
7) Input-to-Track Matrix LEDs
Blue LEDs indicate inputs (1 and 2)
enabled for recording to tracks (A and
B). A solid blue LED indicates an input
is routed to a track. A flashing LED dur-
ing “custom” routing mode shows the
selected input/track combination.
8) INPUT Select Button
Pressing the INPUT button brings up
the input muting and routing menu.
Hold down the INPUT button and press
one of the indicated soft buttons to mute
inputs. Pressing the STOP button and
the INPUT select button cycles through
the four factory preset input-to-track
routing combinations plus the custom
routing menu. In the custom routing
menu any input can be routed to any
track. See Input-to-Track Routing, page 18.
Front Panel Descriptions
All 702 settings can be accessed and monitored through the front panel LCD and navigation buttons.
This allows the unit to be placed in a production bag along with field mixers, wireless transmitters,
and wireless receivers.
702T
142021222324
26
27
28
29
5 6
1516171819
25
4
21 10
13
7 8 93
12
11

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
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9) Level Meter LEDs
Two 19-segment track level-meters indi-
cate level in dBFS. Metering ballistics are
selected in the Setup Menu.
10) Power Button
Press and hold to power up the 702.
Press and hold to power down.
11) Charge LED
Indicates the charge status of the on-
board battery charger. LED flashes when
external power is connected and the re-
movable battery is charging; illuminates
solid when battery is fully charged.
12) Power LED
Indicates the 702 is powered and avail-
able for operation. LED flashes when the
removable battery or external DC is in a
low-voltage condition.
13) Record Button
Press to record. The 702 is a record-pri-
ority device; pressing this button starts
recording and discontinues all other
functions, except file operations. Press-
ing button during recording can set a
cue marker or start a new file, as select-
ed in the Setup Menu.
14) Stop/Pause Button
Press and hold to stop recording. In
playback mode, a single press pauses
playback (play-pause), allowing audio
scrubbing with the FF and REW but-
tons. Another press of the button enters
play-stop mode where the FF and REW
buttons select files for playback from
the current folder. One more press of the
button exits playback mode altogether.
In the Setup Menu the stop button is
also used to exit from any selection,
returning to the main display.
15) LCD Backlight Button
Press to toggle LCD and buttonboard
backlighting. Hold the button and turn
the Rotary Switch to adjust the bright-
ness of LEDs. In menu mode, functions
as the soft-button to cancel a selection.
16) Fast-Forward Button
Performs fast-forward (FF) scrubbing
through a playing sound file when
pressed in playback and play-pause
mode. Play-pause indicated by flash-
ing A-time on LCD. Fast forward rate
increases the longer the button is held.
In play-stop mode (indicated by flashing
filename on LCD) selects the next file in
the record folder (either daily folder or
main folder).
17) Play Button
Plays the sound file displayed in the
LCD. If pressed immediately after
recording is stopped, the most recently
recorded file is begins playback.
18) Rewind Button
Performs reverse (REW) scrubbing
through a playing sound file when
pressed in playback and play-pause
mode. Play-pause indicated by flashing
A-time on LCD. Reverse playback rate
increases the longer the button is held.
In play-stop mode (indicated by flash-
ing filename on LCD) selects the previ-
ous file in the record folder (either daily
folder or main folder).
19) HDD (File Viewer) Button
Press to enter the File Viewer. Pressing
simultaneously with the MENU button
opens the time code jam menu.
20) Headphone Output Peak LED
Indicates overload of the headphone
amplifier. When lit, the headphone cir-
cuit is overloading. Reduce headphone
level.
21) LIM LED
Indicates that the microphone input
limiters are on. This LED does not show
input limiting activity (see descriptor #27,
Microphone Input Limiter LEDs).
22) Link LED
Indicates that channels 1 and 2 are
linked as a stereo pair. In link mode in-
put 1 potentiometer controls gain, input
2 potentiometer controls left-to-right
balance. Inputs can be linked as either a
stereo L/R pair or as a a Mid-Side (MS)
pair.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
8
v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
23) Media Ready LEDs
Indicates storage media is present and
available to record; CF (Compact Flash),
EX (external Firewire device) [EX not
available in firmware version 1.xx]. Flash-
ing indicates media problem.
