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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: dallman on January 23, 2020, 01:54:48 AM

Title: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dallman on January 23, 2020, 01:54:48 AM
Previous threads:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=181803.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182278.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182573.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=183580.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=186597.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=189692.0
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: gmm6797 on January 23, 2020, 11:55:57 AM
Is there a good list of default settings for the average concert recording with 2 mics and a board patch?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Popmarter on January 23, 2020, 01:31:15 PM
I have recorded a show with only two ISO's. How can i listen back to this throught the headphone out. :shrug:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: noahbickart on January 23, 2020, 01:54:33 PM
I have recorded a show with only two ISO's. How can i listen back to this throught the headphone out. :shrug:

Solo those tracks.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Ronmac on January 23, 2020, 02:10:47 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhw8JF_7sIc&list=PLKpAunZPiGRnR9_CudIzD1CQudEr22kIT&index=19&t=0s

Settings depend on mode of device. ie Basic, Advanced, Custom
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Popmarter on January 23, 2020, 02:18:56 PM
I have recorded a show with only two ISO's. How can i listen back to this throught the headphone out. :shrug:

Solo those tracks.

Thanks, it is that simple  :D
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: noahbickart on January 26, 2020, 10:44:56 PM
Does anyone know if SD plans to add 32bit float capability to Wave Agent?

I *can* manipulate these tracts in Reaper as is, but my workflow would be so simplified by this update to Wave Agent.

This, more than anything is preventing me from upgrading.

For R&R, I suspect not much would change for me.

But for a chamber music gig....
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on January 27, 2020, 12:28:31 AM
not sure that this is helpful but i archive my polywave files by stitching the short files together in soundforge and then saving the polywave as a single .w64 file

resulting files at 32/96 are ~10GB but its quick and dirty
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: noahbickart on January 27, 2020, 10:57:37 AM
As it stands, I can now load and split polywaves in reaper, but loading them one by one, splitting them, rendering each pair, then combining the files into a single file per set/show, then reloading into reaper to normalize, etc, is just so many steps,

especially when trying to beat Chris King on getting my upload up etree.....  :smash: :shrug:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on January 27, 2020, 03:04:48 PM
If all of your sources have the same starting point it’s fairly easy to track it once im cdwav, save the cue sheet, and apply the cue sheet to the subsequent versions of different source/sample rate/ bitrate. It saves both split points and any special filenames in the cue sheet
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on February 04, 2020, 08:47:19 PM
Anker PowerCore 10000 PD on sale at Amazon for $28.79

My go to battery for running my MP-6. I get 6.1 hours recording 2-mk41's + sbd,  recharges in 9ish hours.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-10000mAh-Portable-Delivery/dp/B07PXMF52C/ref=as_li_ss_tl
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Paul Isaacs on February 11, 2020, 01:45:48 PM
FYI, we added the SanDisk Extreme 150MB/s 64GB SD card to our approved media list. Cost effective and widely available.

https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-series-approved-media-list/
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on March 15, 2020, 08:46:11 PM
Just updated to current 6.00 firmware from 2.21 anyone running the most current firmware without issue?  TIA
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on March 15, 2020, 09:18:29 PM
Just updated to current 6.00 firmware from 2.21 anyone running the most current firmware without issue?  TIA
I was advised by a SD technician to use the most current firmware to avoid the problems I had with the SD branded cards using 2.21


I upgraded, but have not tested it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on March 15, 2020, 11:29:06 PM
I'm still on the original v4 that came with my II series. If it ain't broke...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on March 19, 2020, 09:06:00 PM
I upgraded, but have not tested it.

I still have not recorded with it, but I am presently using the Mixpre-6 with firmware V6.00 as a USB audio interface (output) for my computer.

Pretty interesting using the digital input on the SD, and also cool to have meters on my sound interface! My Saffire has none, the MotU 828 has them, but is too big to sit within my visual field, and besides it hums when it's powered up. (signal is clean but box is noisy)

Does anyone else use theirs as a USB sound interface? I would be glad to hear hot tips!

Like turn off the limiter, I think I like it without, since it's monitoring a digital source now.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: WiFiJeff on March 19, 2020, 10:36:10 PM

Pretty interesting using the digital input on the SD, and also cool to have meters on my sound interface! My Saffire has none, the MotU 828 has them, but is too big to sit within my visual field, and besides it hums when it's powered up. (signal is clean but box is noisy)

Does anyone else use theirs as a USB sound interface? I would be glad to hear hot tips! [/font]


Can you feed a USB signal from a device like the SONOSAX SX M2D2 into the MixPre II now??  How, what settings?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on March 20, 2020, 12:35:42 AM
Can you feed a USB signal from a device like the SONOSAX SX M2D2 into the MixPre II now??  How, what settings?
Get a cable and plug it in!
I've got my inputs set so that I can record the USB input directly onto 5-6 by hitting the Record button, but I turned that off to see what's up, and it still played audio through the l-r outputs and headphones from the computer via USB.
*I think that's because I've got those set for it. I messed with it for a while to get it working the way I wanted.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on March 20, 2020, 01:23:18 AM
Can you feed a USB signal from a device like the SONOSAX SX M2D2 into the MixPre II now??  How, what settings?

You can record pretty much any audio that is played on the computer or fed into it from another audio source. No matter how it is fed in, line, USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire et al.
As long as it's an identifiable Audio I/O or can make a sound some how.

If you want to route audio in more complex ways on macOS - like the outdated Sound Flower driver offered - I can recommend BlackHole as the most up to date virtual driver.

https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: WiFiJeff on March 20, 2020, 01:24:19 AM
Does it jam to the USB digital signal, or resample?

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on March 20, 2020, 02:05:23 AM
Does it jam to the USB digital signal, or resample?

You can select bit and sample rate and which source to act the clock.
Depends on the Mac but I believe most does hardware rate conversion.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/audio-midi-setup/ams59f301fda/mac
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: WiFiJeff on March 20, 2020, 02:19:38 AM
There is no "Mac" involved.  I want to go from a Sonosax SX M2D2 via its USB out, into a MixPre II 6.  I have configured channels 5 and 6 on the MixPre to receive this stereo input, and also want to input analog signal from mics into channels 1-4.  Will tracks 1-4 clock correctly to the Sonosax or will the MixPre resample the digital input?  My old Sonosax 8-track MiniR82 would clock the analog inputs to digital inputs 5-6 (but not digital inputs 7-8).   Any idea what happens here??
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on March 20, 2020, 04:04:45 AM
There is no "Mac" involved.  I want to go from a Sonosax SX M2D2 via its USB out, into a MixPre II 6.  I have configured channels 5 and 6 on the MixPre to receive this stereo input, and also want to input analog signal from mics into channels 1-4.  Will tracks 1-4 clock correctly to the Sonosax or will the MixPre resample the digital input?  My old Sonosax 8-track MiniR82 would clock the analog inputs to digital inputs 5-6 (but not digital inputs 7-8).   Any idea what happens here??

The MixPre acts as a USB Device only.
Unless the Sonosax can act as a USB Host which I doubt, two USB Devices can not communicate with each other.

You need a USB Host to which you can connect both the Sonosax and the Mixpre over USB - then you would be able to route USB audio in/Out as you like.
Perhaps a RPi could manage this as long as everything is device compliant so you don't need to mess around with drivers.
But I've never done it that way.

I've ran my Mixpre as an audio I/O to my Macs and my iPhones.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dogmusic on March 20, 2020, 09:53:09 AM
You can record pretty much any audio that is played on the computer or fed into it from another audio source. No matter how it is fed in, line, USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire et al.


Could you run a DAT machine digital out into a Mac and archive your DAT tapes digitally into the MixPre 3-6-10?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: noahbickart on March 20, 2020, 11:57:04 AM
I want to go from a Sonosax SX M2D2 via its USB out, into a MixPre II 6.

You won't be able to do this.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on March 20, 2020, 12:35:09 PM
You can record pretty much any audio that is played on the computer or fed into it from another audio source. No matter how it is fed in, line, USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire et al.


Could you run a DAT machine digital out into a Mac and archive your DAT tapes digitally into the MixPre 3-6-10?

If both the Mac and dat have optical/electrical spdif it should work.
My HHB Portadat is on vacation in the basement. If I get some time over I’ll do a test this weekend.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dogmusic on March 20, 2020, 01:58:19 PM
You can record pretty much any audio that is played on the computer or fed into it from another audio source. No matter how it is fed in, line, USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire et al.


Could you run a DAT machine digital out into a Mac and archive your DAT tapes digitally into the MixPre 3-6-10?

If both the Mac and dat have optical/electrical spdif it should work.
My HHB Portadat is on vacation in the basement. If I get some time over I’ll do a test this weekend.

Thanks.

I have a DAT machine lazing about. I should give it a try as well.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on March 20, 2020, 03:28:24 PM
Could you run a DAT machine digital out into a Mac and archive your DAT tapes digitally into the MixPre 3-6-10?
Yes, but why bother with the extra step/device, when you could capture the digital feed in digital audio workstation (DAW) software and save it directly to your drive?

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dogmusic on March 20, 2020, 04:21:35 PM
Could you run a DAT machine digital out into a Mac and archive your DAT tapes digitally into the MixPre 3-6-10?
Yes, but why bother with the extra step/device, when you could capture the digital feed in digital audio workstation (DAW) software and save it directly to your drive?


True enough. But in this scenario you end up with wav files on an SD card at the push of a record button which appeals to me over working in a DAW.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on March 20, 2020, 09:36:58 PM
True enough. But in this scenario you end up with wav files on an SD card at the push of a record button which appeals to me over working in a DAW.
Oh! If that's the goal, then by all means, proceed! Sounds like a great way to go about it.

But the reason I'm really back on THIS thread is to ask MixPre users if they can help with this bit about using the device on USB:

I wish I could control Stereo Output gain with the scroller knob (headphone knob) while viewing levels. I'd use the headphone out but that is RIGHT next to the dang knob!
I'd settle for controlling a linked pair with a single front panel knob.
Just nice to have a physical volume control handy in case of insane dynamics or perhaps a phone call. I can always go turn down the stereo...

Edit- figured out how to do this!
MixPre3 or 6 with V6.00 firmware - directions to set up as a handy USB audio interface for a computer.
Plug in MixPre to computer via USB-C port on recorder. Plug other end of compatible cable into your host computer.
 *Note* If your host machine is not able to provide sufficient power via USB-C, you will not be able to use a remote keyboard on the mixpre, or run more than 2 channels of Kashmir preamp. The power indicator will be amber, not green. Other functions mostly work the same, in my brief experience.
Click Hamburger icon, page to P3 > System, set Mode to Advanced, set USB-C to Audio, set USB Audio to Normal (optional: on page 2, set up bluetooth, if you want remote monitoring for your fancy new sound interface!
Channel 1-2 - push the input knob, (touchscreen to page 2!) set Linking 1-2, Set input on those channels to USB 1 left, and USB 2 right.
Now set Outputs > Stereo Gain to 0, Stereo Out Left is set to Chan 1, Stereo Out Right is set to Chan 2


At this point, main output level for the mini jack is set to the output from Channels 1-2, which get their input from the USB 1-2.
Main level is set on Channel one, balance on channel two (set it to the middle for most things!)
[I suspect I could use the mix bus, but I might be doing so now. Still new at this)
Touch the meters in the bottom to make it toggle through displaying sample rate and bit depth, time and date, Headphone info
Touch the meters in the middle to make it toggle through displaying your L-R main bus & USB input, L-R main bus with large bars, L-R main bus & Active channels
move the knob for input 1, and the display top left will jump to its current level setting as you move it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on March 23, 2020, 10:12:58 PM
I hate to be the only one posting, but I just noticed a couple things about WINGMAN software on my phone.
You can swipe sideways and get totally different looking meters.
After you do that you can swipe up and change if you're monitoring input or output, I think is what I'm seeing.

Furthermore- the initial screen also lets you swipe up or down to change modes!
#IDidNotKnowThat
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on March 23, 2020, 10:28:28 PM
Could you run a DAT machine digital out into a Mac and archive your DAT tapes digitally into the MixPre 3-6-10?
Yes, but why bother with the extra step/device, when you could capture the digital feed in digital audio workstation (DAW) software and save it directly to your drive?


True enough. But in this scenario you end up with wav files on an SD card at the push of a record button which appeals to me over working in a DAW.

how is that different than ending up with wav files on an HD? youre jsut using the wave editor app to record.

also unless you have a third party soundcard, mac onboard digital in resamples data, so that in and of itself is inferior to the numerous cheap 2-channel recorders with digital in
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on March 24, 2020, 12:05:25 AM
also unless you have a third party soundcard, mac onboard digital in resamples data, so that in and of itself is inferior to the numerous cheap 2-channel recorders with digital in
That makes sense, I have to choose sample rate & bit depth from the Mac Audio MIDI setup program.
It doesn't let me choose a source to Lock on, and it doesn't switch when I play something at a different rate (for instance, if I choose 48K, and play a CD, the MixPre still says 48.)


Another thing I just found out about is that Mac OS now lets you make "Aggregate devices" and will sync several different sound interface options.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202000 (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202000)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on March 24, 2020, 12:11:00 AM
also unless you have a third party soundcard, mac onboard digital in resamples data, so that in and of itself is inferior to the numerous cheap 2-channel recorders with digital in
That makes sense, I have to choose sample rate & bit depth from the Mac Audio MIDI setup program.

easy to test

transfer a dat with a mac
transfer it with something else

data is different
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dogmusic on March 24, 2020, 07:09:42 AM
Could you run a DAT machine digital out into a Mac and archive your DAT tapes digitally into the MixPre 3-6-10?
Yes, but why bother with the extra step/device, when you could capture the digital feed in digital audio workstation (DAW) software and save it directly to your drive?


True enough. But in this scenario you end up with wav files on an SD card at the push of a record button which appeals to me over working in a DAW.

how is that different than ending up with wav files on an HD? youre just using the wave editor app to record.

also unless you have a third party soundcard, mac onboard digital in resamples data, so that in and of itself is inferior to the numerous cheap 2-channel recorders with digital in

Yes, of course I would use a recorder with digital in — I have many — but you’re missing the context of my remarks which was an earlier discussion of being able to go digital in into the MixPre units (which don’t have dig I/O) through a computer. I remembered someone suggesting that a forum member not buy a MixPre until they had archived their DATs with the dig in of their 744T. So it now seems possible to do that digitally with a MixPre.

As for “just using the wave editor app to record”, that’s my point: I prefer a workflow of pushing transport buttons over clicking a mouse. That’s just me. It’s no big deal.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mandodon on April 11, 2020, 03:41:58 PM
I know it's not the usual use here, but is anyone using one of these with the musician's plugin to multitrack. Just wondering how well it works--especially wondering about workflow for recording yourself. Is it easy or are you always having to fiddle around with the touchscreen and knobs to get to the next track etc.? I have a setup with an Apogee One, iPad, and Auria--but one device sounds attractive.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 29, 2020, 03:06:33 PM
I am having trouble with routing channels 5&6 to headphones when doing onboard playback. For example, I can set up preset one as 5&6 only and there's no output, but when I "solo" those channels on their respective channel screens, they work. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on April 29, 2020, 11:46:52 PM
I am having trouble with routing channels 5&6 to headphones when doing onboard playback. For example, I can set up preset one as 5&6 only and there's no output, but when I "solo" those channels on their respective channel screens, they work. Any ideas?
Have not dug in lately on headphone mixing...  but are they "post fader" so you'd have to turn up the level on 5-6 (using the knob?) There is an option for pre or post.
(Pre fade shows green, post shows blue on the edit preset screen)

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on June 22, 2020, 11:07:09 AM
New firmware (v. 7) has been released...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: borjam on June 22, 2020, 11:18:09 AM
Interesting: They are adding features from the high end series. It was Mix Assist, now Noise Assist (althought the latter only for the II Series, which seem to be a much more powerful processor).

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 22, 2020, 03:13:55 PM
Interesting: They are adding features from the high end series. It was Mix Assist, now Noise Assist (althought the latter only for the II Series, which seem to be a much more powerful processor).
oh, joy, a $300 plugin.
Thanks, I'll deal with it in post. Lucky for me I don't depend on my Mix Outs #ILoveISOs
Quote

Suppress background noise instantly on-location with the NoiseAssist plugin for MixPre II Series. NoiseAssist is an advanced signal processing algorithm that reduces background noises such as traffic, generators, HVAC noise, and more. The plugin continuously monitors background noise to give you clean audio for the entire take.
Using NoiseAssist is easy and fast – simply adjust the amount of background noise to suppress and NoiseAssist will do the rest. Suppression happens in real time with just 1 ms of latency – no “learning” required. One instance of NoiseAssist can run on any channel, bus L, or bus R.
Get NoiseAssist today for the introductory price of $300. Listen to our demos below"
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: IronFilm on June 23, 2020, 07:52:50 AM
Interesting: They are adding features from the high end series. It was Mix Assist, now Noise Assist (althought the latter only for the II Series, which seem to be a much more powerful processor).
oh, joy, a $300 plugin.
Thanks, I'll deal with it in post. Lucky for me I don't depend on my Mix Outs #ILoveISOs

$300 seems crazy expensive, but that is HALF THE COST of what I'm being charged for NoiseAssist for my 833
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 24, 2020, 03:34:18 PM
$300 seems crazy expensive, but that is HALF THE COST of what I'm being charged for NoiseAssist for my 833
I'm sure it's fair for what it does, I just don't need that.
 :shrug:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ol' dirty taper on July 19, 2020, 05:38:39 PM
I joined the team and picked up a hardly used mp6. Read through all 6 previous threads and got this setup pretty easily. Upgraded to firmware 7 and ran a couple tests so far with different battery options. I found using two 8800mAh L-series batteries I was able to record just over 16 hours before they died. Kind of wish the sled was for a single battery facing backwards as it's kind of awkward to fit into a gear bag with two on the sled. Will probably pick up a usb c battery pack. Are there any differences between the Anker and RavPower power banks?

Have it setup in custom mode, has anyone noticed that when you link two channels, the second control knob becomes a balance control? I am unsure where to really place it - or if it is even relevant if I am not recording to Mix L R.

Coming from the SD702T, this feels like just as sturdy of a unit and can't wait to tape some shows with it. As there are no shows here on the central CA coast to S CA for awhile, I will probably start recording the coyotes that howl at night behind my house.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on July 19, 2020, 05:53:37 PM
Have it setup in custom mode, has anyone noticed that when you link two channels, the second control knob becomes a balance control? I am unsure where to really place it - or if it is even relevant if I am not recording to Mix L R.

yes, i love this feature.  used to have to turn one knob down with one hand and simultaneously turn a second knob up with my other hand to try and make it seamless. 

now that they're linked, the one balance knob is nice to have if you're in a strange spot and one channel is running more hot than the other. 

Although, with the II, in 32bit, i don't think it will matter much/at all.  i plan to pretty much just set up the mics and hit record in 32bit.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on July 21, 2020, 10:10:36 AM
I leave balance on C "center" and fix in post if off a bit.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on July 21, 2020, 10:21:21 AM
What am I missing staying on early firmware. Don't recall the version number, but it's just before the pre-roll feature.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on July 21, 2020, 01:34:54 PM
What am I missing staying on early firmware. Don't recall the version number, but it's just before the pre-roll feature.
they may have fixed the bug where my machine crashed a couple times with 3.01?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on July 21, 2020, 09:05:34 PM
What am I missing staying on early firmware. Don't recall the version number, but it's just before the pre-roll feature.

I'm on 6.0 and preroll doesn't seem to work for me.  :shrug
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on July 22, 2020, 08:59:18 AM
Try backing down a to the previous firmware! 

What am I missing staying on early firmware. Don't recall the version number, but it's just before the pre-roll feature.

I'm on 6.0 and preroll doesn't seem to work for me.  :shrug
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: noahbickart on July 22, 2020, 09:20:04 AM
I leave balance on C "center" and fix in post if off a bit.

The balance affects only the mix tracks and not the ISO’s.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on July 22, 2020, 12:27:19 PM
I leave balance on C "center" and fix in post if off a bit.

The balance affects only the mix tracks and not the ISO’s.

the level meter begs to differ!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on July 22, 2020, 01:32:07 PM
Not on my deck!

I leave balance on C "center" and fix in post if off a bit.

The balance affects only the mix tracks and not the ISO’s.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: darby on July 22, 2020, 01:58:38 PM
not on mine either running Custom Mode with Gain set to Basic

Not on my deck!

I leave balance on C "center" and fix in post if off a bit.

The balance affects only the mix tracks and not the ISO’s.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jcable77 on July 22, 2020, 02:44:38 PM
Same here. I turn the mix tracks off.
not on mine either running Custom Mode with Gain set to Basic

Not on my deck!

I leave balance on C "center" and fix in post if off a bit.

The balance affects only the mix tracks and not the ISO’s.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ol' dirty taper on July 23, 2020, 01:59:03 AM
You guys are correct that it does alter the ISO tracks when paired.

