Lectrosonics SPDR Users Manual
SPDR
Stereo Portable Digital Recorder
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Quick Start Steps
1) Install batteries (or connect to external power) and
turn the power on (p. 4).
2) Insert microSDHC memory card and format it with
the SPDR (p. 6).
3) Jam to a timecode source, if needed.(p. 10).
4) Connect microphone or audio source (p. 7).
5) Set input type and level, if analog source (p.12).
6) Select record mode (p. 11).
7) Set output level (HP Volume p. 10).
8) Begin recording (p.8).
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
microSDHC Logo is a
trademark of SD-3C, LLC
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
SPDR
Table of Contents
Technical Highlights ................................................................3
Broadcast Wave Format ......................................................... 3
iXML HEADER SUPPORT ....................................................3
Standard TA5 mic/line inputs .................................................. 3
AES3 Digital Input ..................................................................3
Timecode Support .................................................................3
Dual Sample Rates ................................................................3
Linked vs. Independent Stereo ..............................................3
Split Gain Mode .....................................................................3
Dual Power Sources ..............................................................3
Power Options .........................................................................4
Battery Installation .................................................................4
Power Input Connector ..........................................................4
Compatibility with
microSDHC memory cards ..............................................5
Memory Card Preparation .......................................................6
iXML HEADER SUPPORT ....................................................6
Features and Controls ............................................................7
Settings ..................................................................................7
Locking and Unlocking Settings .............................................7
Powering On ..........................................................................8
Powering Off ..........................................................................8
Recording Screens ................................................................8
Playback Screens ..................................................................8
Navigating
Menus ................................................................................9
Main Menu and Sub Menus ..................................................10
Timecode .............................................................................10
Inputs ...................................................................................10
HP Volume ...........................................................................10
Scene & Take ...................................................................... 10
SD Card ...............................................................................10
Settings ................................................................................11
About SPDR .........................................................................11
Default ..................................................................................11
Operating Instructions ..........................................................12
Recording in Analog Mode ...................................................12
Recording in Digital Mode ....................................................12
Browsing/Playing Back Recordings .....................................13
Copying Recordings to a Computer .....................................14
Recovering an Interrupted Recording ..................................14
Using a Remote Control App ...............................................15
5-Pin Input Jack Wiring .........................................................16
Microphone Cable Termination
for Non-Lectrosonics Microphones ..............................17
Timecode Jack Wiring ...........................................................17
Input Jack Wiring for Different Sources ..............................18
Line Level Signals ................................................................19
Wiring Diagram for MCAES3 Digital Cable ..........................19
Optional Accessories ............................................................20
Specifications ........................................................................21
Recording .............................................................................21
Service and Repair ................................................................23
Returning Units for Repair ...................................................23
2
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Introduction
The second recorder from Lectrosonics, the SPDR
(Stereo Portable Digital Recorder) delivers advanced
technology and features, including stereo mode with
two channels available. As a backup recorder in a bag,
the recorder is small, yet packed with features, including
extended run time, optional external power and higher
sample rates.
On occasion, there is a need to record high quality, ste-
reo audio in circumstances where a traditional full sized
recorder is impractical or when a reliable backup is
needed. When talent is at an extreme distance or using
a wireless microphone is not practical (knights in armor
come to mind), the SPDR can travel with your subject
and record professional quality stereo audio, synchro-
nized with timecode.
The SPDR can be tethered to a camera to capture a
higher quality or backup audio recording. The head-
phone output doubles as a line output to feed the AV
input on a camera.
Setup and adjustment is made through an intuitive
interface provided by the keypad and LCD. The housing
is an aluminum extrusion with machined aluminum top
and control panels, as well as a hard anodized finish.
Technical Highlights
Broadcast Wave Format
With a timecode jam at the start of the production, the
audio data file contents include a timing reference to
make it easy to synchronize with a video track in the
time line. The industry standard BWF/.WAV file format
is compatible with essentially any audio or video editing
software.
iXML HEADER SUPPORT
Recordings contain industry standard iXML chunks in
the file headers, with the most commonly used fields
filled in.
Stereo Portable Digital Recorder
Timecode Support
Timecode can be copied from the internal real time
clock, for projects where it is desirable for timecode to
approximately match time of day but it is not necessary
to synchronize with other devices. Timecode can also
be “jammed” from an external source.