24) Media Activity LEDs
Indicates storage media read/write ac-
tivity. CF (Compact Flash), EX (external
Firewire device) [EX not available in firm-
ware version 1.xx]. Do not remove power
until all media activity LED’s are off.
25) High-Pass Filter LEDs
Indicates that the high-pass (low-cut)
filter is active for the input. High-pass
only operates when the input is set to
microphone level.
26) Phantom Power LEDs
Indicates that phantom power (48 volts)
is active for the individual input. Phan-
tom can be applied to microphone or
line-level signals (menu-selected).
27) Microphone Input Limiter LEDs
Illuminates orange when limiting is oc-
curring on the microphone input. If con-
stantly lit, the microphone input is being
hit with too “hot” of a signal. Reduce the
input sensitivity until limiting occurs
infrequently.
28) Input Signal Presence LEDs
Indicates presence of analog or digital
signal and its relative level on each of
the four inputs.
29) Input Peak (Overload) LED
Indicates analog signal is approaching
clipping (–3 dBFS) on each of the inputs.
Additionally, flashes to indicate that an
input is muted.
Panel Button Lock
Press and hold the backlight button then the tone button to bring up the Button Lock screen. Button
Lock prevents accidental changes to settings or record status. The 702 displays any button lock op-
tions enabled.
select the soft buttons to
activate the appropriate
button lock mode
There are three modes:
• Unlocked – all buttons are accessible and operate normally.
• Non-Transport Lock – All front panel controls are locked except the Record, Stop, Play, Re-
wind and Fast Forward.
• Lock All – All front panel buttons are locked except the Record button. The Record button is
kept active so the user can initiate recording after entering this mode and enter cue markers.
To stop recording in this mode, you must disengage the panel lock and hit the stop button.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
9
1) Battery Level Indicator
Shows the voltage level of either the re-
movable Li-ion battery or external pow-
er sources. External power overrides
battery power when present. Graphical
bar for relative level and numeric indica-
tor for precise voltage measurement.
2) File Name Display
Shows the file name actively being re-
corded or played back. In playback-stop
mode, a flashing file name indicates that
the fast-forward and rewind buttons can
be used to step through files in the cur-
rent playback folder.
3) Absolute Time (A-time) Display
Shows the elapsed time of the file be-
ing recorded or played back in hours,
minutes, seconds, and tenths. The A-
time and the time code display can be
exchanged if a large time code display
is needed. This display can be set to re-
verse or flash during recording. Flashes
in playback-pause mode.
4) Time & Date Display
Alternating display between the set date
and time of the 702. This information is
written as the creation and modification
date for recorded sound files.
5) Bit Depth Indicator
Shows the set record bit depth. In play-
back, shows the file bit depth.
6) Sampling Rate Indicator
Shows the set record sampling rate. In
playback shows the file sampling rate.
7) Time Code Rate (702T only)
Shows the set time code frame rate. If
a sound file has time code information,
the playback frame rate is shown. If
external time code is connected and the
external rate differs from the rate set
internally, the time code rate will flash.
8) Headphone Source Display
Indicates the source for headphone out-
put. Sources and selection order are user
selectable in the Setup Menu.
9) Time Code Display (702T only)
In stop and record, shows the time
code generated or received by the 702T.
In play mode, the display shows the
played file’s time code information (if
available). If non-time code files are
playing, the display shows dashes. The
time code display can be exchanged
with the A-time display from a Setup
Menu selection.
LCD Main Display Descriptions
1
8 7
6
5
42 3
910
11
12
13
14
15
note the white-on-black number option
to indicate recording (menu-selectable)

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
10
v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
10) External Media Space Status
(space remaining/record ready)
Not available on version 1.xx firmware. Bar
graph indicates amount of record time
remaining on external FireWire me-
dia. Numbers show time in hours and
minutes based on the presently selected
number of record tracks, sample fre-
quency, bit rate, and file type.
11) Compact Flash Status
(space remaining/record ready)
Bar graph indicates amount of record
time remaining on the inserted Compact
Flash card. Time remaining is shown in
hours and minutes based on the pres-
ently selected number of record tracks,
sampling rate, bit depth, and file type.
