Sonosax SX-ST User manual

PROFESSIONNAL RECORDER

SONOSAX

SX-ST Recorder

Quick Start Guide

(Firmware revision 4.2)

audio equipment manufacturer

SONOSAX SAS S.A.

Ch. de la Naz 38

1052 Le Mont s/Lausanne

SUISSE

Tel: +41 21 651 0101

Fax: +41 21 651 0109

Web: www.sonosax.ch

Email: [email protected]

May 2012

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 2 of 26

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. DIGITAL MODULE: A/D CONVERTER & INTERNAL 8 TRACKS RECORDER .............................................. 3

1.1 A/D CONVERTER................................................................................................................................................ 4

1.1.1 Source selector [IN 1 MIX] to [IN 8 MIX]............................................................................................................... 4

1.1.2 Red led indicator [ L/O ]........................................................................................................................................ 4

1.1.3 Protection Limiter's [ LIMITERS ].......................................................................................................................... 4

1.1.4 Sampling frequencies ........................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1.5 Clocking and Sync................................................................................................................................................ 5

2. INTERNAL RECORDER...................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.1 Port USB 2.0......................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.2 Remote Connector [ REMOTE ] ........................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.3 Time Code Connector [ TC ]................................................................................................................................. 6

2.1.4 Sync Connector [ VIDEO IN ] ............................................................................................................................... 6

3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 7

3.1 RECORDER CONTROLS AND STATUS ............................................................................................................ 7

3.1.1 Recorder's function keys ...................................................................................................................................... 7

3.1.2 Recorder's status.................................................................................................................................................. 7

3.2 MAIN DISPLAYS ................................................................................................................................................. 9

3.3 INPUT CHANNELS VS RECORDER TRACKS................................................................................................... 9

3.4 INPUTS MODULOMETERS................................................................................................................................. 9

3.5 TRACKS MODULOMETERS............................................................................................................................. 10

3.6 MAIN MENU....................................................................................................................................................... 11

3.7 HEADPHONES MONITORING CONFIGURATION........................................................................................... 11

3.7.1 SOLO MONITORING MODE.............................................................................................................................. 12

3.8 TAG LAST TAKE............................................................................................................................................... 13

3.9 METADATA ....................................................................................................................................................... 14

3.9.1 PLAYER mode: .................................................................................................................................................. 15

3.10 BROWSE FILES MENUS .................................................................................................................................. 16

3.11 LAST TAKES MENU ......................................................................................................................................... 17

3.12 PLAYER MODE ................................................................................................................................................. 17

4. SETUP MENU .................................................................................................................................................... 18

4.1 CONFIGURING THE RECORDER .................................................................................................................... 18

4.1.1 Configuring the Tracks [REC TRACKS].............................................................................................................. 18

4.1.2 Track Routing ..................................................................................................................................................... 19

4.1.3 Track Naming ..................................................................................................................................................... 20

4.1.4 Example of a complete configuration.................................................................................................................. 20

4.1.5 Mirroring ............................................................................................................................................................. 20

4.1.6 Recording parameters [REC SETUP]................................................................................................................. 21

4.2 TIMECODE SETUP............................................................................................................................................ 22

4.3 USER SETTINGS............................................................................................................................................... 23

4.4 SYSTEM SETUP................................................................................................................................................ 24

5. ADDENDUM....................................................................................................................................................... 26

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 3 of 26

1. DIGITAL MODULE: A/D CONVERTER & INTERNAL 8 TRACKS RECORDER

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 4 of 26

1.1 A/D CONVERTER

The 8 ways high quality Analogue to Digital converter is located on the upper half of the Digital module. Its

sampling frequencies range from 44,1kHz up to 192 kHz with a resolution of 24bits. The overall dynamic

range reaches 120dB.

Each channel is equipped with a Limiter to protect the converter against eventual "clipping".

