788T Firmware Download and Known Issues

Last update February 8, 2010

This firmware release includes several significant functional additions, specifically support for the CL-9, plus:

new - support for the CL-9 Linear Fader Controller
new - single band parametric EQ for each input (CL-9 only; not available at SR > 48048 Hz)
new - variable pan for each input into the LR mix tracks (CL-9 only)
new - track and output soloing (CL-9 only)
new - output muting (CL-9 only)
new - slate can be routed to any track or output (CL-8, CL-9 only)
new - two private, bi-directional communication lines (CL-9 only)
new - ability to use an external mic (input 8) or the built-in mic for communications
new - four programmable user modes (CL-9 only)
new - additional input linking options including: a) 1-5; b) 1-5, 7-8; c) 1-5, 7-8ms; d) 1-4, 5-6; e) 1-4, 5-6ms; f) 1-2ms, 3-4; g) 1-2ms, 3-4, 5-6; h) 1-2, 4-8; i) 1-2ms, 4-8
new - support for the upcoming Wave Agent Control Mode (Metering and TC display)
new - flashing blue track arm LED indication. This means a track is armed but has no active input routed to it and therefore will not record.
change - improved CL-8 fader latency
fixed - bug where non-linked limiters on master tracks would reset to linked after a reboot.
fixed - bug where 788T would think that more than 8 tracks were enabled at high sampling rates even though 8 or less were enabled.
fixed - bug where 788T would hang while shutting down during ‘Closing media’ screen.
2.00 user guide now available (2.5 MB PDF)

Firmware Installation Instructions

Please read and follow the steps below carefully. You may want to print them before upgrading firmware.

Prepare to Update

Sound Devices recommends backing up any existing audio data that may reside on the recorder. While no data on the hard drive is changed during the update process, it is best practice to backup the unit.
Have on hand a fully charged battery pack to the recorder, or charge the removable battery fully.
Connect the AC power adapter and run the unit from external power.
To upgrade via CompactFlash card, have on hand a FAT32 formatted CompactFlash card and a card reader to transfer the firmware file from computer to a CompactFlash card. Format the card in the 788T to ensure it is formatted as a FAT32 volume.
To upgrade via computer transfer have on hand a FireWire cable for interconnection between computer and 788T.
Check the present firmware version of the recorder using the Info:Version selection in the menu. If the version number is below 2.00, apply the file below. If it is at 2.00 or above, no further updating is required.

Download and Extract

For Windows and Mac OS computers, click the ZIP archive file below and download it to your computer.
In Windows, navigate to the downloaded ZIP archive, right-click it and select "Extract All". A new folder named 788t_2.00 is created. It contains the firmware file 788t_2.00.prg.
In Mac OS X, double-click (if necessary) to extract the firmware file. The file is named 788t_2.00.prg.

Copy Firmware File to CompactFlash Card (CF upgrade method)

Insert the CompactFlash card into the computer's card reader.
Copy the 788t_2.00.prg file to the CompactFlash volume.
Make certain that only one copy of the firmware file is present.

Copy Firmware File to 788T Hard Drive (HD upgrade method)

Connect the 788T to the computer via FireWire 400/800 or USB. This is the same connection as for a file transfer.
Copy the downloaded and extracted firmware file to the internal hard drive of the 788T. Place the file in either the root folder or SOUNDDEV folder of the 788T hard drive.

Update Firmware

Insert the CompactFlash card into the 788T (if using CF upgrade method).
Disconnect all audio and data connections, including any FireWire or USB connections.
With the unit powered up, navigate to Update Software in the Setup Menu. It is the last menu selection.
Following the on-screen instructions, the unit will locate the firmware file. Select update.
Read the on-screen instructions for updating firmware.
The upgrade process may take several minutes.
NOTE: the screen may blank while firmware is being written to the EEPROM. This is normal.

If Updating from Revision 1.XX to 2.XX with a CL-9

Because of the various processes on-board, the update procedure must be repeated for the 788T to fully address a CL-9.

Verify Update

Check to verify the firmware version of the recorder in user menu Info:Version. It should now read version 2.00 and the 1394 revision should end in a "6".

Verify User Setups

Verify the settings of user-selected parameters. The original values may have changed during the update process.

Download User Guide

The available user guide references the new features and functionality in the release version of firmware.

Software License

By using software of Sound Devices, LLC you agree to the following terms and conditions. If you do not agree with such terms and conditions; do not use or apply the software. The terms of the end user license agreement accompanying the product shall supersede the terms presented below.