For both media types, an asterisk in front of
the media indicates that it is selected for re-
cording. Highlighted volume indicates media
selected for record monitoring, playback or
file folder display.
13) Input 1/2 Level
When input 1 or 2 gain is turned this
indicates the gain level in dB for inputs
1 and 2. Normal mic input gain range is
from 26 dB to 70 dB, low gain mic range
is from 10 dB to 50 dB, line input range
is from −6 dB to 18 dB. “Locked” will be
displayed on the LCD when the gain is
turned with digital inputs selected or
with line inputs set for menu control.
14) Cue Marker Display
In record mode, indicates when cue
markers are set. Markers are set by
pressing the record button (this option
must be selected in Setup Menu). In
playback mode, displays cue points nu-
merically as they are reached in a file.
15) External Digital Clock Indicator
Indicates that the 702 is locked to a valid
external AES or word clock source.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
11
1) XLR Input 1/AES3 Input 1&2
Dual function input connection. Input
type set with switch above. Active-bal-
anced analog microphone- or line-level
input for input 1. Transformer-balanced
two-channel AES3 input (1 and 2).
2) XLR Input 2
Active-balanced analog microphone- or
line-level input for input 2.
3) Mic-Line Input Switch
Selects the input level and mode of the
associated XLR input connector. Input 1
also can be selected for AES3 input.
4) TA3 Master (L/R) Analog Outputs
Active-balanced, line-level analog L/R
outputs for the Master Output Bus. Pro-
gram source and attenuation level are
user selectable. Pin-1 ground, pin-2 (+),
pin-3 (–).
5) Headphone Output
3.5 mm TRS stereo headphone connec-
tor. Can drive headphones from 8 to
1000 ohm impedances to very high lev-
els. Tip-left, ring-right, sleeve-ground.
6) Headphone Level
Adjusts the headphone output level.
NOTE: the 702 is capable of producing
ear-damaging levels in headphones.
7) Tape Output
Unbalanced tape (–10 dBv nominal)
output on 3.5 mm TRS stereo connector.
Signal source is identical to the Master
Output Bus. Tip-left, ring-right, sleeve-
ground.
Left Panel Connectors and Controls
1 7 6
5
4
2
3

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
12
v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
1) Time Code Multi-Pin (702T only)
Time code input and output on 5-pin
LEMO®connector.
2) AES3id Input 1/2
Unbalanced digital input accepts two
channel AES3id (or S/PDIF) on BNC
connectors. Supports sample rates up to
200 kHz.
3) FireWire (IEEE-1394) Port
Connection to a computer to access the
Compact Flash card as a mass storage
device. Direct connection to Mac OS
(10.2+) and Windows (XP- and 2000-
only) computers.
4) C. Link In/Out
RS-232 protocol interface on 6-pin
modular (“RJ-12”) connector for linking
multiple 7-Series. Word clock, machine
transport, and time code are carried on
the C. Link connector. Additionally, C.
Link accessories connect through this
connector.
5) External DC In
Accepts power sources of 10–18 volts
DC for unit powering and removable Li-
ion battery charging. The Hirose 4-pin
connector is wired pin-1 negative (−),
pin-4 positive (+). Pin-2 (−) and pin-3 (+)
are used to charge the removable Li-ion
battery. DC ground at both pins-2 and
3 is at the same potential as chassis and
signal ground.
6) Word Clock Input and Out
Provides clock input and output for the
702. Word input accepts sampling rates
from 32 kHz to 192 kHz. Word clock out-
put is the rate that box is running. There
is no sample rate conversion onboard
the 702.
7) AES3id Master Output Bus
Unbalanced digital output, two-channel,
for the Master Output Bus. Signal source
is menu-selected and is identical to the
Analog Master Output Bus signal.
8) Rotary Switch
In record and playback modes, selects
the headphone monitor source; push
action is user selectable. When in the
Setup Menu, the Rotary Switch moves
between menu selections; push to select
or enter data.
Right Panel Connectors and Controls
1
8 7 6 5
432

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
13
1) Security Slot
Compatible with the Kensington®Secu-
rity Slot specification. Useful for secur-
ing the recorder to a fixed object with a
compatible computer lock.
