Sound Devices MixPre-D!
- Thread starter USLatin
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I'm local and would be happy to beta test.David Sholle
Member
The manual for the MixPre-D is now online at the Sound Devices website:
http://www.sounddevices.com/download/guides/mixpre-d_en.pdf
http://www.sounddevices.com/download/guides/mixpre-d_en.pdf
I don't think we have officially tested it yet, but I would expect the MixPre-D to be recognized by an iPad without the powered hub trick. The powered hub is required with the USBPre 2 and the iPad because the USBPre 2 is powered from the USB connection. The MixPre-D is powered from batteries or external DC, so a straight connection from the iPad to the MixPre-D should work fine. We will test it sometime and post about our findings.
MixPre-D should be shipping in the next 2 weeks or so. I just uploaded the user guide today:
http://www.sounddevices.com/download/guides/mixpre-d_en.pdf
Edit: Looks like David beat me to my own announcement on the guide.
MixPre-D should be shipping in the next 2 weeks or so. I just uploaded the user guide today:
http://www.sounddevices.com/download/guides/mixpre-d_en.pdf
Edit: Looks like David beat me to my own announcement on the guide.
Little update here: I tested this today. The MixPre-D and the iPad play together very nicely. Plug the MixPre-D into the iPad and the iPad uses it for audio input and output. No requirements beyond a USB cable, the adapter for the iPad, and the ability plug things in.
Wait a second... Are you telling me that I can use my iPad as a field recorder instead of a h4n or tascam dr-650?
David Sholle
Member
Hi Nic,
I assume that although this works with an iPad, it does not work with an iPhone?
Essentially, yes.
You'll lose some options as far as output goes: The MixPre-D only routes audio coming back in from the USB to the headphone monitors (not the main outputs). That is a critical difference between the MixPre-D and the USBPre 2 that I forgot to mention earlier in this thread when I was comparing the two devices.
But plugging the MixPre-D into an iPad will give you two Sound Devices preamps with all of the input features of the MixPre-D into an iPad. I believe the iPad operates at 48 kHz (according to the sample rate that a MixPre-D and USBPre 2 switch to when connected to it) and (I'm guessing) 16 bit (possibly 24 bit, but not as likely). If anyone here knows for sure, I'd be interested in that information as well. Of course the usability of the particular recording app on the iPad is going to be a factor too. I don't know of any "killer" recording apps for the iPad yet.
Correct. When you plug the USB adapter into the iPhone or iPod, they'll complain that it isn't compatible. That's just the adapter itself, before any USB cable is even attached to it.
aaronmerrill
Member
I would also like to know if there is a small inexpensive recorder that does AES3 or USB inputs for digital only recording. Anyone?
aaronmerrill
Member
BTW, here's a very cool idea I sent to Sound Devices - if you agree, maybe send them a note as well..."several of us would LOVE it if you guys could add an SD card slot (or two) on the new MixPreD...(like on the 552) And we'd be willing to pay more for it. You've already got the signal in the digital domain, and it doesn't seem like it would take much to add it - and it would make a product that fills a HUGE unmet need in the market. We think it would sell like crazy! Let me explain -
The need - very small and very light for under $1000: I've already got a 744t for my main kit, but needed a relatively inexpensive "B Unit Kit" (less than $1000) that was even more small and light to use on shoots where my boom op and I have to split up and do double coverage...or shoots where I'm booming all day long and only need 2 tracks... and the 744t (or the 702) actually gets too heavy and bulky to wear for 14 hrs. while booming...so I bought a MixPre and 2 Sony PCM M10 recorders...the Sony units are about $225 each and sound OK (except they add a bunch of low level hiss and noise compared to my 744t or 702) but they do 2 tracks of up to 24/96 recording on micro SD cards...and weigh less than 6 oz. and record for 24 hrs. on 2 AA batteries...I also made a battery sled (for the L-type batteries I already use with my 744t) with a Hirose connector for my MixPre so it too could go that long. (hint, hint)
Redundancy: I got two of the Sony units so I could have redundancy in case any of the soundfiles got corrupt I'd have a backup...which is critical for us in todays recording world...one major downside by way of the 722, 722t, and 702...(doing "bag-based" remote location recording, I of course can't plug in the power cable to a wall outlet to connect a firewire drive as a backup...it has to be all battery based) By the way, I talked another sound guy (my brother in this particular case) into purchasing a 702 a month or two ago, and he loves it - except for the same problem...redundancy...so, he bought a Zoom H4n to go with it to run as a backup simultaneously. He really wished the 702 had a second card slot. I know several recordists that feel the same way and have had to do similar strategies.
Solution: Anyway, a "MixPreDR" (adding the "r" to communicate the added recording functionality) is a PERFECT solution for a ton of people - because we can have a very small and lightweight 2 track all in one system that doesn't have the "hiss" or bulk that the Sony or Zoom recorders introduce. The recording functionality doesn't have to be fancy or elaborate at all - just like on the 552 we can just basically hit "record" and our metering, levels, etc. are already handled by the mix pre - just need it to record that clean digital information instead of having to send it out to 2 other recorders which introduce as I said earlier, a bunch of unwanted and unnecessary noise.
