Buying MixPre-D. What else do I need?

[MattyP]

Just about to buy a SoundDevices MixPre-D, and would like to know what accessories and what not I need to get to go along with it.

So far I've decided to get the SD XL-CAM mount and the SD XL3 Mini Male to TA3-F Connector Cable.

I'll be using a Zoom H4n audio recorder with it (I have noticed the other topic regarding H4n & MixPre & R44).

I don't have a bag for the mixer. Currently just using my old Lowepro Magnum AW from years ago to hold everything in (mics, cables (from 3ft to 30ft), H4n and other accessories) however once the mixer arrives it won't be able to fit in that. Might have to look into a bigger bag, or one purely for the mixer. Suggestions on a good bag too would be great. If I got time, I'll upload a photo of what my current bag with gear inside it looks like.

If you require more info to help with your answers, let me know.

Matt

 

[henryqiu]

The only thing you didn't mention but obviously very important is a pair of decent headphones.

A shoulder bag is nice to have, but not that important, as your mic (plus mic attachments), headphones, and some cables shouldn't be in your bag most of the time. Since you need to monitor audio, you need easy access to your mixer/recorder too regardless how you bag them. A smaller bag (like my Lowepro D300 AW) works fine with me, and my smaller bag carries at least 1 DSLR and 1 camcorder in addition to a complete recording kit including a MixPre-D and a portable audio recorder. The SD XL-CAM mount, to me, is much less important than I used to think. TA3-F cable seems very handy: not only it's cheap, it also seems too hard to make up for lack of it when I really need one and I do seem to need it from time to time.

I think you got pretty much everything for field recording. I guess you must have got extra memory cards/batteries as well.

 

[MattyP]

I bought some Audio-Technica ATH-M40s headphones a while ago for this purpose, but not really sure if they were ideal headphones. Bit bulky and could be more music headphones than headphones you use for video work. Might have to burn them in to see what their full potential is.

Bag wise I've been shown the Porta Brace MXC-302, which I feel I'll probably go ahead with.

Current bag which is chockas:


Clockwise from top left - H4n, Rode NTG-2, handheld mic (underneath it), lav mics x 2, flags/deadkittn/mic cover, 2 x long xlr cable, earphones and some mic accessories.
On the outside pockets are shockmounts, mic holders etc. Front pocket - manuals and other small accessories.

I've been looking at breakaway cable, but they all seem to be rather long and expensive. Are they meant to be long? 15ft seems to be the shortest run I've found.

 

[Rick R]

I've been looking at breakaway cable, but they all seem to be rather long and expensive. Are they meant to be long? 15ft seems to be the shortest run I've found.

Long?.. The 15 & 25 Ft. cables are pretty much standard in the ENG world. I have a 25' and a 50' extension and seldom use the fifty. Street prices generally start at around $180USD. (two channels and a return)