Timecode defaults to zero at power up if no timecode
source is used to jam the unit. A timing reference is
logged into the BWF metadata.
Dual Sample Rates
The SPDR has two sample rate options available (48
kHz and 96 kHz); 48 kHz is an industry standard rate
and should be suitable for nearly all purposes. At 96
kHz, the microSDHC memory card will be used up
twice as fast, but will have slightly less phase distortion
near the top end of the audible spectrum (close to
20 kHz).
Linked vs. Independent Stereo
The Linked Stereo option operates limiters on both
channels together to preserve the balance of the stereo
image.
The Independent Stereo option is used when you have
two separate sounds/voices and each input will have a
separate limiter. In this mode, there are two input gain
controls and two LF rolloff controls.
Split Gain Mode
HD Stereo records a stereo audio track and Split Gain,
records two stereo pairs, for a total of four tracks, one of
each pair at the normal level and another at -18 dB as
a “safety” track that can be used in place of the normal
track in the event that overload distortion (clipping) has
occurred on the normal track. In either mode, recordings over 4GB are broken into sequential segments so
very long recordings (over approx 5 hours in HD stereo
or 2.5 hours in split mode) will not be a single file.
Standard TA5 mic/line inputs
The input connectors are the industry standard TA5M
jacks that accept analog mic or line level signals. If
using mic inputs, the SPDR provides bias voltage to
power a wide variety of electret lavaliere microphones.
The input connection and wiring is compatible with
microphones pre-wired for “compatible” and “servo bias”
configurations to feed 5-pin inputs on Lectrosonics wire-
less microphone transmitters.
AES3 Digital Input
An optional digital input is available with a suggested
Lectrosonics MCAES3 cable to connect the output to
the AES3 digital input of a mixer or recorder; TA5F jack
to 3-pin female XLR connector.
Rio Rancho, NM
Dual Power Sources
The SPDR has an external power input with internal
battery switch over, allowing all day recording with immediate fall back to the internal batteries should there
be an external power loss.
3
SPDR
Power Options
Battery Installation
The audio recorder is powered by two AA Quantum
(recommended) or Lithium batteries. Run time for 2 AA
Quantum batteries:
• Analog Stereo Mode (48KHZ sample rate) 13H00M
• Analog Stereo Mode (96KHZ sample rate) 9H40M
• Digital Mode 48KHZ sample rate - 7H50M
• Digital Mode 96KHZ sample rate - 7H30M
NOTE: Zinc-carbon batteries marked “heavy-duty”
or “long-lasting” are not adequate.
Push outward on the battery compartment door and lift
it to open.
Power Input Connector
The SPDR is designed to be used with the CH12 external (or equivalent) power source. The nominal voltage
to operate the unit is 12 VDC, although it will operate
at voltages as low as 6 VDC and as high as 17 VDC.
External power sources must be able to supply 200 mA
continuously.
NOTE: There is an automatic switch over to
internal batteries if power is interrupted.
Power Input
Push outward and
lift to open
Insert the batteries according to the markings on the
back side of the housing.
Battery polarity
markings
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Compatibility with
microSDHC memory cards
Please note that the PDR and SPDR are designed for
use with the microSDHC memory cards. There are
several types of SD card standards (as of this writing)
based on capacity (storage in GB).
SDSC: standard capacity, up to and including 2 GB –
DO NOT USE!
SDHC: high capacity, more than 2 GB and up to and
including 32 GB – USE THIS TYPE.
SDXC: extended capacity, more than 32 GB and up to
and including 2 TB – DO NOT USE!
SDUC: extended capacity, more than 2TB and up to
and including 128 TB – DO NOT USE!
The larger XC and UC cards use a different formatting
method and bus structure and are NOT compatible
with the SPDR recorder. These are typically used with
later generation video systems and cameras for image
applications (video and high resolution, high speed
photography).
ONLY the microSDHC memory cards should be used.
They are available in capacities from 4GB to 32GB.
Look for the Speed Class 10 cards (as indicated by a
C wrapped around the number 10), or the UHS Speed
Class I cards (as indicated by the numeral 1 inside a U
symbol). Also note the microSDHC Logo.
