Rolls MX422: REVIEW

[Sound Chaser]

IMHO the following critique is based on using the unit on (1) film shoot, (1) video short and (1) commercial. It is only my opinion and I hope it may help someone considering a purchase or not.

There are a lot of inquiries about the Rolls and the Sign Video ENG-44.
These units are around the $500. range and they are not a replacement for a Sound Devices. But, you already know that. What you want to know is the quality they put out.

The good:
Good basic mixer at an excellent price point. Fairly good build quality, rugged and reliable. Solid construction, smooth sealed quiet pots. Decent sounding Pre’s. Noise level fair not great (EIN. -115db) Good battery life, approximately 10 to 12 hours on 4 x9V (5-6 hours times two with switch) 3 channels driven with 1 mic phantom power. The limiter is non obtrusive and acts as a limiter should due to it's variable capacity--last line of defence without altering the sound too much.

The bad:
The worst metering in the world. Tiny analog view meters that you can’t see, take up too much room and are not accurate or aligned properly and can’t be adjusted.
No warning for low battery power. Sound deteriorates without warning.
No PFL
No direct outs resulting in only 2 outputs in total
Not enough gain. 65db (ENG-44 66db) which is standard on most small format and even larger consoles. For film work you need extra clean gain as often the source is not ideal. Sound Devices, for example has an ample 81db of gain. More gain = more headroom.
The ENG-44 suffers from many of the same design limitations.

Summary:
In spite of limited design parameters the Rolls MX422 is a very good basic mixer for the price and will do an adequate to good job recording production sound. The key here is you have to know the limitations of the unit and squeeze as much performance out of it as possible. You would not want to record features with this unit but, it is superior in performance and audio quality when compared to the video equivalent, example --HVX200, so it is a good match up in that sense. (Of course a lot more demands go into making a quality camera) The unit is rugged and reliable, and functions well within it’s limitations. But, you get what you pay for. Over all grade “C”

 

[Spartacus]

I´ve been waiting for a review of the Rolls for long and I´m looking forward what the "other soundguys" here think (like Oleg hehehe)...
I´d only use the Rolls as a low cost alternative to directly going in the HVX on cameraguy-only shoots, well, those shoots that cut out the soundguy first ...
(don´t flame me for this, that´s just how it goes here...)

But "the worst metering in the world" is just sth I don´t wanne here about a mixer I was thinking to get someday...

So still saving up for SoundDevices I guess...

 

[Oleg 2]

sorry ,as my grandmother used to say , we are not reach enough to buy cheap stuff

 

[Sound Chaser]

sorry ,as my grandmother used to say , we are not reach enough to buy cheap stuff

EXCELLENT QUOTE! rogar-BigGrin(DBG) Here's another one. "Quality is the cheapest alternative."

But "the worst metering in the world" is just sth I don´t wanne here about a mixer I was thinking to get someday...
So still saving up for SoundDevices I guess...

Spartacus, if I've helped you to make up your own mind...I'm glad. That's what these forums are for.

 

[10s]

Many comments I've read on the WEB are by non Rolls users, some have never seen nor used the unit in person. I own one. It's here in front of me now as I write.

Housing: The Rolls is simple & well built in a steel case, but it's not 100% waterproof sealed, then again I don't believe most mixers are. Cosmetically it looks better in person than in the pictures.

Meters: The meters are easy to see and read unless you're blind. They light up with a soft blue glow and orange needles instantly tell you where you're at. They're calibrated at the factory & their accuracy is ok, certainly good enough to set levels to camera and recorder and provide confidence. I prefer these std. VU meters to other styles and find them appropiate for analog mixing. But I've been recording for 30 + years so I'm comfortable with them.

Volume knobs: Smooth & easy to access and feel solid.

Pan: Each channel has a varible pan knob on the front panel.

Sound quality: The sound is decent & clean. There are better mixers (Sound devices, Wendt, ...) but you pay more for them. It works well with an DVX, HVX, etc...

Power: It has two 9V batteries, but only one is used at a time. You push a button in between the middle of the two meters and it instantly tells you your battery level. When one gets low, on back is a switch for changing to the other battery without shutting down the mixer. Simply & reliable.

Limiter: It affects all inputs and is varible. It's ok, once again not the best but it does the job. The more expensive mixers have a limiter on each channel. This one is nice because it's variable so you can tweak it and find the right spot.

Gain: I wish it was a little hotter. I agree the output should be a little better, but it still works well enough. You'll get a good recording. On back there is a gain control for each channel for setting input levels.

Back Panel Access: The 4 xlr inputs and two xlr outpus go here. It would be better if they put them on the side for access. Also there is a 100Hz cut button for each of the 4 channels and a phantom power button also. These can be a challenge to access and remember for some people, but it's something that is often set and left alone.

Slate: Located next to the left meter, just push & talk into the built in mic, it adds a 20hz tone also.

1kHz tone: Also near the left meter, just button push to send tone.

Head Phones: Two jacks are provided, 1/4 & 1/8 stereo on the front panel along with a volume control and a main monitor switch for switching to a second input feed.

Professionalism: First off, don't take your HVX to a pro shoot ( the next Indiana Jones), it's good but not pro. The Rolls isn't pro either, but like the HVX, it's good enough.

I paid $350.00 USD for mine.

 

[Sound Chaser]

Many comments I've read on the WEB are by non Rolls users, some have never seen nor used the unit in person. I own one. It's here in front of me now as I write.

I also own the unit and agree with everything you said, except the metering. The meters were lined up when I got the unit but, with all of the bumps associated with location work have drifted 1db on the right side and 2db on the left. I tried dismantling the box but it was very hard to penetrate. The 1KHz line up tone is fixed @ -20db however, so proper settings with your recorder or camera along with the on board limiter should allow proper recording levels.

One thing that eveyone should be aware of: Like we both agree: this is a good unit that while not pro, can do an excellent job. It is more than adequate for use with an HVX or an XDcam. If the meters bother a prospective buyer, the ENG -44 is better in this regard and also slightly quieter.

 

[Oleg 2]

350 not worth to loose a client
the previous model was a total **** , they might be did something to make it better . something that for me who make living from his ears is not enough .

 

[10s]

Oleg, I don't recommend the Rolls MX422 for a pro sound man either, but in many cases for the people visiting this site it's fine. Most people here are simply working on their personal film projects and maybe a few other projects here & there where the mixer will perform well. They're not full time audio professional like yourself, afterall this is DVXuser, not ARRIuser, PanavisionUser, Sound DevicesUser, NagraUser or SonosaxUser.


VU meters, yes they're more fragile than Plasma or LEDs. LEDs are best for portable mixers, but then again, the old Nagra recorders did well with their VUs. ................. Yes, -- Rolls VUs are not Nagra VUs, -- nor is the price.

I've heard good things about the ENG-44, but I haven't used one, so I can't comment.

 

[Oleg 2]

don't recommend anyone who work with audio for his pocket to use something that can harm his pocket

for these who have shortage of cash , good used gear is much better then low quality **** .
about eng-44 - one of the worst i ever tested for professional work - made for non educate people .

there is nothing wrong to have vu meters , it doesnt say much , i prefer needle peak meter .

dvx user have nothing to do with crap equipment user - the forum is for professionals or these who wont become professional , to say people you use semiprofesional camera so you need semi professional audio -its unprofessional .

by the way , everything some one pay for is professional, incl he crap someone produce and calls it professional eng mixer. ( as long you know the limitations , other wise it make you unprofessional)