Sound Devices 970 User manual
970
Rack Mount Production Audio Recorder
User Guide and Technical Information
Firmware rev. 2.00
E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33, Reedsburg, WI, USA
+1 (608) 524-0625 • Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
www.sounddevices.com
support@sounddevices.com
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Manual Conventions .............................1
Panel Descriptions 2
Front Panel ......................................2
Rear Panel
......................................3
PIX-CADDY 2 and PIX-CADDY CF (Optional)
Menu and Navigation 6
Main View ......................................6
LCD ............................................7
Menu ..........................................7
File List .........................................8
Audio Inputs 11
Analog Inputs ..................................11
Digital Inputs ...................................11
Choosing Audio Sources .........................13
Input Gain Control ..............................13
Input Delay Control .............................14
..........5
Audio Outputs 15
Analog Audio Outputs ...........................15
Digital Audio Outputs
...........................15
Headphone Output
.............................15
Ethernet 16
Recording 17
File Splitting ....................................17
False Take ......................................17
Track Arming ..................................17
File Format (Polyphonic or Monophonic) ...........18
Sample Rate ....................................18
Bit Depth ......................................19
Pre-Roll ........................................19
Playback 20
Cue Markers ....................................20
Playback Mode
.................................21
Play List
........................................21
Synchronization and Timecode 23
Sync Reference .................................23
Timecode Reader
...............................24
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator
Timecode Modes
................................24
.....24
Table of Contents
Powering 26
PowerSafe .....................................26
i
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Network Grouping 27
Group Auto-Configuration .......................27
Grouped Transport ..............................27
External Control 29
RS422 .........................................29
Web Interface - PIXNET ..........................29
Triggering Recording from External Timecode .......35
Storage and File Management 37
Storage ........................................37 File Management ...............................38
Metadata 41
Setup Management and Firmware Upgrades 44
Saving and Loading Setup Files ....................44
Table of Contents
Custom Default Settings and Setup Menu Option Visibil-
ity ............................................44
Grouped Settings ...............................28
GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) .............35
USB Keyboard ..................................36
Factory Restore .................................46
Firmware Upgrades .............................46
Setup Menu Options 47
File Storage ....................................47
Audio .........................................48
Timecode/Sync ..................................49
Remote Control .................................50
Network .......................................50
System ........................................51
Quick Setup ....................................52
Button Shortcuts 53
Connector Pin Assignments 54
Specifications 57
Audio Recording ................................57
Analog Audio ..................................57
Digital Audio ...................................57
File Storage ....................................57
Timecode and Sync ..............................58
Control ........................................58
Keyboard ......................................58
Power .........................................58
Physical ........................................58
Declaration of Conformity 59
Software License 60
Warranty and Technical Support 61
ii
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
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.
Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh, OSX, and ProRes are registered trademarks of Apple,
Inc. DNxHD is a registered trademark of Avid, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their
respective owners.
970, and the sound waves logo are registered trademarks of Sound Devices, LLC.
Limitation of Liability
LIMITATION ON SOUND DEVICES’ LIABILITY. 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. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SOUND DEVICES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
TO THE END USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR COSTS, EXPENSES, DIRECT DAMAGES, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, PUNITIVE
DAMAGES, SPECIAL DAMAGES, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS, THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OR THE PARTIES’ RELATIONSHIP,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OR RELATED TO THE DELETION OR OTHER LOSS OF AUDIO
OR VIDEO RECORDINGS OR DATA, REDUCED OR DIMINISHED AUDIO OR VIDEO QUALITY OR OTHER SIMILAR AUDIO OR
VIDEO DEFECTS ARISING FROM, RELATED TO OR OTHERewindISE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PRODUCTS OR THE END USER’S
USE OR OPERATION THEREOF, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE CLAIMED UNDER CONTRACT, TORT OR
ANY OTHER THEORY. “CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES” FOR WHICH SOUND DEVICES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE SHALL INCLUDE,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, PENALTIES, DELAY DAMAGES, LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND OTHER DAMAGES AND
LIABILITIES WHICH END USER SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY OR WHICH END USER OR ANY OTHER PARTY MAY INCUR RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF ITS CONTRACTS WITH ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES. NOTWITHSTANDING AND
WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL SOUND DEVICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT OF DAMAGES IN
EXCESS OF AMOUNTS PAID BY THE END USER FOR THE PRODUCTS AS TO WHICH ANY LIABILITY HAS BEEN DETERMINED
TO EXIST. SOUND DEVICES AND END USER EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THE PRICE FOR THE PRODUCTS WAS DETERMINED
IN CONSIDERATION OF THE LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND DAMAGES SET FORTH HEREIN AND SUCH LIMITATION HAS BEEN
SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR AND CONSTITUTES AN AGREED ALLOCATION OF RISK WHICH SHALL SURVIVE THE DETERMINATION OF ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION THAT ANY REMEDY HEREIN FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
Table of Contents
iii
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Introduction
The Sound Devices 970 is rack-mountable, 64 track audio recorder. The 970 records up to 64 channels of monophonic or polyphonic, 24-bit WAV files from any of its 144 audio inputs. Connections
include 64 channels of Ethernet-based Dante, 64 channels of optical and coaxial MADI, eight channels of line-level analog, and eight channels of AES digital. Any input can be assigned to any track.