I am in Custom Mode > Gain Basic

Tried also with Gain Advanced and really don't see a difference in knob function, but it does add a Gain level in the menu when you push on an input knob which you cannot put below 6 dB. Will need to play around and see what exactly it is adjusting.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on July 23, 2020, 12:09:57 PM
^ With gain set to basic, both the pre-amp and digital gain are combined and controlled with the front panel knob. With advanced, the pre-amp gain is controlled by the menu/encoder knob and the front panel knob controls the digital gain applied to the mix.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on July 23, 2020, 11:39:10 PM
^ With gain set to basic, both the pre-amp and digital gain are combined and controlled with the front panel knob. With advanced, the pre-amp gain is controlled by the menu/encoder knob and the front panel knob controls the digital gain applied to the mix.
WOW cool! Thanks!
The Pre-Amp gain is displayed as a number in between a down and up arrow on the touch screen, and can be adjusted by touching the arrows as well as the rotary encoder knob (aka headphone volume and more!)


↓   ## dB   ↑
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on July 28, 2020, 12:27:35 PM
Firmware 7.10 is out with front panels locks!

New

Introducing front panel locks. Press channel knobs 1, 2, and 3 to enter the new Front Panel menu. Lock transport controls, touchscreen, channel knobs, and/or the headphone knob to avoid accidental changes or when you are leaving your MixPre unattended.
Additional USB keyboard shortcuts:
Ctrl + M = Add cue marker
Ctrl + F = File transfer mode
9, 0 = Channel screens 9 and 10 on MixPre-10T and MixPre-10 II
Ctrl + 1-0 =  Toggle arm status of channels 1-10
Option + 1-0 = Solo channels 1-10
Ctrl + Option +  1-0: Mute channels 1-10
1 + 2 + 3 = Enters Front Panel menu

Change

Holding down a key on a USB keyboard for >0.5s now repeats the command. This improves usability of keyboards for setting gain and other functions.

Fixed

Elapsed time display is no longer missing from the home screen status bar of the MixPre-3, MixPre-3 II, MixPre-6, and MixPre-6 II.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on July 28, 2020, 02:19:04 PM
Firmware 7.10 is out with front panels locks!
hells yeahs
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DigiGal on July 28, 2020, 02:24:31 PM
Firmware 7.10 is out with front panels locks!
hells yeahs
^^ Holding for Sound  :alert:    ;)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ol' dirty taper on July 28, 2020, 02:58:41 PM
Updated my firmware and the front panel locks are a neat feature that I am sure I will use in the future.

Now only if there is a way to control the gain from the Wingman app...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DigiGal on July 28, 2020, 06:43:01 PM
Updating from v7.0 only required a single reboot.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dactylus on July 30, 2020, 09:13:56 AM
Updated my firmware and the front panel locks are a neat feature that I am sure I will use in the future.

Now only if there is a way to control the gain from the Wingman app...

^
Gain is not yet controllable using the Wingman app but this is an interesting development nonetheless...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mixpre/permalink/1499784956888519/

http://inputstick.com/?fbclid=IwAR01Rng9cYDJ_jBFVi5ikRcbjW91lv5m_dmrhO7M1zcz-yNkUVfGSP5ggu8

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ol' dirty taper on July 31, 2020, 05:50:23 PM
Ran into my first glitch today on the new firmware. I am using the mp6 to transfer old minidiscs to my mac using usb C (no 3.5mm audio input on the mac). Took a minute to configure the 1 & 2 inputs to USB outs and that is working just fine. While doing the first transfer I figured I should save the settings to a preset on the SD card. I navigated to the preset menu, named it, and when I hit 'ok' to save, the mp6 went into this loud feedback loop that required me to turn off the unit to remedy. I reloaded the preset when power was back on and everything is working perfectly.

Worth noting, I am not recording to the mp6, just using it as a passthrough device. The only thing the device is doing is monitoring levels.

*I think what I did was save a preset with the same name and it did not like that. Forgot I had already saved one.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DigiGal on August 07, 2020, 06:50:46 PM
Just curious, did you reformat the SD card in the MixPre after upgrading the firmware before saving the preset to the card?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on August 08, 2020, 07:11:13 AM
Just curious, did you reformat the SD card in the MixPre after upgrading the firmware before saving the preset to the card?

I’m curious about this.

How do I save my settings to the SD card?

I assume the firmware update will reset my settings?

What’s the best way to update while retaining settings?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on August 10, 2020, 09:26:18 AM
updating firmware will not change the settings but it's a good idea to revert to default and reconfigure after an upgrade.  if you save presets on the mp (default) then they remain after loading factory defaults.  That is if restored to default via presets.  If they are saved to SD then simply copy somewhere before formatting.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DigiGal on August 10, 2020, 11:19:13 AM
From Paul Isaacs regarding an earlier update which likely applies to all updates moving forward...

"Guys - v3.00 has been in QA for many many weeks and passed intensive testing. It is highly recommended that after you update to new firmware, you load factory defaults, then reformat your SD card in the MixPre, then rebuild any presets. A machine can literally have millions of possible setting states. So starting from a clean factory default state/preset often clears up things after a major firmware update. If this doesn't help, then please contact our tech support who will help you resolve issue. Thx"

Edit to add info regarding a reset because it appears you can’t just delete old presets...

You can restore the whole unit to factory state by holding down the headphone encoder and CH1 fader while booting the unit. Note that this will reset everything.

On the next power up after doing the reset the recorder performed a reboot.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on August 10, 2020, 11:44:00 AM
Wondering how SD resolve the issue of panel knobs getting out of sync with levels? Eg, set gain, lock front panel, know gets turned. What happens when unlocked?

If they've addressed this issue, then front panel lock brings us a step closer to wingman gain control.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on August 10, 2020, 12:18:42 PM
Wondering how SD resolve the issue of panel knobs getting out of sync with levels? Eg, set gain, lock front panel, know gets turned. What happens when unlocked?
If they've addressed this issue, then front panel lock brings us a step closer to wingman gain control.
My guess is that you can only do it in a mode where the knobs don't control the levels directly.
*hell no I am not putting x.0 firmware on my working machine
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on August 10, 2020, 12:35:04 PM
Wondering how SD resolve the issue of panel knobs getting out of sync with levels? Eg, set gain, lock front panel, know gets turned. What happens when unlocked?
If they've addressed this issue, then front panel lock brings us a step closer to wingman gain control.
My guess is that you can only do it in a mode where the knobs don't control the levels directly.
*hell no I am not putting x.0 firmware on my working machine
Still rockin' 2.2.1. And Mojave.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on August 10, 2020, 01:04:35 PM
Sorry, I'm a fucking liar. I'm grudgingly running the 6.00 because I was advised to by SD service. It's working for my current use as USB interface.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ol' dirty taper on August 11, 2020, 04:25:53 PM
Just curious, did you reformat the SD card in the MixPre after upgrading the firmware before saving the preset to the card?

I did do a reformat, I saved the presets to a folder on my desktop to move them over.

Noticed that if I change the preset while sound in being input, I will get a similar loud ringing while the preset loads.

Will probably wipe the unit again and just reload the presets from the deck itself and save fresh files. Everything has been working fine otherwise.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DigiGal on August 11, 2020, 06:23:08 PM
Just curious, did you reformat the SD card in the MixPre after upgrading the firmware before saving the preset to the card?

I did do a reformat, I saved the presets to a folder on my desktop to move them over.

Noticed that if I change the preset while sound in being input, I will get a similar loud ringing while the preset loads.

Will probably wipe the unit again and just reload the presets from the deck itself and save fresh files. Everything has been working fine otherwise.

While doing the first transfer I figured I should save the settings to a preset on the SD card. I navigated to the preset menu, named it, and when I hit 'ok' to save"

It looks like Sound Devices recommends we perform a reset then rebuild "not reload" presets after a firmware update and reformatting cards.

[From Reply #68 Above]

It is highly recommended that after you update to new firmware, you load factory defaults, then reformat your SD card in the MixPre, then rebuild any presets.

You can restore the whole unit to factory state by holding down the headphone encoder and CH1 fader while booting the unit. Note that this will reset everything.



How do I save my settings to the SD card?

I assume the firmware update will reset my settings?

Earlier "justink" had an inquiry about saving presets to SD Card, I took the attached photos to help illustrate how that's done...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on August 12, 2020, 11:43:52 AM
Thank you
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on August 22, 2020, 08:26:47 PM
So, is it safe to update to 7.1?  I don’t want to rebuild my presets if I should wait for the next one. But I do want the front panel lock.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on August 23, 2020, 09:27:24 AM
Updated my Mixpre-6!  The lock controls are nice, but I haven't done extensive testing to find bugs.  I assume by the next time I can see a concert that someone will ferret out any issues and they will probably have an updated firmware with fixes. Upon initial use everything seems to be working just fine.

So, is it safe to update to 7.1?  I don’t want to rebuild my presets if I should wait for the next one. But I do want the front panel lock.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DigiGal on August 23, 2020, 02:14:04 PM
I updated to 7.1, haven't really done any bug testing but haven't encountered any in use either.  Thanks to COVID have only been doing some stereo ambience nature recording and have shifted more into dialog/conversational recording along with utilizing the MixPre-6 as a computer streaming interface use for with Zoom meetings etc.  Picked up some DPA mics to better fit these current recording applications as it'll probably be a while before resuming live music recording.   
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on September 06, 2020, 05:15:36 PM
can someone clarify something for me?

MixPre10 II:

If i'm taking a mixed/main out [XLR (left/right)] from a desk, would I be fine going XLR into the MixPre (phantom off, of course), or would I need to go into the MixPre with TRS?  Does it matter?

For example, I have channels 5 & 6 linked, Armed, Line In (not mic).  Am I good going XLR out from board - > XLR into deck?  Or should I go XLR out from board - > TRS into deck?  Does it matter?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on September 06, 2020, 05:34:12 PM
I always use xlr ins, prefer a locking connector. Never had an issue w line level desk feeds via this path.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rippleish20 on September 06, 2020, 08:10:32 PM
With some decks, like the original Zoom F-8, you have to use TRS to get line level, but with the Mixpre-x you set line or microphone level via the menus and can use with XLR or TRS
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on September 06, 2020, 08:29:51 PM
I always use xlr ins, prefer a locking connector. Never had an issue w line level desk feeds via this path.

With some decks, like the original Zoom F-8, you have to use TRS to get line level, but with the Mixpre-x you set line or microphone level via the menus and can use with XLR or TRS

Thank y'all.  That's what I thought but wanted verification. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on September 07, 2020, 08:19:20 AM
I use XLR for mics channel 1 & 2, but I like right angle 1/4 cables for SBD feeds.  They are low profile and easy to situate in the bag at any position needed. 

Edit:  These have worked well for SBD feeds and are cheap.  We also use these with our Henry patchbox.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-E20112-12Ft-1-4-TRS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-3pin-Female-Microphone-Cable/221392638211?hash=item338c079103:g:rgwAAOxy0x1TUByF
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on September 14, 2020, 05:15:01 PM
something weird just happened.

i put AA's in and powered on.

first screen said "new firmware detected - installing"

then it said "install successful, unit will restart now"

buuuuut i never put any new firmware on the SD card and it started and finished on 6.0.

so, whaaaaaat?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on September 15, 2020, 03:23:22 PM
Pre-roll question:

I go into the record menu and have Pre-roll set for 10 seconds. 

But when I start a recording it always starts at zero on the timer.  My R-44 would start the timer 5 seconds (or whatever the pre-roll was).

Is the pre-roll even working?  Is it still saving 10 forward seconds even though the record timer starts at zero?  i'm confused.


ANSWER:

I ran a test.  Recorded exactly 10 seconds, then pressed play and it played for 20 seconds.  So, Pre-Roll works in the background without showing on the record counter.  Good to know.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on January 07, 2021, 11:09:25 AM
SD released information about using the MixPre-II series as an audio interface for mobile and suggested that some configurations MIGHT work with the original MixPre series.
https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-ii-series-as-audio-interfaces-for-tablets-and-phones/

MixPre II Series as Audio Interfaces for Tablets and Phones
Posted on December 22, 2020
The following set-ups have been verified with the MixPre II Series, but may also work for the first generation MixPre Series.
...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: borjam on February 01, 2021, 09:52:00 AM
SD released information about using the MixPre-II series as an audio interface for mobile and suggested that some configurations MIGHT work with the original MixPre series.
https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-ii-series-as-audio-interfaces-for-tablets-and-phones/

MixPre II Series as Audio Interfaces for Tablets and Phones
Posted on December 22, 2020
The following set-ups have been verified with the MixPre II Series, but may also work for the first generation MixPre Series.
...
It *does* work for the original MixPre series, at least with the model 3. I have been using it as an audio interface to run SMAART tools on an iPad Pro.

Some comments:

- Avoid using the Lightning camera adaptor. It provides very flaky power and it causes trouble like the MixPre restarting repeteadly. Unintuitively, you should always
use the USB-A port in the MixPre with a normal USB-Lightning cable for the iPhone/iPad.

- Some iOS applications support multi channel audio (these recorders are class compliant USB devices so they won't need any driver). THe MixPre can happily
accomodate both.

If the app supports multichannel audio, use System->USB Audio->Normal. If it is limited to stereo, System->USB Audio->Stereo. Pretty straightforward.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on February 01, 2021, 08:50:11 PM
I'm out of town and away from my MixPre at the moment.  I copied the files from the USB to my laptop before leaving.

I guess I accidentally turned the unit off before it saved to the USB.  So, I didn't get the last part of the show.

But there's a chance I turned the unit off before stopping the recording.... I can't remember.  If that's the case.  Will the last part of the show be on the SD card in the deck?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on February 01, 2021, 10:09:54 PM
i imagine. whenever ive run out of power the last file is always there
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justink on February 01, 2021, 10:12:56 PM
i imagine. whenever ive run out of power the last file is always there

Hope so.  Oops. If not, certainly a learning lesson.  I was just in such a hurry to break down and get out.

I wanted to work on the tape and upload while on the road.  Guess I have to wait a week to see if I have a full tape to work with.  🤷🏻‍♂️
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on February 06, 2021, 03:12:46 AM
It *does* work for the original MixPre series, at least with the model 3. I have been using it as an audio interface to run SMAART tools on an iPad Pro.

Some comments:

- Avoid using the Lightning camera adaptor. It provides very flaky power and it causes trouble like the MixPre restarting repeteadly. Unintuitively, you should always
use the USB-A port in the MixPre with a normal USB-Lightning cable for the iPhone/iPad.

- Some iOS applications support multi channel audio (these recorders are class compliant USB devices so they won't need any driver). THe MixPre can happily
accomodate both.

If the app supports multichannel audio, use System->USB Audio->Normal. If it is limited to stereo, System->USB Audio->Stereo. Pretty straightforward.


These are FANTASTIC tips. Thank you.
UNINTUITIVELY is right, I assumed that the USB-A port was only for keyboards or controllers. Have tried nothing else there.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 01, 2021, 04:37:25 PM
I'll be running 6 channels with my Mixpre 6-ii this Saturday for Billy Strings. Setup will be:

Ch 1&2 : AKG 568 Shotguns
Ch 3&4 : AKG 480 + ck62 omni
Ch 5&6 : AKG ck63 > baby nbox

I've never ran a mic level signal through the aux input...Is is generally regarded as acceptable or should I run channels 5&6 through my A10 instead? I can't imagine the A10 has better preamps, but you never know.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on April 01, 2021, 05:02:01 PM
The MixPre aux-in has a maximum input level of +10 dBu in line mode. A quick search showed that the CK63 ULS has a sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa, so you'd need about 136 dBSPL to generate a signal of that level. I am not sure if the "ULS" is the same model as what you have, but, if it is, you should be fine. The A10's audio IN has a "rated input level of approximately 2V", so a little less than the MixPre.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on April 01, 2021, 05:19:40 PM
Thinking about it a little more, you might consider asking noahbickart. I recall reading that he regularly use the 5/6 input and he might have some useful advice.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 02, 2021, 11:11:12 AM
Thanks aaronji, I'm going to run it with the Mixpre and see how it goes.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 04, 2021, 06:49:45 PM
Ok I ran the mixpre 6 for my second show and am stumped. The multitrack file plays fine in foobar with no clipping that I can tell. The ISO tracks are brickwalled (which I expected) but no matter how much I dial the gain down in izotope, it's still badly clipped. Am I doing this wrong? It worked for me nicely last time.

I recorded at 32 bit 96khz. Thanks
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 04, 2021, 06:55:54 PM
Ok I ran the mixpre 6 for my second show and am stumped. The multitrack file plays fine in foobar with no clipping that I can tell. The ISO tracks are brickwalled (which I expected) but no matter how much I dial the gain down in izotope, it's still badly clipped. Am I doing this wrong? It worked for me nicely last time.
so the same isos that are brickwalled play fine as a multitrack? thats odd

usually on the MP when the isos are clipped its input overloading (mic-in when line-in should have been used
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 04, 2021, 07:14:50 PM
Yep, no idea what happened. I ran 3 pairs of mics and listened to each pair of mics afterwards on the recorder with no problems.

Here's one of the poly files if you feel inclined to play around: https://we.tl/t-i31gAxjc6b
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Scooter123 on April 04, 2021, 09:18:23 PM
You do know that RX7 has a repair function for clipped files, right? 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 04, 2021, 09:31:35 PM
You do know that RX7 has a repair function for clipped files, right?
you do know that there is not a software on earth that can correct to 100% of what a correct unclipped signal can be, right?
Lets work on the fundamentals first
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 04, 2021, 09:38:12 PM
Yep, no idea what happened. I ran 3 pairs of mics and listened to each pair of mics afterwards on the recorder with no problems.

Here's one of the poly files if you feel inclined to play around: https://we.tl/t-i31gAxjc6b

looks good from here. a lot of the tracks are digitally clipped but have full resolution when volume is dropped

i dont know why the isos would act differently? do they show hard clips when volumes are reduced?

Nothing fundamentally wrong there, and pretty easy to copy/paste the tracks you want to a 2-track if thats the only option
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 04, 2021, 10:06:08 PM
Yep, no idea what happened. I ran 3 pairs of mics and listened to each pair of mics afterwards on the recorder with no problems.

Here's one of the poly files if you feel inclined to play around: https://we.tl/t-i31gAxjc6b

looks good from here. a lot of the tracks are digitally clipped but have full resolution when volume is dropped

i dont know why the isos would act differently? do they show hard clips when volumes are reduced?

Nothing fundamentally wrong there, and pretty easy to copy/paste the tracks you want to a 2-track if thats the only option

Thanks for taking a look. I have a pair of ISO tracks open in RX7 now and lowering the gain only reduces the volume level - the waveform still looks exactly the same and is unlistenable. The screenshots below are for a different file than the one I attached earlier, but it's in the same condition.

https://i.imgur.com/kLhDo1B.png

Here it is after lowering gain 20db:

https://i.imgur.com/K6ca8IH.png
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 04, 2021, 10:12:26 PM
looks like perhaps a software issue. post up a short clip of the iso and ill see what soundforge does with it

in SF, "volume" and " normalize" are distinclty differnet functions - the former more useful with 32-bit float over 0dB

im not sure how the 'gain' function is izotope works- i only use it for the clever stuff not basic editing
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Scooter123 on April 04, 2021, 10:35:46 PM
I'm sure that Jerry doesn't have RX7 and is simply offering an opinion without any basis for it.  If you haven't used it, don't knock it, Jerry.  Conversely I have RX7 and have experience using it and using to repair files, like clipping, click tracks, crowd noise and other external anomalies.  It is amazing.   

What RX7 does is by scanning the area (and that takes a fair amount of time, a one hour file might take 20 minutes for a scan), it then extrapolates what the wave curve should look like if there was no clipping, which also takes a lot of time (again, a one hour file might take 30 minutes to repair).  It then lowers the gain and restores the high points to the wave file with full dynamic range.

I get it that it is a educated guess on the part of RX7, but it is designed and sold to address this specific problem.  But RX7 is amazing in all respects, but it excels in clipping.  Let's just say that it is way better than simply lowering the gain as Jerry suggests.  Software Engineers that make a lot more money than you and me times 10 with college degrees in this specific area developed it, and the latest version (I have 2019) is amazing.  I also get it that it is stupidly expensive, which is why most people don't bother purchasing it, and simply criticize it. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 04, 2021, 11:04:20 PM
I think the issue may be Wave Agent. I just read that it still does not support 32 bit files (really Sound Devices???) This didn't happen last time because I only ran 2 mics, hence no need for Wave Agent. If the software is exporting the files at 24 bit, it makes since that I can't "de-clip" them.

I'm going to download a trial of Audition to see if I can pull up the polywave file since my Audacity seems to have crapped out.

EDIT: Yep, it was Wave Agent's bad exports that was the issue. Thanks all.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 04, 2021, 11:18:58 PM
I'm sure that Jerry doesn't have RX7 and is simply offering an opinion without any basis for it.

of course you would be wrong, but you obviously have a track record for making up random stuff, so there's that.

Like the 'restoring files with full dynamic range' claim. Its an approximation/recreation at best, and is by definition inferior to properly non-clipped levels in the first place

All of this is academic as clearly David's waveforms are not clipped

Its apparent you are still hell-bent on insulting people first then attempting to contribute topically as an after thought. Maybe best to stick with your buddies in the PZ echo chamber. At least your odd takes won't be challenged there. In any case, poor form to drag your animosities out into the actual content areas of the site

also re:

Let's just say that it is way better than simply lowering the gain as Jerry suggests.  Software Engineers that make a lot more money than you and me times 10 with college degrees in this specific area developed it, and the latest version (I have 2019) is amazing.  I also get it that it is stupidly expensive, which is why most people don't bother purchasing it, and simply criticize it.

