Sound devices Mix Pre 3 settings separate channels

[Vino]

Sorry for this stupid question: is there anyone who could tell me how to record SEPARATE channels of audio from the mix-pre3?
Thought separate tracks was default but I learned the hard lesson it was not. And now I cannot find the way to correct it in the manual....
(Used it the other day and all three XLR input tracks ended up in one stereo-track.... could separate input 1 and 2 left and right but input 3 was in the center all the time.... Not ideal )

best
V

 

[Alex H.]

So, do you mean you only recorded the L/R mix, and didn’t record the ISO tracks?

You need to arm your ISO tracks (press the fader for any input, which will take you to that input’s menu screen, and then tap “ARM” on the screen).

The MixPre will not record individual files, though. It will record everything as a poly wave file. You’ll still have all your individual tracks in there, just encapstulated as a single file.

Also important is whether you have your MixPre in Basic mode, or in Advanced mode. In Basic mode, the input fader is on a unified gain setting that makes the ISO track post-fader, meaning any adjustments made during recording are not only recorded in the mix but also to the ISO track.

 

[David W. Jones]

I have not used this device, but at a quick glance I would think your best bet would be to put the unit in advanced mode and use the wingman app.

EDIT: n the time it took me to post this Alex has answered your question.

 

[Rick R]

You could be playing back the 'mix' file, though I am not intimately familiar with the MixPre series recorders.

 

[Jim Feeley]

The MixPre will not record individual files, though. It will record everything as a poly wave file. You’ll still have all your individual tracks in there, just encapstulated as a single file.

Breaking a polyphonic WAV file into a set of monophonic WAV files (with one file for each channel) is fairly easy. Lots of apps can do it. If you just have one or two files to convert, software such as Adobe Audition will let you Extract Channels to Mono Files. If you have a lot of files to convert, you could use the free Wave Agent utility from Sound Devices. https://www.sounddevices.com/product/wave-agent-software/ . It's available for both Mac and Windows, though installation on Mac Catalina takes a couple more steps and the current version of Wave Agent doesn't support 32-bit files. (Hopefully an update will come someday...but don't hold your breath). So you may already own software that'll make poly files work for you.

And then follow Alex's notes i̶f̶ y̶o̶u̶'d̶ r̶a̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ n̶o̶t̶ h̶a̶v̶e̶ t̶o̶ m̶e̶s̶s̶ w̶i̶t̶h̶ p̶o̶l̶y̶ W̶A̶V̶ f̶i̶l̶e̶s̶ i̶n̶ t̶h̶e̶ f̶u̶t̶u̶r̶e̶ (̶t̶h̶o̶u̶g̶h̶t̶ t̶h̶e̶y̶ c̶a̶n̶ e̶a̶s̶e̶ f̶i̶l̶e̶ m̶a̶n̶a̶g̶e̶m̶e̶n̶t̶)̶ [I missed the bit about the MixPre recording a bunch of mono WAV files wrong (I'm rolling a different Sound Devices recorder) Thanks for the clarification, Alex].

 

[Vino]

So, do you mean you only recorded the L/R mix, and didn’t record the ISO tracks?

You need to arm your ISO tracks (press the fader for any input, which will take you to that input’s menu screen, and then tap “ARM” on the screen).

The MixPre will not record individual files, though. It will record everything as a poly wave file. You’ll still have all your individual tracks in there, just encapstulated as a single file.

Also important is whether you have your MixPre in Basic mode, or in Advanced mode. In Basic mode, the input fader is on a unified gain setting that makes the ISO track post-fader, meaning any adjustments made during recording are not only recorded in the mix but also to the ISO track.

Thank you all for the response and help. That ARM thing seem to be the solution. Thank you! (and I guess I will just import them as separate mono files in Premiere right, Jim? Will try later on. Best /Viktor

 

[Alex H.]

Thank you all for the response and help. That ARM thing seem to be the solution. Thank you! (and I guess I will just import them as separate mono files in Premiere right, Jim? Will try later on. Best /Viktor

This will record as a poly wave file. The MixPre has no option to record individual (split mono) wave files. You can, as Jim suggested, use Wave Agent to split the poly wave into individual, mono files before importing. You can work with poly files within Premiere, though.

 

[puredrifting]

FWIW, the poly .WAV files work like a dream in FCP X too. I just arm the ones (almost always the ISO tracks) I wanted to use and unarm the others in the FCP X audio panel and life is good.