The recorder also supports 32-track recording at 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz.
Files are recorded simultaneously on (up to) 4 separate storage devices via two front panel PIXCADDY slots and two rear panel eSATAp connections. The PIX-CADDY slots can accept PIX-CADDY 2 (For 2.5” SSD’s or spinning hard drives) or PIX-CADDY CF (For CompactFlash media) devices.
This redundancy in local, removable storage devices, coupled with standard, Ethernet-based file
transfer features further reduces steps in the production workflow. Gigabit Ethernet network ports
enable remote access to recorded files and the ability to transfer them quickly into a post-production
environment.
Full-featured precision timecode and sync reference I/O using Ambient Lockit core technology is
provided to allow tight synchronization with external equipment in complex multi-machine configurations. The 970 supports various external control options: RS422, GPIO, Timecode triggering, and an
embedded web server for network-based remote control. Network Grouping functionality enables
linked recording and playback of multiple 970 units connected to a standard Ethernet network.
This User Guide details installation and operation of the 970 and corresponds to 970 firmware version 2.00. User Guide revisions are released at the same time as firmware updates and available
online:
http://www.sounddevices.com/products/970/downloads/
Manual Conventions
Several formatting features have been included to make navigating the guide easier.
• Physical buttons on the 970 are represented with capitalized titles (Record button, MENU But-
ton, etc). All physical button names are detailed in the Panel Descriptions section.
• Button combinations are represented with the plus (+) symbol. For example: “Press LCD Button
+ AUDIO Button” means to first hold down the LCD Button, then press the AUDIO Button, and
finally release both buttons.
• Setup Menu items are indicated with this text: [Menu Category - Parameter], where the menu
category is one of the items in the list displayed when the MENU Button is pushed, and the
parameter is an item in the list displayed when that category is selected (by pushing in on the
Control Knob).
• Blue italicized text references sections of the user guide containing contextually relevant information. When viewing this document on a computer, this text can be clicked to jump to the named
section.
Introduction
1
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Panel Descriptions
Front Panel
1 2 3 54 6 7 8 9
Panel Descriptions
1) Control Knob
The Control Knob can be both turned and
pressed. Use the Control Knob to navigate between menu settings and to select
menu items. Pressing during playback or
stop will toggle to Shuttle mode. Turning
while playback is paused will jog forward
or backward by single frames.
2) AUDIO Button
When pressed from the Main View,
toggles expanded meters. (From the Main
View: Select audio input sources, Arm/
disarm tracks, Set audio input gain and
delay,View audio input levels, and Edit
audio track names.) When pressed from
any other view, displays the Main View.
3) LCD Button
When pressed from the Main View,
switches between banks of audio tracks.
When pressed from any other view, displays the Main View. Hold for 2 seconds
to toggle LCD on/off.
101214 13 1115
5) LCD Display
5-inch display; 800x480 resolution.
6) FILES Button
Displays the File List View. Press FILES +
Fast Forward (>>) during record or playback to add a Cue Marker. Press FILES +
Rewind (<<) to delete a Cue Marker.
7) MENU Button
Displays the Setup Menu.
8) Play button
Plays the most recently recorded file
when pressed. In the File List View, plays
the selected file from the File List. Pauses
during playback.
9) Stop Button
Stops recording or playback. When
Stopped, hold the Stop Button to display
the next filename.
