How do I use an SD 302 and MacBook Pro together?

Terry_Lasater

Terry_Lasater

All about the Caption
I asked this question in another thread but it was off topic.

So far, I've only used my SD 302 mixer with my Zoom H4n recorder. I have a 2-3 day studio shoot coming up where I'd like to consider the option of recording the audio onto my MacBook Pro.

What hardware and software is necessary to record through my 302 onto my MBP?

Thanks for any input.
 
Terry, you are going to need an audio interface, and a program to record with. Minimum input requirements is 2 on the interface. What I use is the MOTU 828 MKII, which only requires a firewire connection and 120v power. As to what program, I have used Digital Performer on set, but there are a ton of programs out there, as are interfaces.

Your chain will look like this: Inputs, 302, Interface, MBP, DAW (digital audio workstation program)

But you probably already know, using a computer for recording can be glitchy. Do yourself a favor and send a safety to your H4n from the 302. Make sure you have decent HD space on the MBP, as audio can eat up a lot on a HD at 48/16, even more with 48/24. And long takes are going really impact your computer resources. Have a separate HD to transfer the files to. Keep in mind, most DAW's need sound files to be exported/finalized before use by another program, unlike your H4n, which finalizes the file as soon as you stop recording.
 
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Thanks for the advice, Doc.

The MOTU 828 looks pretty sweet, intimidating and likely overkill for my needs as we're only recording one person's dialog. Wondering if I'd be better off getting a SD MixPre-D. Wouldn't the MixPre-D function as my mixer and interface all at once?

Also, would Boom Recorder work for my needs? We plan to use one lavalier and (maybe) one Oktava hyper on a boom.

I might just decide to use the Zoom anyway but it would be nice to know I could do either.
 
You can always use the H4n as a USB audio interface into the Mac; then it's only a matter of deciding which software to use. It could even be something as simple (and free) as Audacity. The H4n came with Cubase LE bundled, do you still have that?
 
If you don't mind me asking, why do you want to use a laptop? Since they can be a bit unreliable, fragile, and have some degree of fan noise, they are generally only used to keep cost down when a large number of channels are required. If you don't like the H4n, you can easily get a better recorder for the kind of money you would spend on an interface, and especially if you are considering a mixpre-D.

Just curious.
 
We will have the MacBook Pro with us for the trip; just thought it might be a better solution than the Zoom H4n. However, from what the replies I've received, maybe it isn't.

As for software, I should have whatever came with the Zoom but will have to look for it. Then again, Boom Recorder might be a better option.
 
If you are going to be using a laptop, I would HIGHLY recommend you use an external hard drive to record your sessions onto instead of the main system drive. This is based on experience and crying on my part.
 
usually when i do VO sessions here at my house i'll use my 302 to an Maudio fast track pro and use boom recorder on my macbook pro. works great.
 
Thanks, Ben.

Now I'm wondering if the USBPre 2 has any advantage over the MixPre-D, other than price. The advantage of the MixPre-D, it would seem, is that it functions as a mixer too. That might be good for run and gun with a DSLR and Zoom H4n. I'm assuming that both would function as a computer interface. Please enlighten me.

Thanks.
 
I am wondering if there is any advantage of the MixPre-D and the USBPre-2. They are VERY similar products by SD.

Both feature SDs top end 7 series pre-amps, both have USB ports (so both are full interfaces), both are 2 channel, both have 48v phantom, both have high pass filters. The differences seem to be entirely aesthetic and function design, with the USB-Pre being designed primarily as a computer interface, and the MIxPre-D being primarily a mixer, but they both seem almost equally adept at the other function, except for ergonomics perhaps (the mixpre-D has lugs for straps whilst the USBPre has a bigger USB socket!)
 
Jema said:
Check this post for differences between the two.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?245079-Sound-Devices-MixPre-D!/page4
Click to expand...

Thanks, that helps.

I'll repost that post here for posterity.

Nic Stage said:
The MixPre-D is powered from either a pair of AA batteries or the Hirose 4-pin DC power input. It cannot be powered from the USB jack. The DC input on the Hirose 4-pin can accept voltages between 10 and 17 Volts, so our XL-WPH3 will work for powering, but any other DC source that meets those voltage requirements will work fine too.

There is a standard 1/4"-20 female hole built into the bottom of the chassis, and our XL-CAM accessory ($80 list) will provide a 1/4"-20 male mount to attach gear to the top of the MixPre-D.

Some features of the MixPre-D that are not on the USBPre 2:

  • Stereo, unbalanced, mic-level output on a TA3 connector (convenient for DSLR's)
  • Option to power with AA batteries.
  • Stereo and MS linking of inputs.
  • 2 channels of Tape Return input that can optionally be configured as auxilary mixer inputs.
  • Tone generator and slate mic.
  • Mixing capability in the form of L, C, R switch on each input.

Some features of the USBPre 2 that are not on the MixPre-D:

  • Up to 192 Khz sample rate
  • Digital inputs (SPDIF on RCA or optical TOSLINK)
  • SPDIF output on optical TOSLINK
  • USB powered
  • Input 2 loop source to feed output of left channel back into Input 2 (convenient for test and measurement applications)
Click to expand...

Now, I want both... :D
 
I have used a macbook pro with apogee AD conversion on a documentary and it was superb. My only gripe was that I had to find somewhere to sit a laptop everytime I wanted to record decent audio.. laptops are nowhere near as portable as a little zoom H4 or something..
 
Understood. For run and gun type stuff, I use my Zoom H4n. I'm asking because it will involve travel for a 2 day studio shoot with one simple, basic setup. The MacBook Pro will be there anyway, so why not use it? Plus, I want the experience and knowledge to operate that workflow for possible future gigs. If a client asks if I can do that, I could answer yes.

That said, I will bring the Zoom along as a backup.
 
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