The export and re-export of Sound Devices software products are controlled by the United States Export Administration Regulations and such software may not be exported or re-exported to Cuba; Iran; Iraq; Libya; North Korea; Sudan; or Syria or any country to which the United States embargoes goods. In addition; Sound Devices software may not be distributed to persons on the Table of Denial Orders; the Entity List; or the List of Specially Designated Nationals.

By downloading or using Sound Devices software product you are certifying that you are not a national of Cuba; Iran; Iraq; Libya; North Korea; Sudan; or Syria or any country to which the United States embargoes goods and that you are not a person on the Table of Denial Orders; the Entity List; or the List of Specially Designated Nationals.

Sound Devices grants you a non-exclusive license to use such software with the 7-Series hardware product only; provided you possess a valid license from Sound Devices for the hardware product. Except as set forth below; such software is licensed to you subject to the terms and conditions of the End User License Agreement from Sound Devices governing your use of the hardware product.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: YOU AGREE THAT SOUND DEVICES HAS MADE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES TO YOU REGARDING THE SOFTWARE AND THAT THE SOFTWARE IS BEING PROVIDED TO YOU "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. SOUND DEVICES DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE; EXPRESS OR IMPLIED; INCLUDING; WITHOUT LIMITATION; ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE; MERCHANTABILITY; MERCHANTABLE QUALITY OR NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. Some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties; so the above limitations may not apply to you.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT WILL SOUND DEVICES BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OF USE; INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS; OR ANY DIRECT; INDIRECT; SPECIAL; INCIDENTAL; OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION WHETHER IN CONTRACT; TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE); STRICT PRODUCT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE; EVEN IF SOUND DEVICES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages; so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

If you agree with the above license, click the file to download.

Firmware File

February 8, 2010

This is 788T firmware. (1 MB)

Known Issues

FW800 reconnects to Mac OS computers automatically after ejecting and leaving the FireWire cable connected.
The 788T locks up when using a keyboard or CL-2 shortcut to access the HP: Monitor Modes menu. Do not program a headphone mode to a CL-2 switch.
Only those CL-2 switch shortcut functions programmed in the Keyboard/Logic In: Assign menu listed in the CL-2 section of the 788T user guide will function correctly. Any other shortcuts assigned may not operate as expected.
EQ aliasing noise is present in the audio when using 32 kHz sampling rate.
CL-9 Footswitch GPI remote input bug when using a mono ¼” jack. Use TRS ¼” stereo jack.

Firmware History

2.00 - present release

new - support for the CL-9 Linear Fader Controller
new - single band parametric EQ for each input (CL-9 only; not available at SR > 48048 Hz)
new - variable pan for each input into the LR mix tracks (CL-9 only)
new - track and output soloing (CL-9 only)
new - output muting (CL-9 only)
new - slate can be routed to any track or output (CL-8, CL-9 only)
new - two private, bi-directional communication lines (CL-9 only)
new - ability to use an external mic (input 8) or the built-in mic for communications
new - four programmable user modes (CL-9 only)
new - additional input linking options including: a) 1-5; b) 1-5, 7-8; c) 1-5, 7-8ms; d) 1-4, 5-6; e) 1-4, 5-6ms; f) 1-2ms, 3-4; g) 1-2ms, 3-4, 5-6; h) 1-2, 4-8; i) 1-2ms, 4-8
new - support for the upcoming Wave Agent Control Mode (Metering and TC display)
new - flashing blue track arm LED indication. This means a track is armed but has no active input routed to it and therefore will not record.
change - improved CL-8 fader latency
fixed - bug where non-linked limiters on master tracks would reset to linked after a reboot.
fixed - bug where 788T would think that more than 8 tracks were enabled at high sampling rates even though 8 or less were enabled.
fixed - bug where 788T would hang while shutting down during ‘Closing media’ screen.
released February 08, 2010

