Here's a few things that I'd suggest...
- Rec: Pre-Roll Time - Use it! Anything in the 2-4 second range will be super helpful. This is basically a constantly running record buffer that will start recording X seconds *before* you press the record button. When you've got your gear all set up and are waiting for the band to come on stage, and get distracted by a cutie asking if she can get a copy of your tape, you've still got a few seconds to reach down and start recording without missing a thing. Easily one of the coolest features of the 7 series.
- Input: Routing - default would be 1 > A / 2 > B for stereo recording. That will put the Left channel on the top meter, Right on the bottom. Not so much a suggestion since it's what we would all do, but this was a little confusing to me at first.
- Mic Input 1/2: Low Cut & Low Cut Freq - Note that these ONLY apply when running analog MIC input, not LINE.
- Mic Input 1/2: Gain Range - maybe ask others which setting they're using for particular mics. I ran my 722 at home next to decks I'm more familiar with, being fed with a line-out from a CD player, just to get a feeling for what things would look like in the field. And using a live recording of yours is a good way to get a feel for things beforehand.
Input 1,2: Linking, MS: If you run mainly stereo (other than mid-side), the "Linked 1/2" setting is ideal. Pot #1 becomes level control for the channel pair, and Pot #2 is a left/right balance control. This is perfect for when you just want to bring the overall levels up or down during a show but trust your L/R setup based on a static mic and room.
Line Input 1,2: Gain Control & Line Input 1/2: Gain - Ignore these. The first will be at "Use front panel knobs" and then the second has no meaning based on that. It gives you an option to set the gains from the menu rather than the front pots which is interesting but confusing and, for me, just silly.
Meter: Ballistics - this is another area that is best figured out running a CD player line-in. Personally I find Peak-hold + VU ideal. Run another deck you're more familiar with to compare (ie: digital patch between the 722 and a D8 or something so you can compare exactly how they express the same information).
Meter: Peak Threshold - This one's a little confusing. Basically you can adjust the level where the far right set of lights on the meter will come on. By default it's 0dBFS but you can set it to -1, -2, -3, etc. Personally I would find either 0 or -1 to be logical.
Meter: Stealth Mode - Poorly named feature... basically when it's on, the LEDs all turn on or off with the backlight. When off, the backlight functions independently and the meters are always running. Note that you can DIM the LEDs in what appear to be around 30 brightness steps by holding down the LCD backlight button and turning the multifunction dial. I believe the default is around 10 steps up from the dimmest.
HP: Encoder Switch Function - The "Select Favorite Mode" is a neat way to monitor something other than just the L/R source while recording. Depending on your preference, you can quickly change to a confidence monitoring (tracks vs. inputs), or individual inputs or tracks "Solo" style. Probably great when troubleshooting something like a M-S setup.
Check that your firmware version is at least 1.37 (1.42 is current but minimally different for us unless you run M-S). Other than that, start toying! This sucker's a blast.
- Jason
Topic: 722 settings... (Read 9675 times)