2) Compact Flash Slot
Accepts Compact Flash cards with the
label-side up. Compatible with Type I,
Type II, and MicroDrives.
3) Battery Mount
Accepts Sony®InfoLithium L- or M-Se-
ries removable batteries. Also accepts
batteries conforming to this mount. Vari-
ous capacities, from 1500 mAh to 7000
mAh are available.
Back Panel Descriptions
1 32

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
14
v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Input Setup and Control
The 702 has two inputs and two record tracks. Inputs are selectable between analog or digital sourc-
es. Analog inputs are connected with the balanced XLR connectors; digital inputs can be connected
to either XLR Input 1 (AES3) or the BNC input (AES3id).
Input Source Selection
Input types are selected in pairs. Each input pair accepts analog or digital audio. The XLR input
signal is selected with slide switch above the connector.
Manually selecting the audio source is used to force the inputs to analog while using an AES3 or
AES3id input to lock the 702 to an external sample rate.
Digital sources connected to AES3id BNC inputs override analog signals on the corresponding XLR
input. The BNC input signal type is set in the menu settings INPUT1,2: SOURCE. For most situations
the appropriate setting is auto select—the 702 will choose the input type based on signal present.
The 702 is capable of off-speed sample rates when clocked from either external digital inputs or the
word clock input.
Input sources can be set to “disabled (power save)”. This option shuts down all circuitry associated
with the inputs to reduce power draw and extend battery runtime during playback. When an input
pair is disabled, the digital input LEDs associated with the pair will flash.
Analog Inputs
Analog inputs on XLR connectors, are the primary connection into the recorder. These inputs accept
balanced or unbalanced mic- or line-level signals. Gain control for mic inputs 1 and 2 is adjusted
solely by the front panel pop-up potentiometers. Gain for the line-level inputs can be controlled by
the front panel potentiometers or via menu settings. Line input gain is controlled in 0.1 dB steps.
A digital input present on the BNC inputs will override an analog signal present on the XLR inputs un-
less the input source is set to analog in the Setup Menu.
In the Setup Menu, the following functions can be controlled for analog inputs 1 and 2:
Phantom Power
Phantom power (48 volts) can be activated for analog inputs. When active, phantom is indicated by
the illuminated front panel LEDs ( ).
Phantom power can be applied to both mic- and line-level inputs. Using the line-level input setting with
microphones is useful in extreme SPL environments such as concert recording. Make certain to turn off
phantom power with line level output devices susceptible to damage from DC.
Shortcut: To toggle phantom power without entering the menus, press and hold the Tone button then
press the MENU button for channel 1. Channel 2 phantom can be toggled by pressing the tone
button then pressing the HDD button . If the inputs are in line level mode, phantom power will
not activate using button combination shortcut. and must be activated from the menus.
Input Limiters (mic-level only)
Microphone inputs 1 and 2 each have a limiter circuit designed to prevent input overload. In normal
operation, with proper gain settings, the limiters should rarely engage. When activated, these limit-
ers will prevent unusually high input signal levels from clipping the analog input stage of the pre-

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
15
amp. The front panel LIM LED ( ) shows that the limiter is engaged. Limiter activity is indicated
by additional front panel LEDs, one for each input channel ( ). The input limiters activate only
with mic-level inputs. The limiters are engaged by (factory) default.
When limiters are engaged, audio on channels 1 and 2 is limited to −6 dBFS.
Microphone-Level Control
Microphone gain is controlled by the front panel pop-up potentiometers. The gain control adjusts an
analog gain stage and is identical to the input trim on a mixing console or stand-alone microphone
preamplifier.
Even with the gain controls fully counter-clockwise, there is gain, and consequently audio passing
through the recorder. The front panel gain controls do not function as faders.
Gain Range (microphone-level only)
The microphone inputs operate in two gain ranges, normal and low. The normal range is from 25 dB
to 70 dB of gain. The low range is from 10 dB to 55 dB. The low range is useful for high SPL record-
ing environments.
High-Pass Filters (microphone-level only)
The high-pass filters on the microphone inputs use both analog and digital filters to reduce sensitiv-
ity to low frequency signals. When the high-pass is engaged on an input, its blue front-panel LED
illuminates to indicate it is engaged ( ). The first pole of the high-pass is an analog filter at 40 Hz,
6 dB per octave. This filter is part of the microphone preamplifier circuit. Additional poles of high-
pass filtering are done in DSP.
