Is Sound Device 552 obsolete?

V

Victor Nhat Nguyen

Well-known member
Even though the 552 is perfect for me 75% of the time, other times I wish I have iso track to record to. I've been thinking of selling my 552. What's your opinion, is the 552 still useful to keep around or is it obsolete?
 
I guess I don't understand?

You can assign any of your inputs to either channel 1 or channel 2 of your internal recorder giving you 2 iso tracks.

You also have direct outputs for each of the 5 input channels, giving you the ability to have 5 iso channels into a separate recorder.

What am I missing with your question?
 
The 552 was not designed as a recorder. SD even stated the internal recorder was for back-up or secondary purposes.. but that doesn't mean it doesn't sound good.
 
Maybe the OP is alluding to the prevalence of newer models like the 633 with the capability of recording individual channels internally with the stereo mix more of a reference. I find that shows now look for the individual tracks not a boom/lav mix down as I'm doing currently with my 442. I hope to get one of those and use my 442 as a side mixer, with great limiters, low noise, and individual outs, plus the 633 when when 3 mics don't cut it.
 
hscully said:
Maybe the OP is alluding to the prevalence of newer models like the 633 with the capability of recording individual channels internally with the stereo mix more of a reference. I find that shows now look for the individual tracks not a boom/lav mix down as I'm doing currently with my 442. I hope to get one of those and use my 442 as a side mixer, with great limiters, low noise, and individual outs, plus the 633 when when 3 mics don't cut it.
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yup Yup. I'm thinking of either selling the 552 for the 633. Or maybe just get the direct out ta3 cable to a portable Tascam recorder and pocket that money for mics or wireless.
 
Yeah.. I was thinking that would be a very cost effective way to go. You could go line into a DR 60d or even the DR 680. I'd be curious on how that turned out. It'd be great to have that flexibility and not break the bank.
 
No, no no. Don't tell him it's any good, he hasn't asked for my shipping address yet.

Victor, seriously.
Solid professional gear hardly ever becomes obsolete. With all the digital stuff you do get generational improvements in things like A/D converters and with any kind of recorder there is always the risk of the media becoming orphaned. But the 552 is at it's heart a mixer with some recording capabilities. If they stopped making media today it would still be a really nice mixer. And as long as SD will service it, or someone else for that matter, it should last longer than we will. Digital and surface mount makes them a lot harder for outside service but it's still probably pretty "serviceable" for most wear and tear.
 
Noiz2 said:
No, no no. Don't tell him it's any good, he hasn't asked for my shipping address yet.

Victor, seriously.
Solid professional gear hardly ever becomes obsolete. With all the digital stuff you do get generational improvements in things like A/D converters and with any kind of recorder there is always the risk of the media becoming orphaned. But the 552 is at it's heart a mixer with some recording capabilities. If they stopped making media today it would still be a really nice mixer. And as long as SD will service it, or someone else for that matter, it should last longer than we will. Digital and surface mount makes them a lot harder for outside service but it's still probably pretty "serviceable" for most wear and tear.
Click to expand...

What's your shipping address? I all seriousness, I'll be keeping the mixer. Most of my stuff is sit down interviews anyway so the 552 will work 90% of the time. If I need ISO I'll just connect it to my Tascam DR-40 or something like that.
 
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