Sound Devices 788T Manual

788T
High Resolution Digital Audio Recorder with Time Code
User Guide and Technical Information
firmware rev. 1.00
Sound Devices, LLC
300 Wengel Drive • Reedsburg, WI • USA
[phone] • fax: [phone]
Toll-Free: [phone]
www.sounddevices.com
[e-mail]
SATA
2.5" HDD
USB

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
Recording
Playback
File Transfer to Computer
Front Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Panel Lock
Back Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Right Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Left Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LCD Display Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Input Settings Window Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Input Setup and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Input Settings Window
Input Type
Phantom Power
High-Pass Filters (microphone-level only)
Input Limiters
Polarity
Track Assignments Control
Analog Inputs
Input Linking (Stereo or MS Decoding)
Digital Inputs
Input Delay
Input Muting
Input to Track Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Routing
Sampling Rate and Bit Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sampling Rate
Sampling Frequency and Audio Bandwidth
Bit Depth
Bit Depth and Dynamic Range
Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Clock Master
Word Out
Digital Outputs
Clock Slave
Automatic
Internal
Word Clock
Video Sync
Digital Inputs 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Outputs – Analog and Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Output Types
Analog Balanced Line Outputs 1-4
Analog Unbalanced Output 5-6
Balanced Digital AES Outputs 1-6
Headphone Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Selecting Headphone Sources
Setting Headphone Source Options
MS Stereo Monitoring
SoundField B-Format Surround Monitoring
Multi-Function Rotary Switch Behavior
Headphone Favorite Selection
Headphone Playback Mode
Headphone Warning Tones
Recording Start and Stop Tones
Low Battery Warning
Headphone Power Up Gain
Metering and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Output Meter
Meter Ballistics
VU (Volume Units)
Peak Only
Peak/VU
Peak Hold Time
Input Activity Ring LEDs
Headphone Peak LED
Tone Oscillator
LCD Contrast & Backlight, LED Brightness
Time Display and Record Indication
Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Frame Rate
F Sampling Rate Modes
48.048k and 48.048kF
Fostex DV40
47.952k and 47.952kF
Time Code Modes
Off
Free Run:
Record Run
Free Run Jam Once
24 Hour Run
Ext TC
Ext TC/cont
Ext TC-Auto Record
Ext TC/cont-Auto Record
Jam Menu
Jam RX TC
Jam Zeros
Jam Value
Edit Value
User Bits
NTSC Standard Def Video Production
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Recording
Pre-Record Buffer
Failure During Recording
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
AutoPlay
Table of Contents

788T User Guide and Technical Information
1
Audio File Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
.WAV
File Type
Monophonic
Polyphonic
Take Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Scene Name/Numbering
Take Numbers
Take List
Take Number Incrementing
False Take Control
Emptying the False Take Folders
Circle Take
Track Naming
File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Automatic File Splitting
File Time and Date
Folder Actions
The File Viewer (HDD Menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Navigation
Selecting Files for Playback
Viewing and Editing File/Folder Properties
The Options Sub-Menu
File/Folder Deletion
Emptying the Trash
Setting/Clearing Copy Flags
Automatic Flag Clearing
File Copying Among Available Media
Error Conditions:
Notes
Renaming Tracks
Renaming Files/Folders
Storage Media – Internal Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Formatting
Media Repair Utility
Drive Type
Drive Replacement
Storage Medium – Removable CompactFlash . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
When to Use CF
Formatting
Speed Testing
CF Media Repair
Qualified CF Cards
Storage Medium – External FireWire Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
When to Use External FireWire Drives
Formatting
FireWire Bus Powering
Qualified Drives
DVD-RAM Drives
File Transfer to Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
External Powering and Battery Charging
Time Code Clock Battery
Auto Functions with External Powering
Power Consumption Variables
Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Version Information
Upgrading Firmware
Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Keyboard Assignments
Menu Keys
String Edits & Take Name/Number (Renaming & Notes)
Assignable Shortcuts
Shortcut List Functionality
Logic In
Logic Out (Record Tally)
Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
User Setup Data File
Setup Menu Shortcuts
Front Panel Button Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Appendix A - Recording Time Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Uncompressed Recording Time in Track-Hours
Record Time
PCM Audio
Audio Data Rate = Bit Depth x Sampling Frequency
Appendix B – Metadata Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Appendix C – File Naming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Monophonic WAV File Track Number Designators
Duplicate File Names
Appendix D- FAT32 and Maximum File Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Appendix E - Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Software License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Warranty and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

788T User Guide and Technical Information
2
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the 788T. The ultra-compact 788T records and plays back audio to and
from its internal hard drive, CompactFlash, or external drives, 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 48.048 kHz. The time code implementation makes the 788T ready for any recording job—
from over-the-shoulder to cart-based production.