If you are switching to a new brand or source of card,
we always suggest testing first before using the card on
a critical application.
Stereo Portable Digital Recorder
The following markings will appear on compatible
memory cards. One or all of the markings will appear on
the card housing and the packaging.
Speed Class 10
UHS Speed Class 1
UHS Speed Class I
Stand-alone
UHS Speed Class I
Accompanying
microSDHC logo
microSDHC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC
IMPORTANT: Read the instructions on the
following page regarding memory card preparation
Rio Rancho, NM
5
SPDR
Memory Card Preparation
Compatible Cards
We have tested a wide variety of microSDHC memory
cards and these performed the best with no issues or
errors.
Lexar 16GB High Performance UHS-I (Lexar part number
•
LSDMI16GBBNL300).
• SanDisk 16GB Extreme PLUS UHS-I (SanDisk part number
SDSDQX-016G-GN6MA)
• Sony 16GB UHS-I (Sony part number SR16UXA/TQ)
• PNY Technologies 16GB Elite UHS-1 (PNY part number
P-SDU16U185EL-GE)
• Samsung 16GB PRO UHS-1 (Samsung part number
MB-MG16EA/AM)
Installing Card
The card slot is covered by a flexible cap.
Pull up on this side of cap to open
Insert the card with
the contacts facing the
control panel side of the
recorder.
Formatting Card
microSDHC memory cards come pre-formatted with a
FAT32 file system which is optimized for good performance. The SPDR relies on this performance and will
never disturb the underlying low level formatting of the
SD card. When the SPDR “formats” a card, it performs
a function similar to the Windows “Quick Format” which
deletes all files and prepares the card for recording.
The card can be read by any standard computer but if
any write, edit or deletions are made to the card by the
computer, the card must be re-formatted with the SPDR
to prepare it again for recording. The SPDR never low
level formats a card and we strongly advise against doing so with the computer.
When a card is installed, or when the SPDR is powered
on with a card already installed, the card is scanned to
see if it has been formatted for use with the SPDR. If it
hasn’t, a prompt appears offering to do so. Follow the
on-screen prompts to format the card. If the scan finds
an interrupted recording, the Recovery screen will appear. The formatting operation may also be performed
on a card which is already formatted, to erase all
recordings and start over with an empty card. To do this,
select Format Card from the menu.
WARNING: Do not perform a low level format (complete format) with a computer. Doing so may render the
memory card unusable with the SPDR recorder.
With a windows based computer, be sure to check the
quick format box before formatting the card.
With a Mac, choose MS-DOS (FAT) if the card is 32 gb
or smaller, exFAT if card is 64 gb or larger.
IMPORTANT
The formatting of the SPDR SD card sets up contiguous sectors for maximum efficiency in the recording
process. The file format utilizes the IXML wave format
which has sufficient data space in the header for the file
information and the time code imprint.
The SD card, as formatted by the SPDR, can be corrupted by any attempt to directly edit, change, format or
view the files on a computer.
The simplest way to prevent data corruption is to copy
the .wav files from the card to a computer or other Windows or OS formatted media FIRST. Repeat – COPY
THE FILES FIRST!
Do not rename files directly on the SD card.
Do not attempt to edit the files directly on the SD card.
Do not save ANYTHING to the SD card with a comput-
er (such as the take log, note files etc) - it is formatted
for SPDR use only.
In short - there should be NO manipulation of the data
on the card or addition of data to the card with anything
other than an SPDR. Copy the files to a computer,
thumb drive, hard drive etc that has been formatted as
a regular OS device FIRST - then you can edit freely.
iXML HEADER SUPPORT
Recordings contain industry standard iXML chunks in
the file headers, with the most commonly used fields
filled in.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
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Features and Controls
AES Dual Channel or
Analog Single Channel Input
Analog
Input
LEMO
TC Input
Stereo Portable Digital Recorder
The main functions of SPDR, Record, Stop Recording,
Playback are indicated by the status indicator. Both the
status indicator and soft buttons change to accommodate the current SPDR function.
i
REC
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C
HOLD
-40 -20 +0
HOLD
Power
LED
LED Level Indicators
Headphone/
Line output
The audio input circuitry is essentially the same as on
Lectrosonics SM and L Series transmitters. Any microphone wired as Lectrosonics “compatible” or “servo
bias” will work with the SPDR.
