Sound Devices 552 - Manual (Page 38)

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.
The Power LED lights green for any voltage higher than the Warning Point. When the voltage level
drops to the Warning Point, the power LED illuminates yellow (Internal power only). When the
Low Voltage point is reached the LED flashes red until the power source is exhausted and unable to
power the mixer.
Volta
g
e Metering
Char
t
Setting
High
Voltage Warning
Point Low
Voltage
Power Source
1 13.0 11.5 11.0 12 V NiCad, NiMH.
2 17.0 11.5 11.0 Expanded range of setting #1
3 14.0 11.4 10.0 12 V Lead Acid
4 17.0 11.5 5.0 Full range of DC input, w/ cutoff for 12 V NiCad, etc.
5 16.3 13.5 12.5 14 V Li-ion rechargeables
Factory Setting
Experimentation is recommended to determine battery life for each individual setup and applica-
tion.
Power Consumption
The 552 varies in the amount of current it draws. Several features of the 552 directly affect current
draw in different ways. The following list highlights the larger current drawing functions.
1. Microphone powering - the main source of extra 552 current draw. See Phantom Power. 48 V Phantom
can draw copious amounts of current out of the batteries, depending on what model microphone is
used. Two phantom powered microphones draw twice as much current as one. Microphones vary
widely in their current draw depending on type and phantom voltage applied.
2. Integrated Audio Recorder - the recorder, whether in record or playback, increases power consump-
tion. Turn Record Mode off in the Setup Menu when not in use to extend battery run times.
3. Digital Outputs - disable digital outputs in the Setup Menu when they are not needed since they
draw additional current.
4. Output drive level - higher output drive levels into multiple, low-impedance inputs increases power
consumption.
5. Headphone output circuit - high headphone output levels increase current draw.
6. LED Brightness - decrease LED brightness to extend battery runtime.
Slate Mic/Tone Oscillator
A single two-position switch controls both the slate microphone and the tone oscillator.
Slate Microphone
The built-in 552 slate microphone is used to notate scenes from the mixer location. Its audio perfor-
mance is not suitable for critical recording applications; it should be used for documenting scenes
and for communication purposes only.
The slate mic uses the left switch position. Slide the switch to the left to activate, and again to turn
off. For momentary action, hold the switch to the left for 1 second or longer. The LED adjacent to the
Mic/Tone switch will illuminate yellow when either Slate or Tone is latched on.