Topic: Sound Devices 788t + CL-8 = 10 Channel Recorder!

[baustin]

Sound Devices Introduces CL-8 Controller for the 788T
http://www.sounddevices.com/news/cl8.htm

With the CL-8 users now have access to two additional recording tracks (Aux 1 and Aux 2) through the CL-8’s associated firmware, for total of 10 record tracks.

[run_run_run]

Jesus

[dmonkey]

The light show must be spectacular!

[boojum]

The CL-8 was introduced a while back.  It looks like a fun addition.  I am not sure about the price, but as I remember from a dealer, it was ~$1,000.  Does anyone have a definite price on this?  My guy had two on order.  For me, I do not need it.  I can hook up a 722 for the two additional tracks.  I am not sure what the other bells and whistles are or if I would understand how to use them.

The 788T is complex enough as it stands.  And I have not read the manual for the latest firmware release: 1.51.  These machines offer a lot of options.  I stick with the basics. 

SD does make great gear porn, though.   Hoooboy!

[hypnotoad]

*head explodes*

[boojum]

*head explodes*

Mr. Natural, in the old R. Crumb "Head Comix" explains to Flaky Foont, "Flaky, minds were made to be blown!"  The gear that is coming on line for high end amateur is just mind boggling.

My little SONY MZ-RH1 Hi-MD has better specs than the old and rightly revered Ampex pro tape recorders of a generation back.  The technology is amazing. And we can cash in on it.  Not all of it.  There is some gear I lust for which is so far out of my ability to buy that I try to keep the thought out of my mind.

[mmedley.]

Actually, it will allow 12ch to be recorded.

788T Firmware version 1.60 is now available. Version 1.60 includes significant updates to the file management structure,  metadata handling, and routing control of the unit. Revision 1.60 also includes 12-track recording and support for the CL-8 (now shipping).

[boojum]

Yikes!  Head just exploded.  I am D/L'ing the upgrade to the firmware now along with the new manual.

The only grumbling about the 788T has been the 48kHz sampling rate.  Knowledgeable folks who get into tiring and boring explanations of digital filters, brick walls, aliasing and so on say it makes no difference.  To me it does not as 48kHz is as fast as I sample anyway.  Others do not agree.

I will tell you that this "box" is a sweetie.  With two 722's ganged I suppose I am in the realm of 16 channel.  Not that I have the mics, inclination or, most seriously, the skill to pull it off.

Cheers     

[John Willett]

The only grumbling about the 788T has been the 48kHz sampling rate. 

The main reason I went for the Nagra VI instead.

I also found the 788T very fiddly - but the CL8 does correct that at the expense of doubling the size.

But the nicest thing about the 788T is it'sthe first portable recorder to include AES42.

[oleg]

sorry, in 99% of the time at least for what it made the 48  is more then enouthght + it 12 track now
nagra - i am not miss it

[oleg]

Actually, it will allow 12ch to be recorded.

788T Firmware version 1.60 is now available. Version 1.60 includes significant updates to the file management structure,  metadata handling, and routing control of the unit. Revision 1.60 also includes 12-track recording and support for the CL-8 (now shipping).

the cl  doesn't really add anything except slate mic  as all the other stuff you can do in  stand alone operation
the extra 4 tracks are mixed or duplicated tracks only , not  real ability  to record more then 8 inputs (  any configu ration of analog/digital)- good for scratch mix  and ot as on Deva that you can use additional digital inputs with outboard converters ( deva5-8, fusion) or like my 16 which could take aditional 4 line inputs ad 4 digi  for 16 track
still better bang for the buck then nagara for what it was made for - dialog recordings

the12 track recording  couldnt be use  while 3 media recorded at ones - but who cares ?:-)

[wbrisette]

or like my 16 which could take aditional 4 line inputs ad 4 digi  for 16 track
still better bang for the buck then nagara for what it was made for - dialog recordings

Oleg, when did you get the Deva 16? What are you driving the additional inputs with? Can't believe I'm actually jealous of somebody else's gear... oh wait, it's still a Deva. :-P

Wayne

[oleg]

using aja  a to d  for camera returns + 12 analog inputs for mics and wireless
using 16 from april

[H₂O]

FYI

788T Firmware Revision 1.60

Sound Devices has introduced firmware revision 1.60 for the 788T. This update adds an extensive list of new features and support for the new CL-8 Controller. Revision 1.60 is available for immediate download here.
New Features

The list below highlights several of the new features added to the 788T since its initial release in April 2008.

    * 12-track recording, for 8 iso tracks, L/R mix tracks (post fader), and 2 aux track (pre- or post-fader)
    * CL-8 control - eight faders to control levels to L/R mix track and post-fade aux tracks
    * slate microphone
    * AES42 digital microphone support
    * sampling rate converters for support of asynchronous digital sources
    * hard knee or soft knee input limiters
    * simultaneous editing of file metadata for all files of a selected take, across all storage media
    * multiple metering options, including 12-track metering on the LCD display

[boojum]

FWIW - the 788T also handle B-format tracks and decodes them on the fly if you care to monitor them while taping.