David's waveforms aren't clipped. It is indisputably better to simply adjust volume in a 32-bit-float file with samples over 0db, than it is to use software to needlessly interpolate data. Thats how the format is designed. The former is inherently a less-destructive process than recreating anything. While it is fine that you may think the people who developed your software are genuiuses,  if you dont understand the fundamentals of how the software works, you will never reap the full benefits of the tools they offer. I can build an entire house by hammering the nails in with the side of a hammer if i desire.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Scooter123 on April 05, 2021, 12:31:11 AM
Yes, Freaky Jerry is suggesting that he is smarter than audio software engineers who have spent their entire career developing software to correct clipping.  He should perhaps contact Isotope and apply for a job.  I bet the Isotope Engineers never thought of simply reducing the volume!  Two college degrees in audio engineering and 15 years on the job experience, and they missed this obvious solution.  Brilliant.   :banging head:  The clipping is still there!  All that reducing gain has done is mask the problem by reducing the volume.  Its sorta like reducing covid testing to correct the covid infection rate. 

RX7 was designed in part to fix clipping, not by hiding the problem, but by using a specific software algorithm to spot and identify what frequencies are clipped via a scan and to restore the wave form using the software algorithm fix, a two step process.    It is not quick, it is not easy, and it is not cheap, but it works better than any other solution.   I usually run RX7 overnight on files for click tracks, and other anomalies. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 05, 2021, 12:54:53 AM
please, for the love of god, go back to your troll hole

Posting stuff like this clearly demonstrates you didnt take a moment to even look at the files in question and are just here to stir up shit

The clipping is still there!

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on April 05, 2021, 02:35:53 AM
Why on earth would one feel the need to go to izotope to artificially correct something not in need to be corrected other then simply lower the levels, do a normalisation or what ever and you are done.
It's not bricked walled in a 32-bit floating point space. Only for those living in the old fixed point world and refuse to step out of it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Chuck on April 05, 2021, 08:45:14 AM
Haven't used my MP-6 in over a year. :( Just saw a new firmware 7.11 is a available. I'm on 5.5... Yah, or Nah?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 05, 2021, 10:18:10 AM
Haven't used my MP-6 in over a year. :( Just saw a new firmware 7.11 is a available. I'm on 5.5... Yah, or Nah?
theres been plenty of times people have settled on older FWs for various reasons

i say, if it ain't broke.....
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: WiFiJeff on April 05, 2021, 11:13:37 AM
I think the issue may be Wave Agent. I just read that it still does not support 32 bit files (really Sound Devices???) This didn't happen last time because I only ran 2 mics, hence no need for Wave Agent. If the software is exporting the files at 24 bit, it makes since that I can't "de-clip" them.

I'm going to download a trial of Audition to see if I can pull up the polywave file since my Audacity seems to have crapped out.

EDIT: Yep, it was Wave Agent's bad exports that was the issue. Thanks all.

When I first got an MP6-II, I was dismayed that Wave Agent could not handle 32 bit files.  Someone (maybe it was me) contacted SD and was told they did not intend to update Wave Agent.  I have been using Audacity to separate files (Audacity has just upgraded to 3.0, I have not used the new version yet). In any case it is a free download, not sure why you don't just kill your problem install and reload it.

Jeff
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 05, 2021, 09:50:56 PM
I upgraded to the new version of audacity and it works like a charm. Thanks all. I am disappointed in sound devices regarding this issue.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on April 06, 2021, 02:17:09 PM
^ I wouldn't be too disappointed; as Jeff mentioned, they have pretty much said in other forums (fora?) that they didn't see a point in updating WaveAgent since almost every editor deals with the polyphonic WAV format.

I am curious, though: how did it work out with the 5/6 input and your CK63s? Any issues? Were the levels the same as those for inputs 1 - 4?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on April 06, 2021, 02:21:57 PM
^ I wouldn't be too disappointed; as Jeff mentioned, they have pretty much said in other forums (fora?) that they didn't see a point in updating WaveAgent since almost every editor deals with the polyphonic WAV format.

I am curious, though: how did it work out with the 5/6 input and your CK63s? Any issues? Were the levels the same as those for inputs 1 - 4?

THanks for the reminder. The levels on 5-6 were about 10db or so under the other channels, even at the same gain settings. I ended up not using that pair as channels 1-4 were quality pulls. It doesn't sound bad...just that the mics were not really appropriate for the setting. I didn't notice any additional noise, so no worries there.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on April 06, 2021, 05:50:32 PM
^ Interesting; thanks. That was with 5/6 set to line and 1 - 4 set to mic, I assume? I have been curious about how this works in 32-bit for a while, but since I have the original MixPre-6, I don't have the option to play around with it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jerryfreak on April 06, 2021, 06:38:04 PM
^ Interesting; thanks. That was with 5/6 set to line and 1 - 4 set to mic, I assume? I have been curious about how this works in 32-bit for a while, but since I have the original MixPre-6, I don't have the option to play around with it.
id have to dig into my test notes but iirc the trim and gain ranges are similar regardless of bitrate
Title: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on April 11, 2021, 09:39:02 AM
32bit poly can easily be split in izotope as well.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: OhioHead on May 21, 2021, 08:48:41 AM
Silly questions on a new MixPre-6 owner:

1) fully charged USB battery pack, Pre-6 is showing the battery as “Orange USB” is this normal?
2) if running a pair of balanced mic’s do you plug into 1 & 3 or 1 and 2? 
- It is cleaner in my bag if I use 1 & 3, what settings do I need to play with to support 1 & 3?

Thank you!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on May 21, 2021, 10:02:26 AM
Are you using usbc??  If so your battery doesn't provide the proper power and you need a different battery.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: OhioHead on May 21, 2021, 12:07:09 PM
Thank you!

Yes - I tried USB-C, so try the battery packs w/ a USB 2.0 connection into the SD?

I have been reading thru the 1st gen thread and I remember reading about a specific USB-C cable, a lot of the old links are expired.

Any opinions on a pair of mic’s into the MixPre 6?  1 & 3 or 1 & 2?

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on May 21, 2021, 12:28:54 PM
^ An advantage to using 1 - 2 is that you can link the channels. I don't think you can link 1 and 3 (although you can link 1 - 3).

With respect to the battery, SD says:

Quote from: Sound Devices
To fully power the MixPre-3 II or MixPre-6 II from a USB power source not listed above, you will need BOTH of the following:

USB-C power source that is compliant with the USB powering specification and is able to output 7.5W
USB-C cable that incorporates the correct pull-up resistors to identify itself as able to provide 7.5W
If either of these conditions are not met, the MixPre recorder will operate in low power mode: maximum 2x 48v phantom channels, no HDMI, no USB-A. You can still use all of the MixPre’s channels, but only a maximum of 2 can be phantom powered.

NOTE: A USB-A power source used in conjunction with a USB-A to USB-C cable cannot deliver the required 7.5W for full power operation.

Batteries with "PD" (power delivery) will work; Anker makes some (including the one SD recommends), as do others.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: OhioHead on May 21, 2021, 02:17:19 PM
Thank you, any suggestions on who makes the USB-C compliant cable?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mccordo on May 21, 2021, 06:05:10 PM
Thank you, any suggestions on who makes the USB-C compliant cable?

I bought a braided Anker USB-C to USB-C cable from Amazon. It’s worked well for the 2+ years I’ve been using it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: OhioHead on May 24, 2021, 10:04:11 AM
Thank you ^.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 10, 2021, 12:47:52 AM
has anyone had luck with a mixpre-3 or mixpre-6 version I copying directly to a usb-c thumb drive like this one? https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-128GB-Ultra-Drive-Type-C/dp/B01EZ0X55C
I see they have the functionality in the version II via USB-A, and from the version I user manual, it looks like the "write" is initiated from the device.  but I don't understand what would prevent the version I from writing to a usb-c thumb drive. maybe there is something I'm missing.  how about writing to an android smart phone (via usb-c)?

the reason I'm asking is I'm thinking about transferring a stereo wav off the device after a show to listen (via usb drive or smartphone) and don't want to have to get my laptop involved. can I write the LR wav file to the SD card (and then pull the card out and use a card reader) on my android/iphone to copy the wav? I'd like to avoid removing the sd card if possible, as to not risk somehow loosing the recording or corrupting the files.

also, how about usb Class 1/2 connectivity, or asio driver support with the Apple M1 Silicon MacBooks (via usb-c)? has this been tried?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 10, 2021, 12:53:54 AM
also, how about usb Class 1/2 connectivity, or asio driver support with the Apple M1 Silicon MacBooks (via usb-c)? has this been tried?
I am listening to computer audio played back through my Mixpre6 version 1 via USB-C on my M1 mini right now.
It's my main audio interface to my home stereo.

Not 100% sure about the ASIO part, cause I never had to specify that but it seems legit.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
When I put it into File Transfer mode under the system menu, it removes the audio interface availability until I exit file transfer mode
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: borjam on June 10, 2021, 09:13:16 AM
also, how about usb Class 1/2 connectivity, or asio driver support with the Apple M1 Silicon MacBooks (via usb-c)? has this been tried?
I am listening to computer audio played back through my Mixpre6 version 1 via USB-C on my M1 mini right now.
It's my main audio interface to my home stereo.

Not 100% sure about the ASIO part, cause I never had to specify that but it seems legit.

ASIO is a Windows thing. macOS doesn´t need that.

MixPres are class compliant USB audio devices. You can configure them as stereo devices or full multitrack.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on June 10, 2021, 11:28:29 AM
has anyone had luck with a mixpre-3 or mixpre-6 version I copying directly to a usb-c thumb drive like this one? https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-128GB-Ultra-Drive-Type-C/dp/B01EZ0X55C
I see they have the functionality in the version II via USB-A, and from the version I user manual, it looks like the "write" is initiated from the device.  but I don't understand what would prevent the version I from writing to a usb-c thumb drive. maybe there is something I'm missing.  how about writing to an android smart phone (via usb-c)?

the reason I'm asking is I'm thinking about transferring a stereo wav off the device after a show to listen (via usb drive or smartphone) and don't want to have to get my laptop involved. can I write the LR wav file to the SD card (and then pull the card out and use a card reader) on my android/iphone to copy the wav? I'd like to avoid removing the sd card if possible, as to not risk somehow loosing the recording or corrupting the files.

also, how about usb Class 1/2 connectivity, or asio driver support with the Apple M1 Silicon MacBooks (via usb-c)? has this been tried?


The first version of the MixPre 3/6 do not have the needed internal USB hardware and is therefor unable to write to a thumb drive.
What you can do is run an iPhone or iPod on the USB port via a lightning cable and se it up as an external two channel recorder while doing the real recording on the MixPre.
Or do it "off line" and simply let the MixPre play the recording and have an external iOS device recording it - but it will be time consuming as it have to be done 1:1 instead of simply doing a transfer of the wav files as the second version can do it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 10, 2021, 04:34:58 PM
I am listening to computer audio played back through my Mixpre6 version 1 via USB-C on my M1 mini right now.
It's my main audio interface to my home stereo.
When I put it into File Transfer mode under the system menu, it removes the audio interface availability until I exit file transfer mode

nice, thanks for the info and screenshot.

ASIO is a Windows thing. macOS doesn´t need that.

doh. thanks

What you can do is run an iPhone or iPod on the USB port via a lightning cable and se it up as an external two channel recorder while doing the real recording on the MixPre.

thanks for the tip.

but it will be time consuming as it have to be done 1:1

well, i'm not _that_ concerned about taking the card out. I will likely just pull it to transfer to my mobile via usb-c>usb-a>card reader
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 10, 2021, 08:11:55 PM
It's my main audio interface to my home stereo.

:cowbell:

m1 mini > mixpre-6 > ?

I've got a pair of HS7s I've been using with my Komplete Audio 6, but it can't even power a single AKG C214 on 5V.... much less anything anything else the mixpre-6 can do. >:D


Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 10, 2021, 10:11:45 PM
It's my main audio interface to my home stereo.
:cowbell:m1 mini > mixpre-6 > ?I've got a pair of HS7s I've been using with my Komplete Audio 6, but it can't even power a single AKG C214 on 5V.... much less anything anything else the mixpre-6 can do. >:D 
I run from the very delicate Mixpre6 mini output, using a pretty standard stereo 1/8" mini > 2xRCAs cable into my Denon PMA-520 "Precision Audio Component / Integrated Stereo Amplifier" (you know, like a receiver, but with no tuner. It's a control/preamplifier and power amplifier in one box) purchased from Best Sound in St Louis county, in 1989 for my college graduation.I run some decent speaker cables (nothing fancy, just a bunch of copper strands comprising two conductors, and stuffed into a plastic-y jacket) into a pair of A/D/S M12 3-way "tower" monitor speakers with a pair of 8"s, 5" midrange and a 1" soft dome tweeter in the middle. Sealed cabinet design. Mmm. Sealed cabinet. (ported, aka reflex designs rely on holes which concentrate air flow and cause resonance which does not help me with my mixing or listening.)My A/D/S M12 pair is black in color, similar to the attached image.

is that what you were asking?

or did you want to know about my inputs to the system?
I am not podcasting or recording directly from the mixpre, although it seems to work fine in testing. :hmmm:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 10, 2021, 10:51:52 PM
I run from the very delicate Mixpre6 mini output
or did you want to know about my inputs to the system?

I had a 1/8" stereo 12" techflex cable with RA neutrik connectors custom made on here (can't remember from who) a while back from the 3.5mm out I used to run into my M10 from a mixpre and mixpre-d. I wouldn't consider anything SD necessarily delicate. that was a pretty bomb proof connection with those metal RA neutrik 1/8" connectors into the mixpre out.  (a side note, my buddy was plugging his ipod into my car one time with that 12" cable and was so jealous I had it custom made lol. had never heard of such a thing)

It looked like you had stereo input to the mixpre-6 in your screenshot earlier, guessing that's a single usb-c connection, with power from the mini?

is that what you were asking?

yes. i like the amp. just curious. i'm not a huge fan of my komplete audio 6, and would like to replace it with something much more substantial, simply as an interface to my (powered) HS7 from my main desktop. I know the outputs on the mixpre-6 are fairly limited. I could run the stereo out into a mixer (which would be useful for some other stuff), but OTOH my main desktop stays powered on around the clock and not sure i want to run the mixpre-6 24/7.

I do need to also use the P48 inputs also for some "studio" work (voice over, live broadcasting), which I can definitely make happen with the mixpre-6 now.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 11, 2021, 02:18:17 AM
I had a 1/8" stereo 12" techflex cable with RA neutrik connectors custom made on here (can't remember from who) a while back from the 3.5mm out I used to run into my M10 from a mixpre and mixpre-d. I wouldn't consider anything SD necessarily delicate. that was a pretty bomb proof connection with those metal RA neutrik 1/8" connectors into the mixpre out.  (a side note, my buddy was plugging his ipod into my car one time with that 12" cable and was so jealous I had it custom made lol. had never heard of such a thing)

It looked like you had stereo input to the mixpre-6 in your screenshot earlier, guessing that's a single usb-c connection, with power from the mini?

is that what you were asking?

yes. i like the amp. just curious. i'm not a huge fan of my komplete audio 6, and would like to replace it with something much more substantial, simply as an interface to my (powered) HS7 from my main desktop. I know the outputs on the mixpre-6 are fairly limited. I could run the stereo out into a mixer (which would be useful for some other stuff), but OTOH my main desktop stays powered on around the clock and not sure i want to run the mixpre-6 24/7.

I do need to also use the P48 inputs also for some "studio" work (voice over, live broadcasting), which I can definitely make happen with the mixpre-6 now.
My mixpre has spent less than 72 hours "off" since the pandemic began, and none of that on battery power.
I run it constantly via USB-C as the sound interface.
Bought some external SSD's recently though, and noticed that the Anker branded skinny USB-C cable I'm using is NOT sufficient to run a Samsung T5 or T7, though it powers the mixpre with "green" levels via the M1 USB-C port.
That said, I have a Kingston Nucleum USB-C hub which I plug into one of my MacMini Thunderbolt 4 ports (they are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C)
When I plug the MixPre6 vI into the Nucleum hub via the Anker cable which came with my USB-C battery, I only get "amber" power levels, enough for two but not four channels of Kashmir preamp.
When I plug the MixPre6 vI into the M1 MacMini Thunderbolt/USB-C ports directly with that same cable, it gets "green"  levels of power on the indicator, so it could run four channels of 48v phantom if needed.
 
v6.0 firmware currently on my Mixpre6
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: borjam on June 11, 2021, 02:34:03 AM
The first version of the MixPre 3/6 do not have the needed internal USB hardware and is therefor unable to write to a thumb drive.
Everything comes down to a more limited SOC (CPU and FPGA combination) for the first series. The second series seems to have much more computing power available, making it even possible to implement real time noise reduction.

Quote
What you can do is run an iPhone or iPod on the USB port via a lightning cable and se it up as an external two channel recorder while doing the real recording on the MixPre.
Or do it "off line" and simply let the MixPre play the recording and have an external iOS device recording it - but it will be time consuming as it have to be done 1:1 instead of simply doing a transfer of the wav files as the second version can do it.
There is no need to be limited to two channels.

If the DAW software you use on the iThing supports multi channel audio you can access everything through USB. For example, the MixPre 3 appears as a 6x2 audio interface.

It depends on the USB audio mode you configure. And it can be non intuitive: In order to connect to a Lightning port you need to use a USB-A to Lightning cable.

Do not connect via the USB-C port on the MixPre to a Lightning camera adapter because the power management in the MixPre can get nuts and the Lightning to USB adapter can get really hot. There was even an obscure bug I reported (fixed in the latest firmware versions).

Sound Devices published a support note about it.
https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-ii-series-as-audio-interfaces-for-tablets-and-phones/

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: borjam on June 11, 2021, 02:37:04 AM

v6.0 firmware currently on my Mixpre6
I would recommend the latest versions. There was some power management trouble when powered via USB-C in non ideal conditions and they have improved it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on June 11, 2021, 03:53:10 AM
You are absolutely right - I totally forgot about that!
Thank you.

There is no need to be limited to two channels.

If the DAW software you use on the iThing supports multi channel audio you can access everything through USB. For example, the MixPre 3 appears as a 6x2 audio interface.

It depends on the USB audio mode you configure. And it can be non intuitive: In order to connect to a Lightning port you need to use a USB-A to Lightning cable.
https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-ii-series-as-audio-interfaces-for-tablets-and-phones/
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 11, 2021, 09:42:42 AM

My mixpre has spent less than 72 hours "off" since the pandemic began, and none of that on battery power.
I run it constantly via USB-C as the sound interface.
:cheers:

When I plug the MixPre6 vI into the Nucleum hub via the Anker cable which came with my USB-C battery, I only get "amber" power levels, enough for two but not four channels of Kashmir preamp.
When I plug the MixPre6 vI into the M1 MacMini Thunderbolt/USB-C ports directly with that same cable, it gets "green"  levels of power on the indicator, so it could run four channels of 48v phantom if needed.
 

nice. good info.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 11, 2021, 09:44:54 AM
Do not connect via the USB-C port on the MixPre to a Lightning camera adapter because the power management in the MixPre can get nuts and the Lightning to USB adapter can get really hot. There was even an obscure bug I reported (fixed in the latest firmware versions).

Sound Devices published a support note about it.
https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-ii-series-as-audio-interfaces-for-tablets-and-phones/

I would recommend the latest versions. There was some power management trouble when powered via USB-C in non ideal conditions and they have improved it.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 11, 2021, 06:43:08 PM
v6.0 firmware currently on my Mixpre6
I would recommend the latest versions. There was some power management trouble when powered via USB-C in non ideal conditions and they have improved it.
Ah thanks for the tip. Been thinking it's time to bump it up and this is a genuine reason to do so.
Hey when I went there, they have a specific ASIO driver for windows which adds multi channel support.

Quote
An ASIO® driver (v) for the MixPre Series by Ploytec is now available for download.
With USB Audio Class 1 devices — that is, Windows-based computers without an ASIO driver — the MixPre Series audio recorders are capable of sending two channels of audio (L, R) and receiving two channels of audio via USB to/from the computer.
This software driver adds ASIO support in Windows OS for the MixPre-6 and/or MixPre-3. With the ASIO driver installed, Windows-based computers become USB Audio Class 2 devices, which means the MixPre-6 can send eight channels (1-6, L, R) to the computer and receive four channels from the computer via USB, while the MixPre-3 can send five in and receive two out. The ASIO driver for the MixPre Series allows for low-latency operation and max sample rate for USB audio up to 96 kHz on Windows computers. This driver supports Windows 7 and later, both 32- and 64-bit versions.
For stable performance, Sound Devices highly recommends that your Windows computer is installed with the latest Intel USB drivers even if your computer is not Intel based. These drivers are not included in Windows automatic updates. For details on how to manually install these drivers, refer to this Technical Document.

OOH heads up, it's a double whammy!

Quote
7. When upgrading to firmware version 7.0 or higher from any version lower than 6.0 the firmware installation process will need to be completed twice. After the first installation is complete, the MixPre II will prompt you to start the second installation process.

