Which one of these mixers should I get?

M

marsupilami_4

Active member
Hi,

I'm new to this forum, so here's a little introduction: I went to a cinema school to study sound recording and now I'm trying to build a small kit to be able to start picking up projects here and there. So far I have an oktava 012, a rode NTG2, a 12" boom pole and a couple sennheiser G2 lavs. I just got my tax refund and was thinking of getting a mixer, preferably a good one so that I don't need to upgrade anytime soon.

I originally wanted to go with a SD 302 but at $1300 they're slightly beyond my budget when you add the breakaway and carrying bag. I can wait for a good deal on a used one but it's not that common.

On the other hand I have the opportunity to buy a used SQN 4S IVe (latest gen. of the 4S series) in excellent working condition for $1200 including a breakaway, which is more within what I can afford at the moment.

I know that the SD 302 is praised by just about everyone, but having used a SQN mixer all through cinema school I've always been very happy with the results, plus I'm sure the additional channel would come in handy at some point.

What do you guys think? Should I go for the SQN or should I wait for a good deal on a used 302?

Thanks!
 
Please don't be offended by this question... I'm just curious... you say you've been to cinema school for sound recording... did they not impart you enough knowledge to make this decision?

(I've been talking to many people lately who've studied audio recording, both musical and production, and I'm always amazed at what's not covered, and what topics seem to be deliberately avoided...)


I'm not saying they should teach you the details of every mixer, and had your question been more specific about certain features or qualities, I wouldn't be writing this. But I'd hope (though perhaps no longer expect...) that a program in recording would cover certain basics involving equipment choices....
 
I think I would buy the SQN because the multiple outputs. I own the 302 and I like how small it is, but sometimes is kind of a limited toy.
 
Used a SQN once and hated it, YMMV. I would rent them if you can't decide and see which you like.
 
ullanta said:
(I've been talking to many people lately who've studied audio recording, both musical and production, and I'm always amazed at what's not covered, and what topics seem to be deliberately avoided...)
Click to expand...

It's mind numbing. I did an exit interview with a student who graduated in film sound from a pricey private school. She had never heard of a change note and didn't know anything about Time Code.

99% of these students would get a WHOLE lot more out of interning on a production, and save a LOT of money.
 
No offense taken ullanta ;)

Thanks for bringing that up, you're right, I should have been more specific: I do have enough knowledge to be able to read and fully understand a specs sheet, and my question doesn't have to do with the mixers' features.

The thing I don't know, for lack of direct comparison, is how the preamps, outputs, limiters, etc. of the SQN compare to the newer (which, in sound, doesn't always mean better) SD 302.

In other words, I'm trying to know which one of these perform, or "sound", the best, because IMHO that's the most important aspect when it comes to selecting a piece of sound equipment.

Hope that helps :).

DadinWestchester: I've been checking gotham on and off for quite a while and this ad has been up for months, which I find kind of suspicious considering how fast 302s usually go. Thanks though.

PS: sorry if I'm being unclear sometimes, English isn't my native language.
 
Hmmm... the question is still a little general, bit I'm notavoiding giving my opinion - I've just never used an SQN. I could heap some more praise on the 302, but it doesn't sound like you need that...

-B
 
marsupilami_4 said:
Hi,

I'm new to this forum, so here's a little introduction: I went to a cinema school to study sound recording and now I'm trying to build a small kit to be able to start picking up projects here and there. So far I have an oktava 012, a rode NTG2, a 12" boom pole and a couple sennheiser G2 lavs. I just got my tax refund and was thinking of getting a mixer, preferably a good one so that I don't need to upgrade anytime soon.

I originally wanted to go with a SD 302 but at $1300 they're slightly beyond my budget when you add the breakaway and carrying bag. I can wait for a good deal on a used one but it's not that common.

On the other hand I have the opportunity to buy a used SQN 4S IVe (latest gen. of the 4S series) in excellent working condition for $1200 including a breakaway, which is more within what I can afford at the moment.

I know that the SD 302 is praised by just about everyone, but having used a SQN mixer all through cinema school I've always been very happy with the results, plus I'm sure the additional channel would come in handy at some point.