Several frequency and slope combinations are available, including corner frequencies of 40, 80, 160,
or 240 Hz, and filter slopes of 12 dB, 18 dB, or 24 dB per octave. The high-pass is selected for each
input independently.
Shortcut: The filters can be toggled with a two-button combination. Press and hold the LCD backlight
button and press the MENU button for channel 1 high-pass. Press and hold the LCD back-
light button and press the HDD button to toggle channel 2 high-pass.
Line-Level Gain Control
When in line-level position, the gain for inputs 1 and 2 is controlled by the front panel recessed
potentiometers or by a menu sensitivity setting. When set for front panel control in the user menu,
LINE INPUT1: GAIN and LINE INPUT2: GAIN controls in the user menu are lined out and not acces-
sible.
Input Linking (Stereo or MS Decoding)
Analog inputs 1 and 2 can be linked as a stereo pair. When linked, the channel 1 front panel potenti-
ometer controls the signal level of both inputs, and the channel 2 pot controls the left-to-right balance
of the pair. When the inputs are linked, their peak limiters are linked, as well.
When set to link as an MS pair, the inputs are decoded as MS stereo, where the gain and balance for
the pair work the same as stereo linking above. Input 1 is for Mid signal, input 2 for Side signal.
If MS stereo linking is selected for inputs, program sent to tracks and headphones will be L/R stereo pro-
gram. To record discrete M and S signals, do not link for MS, but monitor the MS signal in headphones.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
16
v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Signal Presence and Peak Indicator
The signal presence and peak indicators show audio activity before input-to-track routing. In-
put signal presence LED’s illuminate when a –50 dBFS or greater signal is present. Input signal peak
LEDs illuminate when signal levels reach –3 dBFS or greater.
Digital Input – AES3
The 702 accepts AES3 (AES/EBU) balanced digital at the input 1 XLR connector. Digital input is two-
channel—AES3 signals on XLR-1 appear at inputs 1 and 2. To use the AES3 input, the input mode-se-
lect switch must be set to AES/EBU. There is no level control for AES inputs.
The front panel digital input LEDs illuminate when digital signal is selected as input. If the
LED is flashing, digital input is selected but a no valid digital clock is being received.
Digital Input – AES3id (S/PDIF)
The 702 accepts AES3id and S/PDIF unbalanced digital signals on the BNC connector. The 702 will
auto detect the type of digital signal and adjust accordingly. Like AES3 signals, this is two channel
input. There is no level control for AES3id inputs.
AES3id inputs override analog signals present at the XLR inputs. To use analog sources while using
the AES3id signal as a digital clock source, select analog in the input source menu selection.
When a digital signal is present, the 702 locks its sample rate to its source frequency. This lock is indi-
cated by a highlighted block on the main LCD display to the right of the bit depth and sample rate
indicators. Recording bit depth is independent of the external digital source.
When locking the 702 to an external digital signal, be certain the source is stable. Loss of digital
signal will cause the 702 to revert to its internally set sample rate, even while recording. The portion
of the file recorded after the loss of signal may not play back properly. Once recording has begun,
unused digital inputs are muted, digital signals that appear on them after the record button has been
pressed will not be recorded or affect the sample rate of the 702.
The 702 clocks itself to the first digital signal presented to it. If the 702 detects a digital signal on the
BNC inputs and locks to that signal, a digital signal applied to the XLR input will be ignored until the
first digital signal is removed.
Input Delay
A digital delay is selectable on each channel of the 702 in one microsecond (µS) steps. 1,000 microsec-
onds equals 1 millisecond (ms). The Rotary Switch and menu arrows are accelerated. The more you
press or spin, the faster the delay setting will increment or decrement. Delay is not set until enter is
pressed. The amount of delay available is dependent on the sampling frequency in use.