Also, I had not run the Wingman app in several iOS updates but when I tried it after the firmware update, I had to quit the Wingman app and run it again before it displayed levels properly, even though it was connected and reporting the serial number of the Mixpre6. Oh Geez, it only works about 2/3 of the time. It doesn't show levels on Wingman reliably now. Once you use the About function, the levels don't come back until you quit and restart the app. Oh never mind, I was disconnecting the device from wingman every time I use the About function to identify. Confusing app for something which has such limited functionality!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 12, 2021, 02:09:34 PM
I'm at  Version 1.53 and going to try to go straight to 7.13
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 12, 2021, 02:41:59 PM
I'm at  Version 1.53 and going to try to go straight to 7.13
should work fine, it will prompt you to do it twice.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 12, 2021, 03:40:50 PM
I'm at  Version 1.53 and going to try to go straight to 7.13
should work fine, it will prompt you to do it twice.

yep, worked just as expected.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 12, 2021, 03:42:56 PM
So.. pre-fader gain? I'd like for the channel knobs on the front to control the gain on my input, not the post-fader gain to the mains. What am I missing here? I need to go into the channel menu and use the touch screen to increase input gain in 1db increments?

edit: so I guess you need to set either Basic or Custom mode (with Custom Setup > Gain > Basic) to have the channel knob control the input gain. I wish for Advanced, it at least gave you the option for the function of the Channel knob vs Channel Screen.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 12, 2021, 05:23:06 PM
I'm having an issue with the battery sled on the Mixpre-6.

I'm using 4xAA Eneloop pro (gen 1) 3UXWA 1.2V Min 2400mAh batteries with probably about 50 cycles on them (rated to 500). Each of the batteries fully charged measure 1.433V DC, and the loaded sled measures 5.73V DC correctly. Power > Battery is set to NiMH.

When powering it up, the meter is Green, but Low. then it will start flashing red shortly (10 mins) after with no load.

I'm going to try another set once I can get them charged, but is this thing picky about power?

USB-C power is rock solid and kicks ass.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on June 13, 2021, 04:52:52 PM
^ You should get full green with freshly charged batteries. That being said, though, they won't last long. Personally, I consider the 4-AA sled to be basically useless. The 8-AA, on the other hand, is good for many shows (although I have never really tested battery life, I have recorded for about 4 hours with phantom on two channels, line-in on two, plus the mix, with Eneloop Pros).

Perhaps this (https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-3-mixpre-6-maxbatteryruntime/) is useful. In the note under the run-time estimates, SD mentions that the 4-AA sled will provide much less than half the time compared to the 8-AA.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on June 14, 2021, 08:53:25 PM
Joining the gang. Just picked up a MixPre-6 II.

Any good starting points regarding settings, best practices, etc.?  I've read that Ch. 5 and 6 gain can be controlled via the headphone knob (but has to be set up).

Any suggestions for a good low profile usb drive for secondary recording?  I've checked the approved media list but an hoping there's something USB 3.1 that works.

Looking forward to using this bad boy once things start to get a little better north of the border.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 15, 2021, 10:21:15 PM
Joining the gang. Just picked up a MixPre-6 II.

congrats. same, except I just picked up a MixPre-6 v1. going to be taping two shows this weekend with the mixpre-6, looking forward to it. I was considering a mixpre-d/302 or an old 722, but really glad I decided on the mixpre-6. the version II is really sweet.


Any good starting points regarding settings, best practices, etc.?  I've read that Ch. 5 and 6 gain can be controlled via the headphone knob (but has to be set up).

Any suggestions for a good low profile usb drive for secondary recording?  I've checked the approved media list but an hoping there's something USB 3.1 that works.

make sure to read the manual, especially the part about the custom modes. there are also a few nice articles on sound devices website about the 32-bit float recording. very informational.

there is also another thread here about the version 2 specifically which you might have some luck with as well.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on June 15, 2021, 11:54:20 PM
Any suggestions for a good low profile usb drive for secondary recording?  I've checked the approved media list but an hoping there's something USB 3.1 that works.

I’ve used these in larger sizes.
Decent spends, very compact and all plastic so they will not scratch the MixPre’s metal. And the attachment for a string so you easily can pull it out afterwards.
https://shop.westerndigital.com/products/usb-flash-drives/sandisk-ultra-fit-usb-3-1#SDCZ430-016G-A46

I have looked at Samsung’s Fit Plus but it’s in metal and I’ve not tested the compatibility.
https://www.samsung.com/uk/memory-storage/usb-flash-drive/usb-3-1-flash-drive-fit-plus-256gb-black-muf-256ab-eu/
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on June 16, 2021, 09:51:42 AM
Thanks @justme and @emery.

I’m having a hard time locating the 64GB SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 up here in Canada. Might have to order them and a bag from our friends at B&H. I’ve been leaning towards the SanDisk simply because it’s an approved drive. I don’t like taking chances. :)

I was going between the v1 and v2 myself. Had a hard time justifying the v1 based on what I paid for the v2. The issue for me, again, is being north of the border. Anything over $50 gets hit with 13% sales tax and then duties depending on country of origin plus a handling fee. The v1 at US$525 in the Yard, if the Seller was willing to ship to Canada, would've likely cost another US$25.  After all was said an done, I was able to pick up a v2 in Canada for US$80-100 more than what I would've paid for that v1 all in so it was a no brainer. Still not cheap but pretty much the last recorder I need to land on for what we do.

I've been reading the manual already to get a better understanding of how it all comes together as there is a learning curve.

I'll check out the other thread as well.

Any suggestions for bags? Right now, I've got an AmazonBasics camera bag that I use for cables, mounts, windscreens, mics and then whatever bag I end up with. Would love to have one bag butt know that's more wishful thinking than anything.

Thanks again everyone.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on June 16, 2021, 04:01:38 PM
Any suggestions for bags? Right now, I've got an AmazonBasics camera bag that I use for cables, mounts, windscreens, mics and then whatever bag I end up with. Would love to have one bag butt know that's more wishful thinking than anything.

Depends on what you need to carry. I often carry two or four full sized mics, small pelican cases for actives, 4-5 rycote shockmounts, etc, but if you were running only actives, you could easily get away with a small bag like the amazon basics. I have one and it works well.

For open situations, I normally use a large Petrol bag (made by Sachtler now, I believe) that I bought secondhand on ebay for $70. Here's the exact model:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1115077-REG/sachtler_sn602_eargonizer_audio_bag_large.html
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on June 16, 2021, 05:19:34 PM
Thanks @justme and @emery.

I’m having a hard time locating the 64GB SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 up here in Canada. Might have to order them and a bag from our friends at B&H. I’ve been leaning towards the SanDisk simply because it’s an approved drive. I don’t like taking chances. :)

I was going between the v1 and v2 myself. Had a hard time justifying the v1 based on what I paid for the v2. The issue for me, again, is being north of the border. Anything over $50 gets hit with 13% sales tax and then duties depending on country of origin plus a handling fee. The v1 at US$525 in the Yard, if the Seller was willing to ship to Canada, would've likely cost another US$25.  After all was said an done, I was able to pick up a v2 in Canada for US$80-100 more than what I would've paid for that v1 all in so it was a no brainer. Still not cheap but pretty much the last recorder I need to land on for what we do.

I've been reading the manual already to get a better understanding of how it all comes together as there is a learning curve.

I'll check out the other thread as well.

Any suggestions for bags? Right now, I've got an AmazonBasics camera bag that I use for cables, mounts, windscreens, mics and then whatever bag I end up with. Would love to have one bag butt know that's more wishful thinking than anything.

Thanks again everyone.

You got a Mixpre 6 II for $625??  If so that is a great deal. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on June 16, 2021, 07:08:55 PM
You got a Mixpre 5 II for $625??  If so that is a great deal.

Not a chance. :)

What I was getting at is the extra 15-20% tax and duties we get to pay if bringing it from the States.  I was saying the price I paid here versus three one in the yard ends up being about US$80-100 more after shipping costs and friends and family.  I paid around US$750  shipped for one in mint condition that was used inside a handful of times.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 20, 2021, 06:00:25 AM

Just messing around with the menus and thinking how I don't really use inputs 5-6 much and what are these new options for the "BUTTON" in the system menu?


STEREO OUTPUT MUTE looks appealing. Gonna try that for a while.
Punch the * button and the mini out (which feeds my home stereo) mutes more or less instantly, and a message appears on the screen STEREO OUTPUT MUTED.
While it remains on screen for a few seconds, a second press of the * button has no effect but once the message disappears, pressing * fades audio back up on the stereo mini out.

I'm at  Version 1.53 and going to try to go straight to 7.13
should work fine, it will prompt you to do it twice.

yep, worked just as expected.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dallman on June 20, 2021, 11:06:09 AM
Joining the gang. Just picked up a MixPre-6 II.

Any suggestions for a good low profile usb drive for secondary recording?.

I find playing with the deck and trying settings makes it easier to really understand its DNA. It looks tough at first but becomes easy.

I really like using a USB extender like this: https://smile.amazon.com/SaiTech-Pack-15cm-Adjustable-Extension/dp/B01GA1GKYW/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=short+usb+extender+cable&qid=1624200689&sr=8-4

I am not currently in the same city as my deck so I cannot tell you this is the exact one, but they are easy and eliminate any wear and tear on the USB port as you never actually use it once one of these are in the deck. I also do that in my car where 2 USB ports are in the console and hard to reach while moving. (or stopped for that matter). I use the little plastic samsung mentioned above, but only because it was inexpensive. Anything really works as it is just copying, I cannot tell you if one is faster than another, I find it'll copy fine during a set break for set 1 and I keep the deck powered during breakdown after the 2nd set if that is the format of the show, and then listen in my car riding home. It's nice and easy.

Enjoy your deck!!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dactylus on June 21, 2021, 09:41:48 AM

Is this the SD approved Sandisk drive?

 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MDXBTL1/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on June 21, 2021, 11:36:18 AM

Is this the SD approved Sandisk drive?

 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MDXBTL1/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Yes. Those works great.
You insert it, I case it’s not formatted the recorder asks and then formats it.
And when it’s done it write the backup onto it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on June 21, 2021, 12:18:30 PM
in general how long does it take to write a set or say 2 hour show to usb?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on June 21, 2021, 01:00:43 PM
I have a quick question based on some things that I have seen here recently.  (I haven't bothered coming in to read since I haven't recorded for a year)

MixPre 6 v1 wont record to USB flash drive but the MixPre 6 v2 will now?

Please correct me if this is inaccurate. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dactylus on June 21, 2021, 01:19:11 PM

Is this the SD approved Sandisk drive?

 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MDXBTL1/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Yes. Those works great.
You insert it, I case it’s not formatted the recorder asks and then formats it.
And when it’s done it write the backup onto it.

Thank you for the confirmation!

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on June 21, 2021, 01:26:15 PM
MixPre 6 v1 wont record to USB flash drive but the MixPre 6 v2 will now?

Please correct me if this is inaccurate.

That’s correct.
The first version of MixPre-6 lacks the hardware to write to USB memory.
The MixPre-6 II can do it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: OhioHead on June 21, 2021, 01:42:13 PM
I ran my MixPre 6 v1 last Friday night (Goose), the other taper assisted w/ some questions I did not understand after reading the instruction manual a couple of times......key take away the gain is not controlled by the volume knobs, if you lights are flashing red, your are too hot (w/ gain) & turn the gain knob down.

Looking forward to Billy Strings this Friday PM.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on June 21, 2021, 01:49:23 PM
key take away the gain is not controlled by the volume knobs

set everything to custom mode except gain to basic.  that allows the front knobs to control gain.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 21, 2021, 08:20:39 PM

Punch the * button and the mini out (which feeds my home stereo) mutes more or less instantly, and a message appears on the screen STEREO OUTPUT MUTED.
While it remains on screen for a few seconds, a second press of the * button has no effect but once the message disappears, pressing * fades audio back up on the stereo mini out.

I'm at  Version 1.53 and going to try to go straight to 7.13
should work fine, it will prompt you to do it twice.

yep, worked just as expected.

I was thinking about setting the * button to "Q". so I can smash it while recording, and during playback on the device I can skip around a 1.5-2 hour set. I haven't found an easier way to skip around a single track while listening on the device.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 21, 2021, 08:38:58 PM
key take away the gain is not controlled by the volume knobs

set everything to custom mode except gain to basic.  that allows the front knobs to control gain.

this^
basic gain mode puts the pre-fade (mic/input) gain on the channel knobs (-14dB to 96dB), and sets post-fade gain to the main LR out at 0db (cannot change per channel).
advanced gain mode puts the post-fade gain to the main LR on the channel knobs (-50dB to 20dB), and gives a MENU option (press channel knob) to adjust pre-fade (mic/input) gain using headphone knob (6dB to 76dB).

There is also LR gain under the Record menu (-30dB to 0dB). I have mine set at 0dB.

I just figured out you can use the headphone knob for pre-fade gain on advanced menu option  :facepalm:

Another thing I noticed is sample rate seemed to change back to 44.1kHz after power off, but I was unable to replicate it. version 7.13 firmware

I ran my mixpre-6 for the first time two nights this weekend at the disco biscuits and it was really great.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: JM Charcot on June 22, 2021, 01:59:13 AM

Another thing I noticed is sample rate seemed to change back to 44.1kHz after power off, but I was unable to replicate it. version 7.13 firmware


Did you connect your mixpre to a computer via USB? this can change the sample rate from the recorder, putting it to the computer's rate.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: OhioHead on June 22, 2021, 08:05:05 AM
key take away the gain is not controlled by the volume knobs

set everything to custom mode except gain to basic.  that allows the front knobs to control gain.

^ thx u!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on June 22, 2021, 09:06:24 AM

Another thing I noticed is sample rate seemed to change back to 44.1kHz after power off, but I was unable to replicate it. version 7.13 firmware


Did you connect your mixpre to a computer via USB? this can change the sample rate from the recorder, putting it to the computer's rate.


This ^ 

If you're not intending to use it as an audio interface then set usb to "power only" that way the sample rate doesn't change.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 22, 2021, 03:19:43 PM

Another thing I noticed is sample rate seemed to change back to 44.1kHz after power off, but I was unable to replicate it. version 7.13 firmware


Did you connect your mixpre to a computer via USB? this can change the sample rate from the recorder, putting it to the computer's rate.


This ^ 

If you're not intending to use it as an audio interface then set usb to "power only" that way the sample rate doesn't change.

yep. this is what cause it. thanks! :)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on June 22, 2021, 09:43:05 PM
Thanks everybody for the key features/things to watch for in the last dozen posts or so. Just got my deck in the mail today and am pretty blown away by it. Definitely will spend some time with it before taking it out in the real world.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on June 23, 2021, 11:26:08 AM
in general how long does it take to write a set or say 2 hour show to usb?

Write speed to my Cruzer Fit was about 3MB/s.
And write speed to a 64MB Samsung Drive Fit MUF-64BB was just above 10MB/s.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on June 23, 2021, 04:13:05 PM
in general how long does it take to write a set or say 2 hour show to usb?

Write speed to my Cruzer Fit was about 3MB/s.
And write speed to a 64MB Samsung Drive Fit MUF-64BB was just above 10MB/s.

I picked up the SanDisk and it is indeed slow.  I didn't do the math but 10.6 gb took about 24 minutes. Going to try the samsung and see how it compares.  The bb are not available but these are....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D7P4SY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2tM1EbBJHR0GJ?fbclid=IwAR2tS46juga7OGWJEpTMk_G6ComPEy3iNEyhocuH1dk83-w3YywEPl8GWn8&th=1
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on June 23, 2021, 05:03:15 PM

I picked up the SanDisk and it is indeed slow.  I didn't do the math but 10.6 gb took about 24 minutes. Going to try the samsung and see how it compares.  The bb are not available but these are....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D7P4SY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2tM1EbBJHR0GJ?fbclid=IwAR2tS46juga7OGWJEpTMk_G6ComPEy3iNEyhocuH1dk83-w3YywEPl8GWn8&th=1

I just took a peek at my Samsungs and they are of AB model as well.
MUF-64AB/APC
And
MUF-128AB/APC

The 64AB worked fine for me.
Write speed to it in my MacBook Pro 2015 is about 35MB/S and read is around 270MB/S.
The 128GB model is stated to be about 100MB/S faster at read then the 64. But I’ve not yet tested it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 23, 2021, 07:04:04 PM
I run from the very delicate Mixpre6 mini output, using a pretty standard stereo 1/8" mini > 2xRCAs cable into my Denon PMA-520

current ears: usb-c > 1/8" stereo TRS > 2 x 1/4" mono TS > Yamaha HS7..  :o

My mixpre has spent less than 72 hours "off" since the pandemic began, and none of that on battery power.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 23, 2021, 11:01:56 PM
current ears: usb-c > 1/8" stereo TRS > 2 x 1/4" mono TS > Yamaha HS7..  :o

well, i might have spoken too soon. there's something really weird going on the the LR pan and St. Out LR.  I'm loosing a bunch of the mix (vocals, bass, snare) when I'm panned to C, and then LR signals are are being sent to both L and R St. Out. It sounds so dumb to even type that.

I've got a stereo signal coming into the MixPre-6 via usb-c into usb-1 and usb-2, which are inputs to channels 3 and 4 (linked). St. Out L Output is Mix L and St. Out R is Mix R.     Gain is Advanced.

When I pan the LR Mix to L16 via Ch 4 front knob (linked), I've still got signal coming out of both of my speakers but only seeing signal on L Mix (but now I can hear more of the mix! vocals, bass, etc, it's very selective, almost like extreme phasing). Same when I pan LR Mix to R16 via Ch 4 front knob (linked) I've got signal coming out of both speakers, but only seeing signal on R Mix.

Since my St. Out L and St. Out R Outputs are L and R respectively, I'm not sure why I've got signal coming out of both speakers when the LR Mix is panned both full L and full R.  :banging head:

one source (might have been mono) was completely cancelled out (silent!) when panned C. however when I panned L or R, I had sound in both speakers.

my Yamaha HS7 have balanced XLR TRS input, and I'm using balanced cables. I bought an adapter on amazon that's 1/8" male stereo TRS hooked into the MixPre-6 St. Out output > 2x1/4" female mono TS , then I'm using a 1/4" TRS to XLR cable  to my HS7s. obviously, Ideally I'd have LR balanced outputs on the MixPre-6, but that's not going to happen. I can't imagine there would be anything wrong with going unbalanced > balanced, that would be causing these strange issues.  what am I missing?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 24, 2021, 01:06:36 AM
make sure the mini plug is all the way in the jack?
"I bought an adapter on amazon that's 1/8" male stereo TRS hooked into the MixPre-6 St. Out output > 2x1/4" female mono TS"
Really mono, or red-white / left-right?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 24, 2021, 08:55:14 AM
make sure the mini plug is all the way in the jack?
"I bought an adapter on amazon that's 1/8" male stereo TRS hooked into the MixPre-6 St. Out output > 2x1/4" female mono TS"
Really mono, or red-white / left-right?

everything is plugged in tightly. it's stereo TRS to 2 (two) mono TS, so stereo to L mono + R mono.

Here's a link to the adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017IK07UC

(edit: I should have read the reviews ^^ )

"3.5mm (Mini) 1/8" TRS Stereo Male to 2 Dual 1/4 Inch 6.35mm Mono TS Female Y Splitter Cable"

Here's a quick video. Audio coming from both speakers at all times. LR pans bring out more audio

https://youtu.be/Pp1BtNCnKmk
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 24, 2021, 01:37:45 PM
one source (might have been mono) was completely cancelled out (silent!) when panned C. however when I panned L or R, I had sound in both speakers.
Two signals which have inverted polarity will sum to zero.
Is it possible that the source which cancels is routed to both channels but with a polarity inversion?
For instance, snare drum top mic and snare drum bottom mic, can sound great when panned hard left - right in stereo, but add them together in monaural, and most of the wave will cancel! The solution to this is to invert polarity on one of them but not the other.
Have you tested the cable to make sure it is wired correctly?

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on June 24, 2021, 05:03:50 PM
Have you tested the cable to make sure it is wired correctly?

ugh, yep. the cable is bad. it's essentially a 1/8" stereo TRS to 2 (two) 1/4" stereo TRS (not as described). junk

(edit: setting Channel 3 - usb-1 to phase inverted as a work around)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on June 25, 2021, 05:31:28 PM
Have you tested the cable to make sure it is wired correctly?

ugh, yep. the cable is bad. it's essentially a 1/8" stereo TRS to 2 (two) 1/4" stereo TRS (not as described). junk

(edit: setting Channel 3 - usb-1 to phase inverted as a work around)
Well glad you got it figured out, and glad it's not a faulty SD machine!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on June 26, 2021, 10:19:00 PM
in general how long does it take to write a set or say 2 hour show to usb?

Write speed to my Cruzer Fit was about 3MB/s.
And write speed to a 64MB Samsung Drive Fit MUF-64BB was just above 10MB/s.

I picked up the SanDisk and it is indeed slow.  I didn't do the math but 10.6 gb took about 24 minutes. Going to try the samsung and see how it compares.  The bb are not available but these are....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D7P4SY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2tM1EbBJHR0GJ?fbclid=IwAR2tS46juga7OGWJEpTMk_G6ComPEy3iNEyhocuH1dk83-w3YywEPl8GWn8&th=1


Got the Samsung in today and just tested with the same 10.6gb files.  Took 15 mins so much faster than the sandisk....
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: stancourtney on June 30, 2021, 07:01:17 AM
Does the MixPre-3 have the ability to be used remotely with a timer where I could set the timer to turn on say at 6 pm and turn off at 6 am?

The SD722 has that ability but I am unable to find the topic in the MixPre-3 pdf guides. I would really like to suspend recording 12 hrs of the day.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on July 13, 2021, 12:15:52 AM
Does the MixPre-3 have the ability to be used remotely with a timer where I could set the timer to turn on say at 6 pm and turn off at 6 am?

