Instruction Manual

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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v. 1.4 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
code value (Derived from the time-of-day clock) and a frame rate of 30ND stamped when time code
mode is set to off.
When time Code Mode is set to something other than off and valid time code is present at the RTN B
TA3 connector, time code values and frame rates are written to the file at the moment the recording
begins. This allows the Sound Mixer to sync the audio recorded by the 552 with the master source.
Incoming Time Code signals must be running prior to pressing record to ensure proper frame rate and
time stamps. Time Code stamping is only performed at the moment record is pressed. If the time code
source is not running at the moment record is pressed, the 552 stamps the file according to the station-
ary time code that it is receiving. When Time Code is enabled, RTN B monitoring and functionality only
apply to the 3.5 mm RTN B jack.
When Time Code Mode is set to something other than off the TC In LED will illuminate solid blue
if valid time code is present at the RTN B TA3 input connector. A flashing blue TC In LED indicates
that Time Code mode is set to something other than off but there is not valid time code present at the
RTN B TA3 connector.
Time Code to Track
The linear time code signal connected to the RTN B TA3 input connector is recorded when either the
Replace Left or Replace Right options are selected in the Time Code Setup Menu. The linear time
code signal overrides the selected side of the AES A Source sent to the Recorder.
Replace Left, Replace Right, Replace Left Auto Record, and Replace Right Auto Record modes are
only available with 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rates. When the sampling rate is set to 88.2 or 96 kHz
and one of the Time Code to Track modes is selected the sampling rate is forced to 48 kHz.
The 552 prevents sending time code signals written to track to the outputs and the headphone monitor.
The REC SOURCE headphone monitor selection continues to monitor the AES A Source when a Time
Code to Track option is selected. Time Code recorded to Track is muted while playing back the file from the
552.
External Time Code Auto Record
The 552 can be set to automatically start and stop recordings according to the incoming time code
signal when anyone of the Auto Record modes is selected in the Time Code Setup Menu. The 552
enters record as the external time code advances, and the recording is stopped when the external
code is stationary. This is appropriate when dual-system sound is used with video cameras set for
Rec Run time code. The video camera functions as master time code and the 552 recorder “transport”
follows the video camera transport.
Playback
After a file has been recorded, the 552 can play back the file. The last file recorded is always the file
that is immediately available for playback. Playback audio is sent to the headphone monitor. The
Headphone Selector position determines the monitoring behavior. ST = Left and Right Stereo, M =
Left and Right Mono, L = Left Mono, R= Right Mono, MS ST = Mid Side Stereo Decoded, and REC
SOURCE = Left and Right Stereo. The LED meter display indicates headphone monitor activity.
To navigate among files for playback, press the rewind and fast forward keys while playback is
stopped. To navigate among daily folders, press and hold the Battery Check button and press
Rewind or Fast Forward to go to the previous or next day’s folder respectively. As a file or folder
is loaded a short beep is sent to the headphone monitor followed by the file number or day of the
folder.