1.76

enhancement: Improvements to limiter algorithm
new - Independent pre-fade and post-fade limiters; post fade levels that exceed the limiter threshold do not affect pre-fade level.
new - L/R track limiters. Can be linked, unlinked or disabled in the Master Levels page in the Track Setup Window (press INPUT key).
new - Aux1/Aux2 track limiters. Can be linked, unlinked or disabled in the Master Levels page in the Track Setup Window (press INPUT key).
new - 20:1 limiter ratio options for both hard knee and soft knee curves in the Input: Limiter Knee menu.
new - Meter Scale menu [68] with zoom mode and ability to create, name and save custom meter scales.
change - When daily folders are selected, the daily folder is only created when record is first pressed. This prevents empty daily folders being generated if the 788T is powered up every day but without recording anything. This also applies to the generation of top level (project) and bottom level (scene) folders i.e. they are only generated when record is pressed.
fixed - HP Power Up Gain settings 'last gain' and 'off' are now remembered after a power cycle.
fixed - RF hash/noise no longer causes the recorder to incorrectly stop recording in ExtTC/cont - Auto Record mode.
It will only stop when stationary TC code is detected.
fixed - Engaging record using a keyboard or logic input shortcut now works from menu screens as well as the main display.
fixed - Possible lockup if an excessively large number of characters are entered in the 'notes' field.
fix - fixed rare bug where connecting to a computer via Firewire/USB could cause file/folder corruption on the 788T HDD.
fixed - other minor, miscellaneous bugs
posted September 08, 2009

1.75

fixed - elimination of a rare, random lockup condition which required a power cycling
fixed - elimination of a rare, file/system corruption bug causing a file to be not recognized.
fixed - bEXT Originator Date changed to the format YYYY-MM-DD. Files import into Sony's Vegas correctly as Broadcast Wave.
fixed - an error condition when an externally attached FireWire hard drive was attached when the unit is powered up; the error prompted to format the drive.
fixed - unit now remembers current edited routing after a power cycle.
new - faster power on (boot up) and ready to record, even with thousands of files on media.
new - support for the CL-2 Remote Fader accessory
new - Input: Fader Range menu. Allows user to select the dB range of the mixer faders. There are three options:
i) Wide (off to +15 dB). This is the default and the only range available prior to this release. Allows boost and attenuation.
ii) Narrow (-15 to +15 dB). This narrows the range thus allowing for finer control of mix levels.
iii) Fade Only (off to 0 dB). This range only allows attenuation, no boost.
new - up to +15 dB of gain selectable on mix track levels. This is selectable in the LEVELS view in the Track Setup Menu which is accessed by pressing the INPUT button.
released June 24, 2009

1.71

enhancement: enhanced write algorithm to significantly improve real-time multi-track recording to DVD-RAM even while simultaneously recording to 3 media
new: Track-to-Media feature in the Track Setup Menu enables user to route any track to any media in any combination. E.g. Route MIX + ISO tracks to the internal hard drive and MIX tracks only to DVD-RAM
new: tone record lock menu allows user to enable tone activation during record
change: tone latches when tone button is held for more than 2 seconds
new: LCD scrolling direction menu allows users to choose which way the rotary encoder scrolls through the menu
change: improved menu scrolling method
new: alternative option for routing inputs to tracks in the Track Setup menu
new: high-pass filters now available with digital inputs
fixed: rare TC drift bug
fixed: drive warning corrupt file bug
released April 16, 2009

1.65

new - sampling rates of 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz, for up to 8-track recording to 2 media simultaneously.
new - latching tone option. A quick press of tone button latches the tone oscillator on, long press is momentary action.
new - "tape" metadata defaults to date if Tape (mid-level) folder is set to NONE. Important for AVID/TITAN/PROTOOLS EDL based workflows.
new- inputs can be routed to any track either pre-fade or post-fade.
strong>new- the Track Setup Menu now has two additional view, Track Meters view and Track Routing Source view
change - tracks can be activated/deactivated by turning on/off the front panel Input Gain controls (similar to behavior prior to version 1.60)
change - removed the limitation on track/media count at 48 kHz recording. 12 track, 48 kHz audio can now be recorded to 3 media simultaneously.
change - improved data write speeds to all media.
fix - MP3/MP2 files can now be played back.
fix - 'tinny' sound in headphones when turning on/off pots eliminated.
fix - lockup when playing a file from a folder with a long folder name.
released February 10, 2009