4) Handle
This handle is designed to provide a gripping point for tilting down the LCD.
2
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
10) Fast Forward button
When Stopped, press to cue up the next
file for Playback. During Playback or
Pause, press once to jump to the next Cue
Marker or next file, press and hold to increase playback speed. Continue to hold
for faster speeds.
11) Record Button
Begins recording. Optional: Splits the
recording and begins writing a new
file when pressed while recording
([System - Rec button File Split])
12) Rewind Button
When Stopped, press to cue up the previous file for Playback. During Playback
and Pause, press once to jump to the
previous Cue Marker or beginning of the
file, press and hold to reverse playback
speed. Continue to hold for faster reverse
speeds.
Rear Panel
13) Headphone Volume Knob
Adjusts the overall volume of the headphones. NOTE: the headphone output is
capable of ear-damaging levels. Take care
when adjusting among signal sources.
14) Headphone Output 1/4”
TRS stereo headphone connector. Can
drive headphones from 8 to 100 ohms to
very high headphone levels.
15) USB Keyboard Input
USB A female connector to connect a USB
keyboard. Keyboards can be used to navigate, control, and enter metadata into the
970. Keyboards with integrated USB hubs
are not compatible.
2
1
1) Secondary DC Power Input (XLR 4-pin)
Accepts 10–27 volts DC. XLR 4-pin connector is wired pin-1 ground, pin-4 positive (+).
2) Primary DC Power Input (XLR 4-pin)
Accepts 10–27 volts DC. XLR 4-pin connector is wired pin-1 ground, pin-4 positive (+).
3 654
7 8 9
141516 1213
3) MADI I/O (SC Optical)
10
11
Panel Descriptions
Input (top) accepts MADI (AES10) digital
audio. Output (bottom) provides MADI
(AES10) digital audio. 64 channels. MADI
connections use multimode fiber and
networks.
3
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Panel Descriptions
4) MADI I/O (BNC)
Input (top) accepts MADI (AES10) digital
audio. Output (bottom) provides MADI
(AES10) digital audio. 64 channels.
5) Timecode I/O (BNC)
Input (top) accepts SMPTE timecode.
Output (top) provides SMPTE timecode.
6) SYNC I/O (BNC)
Wordclock input (top) and output (bottom).
7) AES3 I/O (DB-25)
8 channels of AES digital audio input
and 8 channels of AES digital output. (See
“Connector Pin Assignments”, page 54)
8) Analog Audio Output (DB-25)
8 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio output. (See “Connector Pin Assign-
ments”, page 54)
9) Analog Audio Input (DB-25)
8 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio input. (See “Connector Pin Assign-
ments”, page 54)
10) Analog Audio Input (XLR)
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio inputs.
11) Analog Audio Output (XLR)
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio outputs.
12) Ethernet (RJ-45)
Attaches to 1G or 100M Ethernet networks. Provides Dante connectivity (See
“Dante Audio Inputs”, page 12), Network
Grouping (See “Network Grouping”, page
27), web access for remote control (See
“Web Interface - PIXNET”, page 29), and
network file service. (See “Storage and File
Management”, page 37)
13) RS-422 Control (DB-9)
Connects to RS-422 Controllers for external control of the 970. (See “RS422”, page
29)
14) External Drive Connections (eSATAp)
Connector for approved external drives.
Sound Devices maintains a list of tested
and approved media. Visit www.soundde-
vices.com/approved for an up-to-date list of
tested and approved drives.
15) GPIO Remote (Phoenix 10-pin)
Logic contact points for remote control.
(See “GPIO (General Purpose Input / Out-
put)”, page 35)
16) USB Connection
Factory use only.
4
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
PIX-CADDY 2 and PIX-CADDY CF (Optional)
The PIX-CADDY 2 is an accessory to connect approved 2.5” drives to the front-panel drive bays. The
PIX-CADDY CF is an accessory to connect approved CompactFlash cards to the front-panel drive
bays (Supports poly WAV File Format only). When removed from a 970, the PIX-CADDY 2 operates
as a high-speed drive interface to Mac OS and Windows computers via the onboard FireWire800,
USB 3.0, or the optional PIX-DOCK Thunderbolt interface.
For reliable operation, it is imperative that the 2.5” drive be firmly screwed to the PIX-CADDY 2 with
the supplied screws.
