The new MixPre Series by Sound Devices

[Steve Sherrick]

Yes, super slot would be extra cool.

 

[Daniel Kraft]

Do I get it clear and the Mix Pre 3 and 6 just receiving TC via HDMI and Aux? And the DSMC2 V-LOCK I/O EXPANDER delivers the TC via 4Pin Lemo?
Is the red camera delivering the TC or receiving a TC? And just in case how do you adapt to sync for example to an SD 633? Is there any other device you can recommend to record audio which is easier to sync? To sync TC is pretty important for me and it seems to be a challenging with the mix pre series and RED. Sorry for all the questions but I´m new to the Red World ;-)

 

[Alexander Thomson]

Do I get it clear and the Mix Pre 3 and 6 just receiving TC via HDMI and Aux? And the DSMC2 V-LOCK I/O EXPANDER delivers the TC via 4Pin Lemo?
Is the red camera delivering the TC or receiving a TC? And just in case how do you adapt to sync for example to an SD 633? Is there any other device you can recommend to record audio which is easier to sync? To sync TC is pretty important for me and it seems to be a challenging with the mix pre series and RED. Sorry for all the questions but I´m new to the Red World ;-)

To sync TC you would want to buy two Ambient NanoLockits or some other syncbox device, and feed one into the MixPre, and the other into the Red via the Lemo connector. The RED doesn't have a stable timecode clock to just be jammed, you will need a syncbox anyway. Most other devices have TCXOs, like Denecke slates and SD 600/700 series mixer recorders. I'm quite confident that a syncbox & MixPre 6 will accomplish most quick jobs where there isn't a dedicated sound professional on set.

 

[David Peterson]

All in all, I think I'd lean toward the Zoom F4 or F8 myself. They seem to get pretty good reviews.

Yeah the Zoom F4 is notably cheaper, and is more capable with greater range of features.

But depending on a person's needs/budget/preferences, then a MixPre6 (or MixPre3) could easily get the edge and win out instead.

However I personally already have a Zoom F4, thus certainly won't be switching back to Sound Devices (I had a 552 beforehand) until I can afford a 633

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.

Agreed, that would be great.

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.

Oh hey! Small small world

Yeah is always good to try and talk yourself out of buying something.... I should do that more often to myself!! :-o

As frequently if you just pause, then a few weeks or months down the track you'll then likely realise one of:

a) you don't need it at all, thus saving yourself a heap of money!

b) you do kinda need "that".... but not specifically *that*, and can get away with "this" as the cheaper option instead, so saving yourself a bit of money in the process.

c) you need "that" capability/feature, but at an even higher level than what you originally planned.... so you'd needed to have bought something else afterwards anyway, so you need to spend more but in the long run you've saved yourself some money by not needing to buy twice.

Usually I'm in category a), sometimes b), and only rarely c)

 

[David Battistella]

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.

Anyone know if the files are time and date stamped at least? Like the original Zoom was always like a 1994 date.

David

 

[Mark George]

David, the MixPres have a built-in date/time generator. Files are stamped with Time of Day unless timecode is sent via external source.

 

[Akin A]

I was just looking into the MixPre-3 to potentially replace my Tascam DR-100 MKII.

Will the Stereo Out 3.5mm TRS work smoothly with the Epic Dragon's MIC-1/2 inputs to record scratch in-camera (so I can watch playback on set with synced audio)?
Does it record a backup track at a lower dB for clipping protection? I don't see it mentioned in the tech specs.

Is the USB audio interface good for recording vocal performances for music production, to potentially replace the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (I was considering getting that too)?

 

[Alexander Thomson]

I was just looking into the MixPre-3 to potentially replace my Tascam DR-100 MKII.

Will the Stereo Out 3.5mm TRS work smoothly with the Epic Dragon's MIC-1/2 inputs to record scratch in-camera (so I can watch playback on set with synced audio)?
Does it record a backup track at a lower dB for clipping protection? I don't see it mentioned in the tech specs.

Is the USB audio interface good for recording vocal performances for music production, to potentially replace the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (I was considering getting that too)?

1) The 3.5mm connection should work, either with a G3 wireless hop or with an aux cable you have lying around.

2) If you switch out of basic mode and into custom mode, you can select two tracks to have the same input, and then do a -12 safety that way. However, with these new mic preamplifiers, plus analog limiters, safety tracks may not be necessary.

