Sound Devices 552

E

ESTEBEVERDE

Veteran
Is this thing really worth it pound for pound and dollar for dollar?

Have you used it? What do you think?

For the $2800.00 it will set you back is there a mixer/digital recorder combo that can meet or beat it?
 
I really like the 552.
I actually havent used it much lately (have been choosing my smaller/lighter 302)
but it sounds wonderful, has more features that you could ever need in a field mixer.
And a built in recorder...
so yes..in my opinion its worth every dollar.

I'd say the strongest downside is compared to the 442 it is very menu/hot key driven.
(hold 2 buttons down to make it do a particular thing)
So in my opinion its a mixer you'll have to learn before you use,
not a mixer I would want to throw to someone and say.."set this up on your own on the fly"



If you have more specific questions just ask.
 
Thanks Rippie!

I guess my question would be what is the advantage or disadvantage of a 552 vs any other combo in that price range???

The SD 442 is a mixer and it is great but cost the same! Dedicated and all that is true ture true but I don't know why the 552 seems like it's a great set up???
 
the tricky thing about using the 552's recorder as a primary everyday recorder
is that there is no display to really let you know EASILY/QUICKLY all your settings
and information about a take/scene..etc.

If you dont mind not being able to name your files you're recording..
and dont mind sorting through them later to find what you need then you'd be ok.

Good sound reports would be key to using it as your primary.

The sound quality of the recording is absolutely top notch.
 
Yeah... when I started I actually used tape!!! Like real open faced tape!!! lol!!!

Not only a sound report but since I will be syncing with my 7D I will slate so it shouldn't be too hard.
 
ESTEBEVERDE said:
So other than the naming convention or really lack there of, is it good to go?????
Click to expand...
well the positive is it will put "time of day" (with a file number after that) as the file name
so that will help you find the files later.

I cant really answer if the mixer is perfect for your needs..
only you can.
You did take the time to read the 552's manual on the sound devices page
right?
 
yes I did... I like it... and I've done some research.

But, what I am asking is there anything that directly competes at this or even a better price-point?
 
Nothing jumps to mind in a single unit. If you're okay with a separate mixer and recorder, there are tons of possibilities.
 
Hey Jordan... I am completely OK with separates aka mixer and recorder.... what do you have in mind?

What are your recommendations?
 
I can't imagine spending that much on a mixer. SD stuff is good, but is isn't the top of the line as far as SQ goes. Define your use, spec out an answer. There's lots of gear out there. For $1500 and a bit of searching you could get an RME FF400 and and a quad mic and have 6 class A channels 2 of which are 80 dB digital preamps, monitoring and a digital mixer with Totalmix customizable routing.. And a $500-$600 Focusrite or Presonus 8 channel interface is very good for the money. With the money left over you can pick up an excellent B cam for video. You need to figure out how many channels you need and where those are going, and also how many channels you might need in the future. I have run 18 channels on the FF400, and if I needed to I could daisy chain them for 36. But it is a fine solution for the 4-8 track range as well.
With a self noise of -126 dBu, the 522 is specced lower than some of their flash recorders. On the other hand, it is an all-in-one, rugged box.
The Edirol R 4 gives you four channels for a good price, it isn't on my list but it is an option.
And, lastly, the Mackie Onyx is a terrific mixer with preamps with a true -129.5 self noise figure. The Onyx 1220i runs about $650--mixer and firewire included. I don't like the old Mackie stuff but the Onyx has excellent preamps.
I myself use RME and Grace Audio for field work. The RME is light, great SQ, can run on batteries and has a unique circuit topology that is hum free. I prefer the digital mixer. Good luck!
 
DrDave said:
I can't imagine spending that much on a mixer. SD stuff is good, but is isn't the top of the line as far as SQ goes. Define your use, spec out an answer. There's lots of gear out there. For $1500 and a bit of searching you could get an RME FF400 and and a quad mic and have 6 class A channels 2 of which are 80 dB digital preamps, monitoring and a digital mixer with Totalmix customizable routing.. And a $500-$600 Focusrite or Presonus 8 channel interface is very good for the money. With the money left over you can pick up an excellent B cam for video. You need to figure out how many channels you need and where those are going, and also how many channels you might need in the future. I have run 18 channels on the FF400, and if I needed to I could daisy chain them for 36. But it is a fine solution for the 4-8 track range as well.
With a self noise of -126 dBu, the 522 is specced lower than some of their flash recorders. On the other hand, it is an all-in-one, rugged box.
The Edirol R 4 gives you four channels for a good price, it isn't on my list but it is an option.
And, lastly, the Mackie Onyx is a terrific mixer with preamps with a true -129.5 self noise figure. The Onyx 1220i runs about $650--mixer and firewire included. I don't like the old Mackie stuff but the Onyx has excellent preamps.
I myself use RME and Grace Audio for field work. The RME is light, great SQ, can run on batteries and has a unique circuit topology that is hum free. I prefer the digital mixer. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Can't imagine $2800 USD for a mixer for location shooting? - try pricing a PSC Solice or a Sonosax if you're putting together a cart-based kit (which would pretty well have to be the case with any of the gear you mentioned). Saxcom also makes a nice little desk to accompany one of their DEVA recorders if that's your style. You plan to be putting any of your suggested options plus the AC inverter and battery supply needed to run it in a bag slung on the sound person's shoulder for run-and-gun ENG or high-mobility location film shoots, say a shooting a reporter's standup in Port au Prince's main street this afternoon?
 
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DrDave said:
I can't imagine spending that much on a mixer. SD stuff is good, but is isn't the top of the line as far as SQ goes. Define your use, spec out an answer. There's lots of gear out there. For $1500 and a bit of searching you could get an RME FF400 and and a quad mic and have 6 class A channels 2 of which are 80 dB digital preamps, monitoring and a digital mixer with Totalmix customizable routing.. And a $500-$600 Focusrite or Presonus 8 channel interface is very good for the money. With the money left over you can pick up an excellent B cam for video. You need to figure out how many channels you need and where those are going, and also how many channels you might need in the future. I have run 18 channels on the FF400, and if I needed to I could daisy chain them for 36. But it is a fine solution for the 4-8 track range as well.
With a self noise of -126 dBu, the 522 is specced lower than some of their flash recorders. On the other hand, it is an all-in-one, rugged box.
The Edirol R 4 gives you four channels for a good price, it isn't on my list but it is an option.
And, lastly, the Mackie Onyx is a terrific mixer with preamps with a true -129.5 self noise figure. The Onyx 1220i runs about $650--mixer and firewire included. I don't like the old Mackie stuff but the Onyx has excellent preamps.
I myself use RME and Grace Audio for field work. The RME is light, great SQ, can run on batteries and has a unique circuit topology that is hum free. I prefer the digital mixer. Good luck!
Click to expand...
good luck using those options out in the field, in the rain, snow..cold..heat..
 
You can get used Wendt x4's at trewaudio for around $850. And there are a ton of recorders out there. Wendt mixers are very clean and easy to set up..
 
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All of these are great choices! I am just not sure where the sweet spot is for ENG run and Gun... What is the 552 missing for that application?
 
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