Sound Devices releases 8 Series firmware update 10.0 that adds 32-bit float recording

Sound Devices released the file 8 Series Firmware Update to 10.0. This free user-driven update includes 32-bit float recording, improved functionality, and more flexible audio routing options. The firmware update is a direct result of customer feedback.

New features including 32-bit float recording

• Added the ability to record 32-bit ISO float values ​​for full dynamic range recording.
• Added option to enable/disable daylight mode in the System > Display menu.
• Added support for the new SD-Remote routing matrix.
• Possibility to change the names of recording folders.
• Added Outputs > Playback Outputs menu with Playback on headphones only or All outputs options. When set to Headphones Only, the input channels remain active on the outputs while playing through headphones.
• New “Playback” routing option in the HP Preset Routing menu.
• Ability to send playback timecode or live timecode during playback. In the new menu, select Timecode > Output Playback Timecode.
• Characters! : ‘ ” / \ ? * are now available in the Notes metadata field.
• Added support for auto-mute when recording, stopping and playing on Dante and USB outputs.
• Added a next shot option to the Record/Playback menu, allowing you to freeze or momentarily display the next shot. It can be used with the Scene, Shot and Follow Freeze Notes switches to quickly edit the metadata of the shot you’re viewing, whether it’s Up Next or Current.
• Added Fahrenheit display for Smart Battery temperature data

The software introduces the ability to record ISO tracks at 32-bit floating point resolution, eliminating file clipping regardless of the gain setting. It’s good to see Sound Devices integrating 32-bit recording capabilities into its flagship mixer/recorder series.

There’s also a new Daylight Mode with a brighter LCD display, making it easier to view important information and navigate menus, even in direct sunlight.

With the update to version 10.01, you can quickly rename your recording folders without having to use a computer, directly from the Series 8 recording folder options menu.

Users can also choose whether playback audio is routed to all outputs or just headphones, leaving live audio sent to other outputs. This benefits production crews who can listen to live audio without interruption while the sound mixer can check playback of takes.

With the 8 Series 10.01 update, SD-Remote, the companion app to the 8 Series mixer-recorders, now has a new Routing Matrix tab with an overview of all input, channel, bus and output routing on one screen, making it much easier to view and control where they are coming from audio signals and where they go. With so many permutations of inputs, channels, buses and outputs, it is an indispensable tool for sound mixers in production.

Live sound devices

On Wednesday, May 29^volAt 11:00 CDT (16:00 GMT), Paul Isaacs will be joined by audio support expert Laura Sillanpää for a live stream to demonstrate some of the new features in Firmware 10.01. Participants will be able to ask questions and answer them during the session or after the live broadcast. The event is open to the public, but prior registration is required at https://www.sounddevices.com/8-series-v10-01-live-stream/. To learn more about the 8 Series Mixer Recorders and to download firmware v10.01, visit www.sounddevices.com/8-series.