The 788T implements a no-compromise audio path that includes Sound Devices’ high-performance
microphone preamplifiers. Designed specifically for high bandwidth, high bit rate digital recording,
these preamps set a new standard for frequency response linearity, low distortion performance, and
low noise.
With documentary and ENG mixing engineers in mind, the 788T is very small, while still being
feature-rich. No other recorder on the market matches its size and feature set. In addition, its learn-
ing curve is quite short—powerful does not mean complicated.
Sound Devices took advantage of the best in professional and consumer electronics technologies to
bring incredible feature depth with ease of use. Hard drive and CompactFlash are highly reliable,
industry standard, and easily obtainable. With the ability to write to an external drive, a low-cost,
portable media can be turned in to post production. The removable, rechargeable battery is a stan-
dard Sony-compatible Li-ion camcorder cell. The 788T interconnects with Windows and Mac OS
computers for convenient data transfer and backup.
788T Firmware Known Issues
For a complete list of any known issues visit sounddevices.com/download/788t-firmware.htm.
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.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
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Quick Start Guide
The 788T 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) XL-WPH2, AC-to-DC power adapter to the DC
input plug to power and charge the battery.
2. Press and hold the POWER key for one second to turn on the unit. Press and hold the POWER key
for one second to turn off the unit.
If this is the first time the recorder has been powered, 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 of parameters. The single layer
menu structure allows for very quick navigation and selection of functions. To enter the Setup Menu
press the front panel Menu key. Once in the Setup Menu, the following conventions are shared
for navigating among selections and to select specific parameters.
• - The MENU key enters the Setup Menu
• ITEM- highlighted menu item
• - check mark ( TONE key) selects the highlighted item or parameter
• - Up arrow ( MENU key) moves up in menu and between menu parameters
• - Down arrow ( HDD key) moves down in menu and between menu parameters
• - X ( LCD Backlight key) exits the selected menu or the Setup Menu altogether
• The STOP key will exit from any menu and cancel any changes. Use it to escape out of the
Setup Menus.
The Multi-Function 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. When using either input, set the appropriate input level to mic, line, or digital, in the Input Settings
Window. Move and hold the Input Selector Switch towards the respective input to access the respective
Input Settings Window.
3. If Mic-level inputs are used on XLR inputs 1-4 or TA3 inputs 5-8, make certain that phantom power,
input limiters, and high-pass filters are activated in the Input Settings Window as required.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
4
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Routing Inputs to Tracks
Before recording, inputs must be assigned to tracks. Each of the 788T’s eight inputs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8) can be assigned to any of the eight tracks (Left, Right, A, B, C, D, E, F). Any of the eight inputs
can have its own isolated track, multiple inputs can be summed to the same track, or an input can be
routed to multiple tracks.
1. Press and hold the STOP key then press the INPUT key to cycle through factory routing pre-
sets. The 788T has six often-used presets for quick setup of input-to-track routing combinations.
2. If none of the preset routing combinations are suitable, assign a custom routing. Sequential presses of
the INPUT key will eventually cycle to the custom routing option. See Input to Track Routing. From
the custom input routing menu any input can be assigned to any track, including multiple inputs as-
signed to a single track.
3. Press EXIT to leave input routing mode.
If no input is assigned to a track the 788T will not record.
Selecting Recording Parameters and File Destination
For most productions, the general recording parameters of bit depth, sampling rate, media selec-
tion, 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 mono or WAV poly.
4. Select the storage media (Internal hard drive, CompactFlash, External drive, or any combinations of the
three drives) for recording.
Time Code Setup
When using a time code workflow, proper time code setup is essential for accuracy. Skip this section
if time code is not being used.
