Audio Quality: Sound Devices 302 vs. 552 (442)

H

Hiro Nakamura

Active member
hi guys,

Recently, this question is always jumping in and off of my mind, like the topic,
Is there any sound quality different between SD 302 and 552 , as well as the discontinued 442, I remembered I read some article about this ....I have sent an email to sound devices, they told me someone will call or email me, but they haven't (two weeks ago).

So... I am just wondering if there is an quality difference between the mixers. The reason why I wanna to find out it is because a friend of mine, soundman as well, doing mainly dramas told me that the 302 gave him slightly bad quality comparing with his 442. Originally, I am planning to buy a 552, but recently I got lots of request for all the long form documentary ENG type of running and gunning shoots, my 442 with an external V battery has made me really really tired , I am thinking since I have lots of job, it makes me afford a 302, why Not buy a 302 and make my life a bit easier, then sell the 442, and top up for a 552.

BUT I am a bit worried the audio quality, after I consulted with my friend.
I know the functionality is difference, 4 channel vs 3, 10 pin cable / two XLR output vs. only XLR L R..... what else is different...... as the sound... not the functionality ....

IF NO, I might just get one for ENG.


Thanks in advance...

By the way, I bought an Oktava MK012 for my indoor interview .... excellent !!!



Cheers

Hiro
 
I own the 302 and 552 and used to own the 442.
Cutting right to the chase you are not going to notice a difference in audio quality between
all the mixers.
I noticed a slight difference in the sound of the limiters between the units, but I'm talking VERY subtle.

For what its worth I use my 302 much more often than the 552.
Unless I'm doing a job where I know I'm running a lot of wireless or need to feed
multiple cameras/sources the smaller size and weight outweigh any super subtle differences
in sound and there is absolutely NO end user that would ever notice the difference.
 
Stephen Mick said:
Rippie,

What's your experience (if any) with the built-in SD recorder on the 552?
Click to expand...

I've only messed around with it for testing, but I recently sent
it out on a rental for a short film that was shot on a 5D.

We felt it was easier for the person to use than trying to teach
them the 788T.

Sound quality is excellent.
Really the only downfall of it is you cant name the files what you what in the field.
Each file name shows the date and file number.
EX: 10Y06M30-001.WAV
10Y06M30-002.WAV etc.

What else did you want to know?

(hope this makes sense, my brain is fried. Just came off a night shoot a few hours ago and 3 hours of sleep)
 
Thank you guys for your inputs, I guess I just get a 302 first, if anything more come up I just hook up my 442 and 302....


Thanks a lot.

Hiro
 
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