4 channel input 4 channel output - which field mixer?

[Levan Bakhia]

Hi, I was wondering, if there is a mixer for field, but with 4 inputs and it is important to have 4 outputs.

Technically speaking this is what I want to do. I want to have 4 sources of audio channels, recorded to RED One camera, but as you might know, to do balance of the sound, to avoid peaking and other problems, you have to go to the camera menu to change the levels. So, I want to design a system, where audio sources go thru a mixer, and each channel is leveled before sending to RED. Maybe there is a better solution you can recommend, as I have described what I want to do.

I would appreciate your timely input. Phantom power is nessesary of course. And as anybody and as always affordable but good quality

Thanks in advance

 

[Mike Paul]

PSC Alphamix
http://www.professionalsound.com/specs/alphamix.htm

PSC ProMix6
http://www.professionalsound.com/specs/promix_6.htm

Sound Devices 442
http://www.sounddevices.com/products/442master.htm

 

[JonathanF]

Any of the Zaxcom Deva recorders will do. They are the Rolls Royce of the industry. We used to use Nagra, we now use these.

:J

PS - Bring money, they are not cheap. They are worth it though.

 

[Petter Brox]

If you are looking for a mixer with 4 independent outputs, i.e. where you can assign any of the inputs to any of the outputs, which is what I have understood from your message, then SD 442 won't serve you. It's 4 outputs are only a set of duplicated stereo outputs, and I doubt the PSC mixers are any different.

Please correct me if I'm wrong...

Peter Brox

 

[Patrick Tresch]

Sonosax... Swissmade

http://www.sonosax.ch/recorders/sxr4/sxr4_index.html

2,18 lbs (900 gr.) so you can gaff it on your RED

With Sonosax preamp. TC in/out

Patrick

 

[Trailangel]

Yes, even though the SD442 has 4 direct outputs on TA3 connectors.... favorite of the RED ONE.....it's not sonically good enough for the RED ONE picture quality.
You will need a Cooper for this.

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

We use the 788T and love it. . . it has plenty of ins and outs.

Stephen

 

[Trailangel]

Well, I guess that Sound Devices 788 can be used as a mixer too....unless you are a mixer.. and then you would want a mixer.......

$2500 SD 442 would take care of it nicely......but what the hay!!... cough up $6500 for the SD 788T and use that for a mixer!

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

It ain't cheap, that's for sure, but it is also a 12-track recorder. . . and it does have the mixer add-on for pure mixing duties. But, if you aren't interested in running double-system, it probably makes no sense whatsoever for you.

Stephen

 

[Tom Visser]

Yes, even though the SD442 has 4 direct outputs on TA3 connectors.... favorite of the RED ONE.....it's not sonically good enough for the RED ONE picture quality.
You will need a Cooper for this.

Thanks you for correcting the earlier statement that said the 442 had 2 duplicate stereo outputs... direct outputs for those not familiar with audio speak, means the the 442 has outputs that are available for each individual input channel with no mixing facility at all. The stereo output on the 442 is post fader of course. In this case the 442 wouldn't really be used as a mixer at all, but as a simple 4 channel mic pre. If you aren't hiring a sound mixer with his own gear anyways, it sounds like 4 discrete ISO'd tracks is what you want, as you aren't likely going to be "mixing" on location. In fact, without a professional, you risk doing more harm than good and 4 ISO tracks would be much safer.

I wouldn't pretend to claim that the 442 is anywhere near the quality of the Cooper, but I certainly feel that it steps way over the threshold of professional quality and anyone except the most seasoned professional would not find the 442 limiting in their production quality (but then in such an instance one would not be laying any audio except scratch tracks to the camera anyways). Cooper is also out of business, so therein lies some service issues.

 

[Petter Brox]

Thanks you for correcting the earlier statement that said the 442 had 2 duplicate stereo outputs... direct outputs for those not familiar with audio speak, means the the 442 has outputs that are available for each individual input channel with no mixing facility at all.

I stay corrected. Sorry...

Petter.