 

[Run&Gun]

For what it’s worth, I have a 664 and 633 and most of my dedicated audio guys run either 664’s, 633’s or 688’s and I don’t think we’ve ever recorded mono WAV’s. Only poly (and mp3 for transcription, but some guys don’t even do that anymore and instead record the wav to both cards as a safety and just do a conversion afterwards for MP3’s, if wanted).

 

[Jim Feeley]

Ya, poly wavs make file management so much easier for film/video. But I'll still roll mono files sometimes for music; whatever the client prefers.

(And again, sorry for my mistake about the poly/mono features on the MixPre II models... I assumed they were more similar to the features in SD's 6-series. Thanks Alex for correcting that).

 

[IronFilm]

For what it’s worth, I have a 664 and 633 and most of my dedicated audio guys run either 664’s, 633’s or 688’s and I don’t think we’ve ever recorded mono WAV’s. Only poly (and mp3 for transcription, but some guys don’t even do that anymore and instead record the wav to both cards as a safety and just do a conversion afterwards for MP3’s, if wanted).

Or get the new Sound Devices 8 Series which records to triple media ;-) You can still double up for safety with 2x PolyWavs *and* do MP3 to the third.

 

[Run&Gun]

Or get the new Sound Devices 8 Series which records to triple media ;-) You can still double up for safety with 2x PolyWavs *and* do MP3 to the third.

If I was buying from scratch today... But I bet I can squeeze another decade out of my 6 series mixers. Heck, I still have my 442 in it’s bag and a 302 in the closet, just in-case.

 

[IronFilm]

If I was buying from scratch today... But I bet I can squeeze another decade out of my 6 series mixers. Heck, I still have my 442 in it’s bag and a 302 in the closet, just in-case.

A person probably could, but the new 8 Series (or a Zaxcom Nova for that matter) offers so much more, and this is just the start of the development cycle! Look at how different the first ever 6 Series was when initially released vs a 688 now with all the firmware updates. Huge improvement.

 

[Alex H.]

A person probably could, but the new 8 Series (or a Zaxcom Nova for that matter) offers so much more, and this is just the start of the development cycle! Look at how different the first ever 6 Series was when initially released vs a 688 now with all the firmware updates. Huge improvement.

So, you’re suggesting that someone on a MixPre-3 budget just go ahead plunk down $4500 on an 833? Or $8000 for an 888?

Yes, the 8-series mixer/recorders have lots of great features, but not everyone is able to foot that kind of investment. Instead, it is entirely possible to do some pretty damn good work with the MixPre series, and it’s just a matter of learning the workflow to make the most of it. I think the folks who don’t have the big budgets are better served in learning how to use the gear they have rather than just telling them to buy something much more expensive. Especially if they aren’t doing the kind of work that would pay for such a large purchase.

Own small, rent big. You can get a lot done that way. Save the big purchases for when the work coming in justifies buying the bigger, better option and will pay it off in reasonable time.

 

[IronFilm]

So, you’re suggesting that someone on a MixPre-3 budget just go ahead plunk down $4500 on an 833? Or $8000 for an 888?

Yes, the 8-series mixer/recorders have lots of great features, but not everyone is able to foot that kind of investment. Instead, it is entirely possible to do some pretty damn good work with the MixPre series, and it’s just a matter of learning the workflow to make the most of it. I think the folks who don’t have the big budgets are better served in learning how to use the gear they have rather than just telling them to buy something much more expensive. Especially if they aren’t doing the kind of work that would pay for such a large purchase.

Own small, rent big. You can get a lot done that way. Save the big purchases for when the work coming in justifies buying the bigger, better option and will pay it off in reasonable time.

Of course I'm not suggesting the 8 Series to a prospective MixPre3 buyer, that came about because of Run&Gun & I getting sidetracked talking about the 6 Series. And yes, I think if this is your life as a working professional, I'm going to say go for an 8 Series over a 6 Series as your main everyday recorder.

And the 833 really isn't crazy expensive at all. Remember for a long time the 633 / Maxx (or 552 before that, etc...) was more or less the de facto "minimum professional standard" get into this field. And the 833 is mere the same price point as those of the past.

 

[puredrifting]

The more I have worked in both production and post sound, the more I think that video and DP type people shouldn't be doing sound. It's just such a different animal than
camera, grip and lighting. I pretty much am only doing sound for one or two person interviews these days as it's simple and having a pro is often good insurance for simple
interviews, but clients won't usually pony up for a sound mixer unless it's a high profile interview.