1. Select a time code frame rate appropriate for your project.
2. Select the time code run mode: free run, record run, 24 hr. run, or one of the external run modes.
3. Determine whether the 788T is to be the time code master or slave. Set time code parameters accord-
ingly to ensure all recording equipment is using the same time reference. See Time Code for additional
information on time code setup.
Recording
With file parameters set, you are ready to begin recording. The 788T is a record-priority device—
pressing the RECORD key cancels all functions, except file-based operations, and immediately
begins recording a new file. When record is pressed, the Record LED, Record key, and the LCD Back-
light all illuminate red to confirm record mode is currently active. The filename on the LCD display
shows the currently recorded file. Push and hold the STOP key to end recording.
Playback
When recording is stopped, the most recently recorded file is immediately available for playback.
Press the PLAY key to begin file playback from the beginning of the file. When the 788T is in
playback mode the LCD backlight will illuminate green.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
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To select a file for playback:
1. Press and hold the File Viewer (HDD) key to select a drive and folder (directory) for playback.
The last file recorded is the default file ready for playback. The default playback source is the storage
volume highlighted on the LCD display.
2. Use the Multi-Function Rotary Switch, or the arrow soft-keys, to navigate through the File Viewer.
3. Once a file is highlighted, press the PLAY key to begin playback.
When playback has finished, the filename will begin flashing. Use the FAST-FORWARD key
or REWIND key to step through files in the folder, or press the STOP key to exit playback
mode.
File Transfer to Computer
Sound Devices strongly recommends shutting down equipment before connecting to or from any
FireWire 400 device with a connection that carries power (6-pin). Reports have come to our attention of
isolated problems when hot-plugging IEEE 1394a (FireWire 400) devices. (Hot-plugging refers to making
connections when one or more of the devices—including the computer—is on.) When hot-plugging, there
are rare occurrences where either the FireWire 400 device or the FireWire 400 port on the host computer
is rendered permanently inoperable. From our experience, any FireWire 400 connection which carries
power is susceptible to this type of damage. It is possible to connect a FireWire 400 connector upside
down. This, too, may potentially damage the FireWire connection on the 788T, the computer, or both.
When connected via FireWire 400 (IEEE-1394a), FireWire 800 (IEEE-1394b), or USB to a Mac OS or
Windows OS computer (See Specifications for computer requirements), the internal hard drive and CF
card mount onto a computer as “letter” accessible mass storage volumes. Use the appropriate cable
for interconnection. Files on the 788T can be treated as if they are local files, including renaming files,
copying, deleting and playing directly from the 788T hard drive.
In general, it is good practice to copy audio files from the 788T to a computer before any processing is
performed on the files.
To connect the 788T for file transfer to computer:
1. Stop all playback and recording activity.
2. Make certain the 788T battery is fully charged, or connect to external DC.
3. Connect the 788T to the host computer with a FireWire 400, FireWire 800, or USB cable. No drivers are
required if the computer meets the requirements listed in Specifications
4. If connecting to a computer and the 788T does not automatically connect, it is necessary to initiate
connection to the computer by accessing the FIREWIRE/USB: CONNECTION Setup Menu option or by
simply pressing STOP and HDD button simultaneously.
5. The 788T will enter FireWire/USB transfer, indicated by FIREWIRE/USB: CONNECTION on the LCD
display. All menu and disk access functions of the 788T are stopped while the 788T is connected to a
computer.
6. Navigate to either the hard drive or CF card from the computer and copy all needed audio files to local
storage on the computer.
To avoid any possible directory corruption on the 788T do not interrupt the connection process and
always properly dismount the drives from the operating system. On Mac OS platforms, drag the drive
icons to the trash. On Windows platforms, use the “Disconnect External Media” icon in the system tray.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
6
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
1) Input Activity Ring LEDs
The LEDs surrounding the Input gain
pots indicate the input activity for each
input, respectively. The LEDs illuminate
in various colors and intensities to repre-
sent the state of each input.
See Metering and Display.
2) Input Gain Pots
Controls the analog and digital input
gain (input trim) of each channel respec-
tively.
