Music, Sound, and Audio Technology

Sound Devices 744T FireWire Warning!

By Staff
posted Aug 3, 2009, 14:00

Professional Sound Services

Recently we’ve received numerous reports from clients experiencing problems with the FireWire function on their Sound Devices 744T recorders. FireWire ports have been permanently damaged on host computers (both Mac and PC) as well as 744T units. The problem has also hit several 744Ts in Pro-Sound’s rental department.

Pro-Sound-Services-1Although FireWire is generally understood to be a plug-and-play, hot-swappable standard, when connecting your 744T to a host device, it is advisable to take special steps to avoid damage to your equipment (and expensive repairs). We and our clients have tested and successfully hot-plugged FireWire devices from Zaxcom, Lacie, and G-Technology without experiencing this problem.

Sound Devices has acknowledged this issue with the following precautionary note: Sound Devices strongly recommends shutting down equipment before connecting to or from any FireWire device with a connection that carries power (6-pin). Reports have come to our attention of isolated problems when hot-plugging IEEE 1394 (FireWire) devices. (Hot-plugging refers to making the connections when one or more of the devices—including the computer—is on.)

Why?

The physical design of the 6-pin FireWire plug can cause problems if the connector is inserted on an angle. A short could develop, resulting in a damage to the FireWire connection. From our experience, any FireWire connection which carries power is susceptible to this type of damage.

Connect your FireWire device while both the computer and FireWire device are powered off. Power on the FireWire device, then turn the computer on last. If you are using bus power (systems with IEEE1394 6-pin connectors) make sure you make the cable connection first, then turn the FireWire device power switch on, and turn the computer system on last.