Overview of Sound Devices 633

The Sound Devices 633 is a multitrack field recorder that can record sound from multiple sources.

• The Front Panel has the LCD screen, plus controls for:
  • Power
  • Menu access and settings
  • Recording and playback
  • Headphone volume levels
  • Channel trim, fader, pan, and pre-fade listen

The front panel of the Sound Devices 633.

• Left Side
  • XLR and TA3 inputs
  • X3/X4 aux output

The left panel of the Sound Devices 633.

• Right Side
  • Memory card slots
  • Timecode in/out
  • Headphone output
  • Main outputs (left & right)

The right panel of the Sound Devices 633.

• Back
  • Battery mounts (Sony L-series batteries)

The back panel of the Sound Devices 633.

Batteries, Powering On and Off

The Sound Devices 633 is powered by two L-Series batteries. To attach them:

1. Place the 633 on a stable surface.
2. Position the battery so the two terminals on the battery line up with the tips of the two pins on the rear panel of the 633.
   
3. Press the battery against the unit and slide the battery onto the pins. The battery retainer clip will click to let you know the battery is secure.
4. Repeat for the second battery.

To power on the 633:

1. Locate the power switch on the front panel.
2. Switch it to the On position (to the right). Check to make sure the power LED has lit up.
   

To power off the unit:

1. Slide the power switch to the Off position (to the left).
   
2. Press and hold the Menu button until the screen flashes white.
   

Loading NYU Recommended Settings

NYU's recommended settings can be activated by:

1. Press the Menu button.
2. Use the Select Encoder to scroll down to 11. Quick Setup. Press the Encoder to enter the Quick Setup menu.
   
3. In the Quick Setup Menu, use the Encoder to select 1. Load Settings.
   
4. Select INT 1 from the drop-down menu and press the Encoder to load the settings.
   

The recommended settings are:

• Inputs
  • HPF: 80 Hz
  • Source Settings
    • Input 1 (boom): MIC-PH
    • Inputs 2-3 (lavs): MIC
• Outputs
  • X3, X4 Routing: Enable Input 1 (boom), post-fader
• Limiters
  • Limiter Enable: Soft Knee
  • Input 1-6 PostFade Threshold: 16 dBu
• Recorder:
  • Pre-Roll Time: 6s
  • Record to CF/SD: WAV poly
• Timecode
  • Mode: Free Run
  • Frame rate: Match the camera frame rate
    
• File Storage
  • Folder Options
    • Top Level: Project Title
    • Mid-Level: <Daily>
    • Bottom-Level: <Scene>
• System
  • Meter Peak Hold Time: 2 sec

Inserting and Formatting the Memory Card

To insert a memory card:

1. Open the Media Door on the right side of the 633.
2. Insert the memory card into the appropriate slot.
   1. When inserting the SD card, ensure that the bottom of the card (the side with metal contacts visible) is facing the rear of the unit.
   2. When inserting a CF card, ensure the top of the card (the side with the branding label) is facing the rear of the unit.
      

To format the memory card:

1. Press the Menu button.
2.  Turn and press the Headphone encoder to select File Storage.
   
3.  Select either Erase/Format CF or Erase/Format SD based on the type of card you're using.
   
4. Press the Headphone encoder to begin the formatting process.
5. Read any warning message(s), select OK, and press the Headphone encoder to continue.
   
6. When the Format success message appears, select OK, and press the Headphone encoder to finish the formatting process.