Sound Devices 722

The two-channel 722 is a powerful file-based digital audio recorder. The super-compact device records and plays back audio to internal hard drive, CompactFlash cards, or external FireWire drives. It writes and reads uncompressed PCM audio at 16 or 24 bits with sample rates between 32 kHz and 192 kHz. Compressed (MP3) audio playback from 64 kb/s to 320 kb/s are also supported.

The 722 implements a no-compromise audio path that includes Sound Devices’ next generation 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.

No other recorder on the market matches its size or feature set. In addition, its learning curve is quite short—powerful does not mean complicated. While the 722 is a very capable recorder by itself, it truly excels when used in conjunction with an outboard audio mixer such as Sound Devices’ own 442 or 302.

Its two internal drives (hard drive and Compact Flash) are highly reliable, industry standard, and easily obtainable. The removable, rechargeable battery is a standard Sony-compatible Li-ion camcorder cell. The 722 interconnects with Windows and Mac OS computers for convenient data transfer and backup.

Features:

• Two-channels of Sound Devices next generationmicrophone preamps with phantom, limiters, and high-pass filters
• Records to internal 40 GB hard drive, removableCompact Flash, external FireWire drives, or all simultaneously
• AES3 (XLR) or AES3id (unbalanced AES on BNC) digitalinputs and AES3id outputs
• Programmable, sunlight-viewable LED level metering
• WAV format, mono or poly files, uncompressed PCMaudio
• 24-bit or 16-bit (with or without dither) andsampling at 32 kHz-192 kHz
• MP3 encode and decode, 32 to 320 kb/s stereo file
• FireWire (IEEE-1394) port for high-speed datatransfer to computers
• FireWire port for attaching external hard drive orDVD-RAM drives for additional file storage
• 6-pin modular C. Link serial input and output forunit linking and future control and expansion
• Removable Li-on rechargeable battery compatible withSony M- and L-mount Li-on batteries
• 10–18 VDC external input powers and charges on-boardbattery
• Aluminum & stainless-steel chassis forexceptional durability and light weight
• Class-defining compact size
• Designed for the same operational environmental extremes as Sound Devicesfield mixers

Specifications:

• Sampling Frequency: internal: 32, 44.1, 48, 48.048,88.2, 96, 96.096, 176.4, 192 kHz; external: 32–192 kHz via word clock input
• Internal Data Path and Processing: 32 bit, 192 dBdynamic range
• A/D, D/A Converters: 24 bit, 192 kHz sample ratemaximum
• A/D Dynamic Range:
     * 114 dB, A-weightedbandwidth
     * 110 dB, 20 Hz – 22 kHz bandwidth
• D/A Dynamic Range:
     * 112 dB, A-weightedbandwidth
     * 108 dB, 20 Hz–22 kHz bandwidth
• Frequency Res. Mic or Line: 10 Hz–40 kHz, +0.1, -0.5(gain controls centered), Fs 96 kHz
• Equivalent Input Noise:
     * Mic: -133 dBu max (-135 dBV), 50ohm source, A-weighted filter
     * Mic: -131 dBu max (-133 dBV)max, 50 ohm source, 20 Hz–20 kHz BW flat filter, gain fully up
    * Mic: -130 dBu max (-132 dBV), 150 ohm source, A-weightedfilter
     * Mic: -128dBu max (-130 dBV), 150 ohm source, 20 Hz–20 kHz BW flat filter, gain fully up
• THD + Noise: Mic: 0.004% max (1 kHz, 22 Hz–22 kHz BW,gain control down, -15 dBu input); line: 0.004% max (1 kHz, 22 Hz–22 kHz BW,gain control down, +16 dBu input)
• Gain: (input dBu to -20 dBFS) mic (normal gain mode):25 to 70 dB; mic (low gain mode): 10 to 55 dB; line: -6 to 18 dB, 0.1 dBincrements
• Input Clipping Level: Mic input: -5 dBu minimum(normal gain mode, gain control fully down); mic input: +10 dBu minimum (lowgain mode, gain control fully down); line input: +26 dBu minimum (gain controlfully down)
• High-Pass Filters: 40, 80, 160, 240 Hz @ 12/18/24dB/oct (all menu selectable)
• Mic Powering (each XLR selectable): 48 V phantomthrough 6.8k resistors, 10 mA per mic available, menu-selected per channel inmic or line level positions
• Mic Input Limiters: analog (pre-A/D converter),dual-stage optocoupler and FET, -4 dBFS threshold, 20:1 limiting ratio, 5 mSattack time, 200 mS release time
• Analog Line Output Clipping Level:
     * +24 dBu minimum, 10kohm load
     * Attenuation & Resolution 0 to 40 dB, 1dB increments
• I/O – Digital: AES3-id 75 ohm, 0.5 V p-p, S/PDIFcompatible with RCA adapter
• Digital Storage: internal hard drive ATA-5 interface1.8-in or 2.5-in hard drive 4200–7200 RPM supported, FAT32 formatted,; CompactFlash CF type I, II, and + (microdrive) compatible, FAT32 formatted; filetypes: WAV, mono or polyphonic; MP3 @ 64, 96, 128, 240, or 320 kb/s stereo;utilities: format, speed test, and repair utility for internal HD and CFvolumes
• Data Transfer / Control: FireWireperipheral-mode,IEEE-1394a compliant, 6-pin FireWire, Windows 2000, XP, Mac OSX only: C. Link 6-pin modular input and output, RS-232 machine control, wordclock, time code transfer
• Metering: 76-segment (4 x 19), sunlight-viewable,selectable peak, VU, or peak (with or without peak hold) with VU ballistics,variable brightness
• Powering: operating cell, removable 7.2 V (nominal)Sony M- or L-type Li-on, operational from 6 – 8 V; time code battery, 1.2 V AAnickel metal-hydride; power supply (external) 10–18 V, 1 A minimum, vialocking 4-pin Hirose connector, use Hirose #HR10-7P-4P (DigiKey# HR100-ND) forlocking mating DC connector; pin-4 = (+), pin-1 = (-) or pin-3 = (+) andpin-2=(-).
• Environmental: operation and storage: ambienttemperature 5–55° C, relative humidity (non-condensing) <80%
• Other: LCD Display 202 x 32 pixel, extendedtemperature, backlit display; tone oscillator 100 Hz–10 kHz, variable output,assigned to tracks or outputs (menu-selectable);
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.8” x 8.2” x 4.9” (45 x 209x 125 mm)
• Weight: 2.6 lbs. (1.2 kg) w/o battery

Firmware revision 2.40 for this product can be found at: http://www.sounddevices.com/download/722-firmware.htm