Topic: SD 7xx (especially 788T) advice, tips, and tricks

[marvin100]

Been lurking for a bit, great site, lots of information and good folks!

I'm picking up my 788t in Hong Kong next week, and would like some early advice from SD users.

I'm not a concert taper, I'm a musician, but I perform/record improvised music (electroacoustic). Most of my signals will enter the recorder direct, but I'll also use room mics to augment the sound. I'm not getting the CL-8 (not yet, at least).

I'd love some advice on doing this, battery types, mic recommendations...anything, really!

Thanks a million, tapers!

[ghellquist]

Hard to give much advise really as your question is a bit unspecific. Just some of my ideas.

- you will need to edit and master on a computer. Get a good multichannel program for that. My suggestion is Samplitude -- not the most common of the programs but well suited for editing and mastering on-location recordings. Strictly Windows though, so if you are Mac guy you will need something different. There are a lot of different programs out there, so choice is a lot about taste.
- and no overdubbing on the 7xx boxes, strictly recording only.
- get two of the larger batteries, more is better when it comes to battery time. Np-F970.
- get cables or make them, four of the inputs are on mini connectors.
- if you connect electric instruments directly (say electrical guitar) you will probably want to use a DI box. This could have electronics or a transformer to isolate ground and to change impedance. It is of course standard procedure in all on-stage amplification.
- the 7xx boxes accepts all kinds of XLR microphones. The gain range might be on the low side if you want to run ambient ribbon microphones, in that case you will probably go for an exteran mic preamp.

- and do read the manual. Several times. As well, visit the sound devices forum.

// Gunnar

[page]

Hard to give much advise really as your question is a bit unspecific. Just some of my ideas.

- you will need to edit and master on a computer. Get a good multichannel program for that. My suggestion is Samplitude -- not the most common of the programs but well suited for editing and mastering on-location recordings. Strictly Windows though, so if you are Mac guy you will need something different. There are a lot of different programs out there, so choice is a lot about taste.
- and no overdubbing on the 7xx boxes, strictly recording only.
- get two of the larger batteries, more is better when it comes to battery time. Np-F970.
- get cables or make them, four of the inputs are on mini connectors.
- if you connect electric instruments directly (say electrical guitar) you will probably want to use a DI box. This could have electronics or a transformer to isolate ground and to change impedance. It is of course standard procedure in all on-stage amplification.
- the 7xx boxes accepts all kinds of XLR microphones. The gain range might be on the low side if you want to run ambient ribbon microphones, in that case you will probably go for an exteran mic preamp.

- and do read the manual. Several times. As well, visit the sound devices forum.

// Gunnar

The SD boxes are not the simplest or most user intuitive machines, but they are machines that are built to do the job well. I'll echo Gunnar's remarks and recommend you read the manual several times over, carefully.

[marvin100]

Thanks a ton to both of you.

Some clarification...

I won't need overdubs (free improvisation haha). I'll definitely get those weird T3 connectors (I guess from the dealer when I get the unit next week). I'll also definitely study the manual. I've already joined the SD forums--but those guys are all film sound people, pretty much, and their convo is pretty far over my head...all time code & whatnot.

I'll almost always be recording direct from small mixers--Mackies or Soundcrafts--and will also want to set up a couple room mics in a stereo pair. Any recommendations for this? The Schoeps seem very highly regarded, but probably out of my price range until 2011. I've heard good things about the Rode NT1As...yea or nay?

Thanks again!

[notlance]

I'm picking up my 788t in Hong Kong next week, and would like some early advice from SD users.

Why Hong Kong?  Do you live outside the USA?  Or are 788Ts a lot cheaper over there?  If so, how much does a 788T go for in Hong Kong?

I'm not a concert taper, I'm a musician, but I perform/record improvised music (electroacoustic). Most of my signals will enter the recorder direct, but I'll also use room mics to augment the sound. I'm not getting the CL-8 (not yet, at least).

So why are you buying a 788T?  Seems like it would be overkill for what you are going to do with it.  Perhaps you would be better served and could save some serious money by getting a Portastudio type product or something like a Firestudio and a laptop.  Don't get me wrong, the 788T is a fine machine (I own one), but maybe the money could be better spent elsewhere (like on mics).  But hey, it's your money.

[marvin100]

Yeah, I live in Asia, and it's cheaper in HK than where I live. Plus I'm going there for other reasons.