See the Sound Devices manual, page 20 for this note on the concept of trim in the MixPre:

"The Kashmir mic preampliers change the traditional workflow paradigm. Now, precisely setting the Gain is much less critical (in most cases unnecessary) due to the extremely quiet (lack of hiss) nature of their design. This allows you to use the MixPre-6 with the confidence that even if optimal Gain levels haven’t been set, your audio will still be handled and recorded with grace."

So yes, you can record safety tracks if you need to.

3) I tested out the demo at NAB and was thoroughly impressed with the flexibility and quality of the USB interface. This device met my expectations for Sound Devices gear. I intend to replace my Onyx Blackjack, Shure FP-33, and Tascam DR-40, all with a MixPre6.

 

[Akin A]

Thanks Alexander!

 

[David Peterson]

I was just looking into the MixPre-3 to potentially replace my Tascam DR-100 MKII.

Will the Stereo Out 3.5mm TRS work smoothly with the Epic Dragon's MIC-1/2 inputs to record scratch in-camera (so I can watch playback on set with synced audio)?
Does it record a backup track at a lower dB for clipping protection? I don't see it mentioned in the tech specs.

Is the USB audio interface good for recording vocal performances for music production, to potentially replace the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (I was considering getting that too)?

I think the MixPre3 is in a strange spot, when the MixPre6 costs only a tiny bit more yet offers the user so much more. Get a MixPre6 instead! Or a Zoom F4/F8.

 

[Ty Maier]

MixPre3 just came in! I'll post some notes on it after some usage.

 

[Darius Lyles]

Didn't realize they were actually shipping, I anxiously await your feedback.

 

[Ty Maier]

I was able to test it for about 90min today. I was overall impressed by the unit.

The preamps are incredible! Crazy low noise floor. I bumped the gain to clip the source a few times and the limiter kicked in. I was very pleased by it's response! It had a very high quality response for the situation.

Great build quality. All the knobs feel good! Very bright screen and the knobs light differently depending on input level. Interface was quick and intuitive.

Only negative was I felt the battery compartment was too easy to detach. It would probably never come off but I wish I had to fight it a little harder to make it detach.

Thanks,
Ty Maier

 

[Mark Phelan]

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.

Amen. You know I've been saying this for years.

 

[Roger Singh]

I'm interested in having the mixpre3 attached to the camera for doc shoots and be used as a preamp at times. Is it possible to power this unit with an Arri 2pin lemo or D-Tap?

 

[Alexander Thomson]

I'm interested in having the mixpre3 attached to the camera for doc shoots and be used as a preamp at times. Is it possible to power this unit with an Arri 2pin lemo or D-Tap?

There is no direct DC-in besides the USB power input. It's either 4AA, 8AA, or L mount. I have confirmed they do not have plans for Canon LP-E6 battery plate on their roadmap.

You can go D tap to L mount. It would not be a locking connection, but someone is working on a MixPre battery plate with a Hirose in. That will be killer when it comes out.

 

[Richard Williams]

I was able to test it for about 90min today. I was overall impressed by the unit.

The preamps are incredible! Crazy low noise floor. I bumped the gain to clip the source a few times and the limiter kicked in. I was very pleased by it's response! It had a very high quality response for the situation.

Great build quality. All the knobs feel good! Very bright screen and the knobs light differently depending on input level. Interface was quick and intuitive.

Only negative was I felt the battery compartment was too easy to detach. It would probably never come off but I wish I had to fight it a little harder to make it detach.

Thanks,
Ty Maier

Hi Ty - or anyone else that has tried the Mix Pre 3
Have you tried going out from the 3.5mm out on the Mix pre 3 into the 3.5mm in on the I/O module on a DSMC2 camera?
If so does that sound OK?
I know that you can record internally on the Mix Pre 3 but I have a client that likes to have the audio embedded with the video.
Even if I offer him matching time coded video and audio files - he would prefer not to match them up.
I am thinking there Sound Devices Mix Pre 3 may be a good option as it is seems considerably lighter than the Zoom 4.
Or do people think the 3.5mm connection will not be up to the job?
Thanks for your thoughts
cheers Richard

 

[David Peterson]

Does the MixPre3/6 have the ability to name individual tracks? What fine level control does it have over file naming & folder structure? Can notes be added to the metadata both before and after a recording?

 

[Conny Fridh]

Hi,

Can I start the recording via HMDM from my RED Scarlet Weapon to the Mix Pre 3?

Do I need to do any adjustment on the RED to make this happen?

Also, can I via the audio 3,5 get the two channels separated on two tracks. So when I take it in to my editing (Premiere) I can have the individually on two tracks.

Thanks

Best
/C

 

[David Peterson]

If your RED passes HDMI trigger then it should work.