Imagine being able to just strap a tiny MixPreDR to your chest and off you go - you could go all day long with no fatigue, and have 2 tracks of terrific sound being recorded to 2 SD cards, and all for less than $1,000. It would be PERFECT.
Please seriously consider it - and let me know the second it's available - I (and many of my colleagues) will purchase several of them immediately."
The need - very small and very light for under $1000: I've already got a 744t for my main kit, but needed a relatively inexpensive "B Unit Kit" (less than $1000) that was even more small and light to use on shoots where my boom op and I have to split up and do double coverage...or shoots where I'm booming all day long and only need 2 tracks... and the 744t (or the 702) actually gets too heavy and bulky to wear for 14 hrs. while booming...so I bought a MixPre and 2 Sony PCM M10 recorders...the Sony units are about $225 each and sound OK (except they add a bunch of low level hiss and noise compared to my 744t or 702) but they do 2 tracks of up to 24/96 recording on micro SD cards...and weigh less than 6 oz. and record for 24 hrs. on 2 AA batteries...I also made a battery sled (for the L-type batteries I already use with my 744t) with a Hirose connector for my MixPre so it too could go that long. (hint, hint)
Redundancy: I got two of the Sony units so I could have redundancy in case any of the soundfiles got corrupt I'd have a backup...which is critical for us in todays recording world...one major downside by way of the 722, 722t, and 702...(doing "bag-based" remote location recording, I of course can't plug in the power cable to a wall outlet to connect a firewire drive as a backup...it has to be all battery based) By the way, I talked another sound guy (my brother in this particular case) into purchasing a 702 a month or two ago, and he loves it - except for the same problem...redundancy...so, he bought a Zoom H4n to go with it to run as a backup simultaneously. He really wished the 702 had a second card slot. I know several recordists that feel the same way and have had to do similar strategies.
Solution: Anyway, a "MixPreDR" (adding the "r" to communicate the added recording functionality) is a PERFECT solution for a ton of people - because we can have a very small and lightweight 2 track all in one system that doesn't have the "hiss" or bulk that the Sony or Zoom recorders introduce. The recording functionality doesn't have to be fancy or elaborate at all - just like on the 552 we can just basically hit "record" and our metering, levels, etc. are already handled by the mix pre - just need it to record that clean digital information instead of having to send it out to 2 other recorders which introduce as I said earlier, a bunch of unwanted and unnecessary noise.
Imagine being able to just strap a tiny MixPreDR to your chest and off you go - you could go all day long with no fatigue, and have 2 tracks of terrific sound being recorded to 2 SD cards, and all for less than $1,000. It would be PERFECT.
Please seriously consider it - and let me know the second it's available - I (and many of my colleagues) will purchase several of them immediately."
Gohanto
Veteran
Aaronmerrill brings up a good point, and SD really does have a gap in the market for a cheaper sound recorder.
Ironically, the cheapest recorder they sell now is the PIX 220, which records both audio and video.
I think they'll definitely get a new, cheaper audio recorder out, but the question is... when?
So many of us have a MixPre/302 run into low quality Zoom or Tascam recorders simply because we can't afford the 702, which itself is 6-7 years old.
Ironically, the cheapest recorder they sell now is the PIX 220, which records both audio and video.
I think they'll definitely get a new, cheaper audio recorder out, but the question is... when?
So many of us have a MixPre/302 run into low quality Zoom or Tascam recorders simply because we can't afford the 702, which itself is 6-7 years old.
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MixPre-D
But be sure to call first, and if you do, ask for Ryan.
But be sure to call first, and if you do, ask for Ryan.
supergrafx
Member
I ordered one from Sweetwater today before reading this thread which is pretty ironic to me since I had never heard of that merchant before. They are currently sold out but will be getting some 5 more in the next two days I was told and one is supposed to go to me. I found it peculiar that they asked me, "when do you really need it?" I replied as soon as possible due to upcoming gigs that I don't know actually when might happen but will happen and do happen randomly..... Hopefully Sweetwater delivers the D quick! I want it. I need it. I love it!
I'd buy a MixPre-DR
Me too!
Hi Super can you keep us posted ? I want to order from sweetwater to ... Cause I have no idea when B&H is getting theirs !
Thanks Stephen for the link
I pre-ordered mine from Sweetwater and got one from the first shipment they received. They're really good about getting things moved in and out for their customers.
supergrafx
Member
Will do Everts! They seem like a really great company. I went w/ their three payment plan, which was only 10 bucks more than the retail price. Also special ordered the tape out to dslr cable as well as the top mount 1/4 bracket from them. Will keep posted. They are listed as an official distributor of Sound Devices gear on the Sound Devices main site, like B&H is, but their good customer service in that they were able to tell me exactly when and how many units they are getting in, as well as splitting up the payments into three w/out credit card nonsense, made me go w/ them.Hi Super can you keep us posted ? I want to order from sweetwater to ... Cause I have no idea when B&H is getting theirs !
Thanks Stephen for the link