Sound Devices 970 
Rack-mounted audio recorder with time code. 64-track mono or polyphonic WAV file recording. I/O includes 8-balanced line level, 8-AES3, 64-Dante, and 64-MADI. Word clock I/O. Accepts two front-panel-mounted SATA drives in caddies plus two-back panel eSATA-connected drives. RS-422 and embedded web-server control. XL-WP4 Power supply included. Rack kit, Drives and Caddys not included. 
Main Benefits 
Record Up to 64 Mono or Poly WAV to SSD 
64x Channel Dante Audio I/O 
64x Channel MADI Optical and Coaxial I/O 
8x Line-Level Analog Inputs and Outputs 
8x Channel AES3 Digital Audio I/O 
PowerSafe Circuitry Protects Files 
Time Code Master Clock 
Simultaneous and Sequential Recording 
File Transfer Over SMB Ethernet 
File Conversion Between Formats 
 
 
Description 
The 970: 64-Track Dante and MADI Audio Recorder 
Sound Devices model 970 is a robust, 64-track Dante and MADI-equipped multi-track audio recorder. The half rack, 2U device simplifies applications requiring high-track-count, high-quality audio recordings.
 
The 970 records 64 channels of monophonic or polyphonic 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV files from any of its 144 available input connections. Connections include 64 channels of Ethernet-based Dante, 64 channels of optical or coaxial MADI, eight channels of line-level analog, and eight channels of AES digital. Any input can be assigned to any track. 32-track recording at 96 kHz is supported.
 
 
 
The 970 records to any of four attached drives, two front-panel drive bays and two rear-panel e-SATA connected drives. With four available drives, material can be recorded to multiple drives simultaneously for simultaneous backups, eliminating time-consuming post-record copying. Drives can also be set to record sequentially, allowing continuous long form, high-track count recordings.
 
 
 
With its built-in, rock-steady Ambient timecode generator, the 970 can operate as either the master clock or it can be jammed to external devices cameras and other sources. All common production time code rates and modes are supported. The 970 also supports clock synchronization from external word clock, video, MADI, or AES. To simplify connection of multiple digital inputs, SRC’s are available at each input.
 
 
 
PowerSafe™ circuitry provides a constant 10-second power reserve. In the event of power loss, the 970 continues to operate for up to 10 seconds, then cleanly stops any file operation and safely shuts down. The 970 draws 10-27 VDC through a four-pin XLR connector. A secondary connection allows connection to redundant power supplies.
 
 
 
FileSafe™ 
FileSafe™ keeps recorded files intact and recoverable. Transparent to users, FileSafe™ records to an intermediate format that "finalizes" files after recording. Available for Mac OS X and Windows.
 
 
 
The 970 can be controlled from browser-capable computers and tablets. When connected to a data network, transport controls and setup menu controls are available on PIXNET. PIXNET offers control of one or multiple 970 recorders. Multiple units can be grouped for simultaneous control.
 
 
 
 
Intuitive Interface 
The 970 was designed with knowledge gained from the industry’s top engineers and from Sound Devices expertise in field mixers. Recognizing that sounds engineers operate in fast-paced environments, important controls are a knob or a switch away, while extended features are quickly accessed with the intuitive LCD-based control.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tech Specs 
 
Inputs (Analog) 
8x balanced line level inputs on DB-25 
 
Outputs (Analog) 
8x balanced line level inputs on DB-25 
 
Frequency Response 
10 to 40,000 Hz ±0.5 dB at 1 kHz, -3 dB at 65 kHz (96k SR) 
 
THD + Noise 
0.004% max (1 kHz, 22 to 22,000 Hz) 
 
Topology 
Fully electronically balanced, line-level, RF, ESD, short, and overload protected; pin 2hot, pin-3 cold 
 
Output Clipping Level 
+18 dBu 
 
Input Clipping Level 
Line: +26 dBu 
 
Headphone 
front panel 1/4" with gain control 
 
Input Impedance 
10k 
 
 
 
Sampling Rate 
44.1 kHz, 47.952 kHz, 47.952 kF, 48.048 kHz, 48 kHz, 48.048 kF, 96k (32 tracks) 
 
Bit Depth 
16 and 24 bit 
 
AES/EBU 
Eight channels in and out via DB-25 at 110 Ω, 2 V p-p 
 
Network / Protocol 
Dante: 64 channels at 48 kHz input and output 
 
File Formats 
.wav, monophonic or polyphonic 
 
Accuracy 
± 0.2 ppm (0.5 frames per 24 hours) 
 
Sync Output 
Wordclock (square wave, 48 kHz sampling rate, 3.3 vp-p, 75 Ω) 
 
Sync Input 
Analog bi, tri level sync / genlock 
 
Timecode 
Modes: OFF, REc Run, Free Run, 24h Run 
 
 
 
Control 
RS422 machine control 
 
 
 
Power Supply 
Dual DC 4-pin XLR (pin 1 = ground, pin 4 = +), from 10 to 27 VDC at 30 W 
 
Circuit 
Powersafe circuitry with 10 second power reserve with power removed 
 
 
 
Operating Temperature 
14 to 104°F (-10 to 40°C) 
 
Dimensions (H x W x D) 
3.3 x 8.6 x 10.3" (8.4 x 21.8 x 26.2 cm) 
 
Weight 
7.5 lb (3.4 kg) 
 
 
 
Contents 
Quantity 
Item 
 
1 
970 
 
1 
Power supply 
 
1 
10-pin Phoenix Screw Terminal Block 
 
4 
Adhesive Rubber "Bumpers" 
 
1 
Product registration card 
 
1 
Full-line Audio Catalog 
 
 
 
Videos 
TIPTORIAL: Customizing Your Main Menu on PIX Audio & Video Recorders 
VIDEO 
For this Tiptorial, we are demonstrating how you can customize your main menu on a PIX Recorder and the 970- enjoy!
Why the Pros Choose Sound Devices 
VIDEO 
We reached out to some of the best and brightest in the production sound industry for some straight-talk Q&A. No scripts, no paid endorsements. We just wanted to find out, in their own words, why they choose Sound Devices gear for their work. Their responses were incredible. Special thanks to each ...
Creating Sound Reports for the 970 
VIDEO 
Timesaver video on how to create a sound report for the 970 audio recorder using either PIXNET or the front panel of the 970. This is the same process for the Video Devices PIX 270i, PIX 260i and PIX 250i video recorders.
Transferring Recorded Files from a 970 via Ethernet 
VIDEO 
This video offers a brief tutorial on how to transfer recording files from a Sound Devices 970, PIX 270i, PIX 260i, or PIX 250i recorder to a computer via ethernet. Paul Isaacs, Director of Product Management and Design at Sound Devices, demonstrates this process using PIXNET - a web server that all...
Sound Devices & Video Devices Recorder Metadata and Sound Reports 
VIDEO 
Homebrew tutorial about the Metadata, Sound Report and other cool features from the new v2.10 firmware for the Sound Devices 970 and Video Devices PIX 270i, 260i and 250i rackmount recorders