What do you guys think? Should I go for the SQN or should I wait for a good deal on a used 302?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I ran into this in another forum.I have nothing to do with this but I remembered your post.
http://web.me.com/farroutpro/sound/for_sale/for_sale.html
 
rafaeldelauz said:
I ran into this in another forum.I have nothing to do with this but I remembered your post.
http://web.me.com/farroutpro/sound/for_sale/for_sale.html
Click to expand...

In my opinion you can't go wrong with the SQN, or purchasing the used 302 that Scott is selling. They are both excellent mixers (I own a 302 and did use an SQN in the past.) I know I'm not helping your decision much, but its rare that two high quality mixers become available at such a good price. The sound quality should be a none issue between the two so look at features to help you decide. Since you already know the SQN perhaps you could go look at a 302 to see how you like its layout and capabilities. I do know this, neither deal will last long so good luck!
Best,
Bernie
 
Always try to consider your future needs. I wish today that I bought the 442 Mixer rather than the 302 so if I wanted to go up to 4 channel mixing/recording I'd be half there. Now I am pondering the SD788T Recorder.... Just my 2 cents.
 
frostgfx said:
Always try to consider your future needs. I wish today that I bought the 442 Mixer rather than the 302 so if I wanted to go up to 4 channel mixing/recording I'd be half there. Now I am pondering the SD788T Recorder.... Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...
if they could get the limiter issues on the 788T/CL8 combo right..
and figure out a good way to get return audio monitoring into it from the camera

I'd skip both and go right for that and use that as my daily mixer ;)
8 channels, 12 tracks, a fair amount of outputs..etc. And weighs about the same as a 442


Owning all 3 of what you mentioned I agree with you...
if the budget allows go for the 442 first.
The metering is better, the limiters (IMO) are better, and the output options
are FAR greater.

The fact the resale value is ridiculously good is just another reason
why you shouldnt feel terrible about shelling out another grand if it doesnt
work out.
 
Hi,

Thank you all for your advice, it's been very helpful!

Even though the 302 is a great deal with the bag included, I have decided to go with the SQN, mainly because of its features compared to the 302 (4 channels, 2 separate balanced outputs, possibility to output all 4 channels individually...) and also because I'm already quite familiar with it. It's bulkier and requires more than twice as much AA batteries for the same autonomy but I think I can live with that. And as berniebeaudry mentioned, the sound quality of both of them is most likely far above my needs so it shouldn't be an issue :).

Thanks again, you'll probably hear from me again soon.
 
Whichever mixer you choose, don't forget to buy a large Petrol or Portabrace bag/harness so when you make some $$$ and can afford an SD744T ot 788T recorder, you'll have the room!
 
screw the large petrol those things break my back.. seriously I've rigged the same gear in a the porta mixer-specific bag and an rm-multi and it always seems 10lbs lighter..

As far as mixers go I feel like anything less than 4 inputs is made for project-specific applications.. like "oh, I need 3 more channels of input for some sub mix, 302 is perfect" - or small projects/corporate interviews whatev - but I say that a 4 ch mixer is the minimum for a real ENG rig. 442 rocks, alphamix will do the job and feed all your comteks, ifb what have you, sqn is world renown and before sound devices came out with the 442 was the only real upgrade available beyond a fp33 as far as i know the sqn is still respected as a pro quality mixer.

get a four channel mixer, or even a 5. Sqn makes a 5 so does Wendt but personaly i hate the wendt mixers, but i'll use them and they do get the job done, just nothing special.

Ask yourself if you need direct outs for a bag/recorder setup.. if you're just mixing two channels to camera all day you may not need so many bells and whistles..

dude, i think you're on the right track.. but get a 4ch.. with reality shows even that isn't enough.. it all depends on what you want to do with the stuff, and only you know that.. If your heart is in indie film or shorts or something then you have many more options.. im just going on about the standards for video production. The first thing I bought out of school was an alpha and I find that it's still a capable mixer for the professional work i do.. nobody that hires you will give a **** if you have a 442 or an alpha or an sqn, or a cooper.... whatever as long as it sounds good on their tape they will be happy, call you again, refer you, happy ever after..
 
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