The 8 digital channels – 4x AES/EBU pairs – are available on the 25 pin Sub-D connector [DIGITAL I/O] on

the rear panel of the mixing console. These four digital outputs are transformer balanced and comply with the

AES31 standard. The configuration of these digital outputs is:

AES 1 = channels 1 & 2 AES 2 = channels 3 & 4

AES 3 = channels 5 & 6 AES 4 = channels 7 & 8

Please refer to the addendum for the wiring diagram of the 25 pin Sub-D connector.

1.1.1 Source selector [IN 1 MIX] to [IN 8 MIX]

The eight A/D Converters receive either the direct output of the first 8 input channels or the 8 master outputs

of the Groups 1 to 8. The switches [IN 1 MIX] to [IN 8 MIX] individually select for each digital channel which of

the source is sent to the corresponding A/D converter:

- Position [IN]: the direct output of the corresponding Input module is sent to the A/D Converter. It is

the same modulation as outputted at the [LINE OUT 1-8] connector. Thus, it depends

on the internal selection Pre EQ – Post EQ – Post Fader.

- Position [MIX]: the modulation of the corresponding Group is sent of the A/D Converter.

- Centre Position: The A/D Converter is powered off, thus reducing the overall power consumption of the

console. The A/D Converters are always powered per pair; therefore both switches of

the same pair must be in centre position to power off the converter.

Please note that powering the ADC on or off generates an audible noise.

1.1.2 Red led indicator [ L/O ]

The red Led [L/O] located above each source selector lights on either to indicate the Limiter activity [L] (when

the modulation reaches the Threshold of the limiter) or when the modulation reaches the clipping level at

0dBFS [O] (O= overflow).

NOTE: as soon as one of the channel of an ADC reaches the clipping level, both leds will light On to

indicate the Overflow

1.1.3 Protection Limiter's [ LIMITERS ]

Each of the eight channels of the digital module is equipped with an individual limiter to prevent the ADCs from

eventual clipping (or overflow). To provide with an efficient protection, the Limiters have a very fast attack time

of half a period.

The [LIMITERS] switch engages or disengages the eight limiters simultaneously.

The Limiter's Threshold is factory set at -3dBFS; its "compression" ratio is approx 15:1

1.1.4 Sampling frequencies

The A/D Converters have a fixed resolution of 24bits; the sampling frequencies stage from 44,1 up to 192kHz,

and is determined by two switches:

- The upper switch selects one of the two fundamentals frequencies; 44,1KHz or 48KHz

- The lower switch selects a multiple of these fundamentals: 44,1 – 88,2 – 176kHz or 48 – 96 – 192kHz

NOTE: The 0.1% Pull Up / Pull Down functionality, commonly used in NTSC domain, is only possible

when the internal recorder is installed.

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 5 of 26

1.1.5 Clocking and Sync

The A/D Converters are synchronized by an internal clock having accuracy better than ± 2ppm. When the

Digital module is installed, the same clock is used to synchronize the internal DC/DC converter powering the

entire mixer, thus avoiding phasing problem or digital noises.

Synchronizing the ADC trough an external clock – such as a video burst or a wordclock – is only possible

when the Internal Recorder is installed. If the Digital module holds the A/D converter only - without Recorder –

the A/D Converter will only lock on its internal clock; thus the ADC will be working as "Master".

A wordclock output is available on the Lemo 5 pin connector to synchronize external equipments such as an

external recorder.

The mating cable connector is a Lemo 5pin, SONOSAX Reference nr: SX860232

Lemo Reference nr: FGG.0B.305.CLAG52

Pin 1 = GND / Pin 2 = T.C. IN / Pin 3 = n.c. / Pin 4 = WordClock Out / Pin 5 = T.C. OUT

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 6 of 26

2. INTERNAL RECORDER

The internal 8 tracks recorder occupies the lower half of the digital module. It includes a keypad with three

push buttons, a compartment for the hard disk, a slot for a CF card, a USB 2.0 port and a wired remote

control.

