Sound Devices Quicktime (PIX 220-240)

[Roberto Lequeux]

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/pix.htm

The portable PIX 220 (HDMI-only) and its sibling the PIX 240 (HDMI and HD-SDI) record Quicktime files to CompactFlash cards or removable 2.5-inch solid-state hard drives.

File Formats
* Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy/LT/422/422HQ)
* Avid DNxHD 36, 145, 220 Mb/s, 8- and 10-bit, available as an option
* .mov Quicktime File Wrapper
* All audio contained within the single .mov file

PIX 240 Input Flexibility
* HDMI input accepts(480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p), v1.3
* HD-SDI input accepts (480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)

Key Features
* Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD¹ codec at multiple data rates
* Quicktime file type
* 10-bit input video resolution
* Ultra low-noise (-128 dBu) mic preamps with phantom, limiters, line input (based on 7-Series recorders)
* CompactFlash or removable 2.5-inch solid-state hard drives file storage with media spanning, UDF format for Mac OS and Windows compatibility
* High-accuracy built-in time code generator, with genlock and word clock output (PIX 240 only)
* 5-inch, matte finish, 800x480 pixel display
* Large, illuminated, tactile buttons for fast and simple menu control
* Simultaneous HDMI and HD-SDI output (PIX 240 only)
* Up/Down/Cross Conversion of 480i, 525i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
* 336-core, 32-bit massively parallel processor with 1.2 TeraOps for efficient video encoding
* 10-18 VDC and dual L-series battery powering
* Metalized, molded carbon fiber chassis

¹Avid DNxHD codec is available as an optional accessory

Sexy...

[Roberto Lequeux]

BTW, I called SD and asked if there is a possibility for ProRes 444. That sounded like a clear "no" for the PIX 220 and PIX 240. But it also sounds like they are already thinking of that for a future model.

Did I mention (or anyone notice) that the sound files on this thing are gonna be amazing?

Audio Performance:
* Premium microphone preamps, on balanced XLR, mic/line selectable with 48V phantom, limiters, high-pass
* -128 dBu input noise, 115 dB dynamic range A/D
* AES3 digital inputs 2 x 2 channels (PIX 240)
* Two-channel, line level balanced output on 5-pin XLR
* Embedded audio on HDMI, 2 channels
* Embedded audio on HD-SDI, 8 channels (PIX 240)
* High output, low-noise headphone amp

The guys at SD support said the audio sample rates on the PIX series will go up to 48kHz (edited). Still working out the details. Busy morning at SD today.

Finally, I asked about the SSD swapping. It sounds like it was specifically designed to be field-swappable. I asked for a video showing that process.

[Tom Visser]

As a sound mixer, I'm excited to be able to send camera an AES feed from my mixer, as many of us have gear which has digital outputs. No calibration issues to deal with, substandard analog input sections on cameras, etc. I also trust that Sound devices will automatically compensate for latency delays to make it frame accurate with respect to converter delay.

[Roberto Lequeux]

BTW, in case you guys didn't hear about it, a new MixPre called "MixPre-D" is getting released. I has several absolutely great tweaks and one really big change: A USB port that will also let you use it as a top-shelf quality AD converter for any computer and give you up to 96kHz sampling.

The holy grail of bare bone 2-Channel mixer solutions. I want to get one for a 7D for BTS and interviews. But with those hard edges I think it will look far sexier screwed onto the bottom of a Scarlet Fixed.

Vertical, so the XLRs face back and the controls to the right.

. . .

[Steve Sherrick]

Wow, this is a complete surprise to me. Didn't know they were getting into the video side of things. Great company, so I expect great results.

[Jamon Lewis]

Soooooooo Look'n forward to the Pix 240, did they say anything about pricing?

[Sanjin Jukic]

Sound Devices Quicktime (PIX 220-240) probably are both a great products, just have got Ninja but those two from SD look more pro.

Already have MixPre...

[Mike Prevette]

I think this is going to be a great product. Would have loved to see Prores 4:4:4 off the 10bit hdmi, but I'm still stoked to see this in action. Absolutely top notch company.

[Roberto Lequeux]

Already have MixPre...

Yea, I got lucky, I let mine go not too long ago. But this new series is totally worth buying again. It gives you 96 kHz AD conversion right through the SD preamps, clean, undisturbed. That little mini USB may not be something you'd use on a rig, but it is plenty strong for when it is resting on your desk looking mean. The (light) meters are about twice as accurate too, with about twice the number of lights; the originals were a little too vague. You also get the control for the filters right in front of the respective gain knobs (which are still that great gain knob design as in the original MixPre). A great tweak IMO is that now the headphone volume knob is completely different, so as not to mistake them when adjusting without looking. And the fact that the headphone volume knob is smaller also means that now that side of the panel isn't cramped any more. Of course you still get the two kick-ass SD preamps --top shelf stuff, straight out of a 788T-- and that solid metal-brick feel that means it just might out-last you. If two channels is enough, and you bought a no-compromise camera, then you should buy a no compromise audio solution. Rent two little Lectrosonics and you can record the cleanest audio right to your Scarlet at the highest settings available on the camera, and in a package that might fit in a big full-size zip-lock bag!

I am not sure what Red's base I/O will cost, but with the additional desktop capabilities, this little guy is a good buy one way or an other. Just the headphone driver alone is enticing! Oh dear... to properly drive good headphones. Ohh... dear... :) I think I sold my MixPre for about $45 less than I payed for it after a couple of years of moderate use.

When I talked to SD they really sounded like they had their sights on making a 4:4:4 version of the PIX. They have been pretty active, releasing a few major new products every year... who knows how long it would be. The PIX 220 and 240 will make for great editorial solutions if you want that workflow. Or if you have something else you want to use them for.

PS:
BTW, the MixPre-D also lets you mount onto a tripod plate on the bottom side.

[Tom Greenberg]

Did anyone hear any preliminary pricing on the PIX 220-240 and the MixPre-D? I checked out the SD website, but didn't find prices. I love my SD302, and would expect that these will be similar quality and workmanship.