Home: Nonlinear: Sound Devices 722 & 744T

Sound Devices Portable Nonlinear Audio Recorders:
The 722 2-track) and 744T (4-track with timecode)

Last modified: November 9, 2007

The high-resolution 722 and 744T audio recorders shatter the size, performance, and feature-set paradigms of previous generations of audio recorders. They are the essential replacement for digital and analog tape-based portable recorders­—replacing them with a far more powerful file-based digital recording devices. The two-track 722 and four-track 744T write and play audio files with bit depths of 24 or 16 bit, with sample rates from 44.1 to 96 kHz, including pull-up sample rates.

The 722 and 744T user interface places the operator first. Users with a fundamental background in audio can begin recording with them immediately. The learning curve is short—powerful, and accessible. With documentary and ENG mixing engineers in mind, we kept the recorders as small as practical without compromising their usability. No other audio recorder approaches their size/feature ratio. While the 722 and 744T are a very capable recorders alone, they excel when used in conjunction with a Sound Devices 442 or 302.

Both the 722 and 744T implement a no-compromise audio path with Sound Devices next generation microphone preamplifiers. Designed specifically for high-bandwidth, high bit-rate digital medium, these preamps set a new standard for linearity, distortion performance, and low-noise gain.

The 744T 's Ambient-supplied timecode implementation is the perfect tool for dual-system sound recording, for both over-the-shoulder and cart-based audio-for-picture production. Its temperature-compensated crystal is tunable to very high accuracies (<0.2 ppm). The 744T has the stability to be the production's Masterclock.

The 7-Series recorders write to two recording media, hard drive and Compact Flash. These industry-standard volumes are easily sourced and user replaced. The 7-Series writes industry-standard .wav, .bwf, and .mp3 audio files. Its on-board battery is a standard Sony-compatible L- or M-type Lithium Ion cell. The 722 and 744T easily interconnect with Windows and Mac OS computers for audio data transfer and backup.

Pricing Information

 
7-Series Feature List
The list below describes key features of the product(s). Features are identified for both the 722 and 744T. Note that this is preliminary information, subject to change.
 
SD722
SD744T
Analog I/O
Two-channel balanced mic/line inputs using SoundDevices next generation microphone preamps
Two-channel balanced mic/line inputs using Sound Devices next generation microphone preamps
Channels 1and 2 mic/line switchable on XLR connectors
48 V phantom on channels 1 and 2
Line level input adjustment in 0.1 dB increments
Adjustable high-pass filters on inputs, first pole in analog
Analog peak limiters on channels 1 and 2
Channel 3 and 4 line-level only inputs on TA3 connectors
Two-channel, balanced mic/line level outputs of Bus 1 on TA3 connectors
Headphone output on 3.5-mm jack with level control
Headphone source selection for monitoring any input or track
Digital I/O
AES input, channels 1 and 2 on XLR
AES input channels 3 and 4 on XLR
AES3id (S/PDIF) input channels 1 and 2 on BNC
AES3id (S/PDIF) input channels 3 and 4 on BNC
AES3id (S/PDIF) output L/R (1) on BNC
AES3id (S/PDIF) output L/R (2) on BNC
Display / Metering / Control
Sunlight-viewable LED level metering, selectable among multiple sources
2-channel
4-channel
Front panel, back lit LCD viewable in all lighting conditions
Extended temperature range LCD display
PPM, VU or combination PPM/VU level metering
LED peak indication per channel
Data Storage
Internal HD, 2.5-inch, 40 GB, ATA interface, FAT32 volume, Sound Devices qualified
2.5-inch and 1.8-inch HD compatible internal drive mount
CF slot (type I, II, and micro drive compatible) for removable secondary recording medium
Recording to HD, CF, or mirror to both medium
File transfer between HD and CF
Record buffering, (10 seconds at 24/48 x 4 with 744T)
File Formats
Selectable track arming of 1 or 2 channels
Selectable track arming or 1, 2, 3, or 4 channel recording
WAV format, uncompressed PCM audio
BWF format, mono or poly files, uncompressed PCM audio
24-bit or 16-bit (with or without dither)
Sampling rate selection of 32, 44.1, 48, 48.048, 88.2, 96, 96.096, 176.4, 192 kHz
MP3 encode and decode at 64, 128, 192, or 256, or 320 kb/s, stereo file
External Data Interface / Transfer / Control
-1394a (FireWire 400) port for high-speed data transfer between local disks and computers
HD and CF medium appear as separate FAT32 volumes on computer desktop
Mac, Windows, and Linux compatible
RJ-12 serial input and output for unit linking and future control/expansion
Time Code / Word Clock
Ultra-stable, temperature-compensated (<1 ppm) crystal clock generator
Metadata TC stamp in BWF file
User bit assignment and selection in setup menu
TC read and generate designed by Ambient
TC rates of 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97DF, 29.97, 30, 30DF
Word clock input and output
Word clock transferred over C.Link serial connection
Time code transferred over C.Link serial connection
Powering
On-board powering using removable Lion rechargeable battery
Compatible with Sony M and L mounts
10–18 VDC external input powers and charges onboard battery (built in 1 A LiON battery charger)
Internal and external voltage metering on LCD panel
Mechanical Construction
Aluminum and stainless steel construction for exceptional durability and light weight
Class-shattering low weight - 2.5 pounds with battery and hard drive
Class-shattering low weight - 2.75 pounds with battery and hard drive
Class-defining compact chassis, without connectors - 1.65" x 7.58" x 4.41", with connectors - 1.65" x 8.08" x 4.41"
Tested for the same environmental extremes as Sound Devices field mixers

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