sound devices field mixers

wgzn

wgzn

Veteran
i do a lot of location shoots for a retailer and their talent is all over the map volume wise. im looking for a filed mixer with a good limiter.

as would be imagined im used to hearing sound devices products. but im wondering what i get (aside from more knobs and sexiness) with the higher priced 302 and 442 that i wouldnt get with their little micpre model?

sure id like more inputs and a more detailed meter, but am i also going to compromise on sound quality with the lower end unit?
 
Even with the 302, you'll get a much better limiter and even better pre-amps (not that the pres in the MixPre are bad... but they're better in the 302 and 442).

Plus, you get mic- and line-level switchable outputs, better and more flexible signal routing, and better meters.
 
Where are people coming up with the 302 having superior preamps? There are numerous reports from people (myself included) who have been told by SD reps and support that the mixpre and 302 and 442 have identical preamps and the difference between models is the increase in channels and features. Does someone have any evidence this is false? Seems like its bordering on urban legend status.

The 442 has output transformers, where the mixpre and 302 are electronically balanced... And clearly the 302 has a lot more versatility with both mic and line input/output and extra channel and monitoring and metering features. But from an audio standpoint, everything direct from SD has been pretty clear that the mixpre is reduced in features but in no way a compromise acoustically.

Until someone can prove me wrong, i understand that the mixpre and 302 have identical preamps and input limiters (though the 302 can switch them on/off for each channel and the mixpre is on or off for both channels). The 302 does have output limiters too, which the mixpre does not, and i suppose that could contribute to the myth, but thats hardly grounds for the "superior audio quality" claims.

Clearly the 302 is a superior mixer. No argument there, its more versatile and has a lot more options in the field. But the mixpre is an amazing piece of kit. For little more size than a boom op feed return, you have 2 channels of SD caliber inputs, unclippable 2 stage limiters, tone, tape out, camera return and even a slate mic. Instead of a feature limited mixer, i think it more as the most amazing boom op feed monitor ever. heh.
 
im not familiar with the mix pre, but
the limiters on the 302 and 442 are sonicly different from one another.

I know the pre's (i never use them..yet) are different in the 788T compared to the 442/302.

Not sure if this info is any help or not concerning the mixpre but
figured its worth mentioning that their diff units do have differences.
 
I believe that there won't be a compromise on sound quality with any of the Sound Devices products. It's the features that make each of the units special. Starting from the Mixpre, SD302, and SD442. SD442 has way more features than the SD302. You get two ISO L+R outputs, direct outputs sweepable pans on all channels, and sweepable high-pass filters on all channels. These are just some of the nice features that make this mixer a goody. Then you have to realize why you are paying such a high premium for such a small product. The R&D that went into each Sound Devices unit were massive. Well worth the money.
 
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