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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

The new MixPre Series by Sound Devices

Nathan DuMoulin

Nathan DuMoulin

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SD just updated the MixPre line, including the MixPre-3 & MixPre-6 mixer/recorders. There's a lot to like with these units, especially the analog limiters, however I'm curious how they stack up to the Zoom F4 and F8.

I noticed in the following youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3hrJm6uQLU) that the knob to adjust settings (such as trim) is located on the side of the unit. Seems problematic if the unit is in a bag out in the field.

Also the meters look to be showing a single stereo mix. Does anyone know if these record a two channel mix, or if they can also record each independent channels pre/post fader?

A few more notes. The color LCD is definitely a nice touch over the F4, however there's only timecode IN, unlike the F4 which can generate it's own.

MixPre3MixPre6-FadersGlowing.jpg


Units are $650 and $900, which more info here: https://www.sounddevices.com/news/sound-devices-news/introducing-the-mixpre-series
 
I have been checking these out as well and they are looking like a great option. I think the single stereo mix is in the basic mode, you can change to the more advanced mode to access more feature from what I read anyways. But at $650 the 3 is looking pretty good to me. Would love to hear some input from someone with some more experience and knowledge in the audio world.
 
Took a quick look earlier today after the announcements and paused...

This appears to be targeted more towards streaming and computer recording. Not seeing an XLR or standard mic/line output. Output is via a USB connector.

The time code in is via a HDMI connector - more towards the DSLR market versus our world of 5pin Lemo's, bnc's.

For the application it was designed for, it looks really sweet.
To be sure of my first impression, it would be nice to get a manual. Right now, all I am basing this on is their two page PDF brochure.


EDIT: Closer look at the pics shows a Stereo mini connector output. Missed that on the spec sheet.
 
Damn, taken by surprise that Sound Devices would release something for this end of the market with so much on offer!

Any buyer in the roughly US$1K and under budget range now has a tough *tough* choice between: Zoom F4 / F8 / Sound Devices MixPre 3 / 6 / Tascam DR70D (plus whatever new products Tascam might bring out.... as many of theirs are long due for an update, or what brand new players might arrive and release something.... Aputure? Saramonic?).

Personally I find the MixPre 6 to be very *very* tempting! But I won't buy it (or at least, I'll *try* to **not** buy it! ha), instead sticking with my Zoom F4. As to get the MixPre 6 wouldn't be a clean cut overall big step forward over my Zoom F4 (in fact it would even be in some areas a step back), thus it is best I stay focused on the savings goal of a Sound Devices 633 which *would* represent a significant and worthwhile improvement over the Zoom F4.
 
I stumbled across this tidbit of info:

"In Advanced Mode, the MixPre-3 is configured as a five-channel recorder with user-selectable 44.1, 48, and 96kHz sample rate and 16 and 24bit depth.

The LR mix tracks may be recorded as well as each of the three channels as individual isolated (ISO) tracks. Audio for the ISO tracks is recorded “prefade” meaning before the channel knob gain, so any changes that are made there will only affect the LR mix and have no affect on the recorded ISO track levels. This is particularly useful for post-production audio processing where it may be desirable to remix of the tracks at a later stage."
 
Also found the big problem with this unit. The knobs on the front are faders that effect the l/r mix, and not the individual channel ISOs. For trim/gain, there's a single control is on the side of the unit. Not exactly ideal. Unless they change this, I'm sticking with my F4.
 
David Peterson said:
No, it is the other way round.
Click to expand...

Are you referring to the trim/gain?

Any chance you can clarify, because my interpretation of the manual and some info from an SD rep on another forum suggest otherwise.

"The input's knob will be the fader and control the post-trim level to the LR mix. The input's trim (Accessible via the Input Settings screen when the input's knob is pressed) will control the level into the ISO track and the into the fader. "

There's already talk of a firmware update to assign the pots as trim control when recording the ISO, so that should solve the problem.


PS. You had me chuckling at that F4 sale on FB. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying this... but man, it's looking rather tempting. I don't even do audio, so this is the last thing I need. ;)
 
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I still have and use and original Mix Pre and the preamps are fantastic as are the limiters they have built in. These look to be a great product offereings from a Class A audio company.

David
 
Isn't the lack of timecode out almost a non-starter for RED shooters? To me that is a key element of having a "professional" level audio recorder.
 
Nick Morrison said:
It is for us yes
Click to expand...
I'm just not into this either, while I really like my mix pre-d. The current one I always keep with the sound cart, because it's my swiss army knife of connecting sound stuff. But for me on the 4 Input one, I really need two outputs of AES, but this new stuff is usb out only. I do mostly use usb out, but not having anything out aside from USB basically removes this from the sound cart.
 
Terry VerHaar said:
Isn't the lack of timecode out almost a non-starter for RED shooters? To me that is a key element of having a "professional" level audio recorder.
Click to expand...
My plan is to pick up some sync boxes and call it a day. For owner/op type gigs, or Raven shooters, I think this is a great choice.
 
These devices are aimed at those doing home studio recording and DSLR shooters. Not sure RED shooters are an ideal match here but I'm sure there will be ways to adapt it to work with RED as well. I think GH4/GH5, Sony DSLR shooters are perfect target for this. If timecode is not a huge stumbling block, then this could be a nice replacement for a Tascam DR-60D or even one of the SD 302s if you need to add a built in recorder and don't need the output options of a 302.

The stereo output is 3.5mm TRS unbalanced so keep that in mind. The headphone quality is most likely pretty decent just like their other units. But yeah, this is a specialized market.

I would love to see a Sound Devices RED module. It would have exceptional mic pre, rock solid timecode, integrated SD card recorder, and even SDI/HDMI outputs. I've always wanted these two companies to work together to make something awesome like that.
 
I should mention I have yet to work with Offhollywood OMOD units, so maybe those are filling that description I just mentioned.
 
Steve Sherrick said:
I would love to see a Sound Devices RED module. It would have exceptional mic pre, rock solid timecode, integrated SD card recorder, and even SDI/HDMI outputs. I've always wanted these two companies to work together to make something awesome like that.
Click to expand...

To this list I would add a SuperSlot.
The ability to have a single or dual channel wireless receiver integrated within the module would be a valuable feature.
Beauty is, that it is cross compatible with not only Sennheiser and Lectrosonics receivers, but others.
(See superslot.org for background)

Have talked with Mark about adding that feature to OMOD's.
Crossing fingers for the future.
 
Brian F Kobylarz said:
To this list I would add a SuperSlot.
The ability to have a single or dual channel wireless receiver integrated within the module would be a valuable feature.
Beauty is, that it is cross compatible with not only Sennheiser and Lectrosonics receivers, but others.
(See superslot.org for background)

Have talked with Mark about adding that feature to OMOD's.
Crossing fingers for the future.
Click to expand...

I need to check out OMOD. I need to go visit Mark at Offhollywood.
 
Brian F Kobylarz said:
To this list I would add a SuperSlot.
The ability to have a single or dual channel wireless receiver integrated within the module would be a valuable feature.
Beauty is, that it is cross compatible with not only Sennheiser and Lectrosonics receivers, but others.
(See superslot.org for background)

Have talked with Mark about adding that feature to OMOD's.
Crossing fingers for the future.
Click to expand...

Now, that I would buy in a heartbeat.
 
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