Topic: MixPre works with USB 5V!!

[bryonsos]

NOT MIXPRE-D!!! It needs more volts.

I had Ted build me a USB > Hirose a few months ago, but I never had the balls to try it. I called SD today to ask how many amps the MixPre draws at 5V, I was told 300mA max at P48. All my USB batteries are rated at 2.1 A, so good to go. Ran it tonight with my Avensons that are extremely power hungry, no problems whatsoever. This makes me smile with festy season coming up! 

Edit: Just received an email follow-up from SD. During power up it will temporarily draw up to 1 A with 2 P48 mics connected.

[BlingFree]

I've got a killer USB battery pack if you have a spare MixPre to toss over here

[cd2go]

Just checking in to confirm that I also have successful results running the original MixPre on 5V. I too had a USB > Hirose made by Ted and gave it a spin with my 5V/1A 4AA USB battery box using Energizer Ultimate Lithiums, here was the setup:

-4mA total mic draw (pair of DPA 4022) with P48 on
-gain knobs at 1:00
-meter brightness on lowest setting
-meter lights bouncing around 0 with peaks up to 8+
-XLR outs feeding a Tascam DR-40
-headphone turned down

I'm pretty amazed at the results. My longest test resulted in 12+ hours of runtime--I can't seem to stay awake long enough to run it down! If I ever do I'll update this thread again. I would imagine that at amplified concert levels I won't have the gain more than 9:00, and would see even longer runtime? One strange thing though--the Power light does not turn on when I have my external box connected. SD said that is the result of the MixPre being run at its voltage threshold, but that the unit is designed to shut down without damage due to insufficient voltage. Very cool!

-james