Suggestions for good portable mixer...

Ah, the microtrack.

I have a couple here in the shop, and I have to say that right now, as it stands, I'm really not impressed. As far as I can tell, it doesn't have a true line level in. The mic pres are useless. I think it still has a ways to go before I'd consider getting one.

Although, I really do like the interface. You can pretty much hold this thing in one hand and use it. It's really easy to navigate.

-Dave
 
I know this is a DVX forum, but what about the XL2? Unfortunately, the XL2 doesn't offer line-level inputing except via the RCA jacks.

The DVX obviously benefits from being able to go line-in from a mixer, but since the XL2 doesn't; what if any sound improvement would I get from buying a better, quieter mixer for it such as the Sound Devices 302 vs. say the two bargain solutions on the market, i.e. the Rolls MX-422 and the PSC Promix 3.

Basically, I'm trying to justify the 302, but I question if I'll really be able to notice the improvement in quality in terms of actual sound with that vs. with the "value" options.

Truthfully, I think I'd get more improvement in sound by using the money saved from buying the Rolls or PSC on a Kitcool boom system harness/pole simply by making the boom ops job less fatiguing.

Thanks.
 
You can run XLR/RCA cables no problem... I do that now with the 671's RCA outs to the DVX XLR-in. So forget that issue.

But if you gotta' find a way to justify the 302 you aren't ready for it yet... you'll know when you really want it.

Also the XL2 has audio that's at least as good as the DVX... so if you're getting audio that's not meeting minimum levels of "decent" with it then the mixer isn't the issue.
 
Actually, the XL2s in-house audio if you will is quite "decent" in my opinion.

I'm just looking for a little improvement is all since that never hurt anyone...though the wads of cash presently burning a hole through my pocket well that's a different story...y-ouch, better spend it quick with one lucky vendor before I get sick!

Sigh, but I regress. I don't mind RCA outs on shorter runs, but not longer runs of 25' or so if you get what I'm saying. I'd much rather go straight XLR to XLR from the mixer to the cam, that's all...and not just for the positive mechanica lock.

When operating as a one-man crew (i.e. camera mounted shotgun, short runs, wireless mic, me holding the camera, on a dark, desserted street), however; I'm fine with using xlr to rca, line-in.

Basically, what I'm getting at from someone who's never used a xlr to rca connection before is, is there anyway to preserve the balanced signal?

Thanks again.
 
I'm chiming in late but I use the SD 302 and the Shure FP33 quite frequently. If I had some money to blow, I would buy the SD 302 in a heartbeat. It's just a great mixer.
 
dudewaba said:
Actually, the XL2s in-house audio if you will is quite "decent" in my opinion.

I'm just looking for a little improvement is all since that never hurt anyone...though the wads of cash presently burning a hole through my pocket well that's a different story...y-ouch, better spend it quick with one lucky vendor before I get sick!

Sigh, but I regress. I don't mind RCA outs on shorter runs, but not longer runs of 25' or so if you get what I'm saying. I'd much rather go straight XLR to XLR from the mixer to the cam, that's all...and not just for the positive mechanica lock.

When operating as a one-man crew (i.e. camera mounted shotgun, short runs, wireless mic, me holding the camera, on a dark, desserted street), however; I'm fine with using xlr to rca, line-in.

Basically, what I'm getting at from someone who's never used a xlr to rca connection before is, is there anyway to preserve the balanced signal?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...


look at 3.2 scheme

http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/an003.pdf


, you need a par like that in small box hooked to your xl-2

or maybe to ruin some old beach teck adaptor or similar

of course you can contact harry kaufman from beachtec and ask to customize one for you
 
i saw this thread was still around so i thought i would post that i ultimately did get the sound devices 302 mixer.

it all came down to the display. i love the display on this mixer and i love the options it gives you to tweak the configuration.

i use it with a sennheiser 416, sennheiser g2 and the earlier generation of sennheiser wireless and i just ordered an oktava MK012 Bello Nero, that is the one with 3 different capsules and it is black instead of silver.

i thought this would be a great addition for interior boom work.

i also went with the kata koala 4 bag. it is smaller than the sundo bag but i have enough porta brace bags that i don't need more bags to transport gear, i just wanted a slim bag for working with the mixer and mic's not so much for transporting and managing.

matthew
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top