The SD722 has that ability but I am unable to find the topic in the MixPre-3 pdf guides. I would really like to suspend recording 12 hrs of the day.

Not that I know of, sorry.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on July 13, 2021, 12:23:52 AM
MP-6 mkII arriving mañana, to replace mkI running 2.21.08 firmware. (Hey, it's rock solid, and I start recording a half hour before the show so pre-roll not a big deal for me.)

Wondering how y'all run them compared to the I. Levels to 11?

Firmware-wise, seems like only big change is addition of pre-roll. Anything else of note?

TIA
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on July 13, 2021, 09:37:33 AM
You can also lock the controls with newer firmware!  I don't use that feature, but it is nice to have.  File backup to usb drive is also nice.  Don't remember when channel linking came into play, but maybe 2.21 has that feature. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on July 14, 2021, 09:59:00 AM
You can also lock the controls with newer firmware!  I don't use that feature, but it is nice to have.  File backup to usb drive is also nice.  Don't remember when channel linking came into play, but maybe 2.21 has that feature.

Thanks for the info.
Locking controls will be great. Does Wingan still change things when the unit is locked?
USB stick work as a drive in this scenario?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on July 14, 2021, 10:22:09 AM
Wingman only stops and starts recording!  I'm not sure if the controls are locked if that also locks the Wingman app.  My hunch is no.  The USB backs up the recording after a show is finished.  Next time you turn on the recorder if you have a drive in the USB it will start to transfer it to the drive.

You can also lock the controls with newer firmware!  I don't use that feature, but it is nice to have.  File backup to usb drive is also nice.  Don't remember when channel linking came into play, but maybe 2.21 has that feature.

Thanks for the info.
Locking controls will be great. Does Wingan still change things when the unit is locked?
USB stick work as a drive in this scenario?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on July 14, 2021, 10:56:45 AM
The USB backs up the recording after a show is finished.  Next time you turn on the recorder if you have a drive in the USB it will start to transfer it to the drive.

If you already have the usb in it will start when you stop the recording.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: emmy on July 15, 2021, 09:00:02 AM
You can also lock the controls with newer firmware!

MixPre v1 now have this in firmware (7.10) as well.

v7.10 Support for front panel lock

Page 22 - Press channel knobs 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously to enter the Front Panel Menu.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on July 15, 2021, 01:29:44 PM
You can also lock the controls with newer firmware!

MixPre v1 now have this in firmware (7.10) as well.

v7.10 Support for front panel lock

Page 22 - Press channel knobs 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously to enter the Front Panel Menu.


IT'S NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE!
https://youtu.be/4Cfumd0JPBw
(time bandits clip)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on July 22, 2021, 07:59:27 PM
Gain question related to Mk II functionality.

1. Over recording isn't an issue, so no need for fast/easy gain reduction.
2. Why not set input gain with wanted boost, rather than using knob to add post-fade gain?
3. Doesn't input gain add less noise?

I use custom setup, with gain set to basic, maybe I can't access this control setup?

TIA
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on August 06, 2021, 10:20:24 PM
Has anyone used a MixPre USB input to patch out of another MixPre's USB output?
You'd probably have to power via the Sony N mount or perhaps that 8-pack AA sled...
I was just thinking how this thing is a great recorder, great preamps, but has a lousy output stage with nothing but the mini jack...


...nothing ANALOG, that is!??!??!??!?
 :o :o :o
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on August 12, 2021, 03:02:53 PM
Mixpre Firmware 7.14 is released. Adds Low Cut Filter option at 100 Hz

https://www.sounddevices.com/download/ (https://www.sounddevices.com/download/)
They updated the user manual to reflect changes

Quote
LOW-CUT FILTERS
40 Hz to 160 Hz (adjustable), 18 dB/oct. First stage analog, subsequent stages digital

https://cdn.sounddevices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MixPre-Gen1-User-Guide_8.11.21.pdf (https://cdn.sounddevices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MixPre-Gen1-User-Guide_8.11.21.pdf)

edit: the channel indicators now pulse red on peaks, green for medium signal, and off for muted!?
That's different!
Brightness can be controlled via very confusing LED screen which lists the LED for the screen on the left, and the knob surround brightness on the right.

I still wish they'd change the label of PHASE to POLARITY invert.

more edit:
I have been using the Mixpre6 as my daily USB audio interface for my mac, and found that I prefer powering it via the supplied USB-C cable with the Y-connector for the dual A plugs, because I can put the power one on a brick, and the MixPre won't power down and cause my stereo to hum and click every time I reboot.

After installing 7.14 firmware, I noticed that the power indicator was amber, not green, as though it was only getting power from the data connector of the Y.
I wiggled the power plug of the Y and the green came back on, but would not go green reliably when plugged after unplugging until I rebooted a few times.

Once again, I regret updating firmware the first day it's available.
Hoping for 7.15 soon.
Quote
New
Added 100 Hz Low Cut Filter option.
Fixed
Gain ranges are now always correctly applied after loading settings.
Ring LED brightness is no longer affected by channel mute status.
Opening a Song Project from Audio Mode no longer incorrectly opens the last Song Project instead of the selected Song Project.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: swduncan on August 14, 2021, 08:17:45 AM
Interesting - on my MixPre6ii & MixPre3i w/7.14 a muted channel is still red. The brightness menu still says LCD on the left and LED on the right like it did before...are you thinking something has changed? If you didn't delete the old firmware file you can load it - just hit cancel when it prompts to confirm the firmware name and it will cycle through all the firmwares you have on the SD card.

I'm happy they fixed the bug where I had to load a music file twice to get the right one to load - valuable only to those that use the Musician Plugin, but it was pretty annoying.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on August 14, 2021, 04:06:52 PM
Interesting - on my MixPre6ii & MixPre3i w/7.14 a muted channel is still red. The brightness menu still says LCD on the left and LED on the right like it did before...are you thinking something has changed? If you didn't delete the old firmware file you can load it - just hit cancel when it prompts to confirm the firmware name and it will cycle through all the firmwares you have on the SD card.
Oh look at that!
There's a little tiny horizontal line missing on the E on the left one, and the rest of it is curved, which means you are correct! Potato, Potahto...
The screen is not all that easy to read for me, but I guess it's my own fault that I could use new glasses and I have the deck sitting where it's backlit in front of a window so there's usually glare.
Plus I keep the brightness settings down to the minimum because sound devices products are as bright as a miniature sun. Ever used an original MP2? Holy shit the red LED lights are bright!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on August 15, 2021, 10:57:25 PM
Had tried to order the USB 2.0 extender/port savers but Amazon Canada orders them through Amazon US and keeps shipping them via LandMark which keeps marking it as "undeliverable" for whatever reason.

Can order this locally and plan to use it with the usb flash drive I purchased. Anybody else try this?

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Black-Extension-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00S2N2Q4U/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=USB3EXT6INBK&qid=1629082480&sr=8-3

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dallman on August 15, 2021, 11:20:03 PM
Had tried to order the USB 2.0 extender/port savers but Amazon Canada orders them through Amazon US and keeps shipping them via LandMark which keeps marking it as "undeliverable" for whatever reason.

Can order this locally and plan to use it with the usb flash drive I purchased. Anybody else try this?

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Black-Extension-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00S2N2Q4U/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=USB3EXT6INBK&qid=1629082480&sr=8-3

Thanks.
I always use an extender, and then I leave that in and have no problems with inserting and removing the USB flash drive from the extender. No problems or issues at all
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: fobstl on August 17, 2021, 11:23:37 PM
Finally pulled the trigger.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on August 18, 2021, 08:54:08 AM
Finally pulled the trigger.

Congrats. I know the feeling when mine showed up. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: fobstl on August 22, 2021, 04:12:17 PM
I seem to remember someone mentioning in an earlier thread that they had clipping issues with a SBD > 1/8 aux input on the MP6. I'm going back and reading all of these threads again now that I have the unit in hand, but haven't run across this yet. Is that indeed an issue I should be concerned about?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on August 22, 2021, 04:19:18 PM
I seem to remember someone mentioning in an earlier thread that they had clipping issues with a SBD > 1/8 aux input on the MP6. I'm going back and reading all of these threads again now that I have the unit in hand, but haven't run across this yet. Is that indeed an issue I should be concerned about?

I haven't encountered that issue, recorded around 10 shows using 1/8" input plus mics.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on August 22, 2021, 04:50:54 PM
^^ The 1/8" (line) maximum input is 10 dBu, I think. That should generally be OK, especially if you can get the engineer to adjust the levels for you a bit. The XLRs will get you an additional 18 dB, though, which could come in handy if the board feed is hot. You could then run a second pair of mics on the 1/8" although you would (obviously) need an extra box for phantom power.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Grooves on September 29, 2021, 10:36:36 PM
I’m taping for the first time in 15 years on Friday.  I got a Mixpre 6 II this week and I’ve ready all the post since version 6 of them his thread, but I’m a little in my head right now since it’s been so long.

1. I have two 64GB cards, I was going to record in 32 bit float with two channels.  Is that enough memory for a two set show?

2. I’m in basic mode for the input.  If I turn channels 3 and 4 all the way down are they off or do I need to do anything else?

3.  I know in float you can be more generous with clipping, but any guess where a safe starting point is in the gain?  Hopefully they have an opening act, but it’s my first time with this rig.

Ive got an ankle battery and four eneelop batteries for the sled. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: hipporu on September 30, 2021, 04:28:45 AM
I’m taping for the first time in 15 years on Friday. 

1. https://www.sounddevices.com/audio-recording-calculator/

2. Basic mode only 2 Ch 48 kHz Bit Depth fixed at 24 bit and Limiters Always On. Use advanced mode for 32 float.

3. Write LR mix and two iso channels. The required levels can be adjusted in post. Or remix it on the device itself later.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on September 30, 2021, 11:07:25 AM
I’m taping for the first time in 15 years on Friday.  I got a Mixpre 6 II this week and I’ve ready all the post since version 6 of them his thread, but I’m a little in my head right now since it’s been so long.

1. I have two 64GB cards, I was going to record in 32 bit float with two channels.  Is that enough memory for a two set show?

2. I’m in basic mode for the input.  If I turn channels 3 and 4 all the way down are they off or do I need to do anything else?

3.  I know in float you can be more generous with clipping, but any guess where a safe starting point is in the gain?  Hopefully they have an opening act, but it’s my first time with this rig.

Ive got an ankle battery and four eneelop batteries for the sled.

Welcome back :cheers: Things have changed, for the better, but some investment of time is needed.
1. You should be fine, unless it's a verrry long show.
2. Custom mode ftw. For a ton of reasons that matter. Turning down channels doesn't turn them off. If you would like, I can share my settings folder with various presets. PM me.
3. Float means that practically speaking, you cannot over-record. Set them to 11.
The MP-6 is awesome, and is different in design goals/philosophy from the recorders of 15 years ago. Spending time going through every menu was my way in to understanding the different perspective and getting to the point where it all made sense.

Biggest difference from 15 years ago: with enough SD card & battery, 32 bit float means set the recorder and forget it for the rest of the show. For real.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on September 30, 2021, 02:32:38 PM
Set gain to basic and everything else to advanced! 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on September 30, 2021, 03:18:40 PM
Set gain to basic and everything else to advanced!

This in custom mode.  Disable l/r mix (settings > record > record l/r off).  I link channels so one knob adjust both (push knob for channel settings).  I record on a 32gb card at 32/48 often 4 channels and have plenty of space.  I'd say each file ends up about 1.5gb per hour when running 2 channels with no l/r, 3gb when running 4.  If running 96 then more than double that.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Grooves on September 30, 2021, 04:56:10 PM
Thanks everyone.  I’ll dig in a bit more tonight.

I did a test run last night.  The only issue was I couldn’t find the files at first for playback, but I read the manual again.  I found the input setting to turn off 3 and 4. 

If I don’t have to watch the recording media, levels, or battery life, what am I going to do the whole time?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Grooves on October 02, 2021, 01:09:31 AM
Just got back from the show.  I did a quick listen on the device and it sounds great!!!!  I had the gain at 11 and it was in the red a lot, but I rode it out.  I’m transferring it to my Mac now.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: billydee on October 14, 2021, 01:58:00 PM
A sound engineer friend just sent me this news about Sound Devices which may be of interest to some-
https://www.mixonline.com/news/sound-devices-acquired-by-audiotonix

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on October 14, 2021, 02:28:37 PM
A sound engineer friend just sent me this news about Sound Devices which may be of interest to some-
https://www.mixonline.com/news/sound-devices-acquired-by-audiotonix (https://www.mixonline.com/news/sound-devices-acquired-by-audiotonix)
I think this is great news.
The parent company owns some brands which are pretty big time. DiGiCo is what a LOT of pro tours are using for their house and monitor consoles, and Allen & Heath makes a great line of mid-priced boards for smaller applications.
SSL is a classic transistor studio mixing board...

"Reedsburg, WI (October 14th, 2021) — Sound Devices has been acquired by Audiotonix, parent company to Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiCo, DiGiGrid, Group One Limited, KLANG:technologies, and Solid State Logic.
The move makes the multi-track audio recorder and field production mixer company the first North American manufacturer to come under the Audiotonix umbrella."
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on October 14, 2021, 02:52:37 PM
Indeed great news. I think it'll be business as usual for Sound Designs but will give them greater exposure and an even bigger name backing them.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vwmule on October 17, 2021, 03:33:25 PM
Is the latest firmware glitch free? I haven't updated in a while and was thinking it's time.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on October 17, 2021, 05:11:59 PM
I'm on 7.13 and haven't had any issues!

Is the latest firmware glitch free? I haven't updated in a while and was thinking it's time.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dactylus on October 17, 2021, 08:34:36 PM
Is the latest firmware glitch free? I haven't updated in a while and was thinking it's time.

I've used 7.14 for several shows and I have experienced no issues.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on October 18, 2021, 12:31:43 AM
Is the latest firmware glitch free? I haven't updated in a while and was thinking it's time.
I am on 7.14 since it came out, and use it as my main computer USB playback interface daily and it's alright.
I have recorded one live show on my MixPre6 since upgrading, with no ill effects other than I should remind you to check all menus and reboot the thing twice.
OH YEAH ok maybe one bug.
Headphone and/or line output might be borked unless you reset all settings or at least reboot twice.
I was trying to get a line out feed to my A10 as a backup, and it would not cooperate with regard to source selection until I power cycled it, I think.


Wingman app seems to work as expected.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vwmule on October 19, 2021, 07:32:22 PM
Appreciate the replies.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: suini on October 21, 2021, 07:52:47 AM
mixpre: is it possible to have all recordings in one folder? Like bypassing the date/project folder structure.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on October 21, 2021, 11:18:54 AM
Sorry if this has been covered already.  Can the legacy Mixpre-6 record at 32-bit float?  I upgraded to 7.14 and only still only see 16 and 24.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on October 21, 2021, 11:28:22 AM
Sorry if this has been covered already.  Can the legacy Mixpre-6 record at 32-bit float?  I upgraded to 7.14 and only still only see 16 and 24.

No!  That is the main difference between the two gens....
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on October 21, 2021, 12:43:59 PM
Sorry if this has been covered already.  Can the legacy Mixpre-6 record at 32-bit float?  I upgraded to 7.14 and only still only see 16 and 24.

No!  That is the main difference between the two gens....

Thank you, Gordon!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on October 21, 2021, 05:17:24 PM
Have to upgrade for 32bit float.  Here are a few other differences of the gen II models.

What is different about the MixPre II compared to the previous MixPre models?

All MixPre II Series recorders feature 32-bit float recording, timecode generators, 192 kHz recording, adjustable limiters, auto-copy to USB drives, extended Pre-roll, output delay, and access to the optional NoiseAssist plugin. The MixPre-10 II TA3 balanced outputs are now +18 dBu.

Sorry if this has been covered already.  Can the legacy Mixpre-6 record at 32-bit float?  I upgraded to 7.14 and only still only see 16 and 24.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: JiB97 on November 04, 2021, 12:14:25 AM
So I have been thinking of moving from my current DR-70D to the MixPre-6 but had some questions regarding the regular MixPre-6 and this 6m version

On eBay right now there is a 6m for around $600ish and I found this comparison page here: https://www.sounddevices.com/mixpre-comparison-chart/

The main differences being the 6m doesn't do 192hz (don't bother me, I run 44.1khz or 48khz), doesn't have timecode (currently don't have a need for this feature), doesn't have the Record Start/Stop Trigger feature (what is this?) and doesn't have M/S decoding (don't have a figure of 8 capsule)

So, would I be OK to grab the 6m or be best served to wait around the Yard Sale for the normal MixPre-6 or MixPreII (this one has 32-bit encoding or something, right?)

As you can see, I am not the most technically knowledgeable  individual and just looking for something small and with relatively good enough preamps for concert recording. Plus, all the cool kids were rocking MixPres at the recent Phish run I went to and those lights are pretty.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on November 04, 2021, 01:15:57 AM
I would spend a little more and get the Mixpre-6ii (or 3) that records in 32 bit. I never watch levels anymore (besides out of habit).
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: JiB97 on November 04, 2021, 02:30:56 AM
I would spend a little more and get the Mixpre-6ii (or 3) that records in 32 bit. I never watch levels anymore (besides out of habit).

a very nice taper was attempting to explain the benefits of 32-bit recording during the Halloween show, and basically I believe I walked away with that I can run my levels a little lower and not worry about the effect on overall quality when applying gain in post for ultimately dithering to 24 or 16 bit, do i have that mostly right?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on November 04, 2021, 08:34:29 AM
yes or you could clip like crazy and it'll sound fine after you lower the gain in your daw software.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: JiB97 on November 04, 2021, 12:29:53 PM
yes or you could clip like crazy and it'll sound fine after you lower the gain in your daw software.

Huh? How is that even possible?

This is very interesting…
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on November 04, 2021, 12:42:51 PM
yes or you could clip like crazy and it'll sound fine after you lower the gain in your daw software.

Huh? How is that even possible?

This is very interesting…

It's real!  Check this out and download the samples.  I was sold after editing the first sample myself!  +27db to just below zero and it sounds perfect.

https://www.sounddevices.com/noise-in-32-bit-float/

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: JiB97 on November 04, 2021, 12:55:46 PM
yes or you could clip like crazy and it'll sound fine after you lower the gain in your daw software.

Huh? How is that even possible?

This is very interesting…

It's real!  Check this out and download the samples.  I was sold after editing the first sample myself!  +27db to just below zero and it sounds perfect.

https://www.sounddevices.com/noise-in-32-bit-float/

Thanks for that link!! They even included pictures so dumbos like me could understand!!

 That really is an awesome feature. I’m assuming the file sizes though are a lot larger? And I would probably need to figure out a new editing program since I am not sure if Audacity supports this futuristic 32-bit space magic.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on November 04, 2021, 01:00:08 PM
I record at 32/48 and dither to 24/48.  32bit file size is a few hundred mb bigger as I recall.  I don't use audacity but pretty sure it supports 32b.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on November 04, 2021, 01:40:41 PM

It's real!  Check this out and download the samples.  I was sold after editing the first sample myself!  +27db to just below zero and it sounds perfect.

https://www.sounddevices.com/noise-in-32-bit-float/

Holy crap, this is incredible.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: adrianf74 on November 04, 2021, 10:11:51 PM
That's the whole reason I jumped on a MixPre-6 II. Not having to worry about levels is a godsend.  Ideally, you want to set them close but if something should happen where levels spike and clip or are too low, it can be fixed. Helpful when you have frequent board access.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on November 05, 2021, 06:18:42 PM
Seriously considering selling my MP6 V1.  If anyone here is interested before me posting it up in the Yard Sale feel free to PM.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: willndmb on November 07, 2021, 10:27:42 AM
I am sure it’s in the threads somewhere butttt confused on the 3 vs 6 track/channel numbering.

The 3 says it is 5 and the 6 says it is 8…
3 has 3 xlr and aux/mic in = 5
6 has 4 xlr and aux/mic in = 6, where is the extra 2??

Does the 3 not do a “mix” and the 6 does?

Tia
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on November 07, 2021, 10:30:56 AM
extra 2 are the l/r on the fly mix.  I disable it....
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on November 07, 2021, 10:37:00 AM
The “3” does three isolated tracks plus a two channel stereo down mix.
The “6” does six isolated tracks plus a two channel stereo down mix.

The “3” can do five channel input and two channel out over usb.
Where the “6” can manage eight in and four out.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on November 08, 2021, 12:55:02 PM
A new firmware release is up on the Sound Devices website (v7.15).
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: carpa on November 20, 2021, 03:34:00 AM
The “3” does three isolated tracks plus a two channel stereo down mix.
The “6” does six isolated tracks plus a two channel stereo down mix.

The “3” can do five channel input and two channel out over usb.
Where the “6” can manage eight in and four out.