Input Gain Pots can be switched to the
off position to mute the input and un-
route it from its designated track. This
ultimately extends battery life. Defeat
in-active inputs by turning the knob
full counter-clockwise (off) position. See
Input Setup and Control
3) Input Selector/Solo Switch
Selects odd numbered inputs when
pushed left and even numbered inputs
when pushed right. Selecting an input
using the Input Selector/Solo Switch
will solo the selected input in the head-
phone monitor and display the Input
Settings Window for as long as the Input
Selector Switch is held in position. See
Input Setup and Control
4) MENU Key
Accesses the 788T Setup Menu. When
in the Setup Menu use the MENU key
to move up through the options and
parameters.
5) LCD Display
Primary display of 788T status. The LCD
is backlit using the LCD backlight key.
When the backlight is active the back-
light color will indicate the recorder’s
mode.
Red = Recording Mode
Green = Playback Mode
White = Standby Mode
6) TONE key
Press and hold to activate the tone oscil-
lator. Frequency, tone level, and routing
are controlled in the Setup Menu. When
in the Setup Menu use the TONE key
to enter Setup Menu options and select
parameters when the check mark ap-
pears in the upper right hand corner of
the LCD.
7) Track Arm LEDs
A solid blue LED indicates that the
respective track has at least one input
routed to it.
8) Level Meter LEDs
Eight, 13-segment track level-meters in-
dicate level in dBFS. Metering ballistics
and peak hold times are selected in the
Setup Menu.
9) INPUT Select Key
Press and hold the STOP key then press
the Input key to access the Input: Track
Routing Setup Menu. Cycle through
factory and custom routings by pressing
the Input key while holding the STOP
key. See Input-to-Track Routing
Front Panel Descriptions
All 788T settings can be accessed and monitored through the front panel LCD and navigation keys.
This allows the unit to be placed in a production bag along with field mixers and wireless transmit-
ters and receivers.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
788T
C
D
E
F
G
H
BFS
d
0
IN
CF
EX
ARM ARM
BFS
d
0
INPUT PWR
MENU
HDD
REC
R
L
1
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
610 11 12
7 8
249
5
3

788T User Guide and Technical Information
7
10) Power Key
To power the unit up press and hold the
Power (PWR) Key for about one second.
To power the unit down, press and hold
the Power Key for about one second.
11) Power/Charge LED
Indicates the 788T is powered and avail-
able for operation. Indicates the charge
status of the onboard battery charger.
Green = Unit is powered on.
Off = Unit is off and charger is not ac-
tive.
Flashing Yellow = Battery is charging
(this is only displayed while the unit is
powered down).
Solid Yellow = Battery is fully charged
(this is only displayed while the unit is
powered down).
12) Headphone Output Peak LED
Indicates overload of the headphone
amplifier. When lit, the headphone cir-
cuit is overloading. Reduce headphone
level.
13) HDD (File Viewer) Key
Press to enter the File Viewer. From the
File Viewer navigate between storage
media, folders, and files. View and edit
file properties and select files for play-
back.
The media that is selected for playback
is shown on the left hand side of the root
level page. Press and hold the HDD key
to toggle between available media. If
only one media is present, media toggle
is disabled. When in the Setup Menu use
the HDD key to move down through the
options and parameters.
14) Rewind Key
Performs reverse (REW) scrubbing
through the played 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 key is held. In play-stop
mode (indicated by flashing filename
on LCD) selects the previous file in the
record folder (either daily folder or main
folder).
15) Play Key
Plays back the file displayed in the LCD.
If pressed immediately after recording is
stopped, the most recently recorded file
is played back.
16) Fast-Forward Key
Performs fast-forward (FF) scrubbing
through the played file when pressed in
playback and play-pause mode. Play-
pause indicated by flashing A-time on
LCD. Fast forward rate increases the lon-
ger the key 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) LCD Backlight Key
Press to toggle LCD and Front Panel
Soft Key backlighting. Hold the LCD
Backlight key and attenuate the Multi-
Function Rotary Switch on the 788T’s
right panel to adjust the brightness of
LEDs. In the Setup Menu the LCD Back-
light key functions as the cancel and
exit key. The LCD Backlight key used in
conjunction with other Front Panel Soft
Keys will set parameters or access Setup
Menu items on the fly. See Front Panel
Button Shortcuts.