PIX-CADDY CF PIX-CADDY 2
5
2
6
7
3
8
1) FireWire 800
FireWire 800 or 400 (backward compatible). Requires a powered FireWire 800 or
400 port.
2) eSATAp
High-speed data transfer over 5V
eSATAp. Requires a 5V powered eSATAp
port.
3) USB 3.0
High-speed data transfer over USB 3.0
(backward compatible with USB 2.0).
4) 2.5” Drive Slot
Connector for approved 2.5-inch SATA II
and SATA III drives. Sound Devices maintains a list of tested and approved SSD or
hard drives. Visit www.sounddevices.com/
approved for an up-to-date list of tested
and approved drives.
4
2
1
5) Activity LED
Illuminates when recording, playing,
reading, or writing to the media. Do not
remove the caddy while the Activity LED
is illuminated. LED does not illuminate
when connected to a computer’s eSATA port.
6) Release Latches
Secures the PIX-CADDY to the recorder.
Press both latches to remove the caddy
assembly.
7) Screw Holes
For reliable operation, it is imperative that
the 2.5” drive be firmly screwed to the
PIX-CADDY 2 with the supplied screws.
8) CF Slot
Connector for approved CompactFlash
media. Sound Devices maintains a list of
tested and approved CF cards. Visit www.
sounddevices.com/approved for an up-to-
date list of tested and approved drives.
Panel Descriptions
5
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Menu and Navigation
Main View
The Main View displays all audio input levels and provides configuration of Track Arming, Track
Naming, Input Source selection, Input Gain, and Input Delay. The Main View by default displays 16
tracks at a time. This can be changed to 8, 16, or 32 track displays in [Audio - Audio Screen Meters].
Press the LCD Button to quickly switch between banks of meters (8, 16, or 32 depending on the value
of [Audio - Audio Screen Meters]). Press F10 on the attached USB keyboard to toggle through audio
track count displays.
Text fields in the Main View will change color to indicate transport status (White = Stopped, Red =
Record, Green = Play/Pause, Blue = Rew/Fast Forward/Shuttle).
Menu & Navigation
Headphone Source
Track Arm Status
Track Name
Input Meter
Drive Statuses
Timecode Value
Input View
Sample Rate
Timecode Frame Rate
Transport StatusAbsolute Time
Take Name
When viewing the Main View, press the AUDIO Button to display the Input View. This view shortens the audio input meters and displays Input Source, Input Gain, and Input Delay information for
each audio track. These input settings are adjusted from the Input View.
Adjusting Audio Input and Track Parameters
All parameters for individual audio tracks and inputs are made from the Main View or the Input
View. To make adjustments in these views:
1. Rotate the Control Knob to move the blue highlighter to the desired track.
2. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on parameters for the track. The highlighter
will become orange.
3. Rotate the Control Knob to move the orange highlighter to the desired parameter.
6
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
4. Press the Control Knob to edit the highlighted parameter. The highlighter will become blue.
5. Rotate the Control Knob to adjust the value. (Track Name will present an on-screen key-
board. Use this or the aached USB keyboard to edit the Track Name, then select OK.)
6. Press the Control Knob to set the value. The highligher will become blue and once again
highlight the entire track.
LCD
From the Main View, press the LCD Button to quickly switch between banks of meters (8, 16, or 32
depending on the value of [Audio - Audio Screen Meters]). When the Main View is not displayed,
press the LCD Button to return to the Main View. Press and hold the LCD Buon for two seconds to
turn o the LCD; press again to turn on.
Press LCD Button + Control Knob to display the LCD Control Panel. The LCD Control Panel provides adjustments to the LCD backlight and button backlight. The parameter with the orange slider
bar is the selected parameter. To toggle through the parameters press the Control Knob. To adjust the
setting, turn the Control Knob. Press LCD again to exit the LCD Control Panel.
Menu
Press the MENU Button (keyboard: F1) to enter the Setup Menu. Most settings of the 970 are accessed and changed from the Setup Menu. Navigate between menu items by turning the Control
Knob. Select menu items by pressing the Control Knob. When in a menu, press the MENU Button to
go back to the previous screen.
Menu & Navigation
The Setup Menu is not accessible when in Record or Playback. If the Setup Menu is open when record or
playback is engaged, the Setup Menu will close and return to the Main View.
