Sound Devices releases Series 8 in version 10.0 – everything you need to know

Sound Devices’ 8 Series – including the 833, 888 and Scorpio – is receiving a new v10.01 firmware update that includes a host of new features – all free to customers.

Sound Devices accepts feature requests from its customers, and the 8 Series firmware version 10.01 addresses requests from users over time. One of them is 32-bit float recording. The software introduces the ability to record ISO tracks at 32-bit floating point resolution, eliminating file clipping regardless of the gain setting. “This is a popular request because it is useful when recording sound sources with unpredictable levels and wide dynamic range – for example, on-set dialogue suddenly going from a whisper to a scream,” said Paul, director of product management and design at Sound Devices Isaac.

(Network Effectiveness for Command and Control)

The new Daylight Mode features a brighter LCD display, making it easier to view important information and navigate menus, even in direct sunlight. With the 10.01 update, you can quickly rename recording folders without having to use a computer, directly from the Series 8 Recording Folder Options menu. Users can choose whether playback audio is routed to all outputs or just headphones, leaving live audio streaming to other exits. 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’re 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.