18) Media Activity LEDs
Indicates storage media activity. IN (in-
ternal hard drive), CF (CompactFlash),
EX (external FireWire device). The LED
illuminates green when the storage
media is ready, illuminates yellow when
the storage media is writing/reading
and while connected to a computer, and
illuminates red when the storage media
has encountered an error if the drive has
less than one minute of recording time
left or when running the Drive Repair
utility.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
8
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Panel Lock
Press and hold the LCD backlight key then the TONE key to bring up the front panel But-
ton Lock Screen. Button lock prevents unintentional changing of settings or record status. The 788T
displays any button lock options 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, Rewind
and Fast Forward.
• Lock All – All front panel keys are locked except the Record key. The Record key is kept ac-
tive 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 key.
Front Panel Descriptions cont.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
788T
C
D
E
F
G
H
BFS
d
0
IN
CF
EX
ARM ARM
BFS
d
0
INPUT PWR
MENU
HDD
REC
R
L
1
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
610 11 12
7 8
249
5
3
19) Stop/Pause Key
Momentarily press and hold this key to
stop recording. In playback mode, a sin-
gle press pauses playback (play-pause),
allowing audio scrubbing with the FF
and REW keys. Another press of the key
enters play-stop mode where the FF and
REW keys select files for playback from
the current directory, the filename and
time display flash to indicate that a new
file has been selected. One more press of
the key exits playback mode.
Pressing the STOP key whilst in stop
mode displays the name of the next file
to be recorded in the LCD. In the Setup
Menu the STOP key is also used to exit
from any menu, returning to the main
display.
20) Record Key
Press to record. The 788T is a record-
priority device; pressing this key starts
recording and discontinues all other
functions, except file operations. The
REC key will illuminate red when the
788T is actively recording. If the stor-
age media selected is not ready to begin
recording to a new file the REC key will
flash red until the recording has begun.
Pressing the REC key during recording
can set a cue marker or start a new file,
as selected in the Setup Menu.
21) Record LED
Illuminates red when record mode is
active.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
9
Back Panel Descriptions
KEYBD OUT INC.LINK
AES I/O, GPIO, PWR
COMPACT FLASH
13 42
56
1) USB Keyboard Input
USB A Female Connector for USB key-
board use only. A keyboard can be used
to remote control the 788T and enter
metadata.
2) C. Link In/Out
6-pin modular (“RJ-12”) connectors. Not
a telephone jack! These connections are
not functional.
3) CompactFlash Slot
Accepts CompactFlash media with the
label-side up. Compatible with Type I,
Type II, and MicroDrives.
4) Battery Mount
Accepts Sony®InfoLithium L-Series bat-
teries. Also accepts batteries conforming
to this mount. Numerous capacities,
from 1500 mAh to 7000 mAh are avail-
able.
5) Multi-Function DB-15 Connector
Multi-function DB-15 connector acts as
AES3 Inputs 1-8, AES3 Outputs 5-6, and
Logic In and Out. Analog and digital
inputs can be used simultaneously. See
Connector Pin Assignments.
6) Security Slot
Compatible with the Kensington®Secu-
rity Slot specification. Used to secure the
recorder to a fixed object with a compat-
ible computer lock.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
10
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Right Panel Connectors and Controls
MENU
SELECT 123
4
5,6
UNBAL
ANALOG BAL LINE OUTS FW800 FW400 USB
BALAES
OUT
1,2 3,4 TIMECODE
SYNC
WORD / VID IN
DC IN
10-18V
PIN 4
PIN 1 ()
()
+
-
WORD OUT
13 4 5 6
2 7
8 9 10 11 12
1) Multi-Function Rotary Switch
When in the Setup Menu, the rotary
switch moves between menu selections;
push to enter selection or enter data.
In record and playback modes, selects
headphone monitor source; push action
is user selectable. Turn the knob while
holding the LCD Backlight key to adjust
the brightness of LEDs.
2) TA3 Analog Outputs 1-4
Active-balanced, analog outputs 1-4.
Program source and attenuation lev-
els are user selectable. Pin-1 ground,
pin-2 (+), pin-3 (–). When connecting
to an unbalanced input, do not connect
pin-3.
3) FireWire 800 (IEEE-1394b) Port
Connection to a computer (Mac OS,
Windows) to access the internal hard
drive and CompactFlash volumes as
mass storage devices. Also used to at-
tach external FAT32-formatted FireWire
drives to the 788T for direct recording
and copying.