7
970 User Guide and Technical Information
File List
Press the FILES button (keyboard: F2) to display a list of all of the recorded takes (File List). Takes are
arranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. Turn the Control Knob to highlight an item. Press the
PLAY Button to start playback of the highlighted take. Press the Control Knob to perform functions
based on which item is highlighted:
Menu & Navigation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 8 9
1) Next Take
Information for the next take.
2) Current Take
Information for the current take. Text
is red while recording and white when
stopped.
3) Mono Take (Expanded)
Mono WAV file takes are collapsed by
default, so that each take is represented
by a single item in the File List followed
by the number of tracks in brackets. Press
Control Knob to expand the take and
show individual track files. Press and
hold Control Knob to access File Details
for the entire take. Scroll to individual
track files and press Play to play the individual track. Editing File Details on an
individual track will still affect all track
files in the take.
4) Mono Take (Collapsed)
Mono WAV file takes are collapsed by
default, so that each take is represented
by a single item in the File List followed
by the number of tracks in brackets. Press
Control Knob to expand the take and
show individual track files. Press and
hold Control Knob to access File Details
for the entire take.
5) Reel Group
A group of clips organized by reel name.
Takes below are part of the indicated reel.
Number in brackets indicates number of
clips in the reel. Press Control Knob to expand or collapse list of takes in this reels.
6) Poly Take
Represents a single poly take. Press Control Knob to view Take Details Screen.
7) Name
The name or number of the take, file,
or reel. Number in brackets indicates
amount of tracks in the mono take or
amount of takes in the reel.
8
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
8) Date and Time
Date and time the take or reel was created.
The selected drive is displayed on the top of the screen. To view the contents of other drives, scroll to
the top of the list. A box appears with a list of all available drives. Select the desired drive and press
the Control Knob.
9) Size
Total size of the take, file, or reel.
While in the File List, press the FILES Button to collapse all Reel folders and mono takes to ease file
navigation.
It is recommended that files in the same Play List or reel be of the same sample rate.
Take Details Screen
From the File List, highlight a file and press the Control Knob to view the Take Details Screen. To
view Multi-file Take details, highlight the menu item with file extension then press and hold the
Control Knob. File Details include:
• Start TC: Start Timecode value
• Duration: Duration of the recording in
minutes and seconds.
• Created: Time and date the file was cre-
ated.
• File Format: Poly or Mono Broadcast
WAV File
• Audio Fmt: Sample rate, Bit depth, and
Track count.
• Timecode fps: TFrame rate value of
stamped timecode.
• User bits: Userbit value.
• Media: The drive and reel folder where
the file is stored.
• File Size: The size of the file on the drive.
Menu & Navigation
9
970 User Guide and Technical Information
File functions are also available in the Take Details Screen:
Menu & Navigation
• Delete: Deletes the take or le (Conrmation dialog). (See “Deleting a File”, page 39)
• Notes, Scene, Take, Track Names, and Circled: Edit iXML / bEXT metadata of audio takes. (See
“Metadata”, page 41)
• Add to Play List: Adds the take to the Play List. (See “Play List”, page 21)
• Remove from Play List: Removes the take from the Play List. (See “Play List”, page 21)
• Empty Play List: Empties the entire Play List. (See “Play List”, page 21)
10
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Audio Inputs
The 970 can record up to 64 tracks from a variety of input sources:
Input Type Count Connector(s) Gain Details
Analog 8
AES Digital 8 1-8: DB-25 (CH 1-8 AES IN/OUT)
Dante 64 1-64: Ethernet
MADI 64
1-8: DB-25 (CH 1-8 LINE IN)
1-2: XLR (LINE IN 1/2)
1-64: Optical SC (MADI IN)
1-64: BNC (MADI IN)
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Off, -25
to 50 dB
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Off, -25
to 50 dB
Analog Inputs
The 970 has eight, high-performance, line-level analog audio inputs.
XLR (1-2)
Balanced, Line-level. Channels 1-2 on DB-25
connector are summed with respective XLR connectors.
See Dante Audio Inputs for full details
See MADI Audio Inputs for full details
The XLR balanced inputs accept line-level signals. These inputs are shared with Channels 1 and 2 of
DB-25 Analog Audio Input connector. Channels 1 and 2 of this connector are summed with channels
1 and 2 of the DB-25 connector, respectively.
