Sound Devices 788T: The Field Recorder That Defined an Era

Enhanced by the CL-8 and CL-9

The Sound Devices 788T digital audio recorder, though a legacy product, remains legendary in the world of professional production sound. Its combination of portability, robust build quality, and extensive feature set made it a staple for sound mixers on film, TV, and documentary sets. Paired with its dedicated control surfaces—the CL-8 and CL-9—the 788T transformed from a powerful recorder into a comprehensive, highly flexible mixing and recording system.

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The 788T: A Compact Powerhouse 💪

The 788T was designed for demanding field applications, offering superb audio quality and reliable performance in a compact form factor. Key 788T Features:

• 8 Pristine Inputs & 12-Track Recording: It boasts eight full-featured, ultra-low-noise microphone preamplifiers that accept mic or line-level signals. It can record up to 12 tracks simultaneously, allowing for isolated tracks ("isos") for each input plus a stereo mix and two auxiliary tracks.

• Time Code and Synchronization: A high-accuracy, on-board time code generator/reader (supporting all standard frame rates) and word clock I/O ensure seamless synchronization with cameras and other production equipment—critical for sound-for-picture work.

• Durable Storage: The recorder utilized multiple recording media options, including an internal hard drive (or later, an SSD), a CompactFlash (CF) card, and external FireWire drives, all of which could be used simultaneously for immediate backups.

• Built-in Processing: Each input included essential tools like 48V phantom power, fully adjustable high-pass filters, and robust peak limiters.

• Taking Control: The CL-8 and CL-9While the 788T is fully functional on its own, its compact size means menu diving is sometimes necessary. This is where the CL-8 and CL-9 control surfaces stepped in, vastly improving the user experience for on-set mixing. Both connected to and were bus-powered by the 788T via a single USB cable.

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The CL-8: Rotary Control for the Bag Mixer: The CL-8 was designed as a lightweight, portable mixing surface for the sound mixer working "over-the-shoulder" or from a compact audio bag.

• Rotary Faders: It features eight large, tactile rotary faders (knobs) to control the input-to-mix levels (L/R and Aux tracks).

• Quick Access Buttons: Dedicated push buttons provide immediate, visual control over critical channel functions like High-Pass Filter, Limiter, Polarity Reverse, Mute, and Solo for each of the eight inputs.

• Simple and Durable: The design is focused on durability and simplicity, providing essential mixer-type controls without adding excessive bulk or weight.

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The CL-9: Linear Precision for the Sound Cart

• The CL-9 is the larger, more advanced mixing surface, perfect for sound mixers working on a stationary sound cart where precision and more controls are desired. It effectively turns the 788T into a professional mixing console.

• Eight 100mm ultra-low-latency linear faders for highly precise and smooth level control.

• Dedicated Rotary Trim controls for each input, plus a full sweepable, single-band parametric EQ per input (Frequency, Gain, and Q) added to the 788T's feature set.

• Dedicated control over Input Pan and Output Level for all six analog outputs.Communication

• Dedicated connections and controls for a slate circuit and private talkback circuits (Return Inputs) for seamless communication with the boom operator and talent.

• Four additional user-programmable controls for assigning menu items to physical knobs.

The System's Legacy The 788T and its controllers provided a generation of production sound mixers with a powerful, flexible, and robust recording solution. The ability to switch between the compact, rotary-fader CL-8 for mobile work and the comprehensive, linear-fader CL-9 for cart-based mixing made the 788T System incredibly versatile and a true industry standard for high-track-count, sync-sound recording that can now be purchased on the second-hand market for a fraction of its original price.