4) FireWire 400 (IEEE-1394a) Port
Connection to a computer (Mac OS,
Windows) to access the internal hard
drive and CompactFlash volumes as
mass storage devices. Also used to at-
tach external FAT32-formatted FireWire
drives to the 788T for direct recording
and copying.
5) USB-B Port
Connection to a computer (Mac OS,
Windows) to access the internal hard
drive and CompactFlash volumes as
mass storage devices.
6) Sync Input
This BNC is used to connect an exter-
nal video sync or word clock reference
signal for word clock purposes. Accepts
NTSC, PAL, and Tri-level video syncs as
well as word clock rates between 32 kHz
and 48.048 kHz.
7) External DC In
Accepts power from 10–18 volts DC to
power and charge the Li-ion battery.
Hirose 4-pin connector is wired pin-1
negative (-), pin-4 positive (+). Pin-2 and
pin-3 are not connected. Charging char-
acteristics are set in the Setup Menu.
8) Headphone Output
1/4-inch and 3.5 mm TRS stereo head-
phone connectors. Can drive head-
phones from 8 to 1000 ohm impedances
to very high levels. Tip = left, ring =
right, sleeve = ground.
9) Analog Output 5-6
Unbalanced output on 3.5 mm TRS
stereo connector. Program source and at-
tenuation levels are user selectable. Tip
= left, ring = right, sleeve = ground.
10) AES3 Output 1-2 and 3-4
Transformer-balanced AES3 digital out-
puts 1-2 and 3-4. Program source is user
selectable.
11) Time Code Multi-Pin
Time code input and output on 5-pin
LEMO®connector.
12) Word Clock Output
Provides a word clock output running at
the sample rate of the 788T.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
11
Left Panel Connectors and Controls
3
12
1) XLR Analog Inputs Channels 1-4
Active-balanced analog microphone- or
line-level input for inputs 1-4 on XLR
connector. Input type is set within the
Input Settings Window. Pin-1 ground,
pin-2 (+), pin-3 (−).
2) TA3 Analog Input Channels 5-8
Active-balanced analog microphone-
or-line-level input connector for inputs
5-8. Input type is set within the Input
Settings Window. Pin-1 ground, pin-2
(+), pin-3 (−).
3) Headphone Volume
Adjusts the headphone volume. NOTE:
the 788T is capable of producing ear-
damaging levels in headphones. Please
use with caution

788T User Guide and Technical Information
12
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
1) Battery/Voltage Level Indicator
Indicates voltage level of the remov-
able battery or external power sources.
If present, external power overrides
battery power. Graphical bar for relative
level and numeric indicator for precise
voltage measurement.
2) File Name Display
Shows file name actively being recorded
or played back. In playback-stop mode,
flashing file name indicates that the fast-
forward and rewind keys can be used to
step through files in the current play-
back directory.
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) Cue Marker Display
In record mode, indicates when cue
markers are set. Markers set by pressing
the record key (option must be selected
in setup menu). In playback mode, dis-
plays cue points numerically as they are
reached in a file.
5) Sample Rate Indicator
Shows the set record sampling rate. In
playback shows the file sampling rate.
6) Time & Date Display
Alternating display between the set date
and time of the 788T. This information is
written as the creation and modification
date for generated audio files.
7) External Digital Clock Indicator
This display will show when the 788T
is locked to a valid external sync source,
sync reference is user-selectable in the
Setup Menu. The display will indicate
the current valid sync source
D = digital input, W = word clock, V =
video. The display currently shows that
the recorder is successfully locked to a
valid word clock source.
8) Media Descriptors
For all three media types, an asterisk in
front of the media descriptor indicates
which media is selected for record.
Highlighted media descriptor indicates
media selected for record monitoring,
playback or file directory display.
9) CompactFlash Status
(space remaining/record ready)
Bar graph indicates amount of record
time remaining on the CompactFlash
media. Numbers show time in hours
and minutes based on the presently se-
lected number of record tracks, sample
frequency, and bit rate.
LCD Display Descriptions
1
89 10 11 12 13 14 15
246 75 3

788T User Guide and Technical Information
13
10) Internal Hard Drive Status
(space remaining/record ready)
Bar graph indicates amount of record
time remaining on the internal hard
drive. Numbers show time in hours and
minutes based on the presently selected
of number of record tracks, sample fre-
quency, and bit rate.