DB-25 (1-8)
Eight analog, line-level inputs are provided on the DB-25 Analog Audio Input connector. This connector is wired in the Tascam fashion (See “Connector Pin Assignments”, page 54). Channels 1 and 2
of this connector are summed with channels 1 and 2 XLR Analog Audio Inputs, respectively.
Digital Inputs
The 970 accepts digital audio from AES3, MADI, and Dante sources. The sample rate is determined
by the [Audio - Sample Rate] when [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref] is set to Internal. Otherwise, the
sample rate is determined by the selected synchronization reference. All digital inputs are sample
rate converted. This helps ensure synchronization of digital audio from multiple sources.
AES3
AES3 Inputs 1 to 8 are derived from the AES3 DB-25 connector on the rear panel. This connector also
carries 8 channels of AES3 Output (See “Connector Pin Assignments”, page 54). AES3 Input signal
with sampling rates from 32 kHz up to 192 kHz and bit depths up to 24-bits is accepted.
MADI (AES10)
MADI Inputs 1 to 64 are derived from the MADI Input BNC connector and the MADI Input SC
(optical) connector on the rear panel. Which connector is used is configured with Setup Menu option
[Audio - MADI Input]. When this option is set to Auto-Detect, signal for each channel will be derived from whichever MADI Input connector has signal. If signal is present on the same channel in
both MADI Input connectors, the signal from the SC (optical) connector will be used.
Inputs & Outputs
11
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Dante Audio Inputs
Dante delivers an easy-to-setup, self-configuring, plug-and-play digital audio network that uses
standard Internet Protocols over 100Mb and/or Gigabit Ethernet. Dante reliably distributes multichannel digital audio with sub-millisecond latency and sample-accurate record and playback
synchronization over CAT 5 cabling. Up to 64 Dante audio channels can be selected in any combination from any Dante audio device on the same Dante network. Should they be necessary, sample rate
converters are automatically activated for all Dante audio inputs.
An input Source can be set to an available Dante channel from the 970 or from the Dante Controller
application (Available from Audinate’s website: http://www.audinate.com/) running on a computer at-
tached to the network. (See “Choosing Audio Sources”, page 13).
To route Dante channels with the Dante Controller application:
1. Open the Dante Controller application.
2. Select the Routing tab. This table displays Dante devices with available outputs (“Dante
Transmiers”) horizontally, and Dante devices with available inputs (“Dante Receivers”) vertically. 970 units will be represented by their 970 names per Setup Menu option
[Network - This 970’s Name].
3. Click the plus symbol (+) where the column of the desired Dante transmiing device intersects with the row of the 970 you wish to set input sources on. This expands the table to
Inputs & Outputs
display a matrix of the transmiing device’s outputs to the 970’s inputs.
4. Click the slots in the matrix where you wish to route or un-route audio channels. A green
circle with a check mark will appear in slots that are routed.
12
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Dante Redundancy
When [Network - Dante Redundancy Mode] is set to On, the 970’s Primary and Secondary Ethernet
ports both transmit Dante Audio data over separate networks. This provides a fail safe of the Dante
system if one of the networks should fail.
In Dante Redundancy Mode, two separate networks must be run and they CANNOT be connected to one
another. Connect any computer running Dante Controller to the 970’s PRI Ethernet network.
See http://www.audinate.com/ for further information on the Dante protocol.
Choosing Audio Sources
Audio Input Source is selected in the Input View in the Source column. To configure an input source:
1. Press the AUDIO Buon to access the Main View. If the Source column is not visible, press
the AUDIO Buon again to reveal it (Input View).
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Source column.
5. Press the Control Knob to open the Audio Source options window. Select the general type of
input to be used from O, Line In, AES In, MADI In, or Dante and press the Control Knob
again to open up all options for that input type.
6. Press the Control Knob to make a selection and exit the Audio Input Source options window.
Dante sources must be connected in order to select them as audio input sources.
For quick general audio source configurations use [Audio - Audio Input Quick Setup]. (See “Setup
Menu Options”, page 47)
Input Gain Control
Audio Input Gain is set in the Audio Setup Screen in the Gain column. To adjust the gain of an audio
track:
1. Press the AUDIO Buon to access the Main View. If the Gain column is not visible, press the
AUDIO Buon again to reveal it (Input View).