Sample Frequency Maximum Amount of Delay Available (per input)
32, 44.1, 48, 48.048 kHz 30,000 µS
88.2, 96, 96.096 kHz 15,000 µS
176.4, 192 kHz 7,500 µS
Input delay can be useful for time-aligning input signals from differing sources. For example, digital
wireless mics that have a processing delay in their outputs. In addition, all digital conversion stages
have delay.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
17
Input-to-Track Routing
The 702 uses a flexible routing scheme to assign inputs and tracks for recording. The input matrix
allows any input to be routed to any recording track. Multiple inputs can be routed to a single track
to create mono-mixed recordings.
The 2-by-2 blue LED matrix makes it easy to view the set routing. A solid blue LED indicates an
input is assigned to a record track.
inputs can be routed
to tracks in any of
sixteen possible
combinations
Routing
Hold down the STOP button then press the INPUT button to cycle through the four preset
input-to-track routing combinations. These presets are factory set and cannot be changed. The last
preset selection brings up the CUSTOM ROUTE option. Press the EDIT soft button to enter the custom
routing menu. Custom routing allows any input to be assigned to any record track. In the menu,
highlighted input and track combination are displayed in white text. The two inputs are shown on
the left; the two record tracks are shown on the right.
To assign custom input routing:
1. Press and hold the Stop button, then press the INPUT button successively until INPUT ROUTING is
displayed in the LCD display.
2. Use either the soft buttons for up and down or the Rotary switch to select CUSTOM ROUTING.Press the
EDIT soft button ( ).
arrow indicates high-
lighted input is assigned
to highlighted track
select to exit menu and
apply selected routing
select to remove
input assignment
selet to move up
and down menu
3. Using either the Rotary Switch or the up and down arrows, navigate to desired input-to-track combina-
tions.
4. When a chosen pairing is highlighted press either the ASSIGN soft button or the Rotary Switch to as-
sign the combination. Assigned tracks are noted on the screen by the addition of an arrow pointing to
the record track. The LED routing matrix will also show a flashing blue LED for the currently selected
input-to-track combination.
5. Once a track is assigned move to the next input-to-track combination desired.
6. To remove an input-to-track combination assignment, navigate that combination and press the
UNASSIGN soft button.
7. Exit and complete the assignment by pressing the check mark soft button.

702 / 702T User Guide and Technical Information
18
v. 1.67 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
The input routing menu will always exit to the main screen whether entered from the INPUT button or
the Setup Menu.
Selective Input Muting
When the INPUT button is pressed, individual input muting is available. This feature can be used to
quickly mute microphones while maintaining their respective track assignments.
indicates that an
input is available
for routing no indication here
shows that an
input is muted
A solidly lit input Peak LED indicates that an input is muted.
A solid illuminated
Peak LED indicates
that an input is muted
Mono- and polyphonic files behave differently when selective muting is applied. When monophonic
files are selected, files from tracks A and B are named with the suffix “_1 and _2” respectively. If, for
instance, track A is muted but trackB is still selected, the resulting file will be named with the suffix
“_2” and track A will not be recorded, saving storage space.
When polyphonic file type is selected in the same scenario as above with track A muted, the result-
ing data file will be a two-track file with track A being a blank track. Blank tracks in polyphonic files
take up the same amout of storage space as tracks that are assigned.
Sampling Rate and Bit Depth
When recording to WAV (with .WAV or .BWF extension) the 702 generates uncompressed, PCM
sound files at the user-selected sampling rate and bit depth. The 702 LCD calculates available record-
ing time based on the sampling rate, bit depth, number of tracks armed for recording and the storage
media’s available capacity. See the Calculating Recording Time later in this guide to estimate record
time.
Sampling Rate
When a sampling rate is selected for recording, all tracks are recorded at the selected sampling
rate. Sampling rates are selected among common rates from 32 kHz to 192 kHz. Additionally,
non-standard sampling rates can be applied when the 702 is word clocked from an external source
(clock sources between 32 kHz and 192 kHz). When recording off-speed sampling rates files will be
stamped with the rate closest to an internally generated frequency.
Sampling Frequency = Available Audio Bandwidth
The sampling frequency is expressed in samples per second (in hertz) and defines the number of
times in a second that the analog audio signal has been measured. Sampling frequency determines
the audio bandwidth, or frequency response, that can be represented by the digital signal. A quick
estimate of the maximum bandwidth capable of being represented at a given sampling rate is