11) External Media Space Status
(space remaining/record ready)
If a drive is not attached the indicator
shows dashed lines. Bar graph indicates
amount of record time remaining on
the external FireWire volume. Numbers
show time in hours and minutes based
on the presently selected number of
record tracks, sample frequency, and bit
rate.
12) Time Code Display
In stop and record, shows the time code
generated or received by the 788T. In
play mode, the display shows the play
file’s time code information (if avail-
able). If non-time code files are playing,
the display shows dashes. The time code
display can be exchanged with the A-
time display via a user menu selection.
13) Headphone Source Display
Indicates the source for headphone out-
put. Sources and selection order are user
selectable in the setup menus.
14) Time Code Rate
Shows the set time code frame rate. If a
file has time code information embed-
ded, the playback frame rate is indi-
cated. If external time code is connected
and the external rate differs from the
rate set internally, the time code rate will
flash.
15) Bit Depth Indicator
Shows the set record bit depth. In play-
back, shows the file bit depth.
16
17
16) Input Level
When input gain is adjusted, gain level
is indicated in dB for the input being
adjusted and its neighboring input. The
relationship of inputs is configured in
the following manner and cannot be
altered 1,2 / 3,4 / 5,6 / 7,8. Neighboring
inputs are not linked or grouped unless
specifically linked in the Setup Menu.
Mic input gain range is from 0 dB to 76
dB, Line input range is from -25 to 50 dB
and Digital input range is from -25 to
50 dB.
17) Headphone Gain Level
When the headphone gain is adjusted,
this will appear and indicate the gain
level in dB.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
14
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Input Settings Window Descriptions
To access the Input Settings Window push and hold the Input Selector Switch into the position of
the desired input. Pushing the Input Selector Switch to the left will select the odd numbered inputs
and pushing it to the right will select the even numbered inputs. Release the Input Selector Switch to
return to the previously displayed screen.
1
7 98
24 653
1) Input Type
The highlighted selection indicates cur-
rent Input Type. Input Type is select-
able from Mic, Line, and Digital Inputs
for each channel respectively. Toggle
through Input Type selections by press-
ing the MENU key.
2) Input Gain Display
The Input gain is displayed in dB for the
selected input.
3) Input Selected
Displays the Input that has been se-
lected.
4) Headphone Monitor Hold Indication
Toggle and hold the Input Selector
Switch for five or more seconds to latch
Input Soloing. To exit the Input Solo-
ing select another input with the Input
Selector Switch or rotate the Multi-Func-
tion Rotary Switch.
5) High-Pass Filter
Indicates the state of the High-Pass
Filter and the cut off frequency selected.
Control the High-Pass Filter by using
the Multi-Function Rotary Switch.
6) Phantom Power
The highlighted selection shows the cur-
rent state of phantom power (48 volts)
for the selected input. Engage or disen-
gage Phantom Power by using the Tone
or REW key.
7) Input Limiter
The highlighted selection shows the
current state of the Input Limiter for the
selected Input. Engage or disengage the
Input Limiter using the HDD or REW
key.
8) Track Assignments Control
The highlighted selection(s) indicates
the track(s) that the selected input is
currently routed to. To enter and exit
the Track Assignments Control press the
PLAY key.
9) Polarity
The highlighted selection shows the cur-
rent state of the Input’s Polarity. Control
polarity using the HDD or REW key.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
15
10
11
10) Panning Control
If the Input selected is a linked stereo
pair, the odd numbered inputs will dis-
play gain and the even numbered inputs
will display the stereo image.
11) Channel Is Powered Down
The Input Settings Window cannot
be accessed if the Input’s Gain Pot is
switched to off.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
16
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Input Setup and Control
The 788T has eight inputs and eight record tracks. Inputs can be analog or digital sources. Analog
inputs 1-4 use XLR connectors; inputs 5-8 use TA3 connectors. Digital AES3 inputs 1-8 use the DB-15
(D-Sub) connector.
Analog and digital inputs can be used simultaneously.
