Mixer

Nexis

Nexis

Well-known member
Hey everyone,

Just wondering if anyone with sound experience can recommend a relatively inexpensive/beginner sound mixer for use as part of an audio kit. I have everything else for now...

Also, are there any circumstances where not using a mixer is better than using one?

Thanks in advance.

Nexis
 
Define "relatively inexpensive." The Sound Devices MixPre would be my first suggestion. It's metering is a little limited, but it's a solid, great-sounding unit. Only two inputs, but will greatly improve your audio (when used properly, of course).

After that, I'd look at the Sound Devices 302. Better meter, and three inputs.

An argument could probably be made for not using a mixer in certain situations, but I really think that it's always better to use one. Assuming you have a great mixer, you're then working with much better pre-amps that what the camera has to offer, and you have more flexible control over signal routing.
 
It really depends on how you're shooting - if you need a baggable mixer, than the Sound Devices mixers are the best option. If you're shooting in situations where you have power and can use a full board, then the boards from Mackie or Alesis are good options (and overall much lower cost than the SD mixers on a per-channel basis).

Phil
 
C2V said:
Define "relatively inexpensive." The Sound Devices MixPre would be my first suggestion. It's metering is a little limited, but it's a solid, great-sounding unit. Only two inputs, but will greatly improve your audio (when used properly, of course).

After that, I'd look at the Sound Devices 302. Better meter, and three inputs.

An argument could probably be made for not using a mixer in certain situations, but I really think that it's always better to use one. Assuming you have a great mixer, you're then working with much better pre-amps that what the camera has to offer, and you have more flexible control over signal routing.
Click to expand...


I second the recommendations above.

It is always better to use a mixer because you get good limiters! Essential!

You also get sound control off the camera so you don't shake when you make adjustments. That doesn't even touch: better pres, less noise, low cut, metering, etc etc etc.
 
Hey people. What about something that is not SD?
I also need a mixer, and was wondering which one to pick. I need at least 3 channels, and in the $500 budget.
I Was looking at the Azden FMX-42 (4 channels), or the PSC DV PROMIX 3 (just 3 channels)
Anyone tried them? like, dislike? :)
 
Harlockr,

Check out the Sign Video ENG-44. Better performance than the Azdens and right around $500 at B&H.

You can find reviews of it online.

-Jeff
 
Harlockr said:
Hey people. What about something that is not SD?
I also need a mixer, and was wondering which one to pick. I need at least 3 channels, and in the $500 budget.
I Was looking at the Azden FMX-42 (4 channels), or the PSC DV PROMIX 3 (just 3 channels)
Anyone tried them? like, dislike? :)
Click to expand...

Sorry, stay away from Azden.

You are better off saving up and getting the SD later.
 
Thanks for everyone's input on this thread. It's given me some good ideas. I'm leaning towards the Sound Devices MixPre at the moment. It fits the budget and, more importantly, looks cool (just kidding!).

:D
 
Nexis said:
Thanks for everyone's input on this thread. It's given me some good ideas. I'm leaning towards the Sound Devices MixPre at the moment. It fits the budget and, more importantly, looks cool (just kidding!).

:D
Click to expand...

In this industry looks can matter :) Drop in over at Trew Audio on Villiers Street and have a chat - they're a Sound Devices dealer
 
Nexis said:
Thanks for everyone's input on this thread. It's given me some good ideas. I'm leaning towards the Sound Devices MixPre at the moment. It fits the budget and, more importantly, looks cool (just kidding!).

:D
Click to expand...

The mixpre holds it's value well. You should get most of your money back when you sell it to move up to the 302.
 
mix pre is waist of money if you dont have something bigger as you always need something bigger - good for people who already have one or need additional channels , very limiting for normal work
 
I'll pop in here, and also suggest the MixPre, or if you can wait and save up, the 302. I'm a 302 owner, and user of the 442, and they're awesome little mixers! You can't go wrong with them.
 
The 302 looks inviting.

But I have an HVX, and since I'm a novice when it comes to sound, I'm wondering what use I would have for a third channel. The HVX has only two external channel inputs, the other two being in-camera.

Inquiring minds want to know!
 
Hi Nexis.
At least in my case, I'd be using the 3 channels for interviews. 2 people with lavs and a third mic on a boom as backup. Besides I think I can trust more the limiters of the mixer than the ones on the cam. And hopefully, the preams are much better or at least a little better. Also is a nice thing to have the gain controls somewhere else besides the cam.
Just my thoughts : )
 
Harlockr said:
Hi Nexis.
At least in my case, I'd be using the 3 channels for interviews. 2 people with lavs and a third mic on a boom as backup. Besides I think I can trust more the limiters of the mixer than the ones on the cam. And hopefully, the preams are much better or at least a little better. Also is a nice thing to have the gain controls somewhere else besides the cam.
Just my thoughts : )
Click to expand...

Ooooh! You've given me food for thought (and ideas)! Looks like it's gonna be the 302!
 
I agree about the 302, good mixer, but a cheaper 3 channel version and way better option than the mixpre is the Wendx3. Great sound, long lasting with internal batteries and built like a tank and the Mixpre sucks with Sanken shotguns.
 
Mixpre sucks with Sanken gshotuns? How so? My Cs-3e works fine with it. Perhaps you have tried it with the Cs-3 (without the e)? Or do you mean Cs-1? What was the problem anyway?
 
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