DC Audiovisuel - SOUND DEVICES 722 Two-Track

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Digital two-track direct-to-disk field recorder without TC

In a few words

Sound Devices 722 recorder is true to the good ergonomics reputation of its manufacturer. Two good mike preamps and a digital two-track 40 Go HDD recorder are set together in a sturdy compact case. Except for lack of Time Code, the 722 recorder is more comprehensive than Sound Devices 744T. Totally versatile, the 722 can record and play one- or two-channel BWF files, at 16 or 24 bits with sample rates between 32 kHz and 192 kHz. MP3 audio playback from 64 kb/s to 320 kb/s are also supported.

On the left panel, globally dedicated to analogical in- and outputs, 2 XLR mike/line inputs (among which one is switchable to stereo AES input) are front fader controlled. There are two line outputs, routed via L&R Master: one is symmetrical on TA3 connector, the other is asymmetrical on stereo mini jack.

Right panel is dedicated to powering (10 V to 18 V) and to numerical and data connectors. There, are found stereo AES SPDIF-compatible input and output, Word-Clock input and output on BNC and the essential Firewire port. Two RJ12 connectors will, in the future, make possible to synchronize and control together several 722 recorders.

Two long LED level-meter, always clearly viewable, and a backlit LCD display, of same size, are set on front panel, leaving little room for input controls and function keys, which are, however, laid out in a very clever way. A set of colored mini diodes indicates level, input or output various statuses, but their very close setting makes reading difficult.

Menu navigation is easy thanks to an instant access key. A pressure rotary switch, which is also a monitor control as on Fostex PD-6 recorder, makes possible to quickly validate selections. Menu organization and display are clear, but, in record and playback modes, too much information also makes reading difficult.

Internal Sony M- or L-type Li-Ion battery provides approximately two hour powering, so use of an external battery is highly advised.

Like Fostex FR-2, Sound Devices has chosen Compact Flash as portable storage medium, unless burning DVD on laptop via Firewire connection. In the future, Firewire port should make possible direct control of an external DVD burner. For the time being, a 2 Go card is supplied with the recorder, providing 1 hour of 48 KHz/24 bit recording on 2 tracks.

Thus, in spite of its limited audio inputs (no real input trim nor progressive low-cut filter) and because of lack of TC and lack of a true independent backup medium, the 722 remains a compact two-channel recorder which will be used first for non-sync recording of atmos and wild tracks.

Depending availability, 722 is provided with an AudioBag or PortaBrace bag.

This product is commonly named: Sound Devices 722, Sound Devices SD722, Sound Devices SD 722, Sound Devices SD-722, 722, SD722, SD 722, SD-722

Consult other available products from Sound Devices

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