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.
MADI and Dante
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.

Simultaneous Multi-Drive Recording
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.
Perfect Sync
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™ and
Dual Power Supplies
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.
Network Connected
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 Channels 1 and 2 include XLR connectors |
| Outputs (Analog) |
8x balanced line level inputs on DB-25 Channels 1 and 2 include XLR connectors |
| 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) Accepts: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz sample rates with SRC at input |
| 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 Wordclock (square wave, 48 kHz sampling rate, 3.3 vp-p, 75 Ω) |
| Timecode |
Modes: OFF, REc Run, Free Run, 24h Run External Frame Rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 DF, 29.97 ND, 30 DF, 30 ND Accuracy: Ambient generator, 0.5 frame in 24 hr Time Code Input: 20 kΩ impedance, 0.3 V to 3.0 V p-p (-17 dBu to +3 dBu) Time Code Ouptut: 1 kΩ impedance, 3.0 V p-p (+12 dBu) |
| Control |
RS422 machine control Ethernet Web-based control of setup menu and transport, auto assignment or IP address or manual fixed IP address GPIO on 3 pins, Phoenix connector Keyboard Front-panel USB host, keyboards without hubs acceptable |
| 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
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
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
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
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
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
Downloads