In a nutshell

Sound Devices 744T recorder is true to the good ergonomics reputation of its manufacturer. Sound Devices has succeeded to put together two good microphone preamps and a digital four-track 40 Go HDD recorder in a sturdy compact case. Totally versatile, with full Timecode management, the 744T 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 inputs, 2 XLR microphone/line inputs, switchable to 2 stereo AES inputs, are front fader controlled, and two additional line inputs on TA3 connectors are menu switchable. There are only two line outputs, routed via L&R Master, symmetrical on TA3 connector and 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 two stereo AES SPDIF-compatible inputs and outputs, Word-Clock input and output on BNC, Lemo Timecode Ambient connector on Nagra/Aaton standard and the essential Firewire port. Two RJ12 connectors will, in the future, make possible to synchronize and control together several 744T recorders.

Four long LED level-meter, always clearly viewable, and a backlit LCD display, of same size, are set on front panel, leaving very 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 4 tracks.

Thus, though it cannot be used on its own because of its limited audio inputs (no real input trim nor progressive low-cut filter) and because of the lack of a true independent backup medium, the 744T remains nevertheless a compact recorder which will be used first on documentary shoots thanks to its Timecode management.

Depending availability, 744T is provided with an AudioBag, Idequation or PortaBrace bag.