I'm also interested in understanding this thing. I.e. mixpre 6 has 4 xlr inputs + a stereo 3,5 for an additional stereo microphone. But, the device has only 4 preamp, so this are the questions:
1) Must the 3,5 input  be intended as a pure line-input, with no preamp stage, no gain etc? In that case I guess you could just plug a line signal - i.e. a line out signal from an external preamp or mixer and provide the needed gain before.  In case this is correct, I guess that mixpre 3 could allow to record simultaneously with 5 mics and mixpre 6 with five mics ( providing the extra two mics with their own powering and gain)
2) Does the 3.5 input provide gain? In the specs the Aux-in is described as having a line or mic mode with the indication of 30 db of gain. That would mean there is another dedicated preamp stage in addition to the 3 or 4 Kashmir preamps, which I don't think is advertised, though 

So the main question is how many microphones can be actually used at the same time with these devices?
Thanks all

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on November 20, 2021, 08:17:29 AM
^ The MixPre-6 has four Kashmir (class A discrete) pre-amps on the XLR mic/line inputs, plus a chip-based pre on the 1/8" stereo input. A total of 6 ISOs. The MixPre-3 can NOT record five channels of ISOs, only three.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: carpa on November 20, 2021, 11:09:28 AM
Thank you very much @aaronji; now I understand. And how would you judge the quality of the 3.5 input?
Just a last question: all the line input modes ( the xlr or the 3.5) are padded or they just bypass the preamps? The question is mostly referred to the 3.5 chip based preamp as I guess it would not be on par with the Kahmir preamps quality.

Thanks again
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on January 04, 2022, 12:16:19 PM
Firmware version 7.16 for all MixPre models is now available! Version 7.16 introduces new routing options for USB 3 and 4 (MixPre-6, MixPre-6 II, MixPre-10T, MixPre-10 II) and performance enhancements (all MixPre models).

New
- USB 3 and 4 can now be routed to MixPre-6 and MixPre-6 II channels 5 and 6 or MixPre-10T and MixPre-10 II channels 9 and 10.

Changed
- USB File Transfer mode can no longer be initiated from a USB Keyboard while MixPre is recording.

Fixed
- Limiters are no longer incorrectly disabled in some Custom Mode setups.

https://www.sounddevices.com/download
Title: Sound Devices Mix Pre series
Post by: GLouie on April 22, 2022, 01:50:27 AM
Seems to me we need a thread that covers the original MixPre series and MixPre II series. The only other thread I see omits the MixPre10.

Anyway, SD released Firmware 7.17 today for the entire MixPre line. But yikes, it fixes "Rare, brief interruptions of audio in recorded files and USB outputs no longer occur." That sounds like a disaster, has that happened to anyone?

There is no mention that this firmware fixes my question about the Remix function when LR Mix is not recorded, and I haven't tested it. SD has not gotten back to me with any further comments.
Title: Re: Sound Devices Mix Pre series
Post by: aaronji on April 22, 2022, 02:19:46 PM
No need for another thread, in my opinion. The 10 is well covered in existing threads and the only reason it might not appear in the title of the original MixPre thread is that it came out later than the 3/6. There are also dedicated threads for it.

As far as Remix goes, less than two weeks for a firmware update might not be entirely realistic…
Title: Re: Sound Devices Mix Pre series
Post by: ts on April 22, 2022, 09:42:46 PM
https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=193251.0  :shrug:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on May 10, 2022, 02:00:34 PM
Firmware v8.0 is now available. Among other things, it now counts the pre-roll time in the elapsed time (as was discussed here recently). Also a new paid plug-in, the Reporter Plugin, which "allows you to configure your MixPre in advance and then lock the menu."
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on May 10, 2022, 04:51:51 PM
Firmware v8.0 is now available. Among other things, it now counts the pre-roll time in the elapsed time (as was discussed here recently). Also a new paid plug-in, the Reporter Plugin, which "allows you to configure your MixPre in advance and then lock the menu."

I appreciate the dev work at SD and I like the idea of the reporter plug-in but would rather have that be a native feature.  I don't need to pay $30 for something that I think the recorder should already do.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jcable77 on May 10, 2022, 05:42:26 PM
Firmware version 7.16 for all MixPre models is now available! Version 7.16 introduces new routing options for USB 3 and 4 (MixPre-6, MixPre-6 II, MixPre-10T, MixPre-10 II) and performance enhancements (all MixPre models).

New
- USB 3 and 4 can now be routed to MixPre-6 and MixPre-6 II channels 5 and 6 or MixPre-10T and MixPre-10 II channels 9 and 10.

Changed
- USB File Transfer mode can no longer be initiated from a USB Keyboard while MixPre is recording.

Fixed
- Limiters are no longer incorrectly disabled in some Custom Mode setups.

https://www.sounddevices.com/download
Has anyone tried running a usb out from a board into 5 and 6? Thumb drives aren't always the most reliable in my experience. This would be a convenient update.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dallman on May 10, 2022, 08:30:49 PM
Firmware v8.0 is now available. Among other things, it now counts the pre-roll time in the elapsed time (as was discussed here recently). Also a new paid plug-in, the Reporter Plugin, which "allows you to configure your MixPre in advance and then lock the menu."

I appreciate the dev work at SD and I like the idea of the reporter plug-in but would rather have that be a native feature.  I don't need to pay $30 for something that I think the recorder should already do.

I am not aware of any other decks that lock the menu settings. Lots of them, MixPre included hold the menu settings, but the menus can be changed by the user. In this case you cannot change the menu settings, so you can send someone out to record, and they cannot screw things up. The menu is locked and you need the code to get in and change it. This is particularly useful with 32bit as you will not need to worry about levels.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on May 11, 2022, 11:51:23 AM
I updated yesterday and did a factory reset and reconfigure.  May test it Sunday but depends on this damn covid!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: borjam on May 24, 2022, 09:30:54 AM
I am not aware of any other decks that lock the menu settings. Lots of them, MixPre included hold the menu settings, but the menus can be changed by the user. In this case you cannot change the menu settings, so you can send someone out to record, and they cannot screw things up. The menu is locked and you need the code to get in and change it. This is particularly useful with 32bit as you will not need to worry about levels.
Marantz PMD-661mkii at least, but it´s an entirely different beast and its main market is/was journalists.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vantheman on May 24, 2022, 09:24:41 PM
Finally got ahold of a MixPre-6 II and can’t wait to run it in 32bit float. A 128gb SD card will be enough to record 4 channels for 2-3 hours, correct?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: commongrounder on May 24, 2022, 09:36:57 PM
A 128gb card will hold a little over 23 hours at 96khz/32-bit float, four channels recording.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on May 25, 2022, 09:44:29 PM
I updated yesterday and did a factory reset and reconfigure.  May test it Sunday but depends on this damn covid!

No issues with firmware v8 but have only ran it once.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on May 31, 2022, 10:43:52 AM
I recorded a file the other night at 32/48 and noticed a +682db momentary signal come through at the very beginning of the track, left side. Has anyone else had this happen? It was causing my waveform stats read at '+inf' and I couldn't for the life of me figure it out until I looked into the waveform at the top of the RX7 window. It's not a big deal right now as it could just cut it but if it happened during a set, that would be another story.

Here's a screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/AzMjp0Z.png

Edit: once zoomed in, it actually looks like it occurs in both channels.

Pic: https://i.imgur.com/ZgfWT40.png
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: hipporu on May 31, 2022, 12:11:35 PM
A few days ago I discovered that in the remix mode my mp3 does not work ms decode,
it just overwrites iso tracks 1 and 2 to channels L and R  as is.
firmware v8
Not that it was often needed, but nevertheless, when it was needed, it did not work.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on June 01, 2022, 01:47:55 AM
A few days ago I discovered that in the remix mode my mp3 does not work ms decode,
it just overwrites iso tracks 1 and 2 to channels L and R  as is.
firmware v8
Not that it was often needed, but nevertheless, when it was needed, it did not work.

Did you report it to Sound Devices support? I have an open support ticket about Remix not working right when L/R mix tracks were not recorded (MixPre10ii), which they confirmed. Maybe if they are working on Remix, they might be interested.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: hipporu on June 01, 2022, 03:12:40 AM
Did you report it to Sound Devices support? I have an open support ticket about Remix not working right when L/R mix tracks were not recorded (MixPre10ii), which they confirmed. Maybe if they are working on Remix, they might be interested.
Yes, I reported SD through their website.
They still have the night.
I will give the knowledge, when they answer.
I hope SD can fix it quickly.

upd
Answered
For your question on the MixPre-3 II, it is true that remixing the MS setting recorded to a channel is currently unavailable.
I can request this feature for a future firmware update for the MixPre II series.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on June 01, 2022, 05:27:42 PM
Funny, to read the manual and look at their video, you would think Remix works on anything easy-peasy. We are finding out differently. I never tried M-S remixing, but suggested to them they simply say Remix is only good when L-R Mix is recorded.

I don't know how difficult a fix this might be, or their priorities on software, but they did need a couple of months to fix the pre-roll time count offset.


Did you report it to Sound Devices support? I have an open support ticket about Remix not working right when L/R mix tracks were not recorded (MixPre10ii), which they confirmed. Maybe if they are working on Remix, they might be interested.
Yes, I reported SD through their website.
They still have the night.
I will give the knowledge, when they answer.
I hope SD can fix it quickly.

upd
Answered
For your question on the MixPre-3 II, it is true that remixing the MS setting recorded to a channel is currently unavailable.
I can request this feature for a future firmware update for the MixPre II series.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on June 02, 2022, 02:42:46 PM
I recorded a file the other night at 32/48 and noticed a +682db momentary signal come through at the very beginning of the track, left side. Has anyone else had this happen? It was causing my waveform stats read at '+inf' and I couldn't for the life of me figure it out until I looked into the waveform at the top of the RX7 window. It's not a big deal right now as it could just cut it but if it happened during a set, that would be another story.

Here's a screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/AzMjp0Z.png

Edit: once zoomed in, it actually looks like it occurs in both channels.

Pic: https://i.imgur.com/ZgfWT40.png

I've had that happen plenty of times but always at the very end of the file.  NEVER has happened to me at the beginning or middle.  Never researched why because it causes no harm. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: commongrounder on June 04, 2022, 01:49:28 PM
I recorded a file the other night at 32/48 and noticed a +682db momentary signal come through at the very beginning of the track, left side. Has anyone else had this happen? It was causing my waveform stats read at '+inf' and I couldn't for the life of me figure it out until I looked into the waveform at the top of the RX7 window. It's not a big deal right now as it could just cut it but if it happened during a set, that would be another story.

Here's a screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/AzMjp0Z.png

Edit: once zoomed in, it actually looks like it occurs in both channels.

Pic: https://i.imgur.com/ZgfWT40.png

I've had that happen plenty of times but always at the very end of the file.  NEVER has happened to me at the beginning or middle.  Never researched why because it causes no harm.

I’m curious which version of the firmware is installed on the recorder? There was a known issue with a single sample glitch appearing at just the *beginning only* of a 32-bit float recording, which was fixed in a later version. I had it happen a few times on my unit, and the problem disappeared after updating. I haven’t personally experienced, or heard of before, glitching at other locations in an audio file.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on June 04, 2022, 02:33:57 PM
I'm on v8 now but it's happened randomly over various firmware.

edit: in my case I'm not convinced it's not a glitch in iZotope.  If I cut off the spike at the end another appears.  I have to fade it out to be able to get an accurate gain reading.  I need to go back and find a file that does it and open it in wavelab to check.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: stober on July 26, 2022, 10:36:09 PM
Set gain to basic and everything else to advanced!

This in custom mode.  Disable l/r mix (settings > record > record l/r off).  I link channels so one knob adjust both (push knob for channel settings).  I record on a 32gb card at 32/48 often 4 channels and have plenty of space.  I'd say each file ends up about 1.5gb per hour when running 2 channels with no l/r, 3gb when running 4.  If running 96 then more than double that.
I forgot to disable L/R tracks and now my wave file are double the size and has both the L,R and channel one and two tracks combined in this wave file. is there a way to delete the L,R mix and just have the 2 channel recording or Im i screwed?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on July 26, 2022, 11:29:14 PM
Probably as many ways to do this as there are people - but is it 32 bit float? Then Wave Agent is out.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: stober on July 26, 2022, 11:45:43 PM
no 24 bit
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on July 26, 2022, 11:51:33 PM
no 24 bit

Open it in audacity and delete one of the stereo pairs. It shouldn’t matter which one since you only had two channels to begin with.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on July 27, 2022, 02:25:32 AM
What software are you using?  Easiest solution is to use wave agent to split them since they are 24bit files. When recording in 32 bit you will need another solution. You might be able to use your DAW depending on what you use.

Set gain to basic and everything else to advanced!

This in custom mode.  Disable l/r mix (settings > record > record l/r off).  I link channels so one knob adjust both (push knob for channel settings).  I record on a 32gb card at 32/48 often 4 channels and have plenty of space.  I'd say each file ends up about 1.5gb per hour when running 2 channels with no l/r, 3gb when running 4.  If running 96 then more than double that.
I forgot to disable L/R tracks and now my wave file are double the size and has both the L,R and channel one and two tracks combined in this wave file. is there a way to delete the L,R mix and just have the 2 channel recording or Im i screwed?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: hipporu on July 27, 2022, 03:50:41 AM
You can use the remix function of the recorder itself, you will get the file only LR channel.
Sometimes I use this when I need to quickly give a scratch track to a client.
While I am returning home, the recorder is re-recording two tracks and all I have to do is transfer them to the customer.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: stober on July 27, 2022, 09:38:56 AM
no 24 bit

Open it in audacity and delete one of the stereo pairs. It shouldn’t matter which one since you only had two channels to begin with.
I tried this last night in Audacity and it only gave me the option of exporting it as a mono file when I deleted the left and right recording.  I usually use wavelab elements 9.5 for editing but it wouldn’t even open the recording originally.( did not recognize the format). Audacity would open it and so did sound studio but sound studio wouldn’t let me do much of anything besides giving me the option to combine it to a two channel stereo recording. I don’t have wave agent maybe I’ll try that.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on July 27, 2022, 10:01:29 AM
Wave Agent is free, so may as well have it. WA identifies 1-2 as the L-R mix and 3-4 as your isos. Split your polywave into 4 separate files. I'd then use your favorite DAW program to recombine 3-4 into a stereo polywav (not sure, but think Wave Agent can do this, too, with Combine. Never tried!)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on July 27, 2022, 10:07:36 AM
^ You can also use Wave Agent to split off 3 and 4 into a stereo file. Actually, it will split a polywave into any combination of tracks you want.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on July 27, 2022, 10:08:28 AM
Just use wave agent it is free and easy to use!  You can split them into stereo pairs in wave agent.  Then you can open the files in Wavelab and you will be good to go.  Wave agent will not work with 32 bit files.  I'm not sure why Sound Devices didn't upgrade the software for 32 bit recording. 

no 24 bit

Open it in audacity and delete one of the stereo pairs. It shouldn’t matter which one since you only had two channels to begin with.
I tried this last night in Audacity and it only gave me the option of exporting it as a mono file when I deleted the left and right recording.  I usually use wavelab elements 9.5 for editing but it wouldn’t even open the recording originally.( did not recognize the format). Audacity would open it and so did sound studio but sound studio wouldn’t let me do much of anything besides giving me the option to combine it to a two channel stereo recording. I don’t have wave agent maybe I’ll try that.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on July 27, 2022, 11:49:00 AM
[I tried this last night in Audacity and it only gave me the option of exporting it as a mono file when I deleted the left and right recording.  I usually use wavelab elements 9.5 for editing but it wouldn’t even open the recording originally.( did not recognize the format). Audacity would open it and so did sound studio but sound studio wouldn’t let me do much of anything besides giving me the option to combine it to a two channel stereo recording. I don’t have wave agent maybe I’ll try that.

I think you had selected only 1 of the 2 remaining tracks. To export as a sterdo track in Audacity:
1. Import poly wav file
2. delete first 2 tracks
3. on top remaining track, click triangle at top right and select 'make stereo track' from dropdown
4. select your new stereo track and export as wav
5. profit
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on July 27, 2022, 01:48:50 PM
See! As many ways to do it as answers!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on July 27, 2022, 04:32:14 PM
What's your power solution?

Now that we've had some time and experience with mixpres, wondering what folks have found best/most reliable for powering.

I've settled on Anker 10k power banks w 4AA sled as backup. 6" Anker usbc cable.

Other setups?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Flynn on July 27, 2022, 04:44:34 PM
I've been using the Anker 747 without any issues. That said I am switching to the talentcell YB12011000-USB Lithium ion Battery Pack. Rather than carry two separate lithium batteries for the mix pre and a preamp. I can power both from one battery pack with the talentcell while cutting down on weight. Its also allowed on a plane for travel.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: stober on July 27, 2022, 09:20:17 PM
[I tried this last night in Audacity and it only gave me the option of exporting it as a mono file when I deleted the left and right recording.  I usually use wavelab elements 9.5 for editing but it wouldn’t even open the recording originally.( did not recognize the format). Audacity would open it and so did sound studio but sound studio wouldn’t let me do much of anything besides giving me the option to combine it to a two channel stereo recording. I don’t have wave agent maybe I’ll try that.

I think you had selected only 1 of the 2 remaining tracks. To export as a sterdo track in Audacity:
1. Import poly wav file
2. delete first 2 tracks
3. on top remaining track, click triangle at top right and select 'make stereo track' from dropdown
4. select your new stereo track and export as wav
5. profit
Thanks for all help fellas. This worked great. Thanks again
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 03, 2022, 04:19:08 PM
So I'm still on firmware V1.53 on my 6. :yack: If I jump to the latest version will I get all the updates that the came before? v7 has some good stuff. Thanks.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on August 03, 2022, 05:21:50 PM
Yes indeed.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 08, 2022, 10:51:56 AM
So I'm curious about Sound Devices statement about over sized AA batteries:

https://www.sounddevices.com/using-oversized-aa-batteries-in-a-mixpre/

In their words, nonstandard. Aren't all rechargeables oversized? A couple YouTube videos about the battery tray not seating properly and causing power issues. I have a version 1 6 and never experienced any issues with the tray or any type of battery. Could this be a version 2 issue only?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on August 08, 2022, 11:12:17 AM
I owned a Mixpre6 and currently have a Mixpre 10 II.  They use the same tray and I've never had a problem using Eneloop AA batteries.

So I'm curious about Sound Devices statement about over sized AA batteries:

https://www.sounddevices.com/using-oversized-aa-batteries-in-a-mixpre/

In their words, nonstandard. Aren't all rechargeables oversized? A couple YouTube videos about the battery tray not seating properly and causing power issues. I have a version 1 6 and never experienced any issues with the tray or any type of battery. Could this be a version 2 issue only?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on August 08, 2022, 11:28:23 AM
I wonder if some of the oversize batteries are like the ones with built in USB charging ports which take up space?

I know that the lithium-ion 3.7V rechargeable 14500's have electronics which make them longer than a standard AA.

Quote
Similar size as AA cell. Those with a protection circuit are slightly longer.
 (snip)
Used in many LED flashlights. Nominal voltage is 3.7 V.

from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_battery_sizes#Lithium-ion_batteries_(rechargeable)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 08, 2022, 11:40:36 AM
This YouTube video shows some rechargeable Duracells, which I have used along with Eneloops. I also have some rechargeable lithiums that don't have the usb input, that also work fine. My guess is they switched suppliers for the battery tray when the version 2 came out.

https://youtu.be/gbON4Vxz8rk
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: commongrounder on August 08, 2022, 12:38:44 PM
I have both a Mixpre-6mki, and a Mixpre-6mkii. The AA battery holders that came with them are identical. Sound Devices may have redesigned them at some point, but the Eneloop Pro batteries I use fit both samples I have just fine. I read that you can remove the center rib in the holder if you have oversized batteries you want to use, and the holder will latch to the recorder properly again.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on August 08, 2022, 01:52:53 PM
I have both a Mixpre-6mki, and a Mixpre-6mkii. The AA battery holders that came with them are identical. Sound Devices may have redesigned them at some point, but the Eneloop Pro batteries I use fit both samples I have just fine. I read that you can remove the center rib in the holder if you have oversized batteries you want to use, and the holder will latch to the recorder properly again.
OK first, do they mean overly WIDE or LONG batteries?
I was assuming long but the point about removing the rib makes me consider differently.


I guess you could grind away that rib with a rotating tool like a dremel!?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: hipporu on August 08, 2022, 03:31:40 PM
I have mixpre-6 and mixpre-3ii, they have exactly the same the battery sled.
I don't know which ones from whom.
Eneloop AA  work great without any problems.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: commongrounder on August 08, 2022, 06:01:09 PM
I have both a Mixpre-6mki, and a Mixpre-6mkii. The AA battery holders that came with them are identical. Sound Devices may have redesigned them at some point, but the Eneloop Pro batteries I use fit both samples I have just fine. I read that you can remove the center rib in the holder if you have oversized batteries you want to use, and the holder will latch to the recorder properly again.
OK first, do they mean overly WIDE or LONG batteries?
I was assuming long but the point about removing the rib makes me consider differently.
I guess you could grind away that rib with a rotating tool like a dremel!?

Every comment I’ve read referred to the batteries being slightly larger in diameter than the “standard” AA dimension. This would cause the holder to swell along its length, preventing the holder and its latch from fully engaging. I imagine the plastic would be soft enough to nip out with some cutters, but I’d go for sawing it out with a rotary cutter blade on a Dremel tool.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 10, 2022, 08:27:34 AM
I have mixpre-6 and mixpre-3ii, they have exactly the same the battery sled.
I don't know which ones from whom.
Eneloop AA  work great without any problems.