As for the 788 being overkill for me, I think you're right, but I take my recording very seriously and would rather have too much recorder than too little recorder--with the 788t I'll have a relatively sturdy box that will do everything I need it to do, and I won't need outboard pre's. The size is also pretty important (for touring).

I also love the sparkly lights. Just being honest.

[boojum]

Yeah, I live in Asia, and it's cheaper in HK than where I live. Plus I'm going there for other reasons.

As for the 788 being overkill for me, I think you're right, but I take my recording very seriously and would rather have too much recorder than too little recorder--with the 788t I'll have a relatively sturdy box that will do everything I need it to do, and I won't need outboard pre's. The size is also pretty important (for touring).

I also love the sparkly lights. Just being honest.

All good reasons to buy the 788T.

Gunnar's advice is spot-on.  I also use Samplitude and love it.  It is a first-rate editor.  It is a powerful suite but not all that difficult.  I have used CoolEdit and Audacity. 

You will need to read that manual, carry the cheat card with you at all times (it comes with the recorder) and you might be wise to bring along the manual, too.  Set it up before you leave the house.  That way all you have to do is plug in your mics and hit record.  It has great lights when running.  It is better than a Wurlitzer.  That's a juke box if you don't know.

Get those big batteries.  Bring a spare, you can swap out the old when you hit a break.  Or, run wall power with the battery as your UPS.


Keep us posted on how it is going, too.  What are you using for mics???

Do some yamcha for me.  Hong Kong has the best.


Cheers

[marvin100]

Thanks a ton, Boojum!

I'm not sure about mics, actually I'm looking at the Rode NT55s and NT1-As, leaning a little toward the former, but very much unsure.

I expect to upgrade mics in '11, but not this year.

(by the way, I see yr in Astoria! One of my favorite spots in OR. I lived in Portland for quite a while)

[page]

I also love the sparkly lights. Just being honest.

 

[boojum]

(by the way, I see yr in Astoria! One of my favorite spots in OR. I lived in Portland for quite a while)

Man, you gotta get out more!  OK, Astoria is funky, weird, kind of fun, with lots of pretty good bar bands around.  But classical is hard to find, and good classical performers harder.

The SD "8" is great for lugging to venues: it allows lots of setups in a form factor not much bigger that a "2."  Pretty sweet.  The electronics in it are better, I read.  I like mine a lot.  It always works and works well.

I have a single Rode NT-1A and it is OK.  You can do a lot of work with this mic.  It is like the old Pentax K1000: it is good to learn on and rugged.  Just like the K1000 could get good photos, the NT-1A can get some good recordings.  There are a few pages devoted to it.  I think one is at the UofIll or IU.  You'll do well with them.  I understand the 55's are good but I have not used them. 

BTW, the PDX music scene is still strong.  I am a Freak Mountain Ramblers fan and record them as often as I can.  Billy Kennedy is good, too.  I am sure you will have fun with your setup.  And keep us posted.



Cheers

[marvin100]

Well, back home from HK & Macau, and the 788t made the trip safely. I'll spend the next few weeks getting used to her, but I'm still looking for any tips from users!

Thanks again to those of you who've piped up so far!

[boojum]

Marv, Eddy Merxx, the great Tour de France bike racer, was asked how to get good at bike riding.  Eddy Replied to the effect that the way was to ride a bike a lot.   BTW - He set a record for the flying kilometer and when he finished there was blood running down his legs.  Go, Eddy.

I would just get that 788 out and set up for different rigs and try it.  read the manual.  Read it again.  Then re-read it.  DL the latest firmware and upgrade that on the 788.  DL the latest manual and have a print shop run it off for you.  Record anything and everything you can.  Have fun.  Make mistakes.  We all do.  We just hope they get less over time.  Sometimes they do.

Do not forget this is for fun! 

Have a large bowl of Juk for me with the "1,000 year old eggs" and chicken it it and the fired dough, Yo jow-gwai.  Life is good.

Record street scenes.  You may not be back to where you are again.  I regret the stuff I have not recorded way more than the stuff I did that turned out lousy.  And keep us posted.

BTW, it is raining here to day.  Imagine that!     LOL

[chronictonicbear]

go to sound devices web site , under contact select user forums & sign up there is a 788 specific board with lots of great info + you can post specific questions & often get answers from SD techs directly. i joined when i got my 744 which i upgraded to a 788/cl8.

best advise is always trial & error (or success)
 

[marvin100]

Jebus, this thing is awesome.

[boojum]

Yeah, welcome aboard the SD train!  It is goin' ta glory.