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
Inputs & Outputs
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Gain column.
5. Press the Control Knob to edit the gain value. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the gain in 1
dB increments. Gain is adjusted in real time. The available gain range depends on the audio
input source. (See “Audio Inputs”, page 11)
6. Once the desired gain value is set, press the Control Knob to exit the gain window.
13
970 User Guide and Technical Information
The gain value of each analog input channel is common. Adjusting the input gain of a track with an
analog input source will adjust the gain of all inputs that have that analog channel assigned as the input
source.
Input Gain can be linked in [Audio - Input Gain Linking]. When linked, adjust any channel’s gain
value to adjust the gain of all channels. Gain offsets from channel to channel are maintained. If this is
not desired, unlink the gain and set all gain values to the same value, then re-link input gain.
Input Delay Control
Audio Input Delay is set in the Audio Setup Screen in the Delay column. Delay is adjustable from 0
to 400 mS. To adjust the delay of an audio track:
1. Press the AUDIO Buon to access the Main View. If the Delay column is not visible, press the
AUDIO Buon again to reveal it (Input View).
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Delay column.
Inputs & Outputs
Input Delay can be linked with Setup Menu option [Audio - Input Delay Linking]. When linked,
adjust any channel’s delay value to adjust the delay of all channels. Delay offsets from channel to
channel are maintained. If this is not desired, unlink the delay and set all delay values to the same
value, then re-link input delay.
5. Press the Control Knob to edit the delay value. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the delay in 1
mS increments.
6. Once the desired delay value is set, press the Control Knob to exit the delay window.
14
v. 2.00 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
970 User Guide and Technical Information
Audio Outputs
The 970 features a total of 82 unique output channels. Any of the internal 64 tracks can be routed to
each of the 8 analog outputs, 8 AES3 outputs, and 64 MADI outputs. Internal tracks 1 through 64 are
permanently routed to Dante outputs 1 through 64 respectively.
Analog Audio Outputs
The eight analog outputs of the 970 are active-balanced, line-level outputs (+18dBu max). Analog
Line Output channels 1 and 2 are available on XLR connectors on the rear panel. Analog Line Output
channels 1 to 8 are available on a DB25 connector on the rear panel. At factory default, the source of
the Analog Line Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respectively. Any of the available 64 Tracks can be sent
to the Line Outputs. Line Output routing is set in [Audio - Line Output].
Digital Audio Outputs
AES3
Output channels 1 to 8 . At factory default, the source of the AES Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respectively. Any of the available 64 Tracks can be sent to the AES Outputs. AES Output routing is set in
[Audio - AES Output].
Dante Audio Outputs
Tracks 1-64 are permanently routed to Dante Outputs 1-64 respectively. Up to four 970 units can be
daisy-chained using their built-in internal Ethernet switches. If using five or more 970 units, Sound
Devices recommends using an external Ethernet Switch in a star configuration.
MADI Audio Output
Both the SC Optical and BNC MADI outputs provide 64 channels of digital audio. At factory default,
the source of the MADI Audio Outputs 1-64 is tracks 1 to 64, respectively. Any of the available 64
Tracks can be sent to the MADI Output. MADI Output routing is set in: [Audio - MADI Output].
Headphone Output
The 970 is capable of driving headphones to extremely high sound pressure levels. Hearing experts advise
against exposure to high sound pressure levels for extended periods.
The 970’s headphone output is a flexible tool for monitoring audio. The headphone level is adjusted
using the Headphone Volume Knob. To quickly select a headphone source, press and hold the AUDIO Button while turning the Control Knob. The Headphone Source can also be selected in the Setup
Menu option [Audio - HP Source].
Any input can be soloed in the Main View: Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the input, then press
AUDIO + LCD. The input’s signal will be soloed in the headphone monitors and the input that is
soloed will be indicated on the top-right of the Main View. Highlight the soloed track, then press
AUDIO + LCD again to un-solo the input and return to previous Headphone Source.
Inputs & Outputs
Warning Bells are sent to the headphone monitor to alert the user of various states such as transport
changes, selected sync reference absent, and errors such as No Media Connected. The loudness of
these warning bells is adjustable from Off, -60 to -12 dBFS in [System - HP Warning Bell Level]. At
factory default, the warning bells are set to -40 dBFS.
15
Loading...