1.60

new - added CL8 controller functionality
new - 12-track recording (limited to 8-tracks when recording to 3 simultaneous record media)
new - dedicated track arming controls accessed using the Input button. Tracks can be record-enabled or disabled independently of input-to-track routing. This allows multiple inputs to be routed to tracks without needing to record them plus the ability to change routings during recording.
new - 12-track metering on the LCD display by pressing the Input button
new - post-fader mixing to L, R, Aux1 (X1) and Aux 2 (X2) tracks
new - inputs can be routed to Aux1 and Aux2 tracks pre- or post-fader
new - post-fader limiting
new - post-fader signal LEDs (on CL-8 only)
new - master gain controls for L, R and Aux1, Aux2 tracks
new - standalone 788T front panel trim pots can now be set as faders or trims from new Input: Front Panel Controls menu. If set as faders, trim is adjusted by the encoder when in an input settings window.
new - HP-mix-L and HP-mix-R output sources allows output signal selection to be controlled by the rotary encoder
new - latching and momentary Input Settings Window for easy one-handed operation
new - slate mic operation, requires a CL-8 to be connected
new - tone generator in 10 Hz steps from 100 Hz to 10 kHz
new - inputs can now be muted without clicking off trim pots
new - enhanced solo control options via CL-8 and new Input: PFL Function menu
new - bEXT and iXML support for 12 tracks
new - added headphone monitor modes for 12-track support
new - added input to track routing presets accessed via stop + input buttons.
change/new - LCD backlight button toggles between C,D,E,F and G,H,X1,X2 metering. LCD backlight toggle now controlled by LCD backlight button + encoder (press)
fix - resolves a bug where the play all setting in autoplay mode would not always work correctly
posted November 26, 2008

1.51

change - take list now activated by 'HDD' button instead of STOP-PLAY
change - STOP-PLAY displays message to use HDD button
change - take list uses "n" for next file, and "*" for current file
change - battery charging is now indicated when the 788T is turned on (as well as off)
change - browsing of drives done via "DRV" button on take list
change - "Drive:" items moved from menu to HDD button, except for "Drive: Speed Tests"
change - limiter minimum release time changed from 200mS to 50mS
change - headphones now have more gain
change - headphone gain curve improved - no longer have to spin several times
change - drive repair has been removed
change - removed Automatic Sync souce mode
new - all metadata is now applied across all drives, and all files for a given take
new - all editing of metadata, renaming of files, deleting of files done via "EDIT" button on take list.
new - SRCs are now enabled when necessary automatically based on sync source and incoming inputs
new - AES42 microphones now supported (note: 788T limiter not supported for AES mics)
new - scene name increment function
new - menu selection for control over LCD backlight color.
new - headphone modes: <LR,LR>,<LRA,LRA>,<LRB,LRB>,<LRC,LRC>,<LRD,LRD>,<LRE,LRE>,<LRF,LRF>
new - hold-off time code feature - improves performance in auto record time code mode when chasing video cameras
new - limiter now has selectable hard/soft knee
fixed - faster drive to drive file copy
fixed - phantom power setting is now remembered in linked mode when power is cycled
fixed - mute applied briefly when phantom power is turned on to save users' ears
fixed - headphone premature clipping bug fixed
fixed - battery switch-over bug
fixed - Bug where Rec Run value not saved overnight
fixed - bug where scene name not saved across power cycle

1.11

Eliminates a hardware instability which could result in occasional erratic operation such as artifacts on the LCD screen or non-functional knobs.
posted 10 September, 2008

1.10

fixed: when using user-set record folders and scene names, corruption of the file directory has been reported. The actual audio data is fully intact, but the files cannot be viewed or retrieved by the 788T or a computer - the directory shows up 'garbled'. An affected volume must be sent to Sound Devices for file retrieval.
posted September 03, 2008

1.07

fixed: hard drive no longer has a chance to go off-line when stopped when a CompactFlash card is removed,
fixed: a FAT32-formatted CompactFlash card no longer erroneously reports "needs to be formatted" when inserted,
fixed: a slow drive/card no longer causes problems on other attached storage volumes,
fixed: limiter fully optimized - rid of audible artifacts,
fixed: file navigation greatly sped up on volumes with many files,
fixed: full volumes now retain FULL state across power cycles,
fixed: full volumes now indicate FULL reliably instead of occasionally getting stuck at 0:00,
added: slow volume/media errors now display a message box which needs to be cleared by the user,
added: errors now generate repeated tones in headphones until a message box is cleared,
changed: removed menu item Rec: Error Handler,
posted 09 July, 2008

1.06

fixed - condition where the internal hard drive or CompactFlash storage could go offline without warning.
fixed - bug where REC would cancel the selected headphone 'favorite'.
fixed - condition where external DVD-RAM drives could intermittently not connect upon unit or drive boot up.
fixed - recorder no longer attempts to keep recording to full drives.
fixed - polarity reversal with M/S matrix.
fixed - iXML corruption issue which could lock recorder while editing.
fixed - limiter 'whirring' noise with microphone wind noise.
fixed - bug where tone only appeared at outputs 1 and 2.
changed - SLOW error now pops screen up which must be cleared.
added - headphone monitoring modes LA, RB; LAC, RBD; LACE, RBDF.
posted June 19, 2008

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