The Power LED is green when the SPDR is running on
battery power. When recording, the light will blink green.
Once battery power is low (30 minutes remaining), the
LED will turn red. Once the red LED begins flashing, the
SPDR can die at any moment.
The Power LED is blue when the SPDR is running on
external power. When recording, the light will blink blue.
If both batteries and external power are connected to
the SPDR, it will run on external power and the LED will
be blue.
The Power LED will briefly blink blue rapidly on receiving a successful time code jam.
Settings
Settings are accessed by pressing MENU/SEL on the
keypad, and then using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons and BACK button to navigate through the menu
items and select functions. The buttons also provide
alternate functions as labeled by the soft buttons (or
icons) on the LCD. The Main Window is shown below:
Status Indicator
In Playback Mode, the soft buttons on the LCD change
to provide the functions needed during playback. There
are three variants of playback :
• active playback
• paused playback in the middle of the recording
• paused playback at the end of the recording
The soft buttons in the corners of the LCD and the
status indicator will change depending on the status of
the playback.
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Functions
indicated by
the soft buttons
on the LCD are
activated by
pressing the
adjacent buttons
on the keypad
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REC
LAST
Soft buttons in each corner of the LCD define the alternate functions of the adjacent buttons on the keypad.
For example, in the screen shown above, recording is
started by pressing the UP arrow button on the keypad,
in which case, the display will switch to Recording.
Rio Rancho, NM
Locking and Unlocking Settings
The LOCKED mode protects the recorder from accidental changes to its settings. When locked, menu navigation is possible, but any attempt to alter settings will
prompt a “LOCKED/can use menu to unlock” message.
The unit can be unlocked using the Lock/Unlock setup
screen or by removing the batteries. The PDRRemote
app will still work.
7
SPDR
Powering On
Press and hold the Power Button until the Lectrosonics
logo appears on the LCD.
Powering Off
Power can be turned off by holding the Power Button in
and waiting for the countdown. The Power Button will
not work while the unit is recording (stop recording first
before powering down) or if the SPDR has been locked
(unlock the recorder first).
If the power button is released before the countdown
reaches 3, the unit will remain turned on and the LCD
will return to the same screen or menu that was displayed previously.
Recording Screens
While recording, the screen provides a view of the battery status, timecode and the input audio level. Soft buttons in the four corners of the screen provide access to
the Menu, Info (available recording time if microSDHC
memory card installed, SPDR info if no card in unit),
and the REC (record start) and LAST (play last clip)
functions. These functions are invoked by pressing the
adjacent keypad button as shown on the previous page.
Battery status
Amount of
space used
on card
Timecode
Card Info
Menu
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Audio Levels
Record Start
REC
LAST
Play Last Recording
Press the keypad
button next to each
icon to operate the
functions indicated
by the soft buttons
HOLD
BOTH
TO
If both buttons
are not pressed
to stop recording,
you will receive
this reminder.
--STOP--
About the “Slow Card” Warning:
If any samples are lost during recording, a warning
screen will appear displaying “slow card.” Typically the
lost audio is less than 10 milliseconds and is barely noticeable. The unit will still be recording while this screen
appears. Press the BACK button (OK) to return to the
recording screen.
When this happens, there will be no “gap” or brief silence in the recording. Instead, the audio and timecode
will simply jump forward. If this happens repeatedly during the recording, it is best to replace the card.
Playback Screens
Soft buttons in the Playback function provide the common button functions used for playback on a recording
device. The soft buttons will change depending on the
status of the playback: active playback, paused in the
middle, or paused at the end.
Press the
keypad button
next to each
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icon to operate
the functions
indicated by the
soft buttons
The status indicator will alert you if there is no
microSDHC memory card in the SPDR.
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?
?
REC
Question mark
LAST
blinks
To start recording, press the REC soft button in the top
right corner of the screen using the UP arrow. The status indicator will switch to the Recording function.
Menu
T
8
Record icon
00 : 26 : 10
C
-40 -20 +0
HOLD
REC
blinks
Recording
i
HOLD
info
Press and Hold BACK
and DOWN arrow to
stop recording
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C
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C
Paused in
the middle
Play from
pause
Paused at
the end
Play from
beginning
LECTROSONICS, INC.
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