The recorder works in conjunction with the 8 channels A/D converter located just above. It can record up to 8

tracks on the hard disk - or on a SSD drive as an option - and up to two independent tracks on the

CompactFlash card. The CF card can also operate in Mirroring mode, so that it records simultaneously the

exact copy of what is recorded on the hard disk.

The WAV files are uncompressed, PCM encoded in 24 or 16 bit and contain a double implementation of BWF

and iXML meta data's.

NOTE:To avoid loss of files during recording, the recorder continuously monitors the [Power Off]

switch of the console. It prevents turning off the console if a recording is in progress or as long

as the recorder still "writing" on the hard disk.

2.1 CONNECTIONS

A USB port is available on the front panel for files transfer to a computer and a set of connectors on the rear

panel provides connections for the remote control, clock synchronization and time code.

2.1.1 Port USB 2.0

This connector on the front panel is a USB 2.0 only and is not compatible with older USB 1.0 standard.

It allows connection to any computer having a USB 2.0 port (PC or MAC). Once it is connected to a computer,

the hard drive and / or card the ComapctFash appear on the desktop as an external media.

WARNING:when connecting to a computer, it is imperative to use a certified cable "USB 2 High Speed".

The speed of data transmission is such that the use of cable not certified "High Speed" may

cause malfunctions (disk not recognized or not appearing on the desktop - Windows error

Code 10, etc.)

2.1.2 Remote Connector [ REMOTE ]

This connector is used only for connecting the dedicated remote and can not be used for other purposes. The

wired remote is included with the recorder. It is used to configure all the parameters of the recorder and to

display the modulation levels of the 8 tracks of hard disk and the 2 tracks of the CF Card.

2.1.3 Time Code Connector [ TC ]

This 5 pin Lemo connector can either receive an external Time Code, or to provide a time code output in all

common formats, including the frame rate at 23.976. This connector also provides with the WordClock Out of

the A/D converter. The pin out matches with the Aaton standard

The mating cable connector is a Lemo 5pin

SONOSAX Reference nr: SX860232

Lemo Reference nr: FGG.0B.305.CLAG52

Pin 1 = GND / Pin 2 = T.C. IN / Pin 3 = n.c. / Pin 4 = WordClock Out / Pin 5 = T.C. OUT

2.1.4 Sync Connector [ VIDEO IN ]

The SMA connector allows connection of either a video sync signal or an external WordClock. A detailed

explanation follows in the chapter [SYNC IN].

An SMA to BNC adapter is available under reference SX 860620

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 7 of 26

3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 RECORDER CONTROLS AND STATUS

The recorder is controlled mainly by the 3 function keys on the recorder module; the touch screen of the

remote control is used for configuration and settings purposes as well as metadata editing.

3.1.1 Recorder's function keys

- Record Ready mode, the key is flashing; pressing briefly starts recording

RECORD KEY - While recording, the key lights steady; pressing briefly adds an Index**

- While recording, a long pressure stops recording

- In record ready mode, pressing the PLAY key open the LAST TAKE

PLAY KEY menu on the remote, select a Take and press PLAY again to start playing

- While Playing, press briefly to PAUSE at current location, the key flashes;

a long pressure while playing or in pause will STOP, the key is darkened.

MONITOR KEY - Act as any other P/A key on the mixing console, pressing the P/A key

toggles between the monitoring of the console and the monitoring of the

recorder's tracks, as selected in the HEADPHONES menu

** INDEX = New TAKE: pressing the REC key briefly while recording will automatically create a new TAKE

the Take number is automatically incremented by 1.

NOTE: the RECORD key can be pressed in any situation to immediately start recording (Scratch

Record), even while playing a Take; obviously there is no pre-record in this case.

3.1.2 Recorder's status

The status of the recorder is always posted on the upper left corner of the screen on the remote control,

regardless of the displayed menu:

Red dot Flashing: Record Ready

Red dot Steady: Recording in progress, the lower region of the screen toggles from blue to red

and a second red dot is posted on the upper area of the screen

Green triangle Steady: Playing a take

Green double bars: Player in Pause

Green square flashing: Player in Stop

P/A

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 8 of 26

When turning On the SONOSAX SX-ST mixing console a boot-up screen is posted on the display of the

Remote Control as illustrated below.