The Sledd in my 6 (one of the early ones and on top in the pic) holds ikeas or Eneloops no problem. The Sledd in in my 3 ii (bottom pic) doesn't like them. Definite bulge in the center where the plastic divider sits. As seen in the pic, the older Sledd has no center raised divider section. I removed it on the newer one and problem solved. As I said in an earlier post, they definitely changed suppliers or the design of the Sledd.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: hipporu on August 10, 2022, 11:17:23 AM
Maybe they did it at some point.
My guess is they switched suppliers for the battery tray when the version 2 came out.
My mp-6 was bought a year after the release, and mp-3ii was bought a little over a year ago.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on August 10, 2022, 12:32:50 PM
Even empty, 4AA sled on my mp-6II doesn't snap in as well as sled from MP-3 did. Noted it during unboxing.

Seems to work fine, though. With alkalines and eneloops.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on August 10, 2022, 01:08:27 PM
Cost saving action into lower quality plastic?
Not POM anymore?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 15, 2022, 03:44:31 PM
Setting up my MP3ii for 32 bit recording. Since basic mode doesn't work in 32 bit, I guess custom mode is the way to go?

Channel>Advanced.
Gain>Basic.
Record>Advanced.
Output>??
Metadata>??
Headphones>??

I'm guessing the last 3 don't matter. Maybe output to advanced? What about advanced mode? Never really used it on my 6i because of gain knobs being disabled. Also, what software editing programs will work with 32bit poly wavs. Wave Agent doesn't separate them, I guess. I have Adobe Audition 3.0. Does that do them?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on August 15, 2022, 05:09:55 PM
I set everything to advance with the exception of gain that is basic!  I use RX8 to separate tracks, but if you want free Audacity works.

Setting up my MP3ii for 32 bit recording. Since basic mode doesn't work in 32 bit, I guess custom mode is the way to go?

Channel>Advanced.
Gain>Basic.
Record>Advanced.
Output>??
Metadata>??
Headphones>??

I'm guessing the last 3 don't matter. Maybe output to advanced? What about advanced mode? Never really used it on my 6i because of gain knobs being disabled. Also, what software editing programs will work with 32bit poly wavs. Wave Agent doesn't separate them, I guess. I have Adobe Audition 3.0. Does that do them?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Flynn on August 15, 2022, 05:14:12 PM
to set up for 32 bit you will need to be in custom mode. Once you switch it over for 32 bit you can make a couple of changes. If you are running an external pre you need to change your channel over to line vs mic. If you are just running mics straight into the MP leave it on mic. You can also control phantom power and low cut filter. Several tutorials here is just one dealing with 32 bit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go1gwjzgu6g

As for post processing there are several threads that deal with your question(s). Rabbit hole can get deep.

Audacity,
Isotope rx
Reaper
wavepad
and so on....
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 15, 2022, 05:29:31 PM
Thanks for the replies. Just thought of another question. If I'm only doing 2 channels, but not in basic mode, do I still get stuck with separate poly wavs? On my 6, if I'm only doing 2 channels I stick with basic, but when doing more I switch to custom and deal with wave agent.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on August 15, 2022, 05:31:57 PM
If you are doing a 2 channel recording it is just a stereo track as long as you have the mix disabled.  You treat it as you would any other stereo track.  I always keep gain in basic mode no matter how many channels I'm running.  Everything else should be left in advanced.  If you set it up this way you won't run into any issues and the gain knobs work as they should.  I would also suggest linking the gain knobs.

Thanks for the replies. Just thought of another question. If I'm only doing 2 channels, but not in basic mode, do I still get stuck with separate poly wavs? On my 6, if I'm only doing 2 channels I stick with basic, but when doing more I switch to custom and deal with wave agent.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 15, 2022, 06:51:34 PM
Thanks jbell! So the linking and mix disable. Where actually are those two set in the menu. In the record tab I see L&R linked, L&R, L, R, Off and Off & Linked.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: darby on August 15, 2022, 07:04:37 PM
Thanks jbell! So the linking and mix disable. Where is actually are those two set in the menu. In the record tab I see L&R linked, L&R, L, R, Off and Off & Linked.

Menu #2
tap record
tap Rec L,R
screen #2
tap off... you're done with mix disable

to link channels... press on channel 1 (to link 1-2) channel 3 (to link 3-4)
go to screen #2... Linking is in lower left underneath phantom power
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on August 15, 2022, 07:23:14 PM
Here's an xml file for recording 2 mics w p48 @32bit, linked, no mix record.
TS doesn't allow .xml, so I changed the extension to .txt. You'll need to change it back to .xml to load it...

Edited to add: Firmware 7.13.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 17, 2022, 08:17:30 AM
Is anyone using the MX-Hirose sled? Looks pretty solid. Expensive though. Is there a battery with a more solid connection than a USB on the battery side that could be used with this sled? It would be nice to have solid connections on both ends of the power supply.

https://www.sounddevices.com/product/mx-hirose/
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on August 17, 2022, 08:37:07 AM
This one is a little more affordable!  The SD version looks more stream line.  You could use a Dtap battery with this for a more robust connection.  I've linked an example of that as well.  I also linked a Dtap cable. 

https://www.cabletechniques.com/product-page/mx-powersled-external-dc-power-adaptor-for-sound-devices-mixpre-3-6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HCNQTX8/?coliid=I36OSWIOM5VDSC&colid=1Y1Y6TPXA6QXE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0869518CZ/?coliid=I1QA4Y9NA0KFTB&colid=1Y1Y6TPXA6QXE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it


Is anyone using the MX-Hirose sled? Looks pretty solid. Expensive though. Is there a battery with a more solid connection than a USB on the battery side that could be used with this sled? It would be nice to have solid connections on both ends of the power supply.

https://www.sounddevices.com/product/mx-hirose/
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on August 17, 2022, 10:12:17 AM
To power my MP 6 Ii, I created my own by adding a a Hirose connector on a spare 4AA sled and mounted a high efficiancy Traco DC/DC converter TSR3-24150 inside to feed the internal connectors.
Unfortunately a lot of my audio equipment is down in basement storage so I can't find any photo of it.

I would guess that's what you would find if one took a peek under SD's own Hirose sled.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: ts on August 17, 2022, 10:42:50 AM
Thanks guys. Right now I'm using one of the approved Ankers and a right angle usb-c cable (both ends). I run the mixpre end thru the front handle which helps quite a bit with stability and on the battery end I use a piece of gaffers tape. It works but always looking for a better solution. Not sure I want to spend $350, but it's what I'm looking for.  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on August 17, 2022, 12:15:03 PM
I'm using a Max Oak K2 battery with a Hirose cable Ted built for me!  I have a Mixpre 10 II so it has a 8 AA sled.  I've never run into problems with power.  I do prefer the Hirose over the usbc on my old Mixpre 6. 

Thanks guys. Right now I'm using one of the approved Ankers and a right angle usb-c cable (both ends). I run the mixpre end thru the front handle which helps quite a bit with stability and on the battery end I use a piece of gaffers tape. It works but always looking for a better solution. Not sure I want to spend $350, but it's what I'm looking for.  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Twenty8 on September 17, 2022, 05:02:47 PM
Just purchased a MixPre 6ii from Full Compass.  I had been waiting to pull the trigger, however this deck seems to be disappearing from stock again at all the usual suspects - so today was the day.

Pretty pumped.  I am also giving my DR680mkii and a set of AT3031s to a friend in OKC.  He told me he was thinking about getting into taping as I was about to upgrade.  Good timing.

Bought the MX-HIROSE sled as well.  I bought a cache of batteries here a couple years ago and 3 hirose to dc cables were in the package as a bonus.  Time to take advantage of those custom cables and keep the power more secure for my new baby.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on September 17, 2022, 08:37:06 PM
FWIW, I run usbc with the 4AA sled as backup.

100s of shows and no issues with the usbc, which I don't stress relief via the handle. If there ever were an issue, the AAs would kick in seamlessly.

Reliable, simple, inexpensive.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on September 18, 2022, 03:51:20 PM
^ I do the same, but use the 8 AA sled to backup the USB battery. With Eneloop Pros, I can get five or six hours from the AAs. I have actually run only the 8 AA sled for a bunch of shows, but I like the redundancy the USB provides.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on September 19, 2022, 09:26:23 AM
^ I do the same, but use the 8 AA sled to backup the USB battery. With Eneloop Pros, I can get five or six hours from the AAs. I have actually run only the 8 AA sled for a bunch of shows, but I like the redundancy the USB provides.
I have the 4x Sled and only get about 35 minutes off a battery load if I forget  to power up  my USB pack!
D'oh!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on September 19, 2022, 11:52:25 AM
I have the 4x Sled and only get about 35 minutes off a battery load if I forget  to power up  my USB pack!
D'oh!

^^ Same here and this has bitten me in the ass before.  When I plug in my Anker battery even if it is on I still have to press the button on the battery to get the MP6 to register the voltage.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on September 19, 2022, 01:40:17 PM
Curiouser and curiouser.

Using 4 year-old Eneloop pros, mp6 w 2 schoeps on pfas and 2 vanguard v1s, my most recent tests in April returned:
4AA sled 2:03 of operation
8AA sled 4:35 of operation

Why are we seeing such a great difference?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on September 19, 2022, 01:50:36 PM
^ That's pretty much the same as I am getting. My run-times are a little longer, but that's with almost new Eneloop Pros (and capacity has increased), one pair of pretty low-draw mics, and SBD on the other two XLR channels. My guess is that the super short times with the 4 AA sled is with alkalines?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on September 19, 2022, 02:04:11 PM
I would guess the MixPre’s is a bit too power hungry and consumes to much current for the Eneloops which results in a voltage drop.
When used in 8-sled and current consumption is slightly more forgiving which extend the capacity a bit.
Should be possible to see if one could some AA cells with a higher ampere rating.

Curiouser and curiouser.

Using 4 year-old Eneloop pros, mp6 w 2 schoeps on pfas and 2 vanguard v1s, my most recent tests in April returned:
4AA sled 2:03 of operation
8AA sled 4:35 of operation

Why are we seeing such a great difference?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on September 19, 2022, 02:07:10 PM
Just to clarify I was primarily stating that my 4-AA pack is for backup only. 

I have some Eneloops that are easily over 12 years old (original Sanyos) and still going strong but I also have newer Eneloops as well as some Laddas.  I get more than 35m of run time but still not a whole show's worth.  They are ONLY in there in case my Anker dies, fails, or I forget to activate it when plugging it in.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on September 19, 2022, 02:20:54 PM
Heres a few cells that delivers some percentage better capacity then Eneloops at 2 amps.

https://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Ansmann%20AA%202850mAh%20(Silver)%20UK.html
https://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/PKCell%20AA%202600mAh%20(Green-silver)%20UK.html
https://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Eneloop%20AA%20HR-3UWXB%202450mAh%20(Black)%20UK.html

https://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/CommonAAcomparator.php
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on September 19, 2022, 02:29:05 PM
Such a pimp...

I too think of the AAs as primarily a bridge to cover an outage of external power, and check the teeny battery icon on the mp every hour or so to make sure it's showing external power rather than batts.

Soo teeny, or maybe it's my old eyes 😀
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on September 19, 2022, 02:44:15 PM
Such a pimp...

I too think of the AAs as primarily a bridge to cover an outage of external power, and check the teeny battery icon on the mp every hour or so to make sure it's showing external power rather than batts.

Soo teeny, or maybe it's my old eyes 😀

I have a post-it taped to the front of my MP6 reminding me to check that the timer is counting so that I know I actually pressed record.  I should add a reminder to check the battery icon too.  I can't see shit anymore, especially in a dark venue

/s/ The Eneloop Pimp
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on September 19, 2022, 10:09:06 PM
My guess is that the super short times with the 4 AA sled is with alkalines?
yes my 35 min experience is with cheap AA Alkalines
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: One Cylinder on September 24, 2022, 11:46:57 AM
I too think of the AAs as primarily a bridge to cover an outage of external power, and check the teeny battery icon on the mp every hour or so to make sure it's showing external power rather than batts. So teeny, or maybe it's my old eyes 😀

I have a post-it taped to the front of my MP6 reminding me to check that the timer is counting so that I know I actually pressed record.  I should add a reminder to check the battery icon too.  I can't see shit anymore, especially in a dark venue

/s/ The Eneloop Pimp

 :yack:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on September 24, 2022, 08:20:33 PM
I have a post-it taped to the front of my MP6 reminding me to check that the timer is counting so that I know I actually pressed record.  I should add a reminder to check the battery icon too.  I can't see shit anymore, especially in a dark venue
my new decoration for the Anker USB pack
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on October 01, 2022, 03:57:38 AM
A little feedback.

I went a head and bought 8 pcs PKCell nimh cells from Amazon.de
https://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/PKCell%20AA%202600mAh%20(Green-silver)%20UK.html

Unfortunately these cells did not perform at all.
Some was DOA and refused to take charge, other cells showed a capacity of only a few hundred mAh.
Two cells out of eight managed to reach their nominal capacity.

I returned all to Amazon.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mountainhop on October 01, 2022, 05:13:11 AM
A little feedback.

I went a head and bought 8 pcs PKCell nimh cells from Amazon.de
https://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/PKCell%20AA%202600mAh%20(Green-silver)%20UK.html

Unfortunately these cells did not perform at all.
Some was DOA and refused to take charge, other cells showed a capacity of only a few hundred mAh.
Two cells out of eight managed to reach their nominal capacity.

I returned all to Amazon.
thats a bummer

i hope you left a review

i have one of the battery refresher/testers and ive seen some that test at 70% of rated capacity. went straight back
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on October 02, 2022, 01:47:53 AM
A little feedback.

I went a head and bought 8 pcs PKCell nimh cells from Amazon.de


...

I returned all to Amazon.


was this from a third-party seller, or from clamazon's own warehouse?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on October 02, 2022, 02:05:22 AM
They were sold by akku.gmbh and fulfilled by Amazon.
Gonna try the Ansmann instead.

was this from a third-party seller, or from clamazon's own warehouse?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: relefunt on October 02, 2022, 02:24:54 AM
Such a pimp...

I too think of the AAs as primarily a bridge to cover an outage of external power, and check the teeny battery icon on the mp every hour or so to make sure it's showing external power rather than batts.

Soo teeny, or maybe it's my old eyes 😀

I have a post-it taped to the front of my MP6 reminding me to check that the timer is counting so that I know I actually pressed record.  I should add a reminder to check the battery icon too.  I can't see shit anymore, especially in a dark venue

/s/ The Eneloop Pimp

Isn't it easier to look for the red "record" light?

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: lynchie on October 05, 2022, 09:40:40 AM
Such a pimp...

I too think of the AAs as primarily a bridge to cover an outage of external power, and check the teeny battery icon on the mp every hour or so to make sure it's showing external power rather than batts.

Soo teeny, or maybe it's my old eyes 😀

I have a post-it taped to the front of my MP6 reminding me to check that the timer is counting so that I know I actually pressed record.  I should add a reminder to check the battery icon too.  I can't see shit anymore, especially in a dark venue

/s/ The Eneloop Pimp
ya made this mistake at the MMJ show in Boston a few weeks ago. Was so pissed when I looked down and realized I hadn't hit record. Won't make that mistake again.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on October 05, 2022, 10:37:34 AM
I forgot to arm channels 3&4 for a sound board feed for a show.  I did however pass the signal to a friend and he managed to get the SBD channels.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: So Many Roads on October 05, 2022, 11:51:30 AM
question - how do you run a feed out of the mixpre 3/6? I'd guess you would use a 3.5mm cable from the stereo out plug, but how do you control which channels are fed out? TIA.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on October 05, 2022, 12:08:09 PM
You have to route the channels you want to the output!  I have my SBD channels routed to the output.

question - how do you run a feed out of the mixpre 3/6? I'd guess you would use a 3.5mm cable from the stereo out plug, but how do you control which channels are fed out? TIA.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on October 05, 2022, 12:49:16 PM
question - how do you run a feed out of the mixpre 3/6? I'd guess you would use a 3.5mm cable from the stereo out plug, but how do you control which channels are fed out? TIA.

menu:outputs:St. Out Mute - off
menu:outputs:St. Out Left - whichever channel sbd L input is set to
menu:outputs:St. Out right - whichever channel sbd R input is set to
everything else leave as default
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: So Many Roads on October 05, 2022, 01:34:50 PM
Thanks Checht. I had to go into system/custom setup/outputs, and change Output to advanced. Then I can view/update the outputs from the main menu. Appreciate the help!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on October 05, 2022, 02:05:44 PM
Thanks Checht. I had to go into system/custom setup/outputs, and change Output to advanced. Then I can view/update the outputs from the main menu. Appreciate the help!
Dang, forgot that part. Been a while since my first mp-x 😀
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: rigpimp on October 05, 2022, 02:12:33 PM
The final 7.xx firmware was giving me odd errors this past weekend.  When I formatted the SD card and pressed record after it was complete I would get a "No SD Card Present" type error.  It was easily duplicated and I would have to power down the 6 to get it to see the card and use it OK. 

So, I updated it to 8.xx and now it seems fine.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: lynchie on October 13, 2022, 09:37:57 PM
How do you turn off the limiters on the 6Ii??at Ghost Light. Help needed asap.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mountainhop on October 13, 2022, 09:50:34 PM
inputs>limiters>on/off
you need to be in 'advanced' mode (system>mode)

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: lynchie on October 14, 2022, 12:36:30 AM
Ok limiters looked to be off. Can’t get it to peak out around +3. Peaks out around -12. 😡😡. I figured recording in basic would be easier but not so. I've gone through every menu and can't seem to figure out what's going on.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Twenty8 on October 14, 2022, 06:41:15 AM
Loving my MP6ii.  Love everything about it: even the learning curve.  Such a nice step up from my 680mkii.  A couple questions.

I am used to taking an additional recording (beside the SD card) from the stereo out of the 680mkii to a A10/M10.  The settings on the MPii are confusing on this.  I am using Advanced mode.  How do I take an additional out from the deck?  The menu structure makes it seem like ALL files will go to the stereo out and I simply want something to listen to on the drive before I process the SDXC card at home.  Also, is this possible when recording 32bit?

How do I adjust how much gain each pair of microphones has in the mix?  I record 4 channels.  If I want to have my main pair at one level, but my second pair at another (say 70/30 as an example), how do I adjust the levels of each microphone contributing to the mix?  I generally send this mix to the A10/M10.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: aaronji on October 14, 2022, 07:03:57 AM
How do I adjust how much gain each pair of microphones has in the mix?  I record 4 channels.  If I want to have my main pair at one level, but my second pair at another (say 70/30 as an example), how do I adjust the levels of each microphone contributing to the mix?  I generally send this mix to the A10/M10.

In advanced mode, the gain on the individual channels is controlled by the touchscreen or knob on the side. The front panel knobs determine extra gain or attenuation from those channels to the mix.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on October 17, 2022, 07:46:29 AM
  I am using Advanced mode.  How do I take an additional out from the deck?  The menu structure makes it seem like ALL files will go to the stereo out and I simply want something to listen to on the drive before I process the SDXC card at home.  Also, is this possible when recording 32bit?


Outputs, then assign St Right and Left to whatever you want.  I have it set to 3&4 so I can pass a board feed to someone else.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Twenty8 on October 17, 2022, 10:04:04 PM
Thanks, gentleman.  Looks like my schedule took a turn toward awful for the next three weeks so I will have to try all this in the future.  Appreciate it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: lynchie on October 24, 2022, 02:11:33 PM
what do most use for gain setting on the 6ii? I had +25db for Phil Saturday night and thought that I could've used another 10db. would've adjusted but was tough getting to my bag. So I'm guessing +30 and and any additional from the ch. knob.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mountainhop on October 24, 2022, 02:32:42 PM
what do most use for gain setting on the 6ii? I had +25db for Phil Saturday night and thought that I could've used another 10db. would've adjusted but was tough getting to my bag. So I'm guessing +30 and and any additional from the ch. knob.

30-35dB is what ive generally  used from the section, but that would depend on mic sensitivity. most of the 402x series ive seen were relatively low compared to the caps used with the modular bodies, around 6-9 mV/Pa where as the same caps are spec'd at 11-14 mV/Pa with A bodies.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mountaintaper on October 24, 2022, 04:37:04 PM
what do most use for gain setting on the 6ii? I had +25db for Phil Saturday night and thought that I could've used another 10db. would've adjusted but was tough getting to my bag. So I'm guessing +30 and and any additional from the ch. knob.

I generally set it at 32 and leave it. If it's too low or too hot, remember it's 32 BIT Float, absolutely no need to adjust on the fly, do it in post.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: gmm6797 on October 24, 2022, 06:49:11 PM
What software are people using on Windows to edit the 32bit files? Does it matter vs the 24 bit files (just reducing/normalizing down to vs up to zero)?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on October 25, 2022, 07:55:29 AM
What software are people using on Windows to edit the 32bit files? Does it matter vs the 24 bit files (just reducing/normalizing down to vs up to zero)?

I spit the poly wav in iZoptope and do the majority of editing there as well.  I then use Wavelab 6 to make the matrix.  I do everything in 32bit float and then render to 24 as the last step.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dallman on October 25, 2022, 02:58:29 PM
What software are people using on Windows to edit the 32bit files? Does it matter vs the 24 bit files (just reducing/normalizing down to vs up to zero)?
I use Soundforge, and stay at 32Bit until the last step. I do separate each track and work on the stereo pairs. In Soundforge each stereo track is a different color in the polyfile, so separating each stereo file is easy. Below is a poly file with 2 stereo pairs (2 different mic setups), and then an example of one of the stereo files that was split out and tracked.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Twenty8 on October 25, 2022, 04:32:28 PM
What software are people using on Windows to edit the 32bit files? Does it matter vs the 24 bit files (just reducing/normalizing down to vs up to zero)?
Reaper.  Explode the poly, edit, 24/48 (and/or) 16/44.1 renders.