An exception might be if you are like R&G and own a lot of gear, it would make sense to own your own high end sound package as you can make the kit fee and rentals IF you work
with pros who are okay using your gear? Or if you are a true multi-hypehnate and really know location sound and occasionally do it for others, then it make sense. I don't see
the need for much beyond a Mix Pre 3 though for 95% of Video and DP people, the job is simply too involved to try to do it well while being a producer/DP/directopr/Cam Op
and there are too many pros out there who are so talented like Alex. Just hire them.

 

[dc4040]

I would recommend the 10 over the MixPre 3 or 6 as it has BNC timecode in and out and a proper locking
power port. The 8 XLR inputs are nice and it runs for hours on a NP-960 battery. Internal SD card
and the ability to backup record to a USB thumb drive. It really is worth the differential
from the MixPre 3 II and well below a 6xx or 8xx recorder.

 

[Jim Feeley]

I'm not super familiar with the MixPre II series (still rolling with a 633 and sometimes a 744T), but the small MixPres seem like they're pretty practical for a bunch of people.

Are people having issues with the 3.5mm TC I/O on the MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II? And for those with powering issues, are the Hirose adapter (and I =think=) improved AA Batt sled problematic? And don't all the MixPre II series can back up to thumb drives? Or does the 10 do so in realtime? https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-ii-comparison-chart/

#questionsnotchallenges

Thanks!

 

[dc4040]

I'm not super familiar with the MixPre II series (still rolling with a 633 and sometimes a 744T), but the small MixPres seem like they're pretty practical for a bunch of people.

Are people having issues with the 3.5mm TC I/O on the MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II? And for those with powering issues, are the Hirose adapter (and I =think=) improved AA Batt sled problematic? And don't all the MixPre II series can back up to thumb drives? Ordoes the 10 do so in realtime? https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-ii-comparison-chart/

#questionsnotchallenges

Thanks!

I just looked at SD site and all three auto copy to USB drive when recording finishes but you can start another recording simultaneously

Initially the MP 3 and 6 II had inconsistent TC which was fixed in a FW update

I use the Hawkwoods NPF sled for longer recording times as my PIX-E5 uses those batteries

Overall I prefer locking connections when possible

Only other difference with MP 10 II is two TA3 outputs

 

[Alex H.]

I'm not super familiar with the MixPre II series (still rolling with a 633 and sometimes a 744T), but the small MixPres seem like they're pretty practical for a bunch of people.

They pack a punch for not a whole lot of money. They certainly have their limitations, but there’s nothing there I’ve found that keeps them from taking on some impressive projects.

I have both the 10 II and the 6 II (had first-gen 10T and 6, but sold them when the second generation came out). I’ve done a lot of stuff on the 10 II and have had zero issues.

Are people having issues with the 3.5mm TC I/O on the MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II? And for those with powering issues, are the Hirose adapter (and I =think=) improved AA Batt sled problematic?

I use a Tentacle Sync E with my MixPre-6 II and keep it tucked inside the audio bag. 3.5mm isn’t a robust connection, but as long as it’s protected inside the side-access of the bag, it’s no issue. And I don’t really have to keep it there... just jam and release and it’s good to go for the day... but I like to have it on me at all times in case I have to re-jam all my Tentacles at any point during the day.

The AA sleds are not the best, but these machines can eat AAs for breakfast, and again for second breakfast, elevensies, lunch...

The Hirose sleds work. My MixPre-6 II is primarily my SFX recorder, but I will also use it as a primary recorder on smaller (read: lower-budget) projects or where I only need 3-4 channels tops and weight and maneuverability are concerns. It’s great to have an audio kit that weighs next to nothing and still packs a punch. The only issue I have dealt with in using the Cable Techniques Hirose sled and NP-1 batteries is getting the MixPre to read the battery telemtry. It’s a little odd as it never shows a full battery on the MixPre, but I will get low-battery warnings. And I’m always checking the battery’s own meter. Once I get to 25%, I swap out.

The MixPre-10 II has Hirose inbuilt, and I use Inspired Energy smart batteries with mine. Zero issues.

And don't all the MixPre II series can back up to thumb drives? Or does the 10 do so in realtime?

Yes. With the first generation, it was only the MixPre-10T that could back up to a thumb drive and that had an internal TC generator. They added those features to the entire line of MixPre II.

The USB backup is not a dual-record, but is an instantaneous backup. In other words, the audio is recorded to the SD card and the recorder immediately starts copying the file from SD to USB.