If the working day has changed while powering

up the unit, the system asks to confirm the date

of the new working day. This allows keeping the

date of the current working days if the on going

production works is passing across midnight.

Press [OK] to confirm the new working day

Press [CANCEL] to keep the current working day

When one of the key is pressed, the unit will

continue the booting procedure; wait a few

seconds until the main screen appears

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 9 of 26

3.2 MAIN DISPLAYS

3.3 INPUT CHANNELS VS RECORDER TRACKS

When the booting procedure is completed, the main screen displays the modulometers of the inputs channels

as well as main information's related to the set up of the recorder.

The main screen displays either the modulometers of the audio channels at the inputs or the recorder (which

means the audio outputted by the A/D Converters) or the modulometers of the recorder's tracks (see

examples below). Touching the blue region at the bottom of the screen toggles the metering of the Inputs

channels or the metering of the recorder's Tracks.

For sake of clarity in reading this manual, please note that:

- Inputs or channels: always refer to a physical input or output of the analogue mixer or of the A/D Converter

- In the next chapters, the word "Input" always refers to the digital audio applied at the input of the recorder

- Tracks: always refer to a virtual track of the recorder

3.4 INPUTS MODULOMETERS

When the screen shows the INPUTS modulometers, numbers 1 to 8 represent the digital audio applied at the

input of the recorder; this means the audio channels fed from the output of the A/D Converter. Obviously the

audio depends on selected source the A/D Converter (either the direct out of the channels or main Mix buses)

- On the first column, the numbering from 1 to 8 represents the number of the input channels

- High-lighted Red square indicates that an input channel is assigned on an armed track, ready to record

- A dimmed Red square means that no input is assigned and/or the track is not armed.

Input channels modulometers System Date & Time

Digital scale in dBFs

High lighted Red squares on

input channels 1 to 4 = the

inputs are routed on armed

tracks

5 & 6 are dimmed = input

channels are not routed or the

tracks are not armed

Red Dot = Overload

Inputs 7 & 8 are routed on

armed tracks

Digital scale below the

designed reference level

Remaining capacity on HD Time Code value

Remaining capacity on CF Time Code Synchronisation

Battery or external level indicator

(in volts) Elapsed time

STREC =

20110817=

01/1 =

001 =

SX0001 =

Project name

Working Day

Scene name

Take number

Filetag

Sampling Frequency

Resolution (Bits per sample)

Audio Sync mode

Audio File format

SONOSAX SX-ST RECORDER Quick Start Guide Page 10 of 26

Another example of configuration

Inputs modulometers

1 to 6 are dimmed = input channels are not routed or

tracks are not armed (will not be recorded)

7 & 8 brightened = channels 7 & 8 routed on armed

tracks (will be recorded)

TOUCH THE LOWER REGION TO TOGGLE THE

METERING OF RECORDER'S TRACKS

3.5 TRACKS MODULOMETERS

Multiple inputs can be routed (mixed) on the same track; thus when the screen displays the modulometers of

the recorder's TRACKS, each track represents the sum of all assigned inputs on that particular track, in other

words it shows what is effectively recorded on the tracks.

If the Inputs are not assigned on a 1:1 routing, toggling the metering allows a rapid comparison between the

modulation level of the channels and the modulation level of the recorded tracks.

Recorder's Track modulometers

Input 7 & 8 used as main Mix-L & Mix-R are assigned

on tracks 1 & 2 on the H.D. and on tracks A & B on the

CF Card

TOUCH THE LOWER REGION TO TOGGLE THE

METERING OF INPUT CHANNELS

Recorder Track modulometers

Typical 1:1 assignment of input channels onto recorder's

track. In this example, tracks A & B of the CF Card are

not assigned and not armed

TOUCH THE LOWER REGION TO DISPLAY THE

METERING OF THE INPUT CHANNELS

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