Gain is controlled by the front panel Input Gain Potentiometers. Input Gain Pots can be switched to
the off position to mute and power down the input and to ultimately extend battery life. Defeat inac-
tive inputs by turning the Input Gain Pot to the full counter-clockwise (off) position. Input Gain Pots
must be activated to route the respective input to a track and/or access the Input Settings Window.
Input Settings Window
From the Input Settings Window, view and/or change the following settings:
• Input Type
• Phantom Power
• Input Gain
• High-Pass Filter
• Input Limiter
• Track Routing
• Polarity
While in the Input Settings Window the selected input will be displayed in the center of the screen
and the selected input will be soloed in the headphone monitor. The Track Arm LEDs illuminate to
coorespond to the track routing.
If the Input Selector/Solo Switch is held for 5 or more seconds “Hold” will appear on the screen
and the soloed input will remain in the headphone monitor until either another headphone moni-
tor mode has been selected with the Multi-Function Rotary Switch or with the Input Selector/Solo
Switch. Once the Input Selector Switch is released the 788T will return to the previously displayed
screen.
If the selected input is stereo linked, both of the inputs will be soloed in the headphone monitor.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
17
Input Type
Select between Mic, Line, or Digital inputs using the MENU key while in the Input Settings Window.
Input Type Input Connectors Gain Range
Mic XLR 1-4, TA3 5-8 Off (-infinity) 0 dB to 76 dB
Line XLR 1-4, TA3 5-8 Off (-infinity) -25 dB to 50 dB
Digital AES3 1-8 (D-Sub 15) Off (-infinity) -25 dB to 50 dB.
Phantom Power
Phantom power (48 volts) can be activated for all eight analog inputs individually. Engage or disen-
gage Phantom Power in the Input Settings Window using the Tone key.
Phantom power can be used for both mic- and line-level inputs. Using line-level inputs with microphones
is useful in high SPL environments such as concert recording. Make certain to turn off phantom power
with line level output devices susceptible to damage from DC.
High-Pass Filters (microphone-level only)
High-pass filters on microphone inputs reduce sensitivity to low frequency signals. Pressing the
Multi-Function Rotary Switch will engage or disengage the High-Pass Filter. Turn the Multi-Function
Rotary Switch to select the cut off frequency in 10Hz steps from 40 Hz to 320 Hz.
Filter slopes of 6 dB and 12 dB per octave are selectable in the Setup Menu and will apply to all inputs
where the high-pass filter have been engaged.
Input Limiters
Analog inputs incorporate an advanced, analog/DSP-controlled hybrid “soft-knee” limiter to pre-
vent input overload. In normal operation and with proper gain settings, the limiters should rarely
engage. When activated, these limiters will prevent unusually high input signal levels from clipping
the analog input stage of the preamp. Limiter activity is shown by the Input Activity LEDs by illumi-
nating yellow. The input limiters are active for both mic- and line-level inputs. Engage or disengage
the Input Limiter using the HDD key.
Limiter threshold and recovery time can be set in the Setup Menu.
Inputs can have their limiters linked or grouped according to the Input Linking settings. This is ideal
for working with stereo or surround sources. See Input Linking.
Polarity
Polarity inversion (sometimes referred as phase reverse) can be applied to both analog or digital
inputs. This can be used to rectify incorrectly wired balanced cables, to prevent signal cancellation
when a source is dual-miked from opposite directions, or reverse left/righ with MS microphones.
Select between Normal and Inverse polarities using the LCD Backlight key.

788T User Guide and Technical Information
18
v. 1.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Track Assignments Control
The Track Assignments Control allows the user to quickly view and edit the input-to-track routing
for the selected input. The highlighted selections indicate the tracks that the input is currently routed
to.
To edit track assignments:
1. Enter the Input Settings Window using the Input Selector Switch. The image below indicates that Input
1 is currently assigned to Track L.
2. To make edits to the track assignments press the PLAY key.
3. Route or un-route inputs to Track L and Track R by pressing the REWIND and FAST-FORWARD keys
respectively. Route or un-route Tracks A-F using the Multi-Function Rotary Switch. Scroll through the
assignable tracks by turning the rotary switch. To route or un-route tracks, press in on the rotary switch.
4. The image below indicates that Input 1 is now routed to Track L, and to Track A. Once changes have
been made, the settings will be saved in the INPUT: TRACK ROUTING Setup Menu option under the
“Edited” routing selection.