Have 3 shows in 4 days.  This will be a good stretch to begin leaning into this machine more.  A lot to wrap your head around when coming from Tascam.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: gmm6797 on October 25, 2022, 09:27:32 PM
I use Soundforge, and stay at 32Bit until the last step.
Perfect, thanks! That is my intent, Soundforge
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Twenty8 on October 27, 2022, 11:01:38 AM
I am having a settings issue I can't seem to find the answer for.

In my LR mix, how do I change the panning?

I seem to have L set higher than R currently and can't seem to change it?  That is my assumption, but I don't recall doing this.  I have changed the pan of both my channels during tests to Center, the entire L to R range, and nothing seems to change it.  However, I swear that last weekend when I ran the R channel in the mix was higher than the L channels (opposite problem).  I have used 4 sets of cables during testing with the same results.  I even ran just AUX in with the same tests and had the same issue.

No ISO channels seem to be affected, whether linked or unlinked.  I can pan and center these all I want and the mix balance between L and R stays the same on the meters.

I run 4 channels and, while I just use the ISOs in post, I want the mix for my rides/drives home from the stereo out.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mountainhop on October 27, 2022, 09:38:08 PM
What software are people using on Windows to edit the 32bit files? Does it matter vs the 24 bit files (just reducing/normalizing down to vs up to zero)?
I use Soundforge, and stay at 32Bit until the last step. I do separate each track and work on the stereo pairs. In Soundforge each stereo track is a different color in the polyfile, so separating each stereo file is easy. Below is a poly file with 2 stereo pairs (2 different mic setups), and then an example of one of the stereo files that was split out and tracked.

did you know that you can import markers from one file to another? useful when working with multiple stereo files in separate windows that are time-linked
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Twenty8 on October 28, 2022, 06:33:52 AM
Fixed my issue.  Not sure how I adjusted the mix balance in the first place.  Really getting into this deck.  Lots of videos and 2 of 7 of the archived threads on the 6 and 6ii read.  Now to figure out how to set the different channel levels in the LR mix from my ISOs.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: lynchie on October 28, 2022, 10:17:44 AM
this deck is really frustrating me. So I'm running in custom mode. using the channel knobs for gain. was adding about 30db of gain. Levels were mostly in the -20 ->-12 range. For the life of me I can't get this deck to peak out around -8 to 0db. If I add more gain it seems to be too much gain and the knobs start to blink red which I guess means its close to clipping. I'm running 24bit not 32 float.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: commongrounder on October 28, 2022, 10:55:28 AM
Looks like you are running into the limiters. They start to kick in a few db below 0dbfs. If you want to run “unprotected”, you can turn off the limiters in the menu. Then if you hit over 0dbfs, you will clip. The limiters in the mixpre-6ii are very good, and adjustable. Read the section in the manual about them for more.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: lynchie on October 28, 2022, 11:09:52 AM
Looks like you are running into the limiters. They start to kick in a few db below 0dbfs. If you want to run “unprotected”, you can turn off the limiters in the menu. Then if you hit over 0dbfs, you will clip. The limiters in the mixpre-6ii are very good, and adjustable. Read the section in the manual about them for more.
thanks. I could've sworn I had them off. Is there a way to save your settings?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on October 28, 2022, 11:52:36 AM
User presets are sets of settings. 3 or 4 presets may be saved in internal memory, and one may save as many as desired to the sd card.

Settings on the SD may be downloaded to a pc for long term storage.

Or trade with friends. Collect the whole set!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: lynchie on October 28, 2022, 01:39:38 PM
I've gotta get this thing functioning properly before TreyGoose.  :banging head:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on October 28, 2022, 02:20:14 PM
Use 32bit float and it disables the limiters.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on October 29, 2022, 03:20:53 PM

User presets are sets of settings. 3 or 4 presets may be saved in internal memory, and one may save as many as desired to the sd card.

Settings on the SD may be downloaded to a pc for long term storage.

Or trade with friends. Collect the whole set!
Be sure to back up the presets if you ever format the card. Formatting the card will wipe all the presets' xml files.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on November 03, 2022, 12:08:39 AM
What usb stick is everyone using for real time backup? Jbell reminded me about this feature a few days ago.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: mgtaper on November 03, 2022, 01:41:30 AM
What usb stick is everyone using for real time backup? Jbell reminded me about this feature a few days ago.

I'm using the 64GB and 256GB usb drives here:  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1445629-REG/pny_technologies_p_fdi256exfit_ge_elite_x_fit_256gb_200mb.html (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1445629-REG/pny_technologies_p_fdi256exfit_ge_elite_x_fit_256gb_200mb.html)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on November 03, 2022, 06:42:39 AM
I have a 64gig PNY for backup!  Works great.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on November 03, 2022, 07:15:30 AM
I had the 64gb version of this and now am using the 256.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D7Q41PM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: hipporu on November 03, 2022, 08:12:03 AM
Sandisk 64Gb Cruzer Fit SDCZ33-064G-G35  no problem.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: spyder9 on November 07, 2022, 03:08:55 PM
I just put a MixPre3ii in the Yard Sale.  fyi
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vwmule on December 01, 2022, 03:32:40 PM
First time issue last night. The SD card didn't want to eject. I was afraid of pulling to hard and looked for cable to connect MP6 to computer but then tried again and wiggled card a bit and it came loose. Anyone else experience this? Card is brand new; maybe just a slight design flaw.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on December 01, 2022, 03:38:02 PM
Had same experience once. I think the brand new card had a bit of extra plastic on it. I removed w a nail file, and didn't have the issue again.

It somewhat spooked me, so I use a cable and do usb xfer now.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on December 01, 2022, 04:53:14 PM
Yeah, I've had some cards be hard to slide in/out (MP10II). Like checht, I mostly leave the card in and use the USB cable for transfers. USB transfer is only USB2 speed IIRC, despite the "C" connector. Also saves wear/tear on the battery sled.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vwmule on December 01, 2022, 05:55:49 PM
I should start doing that, too. I need to find the cable that came with the deck.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on December 01, 2022, 07:41:46 PM
I bought some spare cables from B&H. IIRC, Sound Devices told me you only need USB2 capability despite the C connector, so those cables tend to be cheaper. You can mark them as USB2, or remember that most USB3 or higher devices have a blue plastic in the A end.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Twenty8 on December 02, 2022, 02:44:41 AM
I should start doing that, too. I need to find the cable that came with the deck.

I have the Hirose adapter.  Each time I reconnect it, I self-think about just using the cable.  Probably about time.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on December 06, 2022, 07:41:12 AM
USB transfer is only USB2 speed IIRC, despite the "C" connector. Also saves wear/tear on the battery sled.

I do c to c transfers and it's at least 3.0 speed.

edit:  apparently I was wrong
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on December 06, 2022, 08:14:01 AM
USB transfer is only USB2 speed IIRC, despite the "C" connector. Also saves wear/tear on the battery sled.

I do c to c transfers and it's at least 3.0 speed.

Ahh interesting. That’s positive if so.
The user guide only states USB 2.0 class high speed.


Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on December 06, 2022, 09:17:07 AM
USB transfer is only USB2 speed IIRC, despite the "C" connector. Also saves wear/tear on the battery sled.

I do c to c transfers and it's at least 3.0 speed.

Ahh interesting. That’s positive if so.
The user guide only states USB 2.0 class high speed.

hmm.  I just checked the manual and you're right.  I actually now transfer using the usb backup drive but I could have sworn the c was fast as well. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on December 06, 2022, 12:09:10 PM
The USB transfer seems reasonably fast, but I read that in the manual and emailed their support to confirm the USB speed. I've never actually tested the speed. Mostly I got tired of removing the battery sled to get to the card.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vantheman on January 15, 2023, 09:39:37 PM
I’m experiencing some unexpected behavior with my MixPre6. It’s probably my fault but I can’t make sense of it -

When I have two or more ISOs connected, ISO 1 and 2 always save as a stereo track, and I’ve triple checked that these channels are not linked. It’s making me paranoid that it’s a stereo mix down of all the connected ISOs (it’s not but I’m still paranoid about it). I would feel much more comfortable if these would save down as discrete tracks, but other than unlinking channels 1 and 2 there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about it.

Followup question - is it possible to save a stereo mix down in addition to the discrete ISO lines? That seems like something many would want to do, even though I don’t want to use it that way. I struggle to find anything in the settings that suggests I can.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on January 16, 2023, 03:46:16 PM
That's a puzzle, as MixPres don't actually make stereo files, although it may seem like it in some circumstances. They make one polywav file for each recording, with as many channels in it as you have selected to record. Yes, you can also record your stereo mix along with the ISOs.

How did you determine that you have a 1-2 stereo track when recording 2+ ISOs?

I have access to the MixPre10 and 10ii (no Musician plugins), but I believe they work the same as the 6. The polywav is not well explained in the manual. The recorded polywav file will have as many tracks as you have recorded. If you only record ISOs 1 & 2, you get a 2 track file, which plays like most stereo WAV files. If you record ISOs 1-2-3-4, you get a 4 track polywav. Ensure that your playback knows what to do, and doesn't just play the first 2 tracks assuming it to be a 2 track stereo WAV. Likewise for your playback computer, most will probably only play 2 tracks of a wav file.

Note that you can enable/disable recording the stereo L/R mix in the menus (RECORD/RECORD L,R). When enabled, the MixPre always makes this the first 2 tracks of the polywav. The armed ISOs then fall in place in order. If you record the L/R mix and ISOs 1-2-4, you get a 5 track polywav with L,R,1,2,4. It won't "skip" and record a blank ISO-3 if 3 was disarmed. If you record ISOs 1-2, you get a 2 track polywav that seems like stereo, but isn't really designated as such.

Sound Devices provided the Wave Agent app to help split out the polywavs into separate tracks, but it won't work on 32b float. Apps like Reaper can take the polywav and show all of the tracks in it, and let you split the tracks out for full remixing.



I’m experiencing some unexpected behavior with my MixPre6. It’s probably my fault but I can’t make sense of it -

When I have two or more ISOs connected, ISO 1 and 2 always save as a stereo track, and I’ve triple checked that these channels are not linked. It’s making me paranoid that it’s a stereo mix down of all the connected ISOs (it’s not but I’m still paranoid about it). I would feel much more comfortable if these would save down as discrete tracks, but other than unlinking channels 1 and 2 there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about it.

Followup question - is it possible to save a stereo mix down in addition to the discrete ISO lines? That seems like something many would want to do, even though I don’t want to use it that way. I struggle to find anything in the settings that suggests I can.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Gordon on January 17, 2023, 07:26:37 AM
I’m experiencing some unexpected behavior with my MixPre6. It’s probably my fault but I can’t make sense of it -

When I have two or more ISOs connected, ISO 1 and 2 always save as a stereo track, and I’ve triple checked that these channels are not linked. It’s making me paranoid that it’s a stereo mix down of all the connected ISOs (it’s not but I’m still paranoid about it). I would feel much more comfortable if these would save down as discrete tracks, but other than unlinking channels 1 and 2 there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about it.

Followup question - is it possible to save a stereo mix down in addition to the discrete ISO lines? That seems like something many would want to do, even though I don’t want to use it that way. I struggle to find anything in the settings that suggests I can.

When there are only 2 channels armed and the l/r mix is turned off you will get a stereo file.  When you have more than 2 channels armed you get a poly wave.  The answer to the follow up is yes, turn on the l/r mix though for me it is worthless as I want to mix the channels in post.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vantheman on January 17, 2023, 09:13:39 AM
Same, the stereo mix is useless to me too. I am definitely getting a stereo file with more than 2 ISOs, and all other stereo features turned off. Maybe it’s a bug in the way Audacity is handling them. As long as I can just split it and get ISOs 1-2 back as separate tracks, I guess it’s fine, it just seems like weird unexpected behavior on a device that otherwise is pretty intuitive to use.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on January 17, 2023, 10:09:21 AM
You record 3-4 ISOs and Audacity plays back a 2 track file of only 1 & 2? Which version of Audacity?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: checht on January 17, 2023, 11:46:24 AM
I use Audacity 3.0 Mac and don't have the stereo file issue, usually record 4 or 6 tracks.

Wondering if it's possible to adjust the stereo mix, I haven't seen that in the manual. Anybody?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dallman on January 17, 2023, 12:15:06 PM
Same, the stereo mix is useless to me too. I am definitely getting a stereo file with more than 2 ISOs, and all other stereo features turned off. Maybe it’s a bug in the way Audacity is handling them. As long as I can just split it and get ISOs 1-2 back as separate tracks, I guess it’s fine, it just seems like weird unexpected behavior on a device that otherwise is pretty intuitive to use.
If I am understanding your comment above and you say you are getting what looks like a stereo file with more than 2 ISO's but are splitting to 2 ISO's, then you are getting a polywave file. Otherwise you would have 4 files assuming 4 mics or lines in as your ISO's.
Soundforge is great for Polywave Files offering each iso in a different color. I think Sound Devices offers a program too, but I have never tried it. I like the poly files as less files means less confusion for me. With the Zoom F6, you have a choice between Poly or separate ISO's, but with the MixPre6 which is my SD rig, you do not have a choice when using more than 2 ISO's I too have shut off my stereo mix as it serves no function for me other than taking up space in my SD card.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Ronmac on January 17, 2023, 02:27:10 PM
The MixPre 6 can be setup to operate in 3 different "feature modes": basic, advanced and custom. The differences in operation is explained on pages 20-21 of the owner manual.

If you are set to basic mode the record options are: Sample Rate fixed at 48 kHz - Bit Depth fixed at 24 bit - Records only the Left/Right mix

If you are set to advance mode the record options are: Sample Rate Options 44.1 - 192 kHz - Bit Depth options 16, 24, 32 (float) - Record Isolated channels and mix tracks - Individual control of Left and Right gain - Individual control of Left and Right record arming

Custom mode will allow you to select each feature to either mode.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vantheman on January 17, 2023, 09:54:37 PM
Same, the stereo mix is useless to me too. I am definitely getting a stereo file with more than 2 ISOs, and all other stereo features turned off. Maybe it’s a bug in the way Audacity is handling them. As long as I can just split it and get ISOs 1-2 back as separate tracks, I guess it’s fine, it just seems like weird unexpected behavior on a device that otherwise is pretty intuitive to use.
If I am understanding your comment above and you say you are getting what looks like a stereo file with more than 2 ISO's but are splitting to 2 ISO's, then you are getting a polywave file. Otherwise you would have 4 files assuming 4 mics or lines in as your ISO's.
Soundforge is great for Polywave Files offering each iso in a different color. I think Sound Devices offers a program too, but I have never tried it. I like the poly files as less files means less confusion for me. With the Zoom F6, you have a choice between Poly or separate ISO's, but with the MixPre6 which is my SD rig, you do not have a choice when using more than 2 ISO's I too have shut off my stereo mix as it serves no function for me other than taking up space in my SD card.

Yes, here's what Audacity looks like when I bring in a file with all 4 ISOs recording. ISOs 1-2 come in a stereo track, even though Linking is set to Off. I'm definitely in Advanced mode, because I'm recording in 32 bit float.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on January 18, 2023, 09:48:01 AM
This must be an Audacity problem, as the MixPre has no way of marking parts of its polywav as stereo to my knowledge. I use Reaper and it's never done that.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: dallman on January 18, 2023, 02:09:19 PM
Same, the stereo mix is useless to me too. I am definitely getting a stereo file with more than 2 ISOs, and all other stereo features turned off. Maybe it’s a bug in the way Audacity is handling them. As long as I can just split it and get ISOs 1-2 back as separate tracks, I guess it’s fine, it just seems like weird unexpected behavior on a device that otherwise is pretty intuitive to use.
If I am understanding your comment above and you say you are getting what looks like a stereo file with more than 2 ISO's but are splitting to 2 ISO's, then you are getting a polywave file. Otherwise you would have 4 files assuming 4 mics or lines in as your ISO's.
Soundforge is great for Polywave Files offering each iso in a different color. I think Sound Devices offers a program too, but I have never tried it. I like the poly files as less files means less confusion for me. With the Zoom F6, you have a choice between Poly or separate ISO's, but with the MixPre6 which is my SD rig, you do not have a choice when using more than 2 ISO's I too have shut off my stereo mix as it serves no function for me other than taking up space in my SD card.
Yes, here's what Audacity looks like when I bring in a file with all 4 ISOs recording. ISOs 1-2 come in a stereo track, even though Linking is set to Off. I'm definitely in Advanced mode, because I'm recording in 32 bit float.
My assumption was that you were in advanced mode as you are.
 What you get is confusing/interesting. I for sure cannot say what you are getting, but it is at least possible you are getting first a stereo mix of all 4 ISO's and then a Left mix and a Right mix of the 2 left and 2right ISO's. I hate to even suggest that as it is pure speculation from a soundforge user, but it might be safe to say, you are not getting 4 separate ISO's.

Have you tried looking at 6 channels to see what happens. Maybe it would give some sort of clue as to what you are actually seeing.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vantheman on January 18, 2023, 02:33:26 PM
My assumption was that you were in advanced mode as you are.
 What you get is confusing/interesting. I for sure cannot say what you are getting, but it is at least possible you are getting first a stereo mix of all 4 ISO's and then a Left mix and a Right mix of the 2 left and 2right ISO's. I hate to even suggest that as it is pure speculation from a soundforge user, but it might be safe to say, you are not getting 4 separate ISO's.

Have you tried looking at 6 channels to see what happens. Maybe it would give some sort of clue as to what you are actually seeing.

Haven’t tried all 6. The initial test I ran suggests that the stereo track is ISOs one and too, but I’m not sure it was conclusive. I had just turned down the gain on ISO1 way down to create an obvious difference in the mix, and I had the balance for all ISOs centered. I’ll have to run some more tests. First I’ll download a trial of Reaper to see how it interprets the polywave.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on January 18, 2023, 04:44:34 PM
Yes, here's what Audacity looks like when I bring in a file with all 4 ISOs recording. ISOs 1-2 come in a stereo track, even though Linking is set to Off. I'm definitely in Advanced mode, because I'm recording in 32 bit float.
I realize it's a little annoying to have the inconsistency, but it doesn't really matter because audacity can make or split stereo files very easily.
That downward pointing black triangle next to the track name is the SECRET MENU! #UserHostile
PS audacity versions after 3.0 "phone home" so a lot of folks are still using 2.4.2... I am using 2.4.2.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vantheman on January 18, 2023, 06:49:37 PM
Agreed, now that I've seemingly confirmed that nothing else is getting mixed into the "stereo" track of ISOs 1-2, it's a minor annoyance I can live with. Wasn't sure if others had experienced the same thing too, which would have been more of a reason to worry. I appreciate the help in trying to run this issue down.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Ronmac on January 19, 2023, 09:27:38 AM
A mentor of mine once told me "If something doesn't make sense you likely don't have enough information".

The MixPre in Advanced mode will always create a single Polywave file when you record more than 1 track. A Polywave file is an ordered and interleaved channel recording of each armed track in a single container.

The Channel order in a Polywave file is constant, beginning with the Mixed L -R recording (if you chose to record the mix) and followed by the individually armed tracks.

You are recording 4 individual tracks and the Mix LR track:
The Polywave channel will contain the following tracks, in order: Mix L - Mix R - Track 1 - Track 2 - Track 3 -Track 4
When the Polywave file is exploded for editing within most DAW/Editors the Mix L-R are shown as a single stereo file, with the Tracks shown as individual mono files.

If you chose not to record the Mix L-R most DAW/Editors will explode the Polywave file to individual mono tracks. Some (I have not tried this in Audacity) may assume the first two tracks should be treated as a stereo file.

My workflow is to process the Polywave files in Sound Devices Wave Agent utility and then import to my DAW/Editor. nb. Wave Agent has not been updated to process files recorded in 32bit format.

I hope this helps explain
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: vantheman on January 19, 2023, 12:51:52 PM
Except I’m not recording the Mix LR track, and most DAWs apparently does not not include Audacity -

I did just run a test by downloading Wave Agent and putting two polywave files into it - one with and one without the Mix LR track. This seems to confirm that the issue is just the way that Audacity is interpreting the file. When I put the file containing Mix LR into Audacity then I get ISOs 1-2 as separate mono tracks. So, case closed, I guess.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Ronmac on January 19, 2023, 12:59:38 PM
Glad you confirmed that the MixPre is working as designed.

Cheers,
Ron
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on January 19, 2023, 02:55:29 PM
It appears that Audacity assumes the first 2 tracks of a polywav are stereo. I wonder if there is a setting to not do that?

Reaper imports polywavs as one multitrack file, then you can use the menu, ITEM/ITEM PROCESSING/EXPLODE MULTICHANNEL... to separate all tracks into individual Reaper tracks. N.B.  Reaper recopies the data for each track and makes a reapeak display file for each new track, but puts all this into weird places, typically the (Mac) user's documents folder. I haven't figured out how to get it to put these duplicates in the same place as the original, and of course, it won't open again without them.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: SMsound on January 20, 2023, 07:28:19 AM
It appears that Audacity assumes the first 2 tracks of a polywav are stereo. I wonder if there is a setting to not do that?

Doesn't do this for me -- each MixPre polywav track is treated as a mono track. However, the fix is quick -- click on the down arrow to the right of the track name and then "split stereo track".
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: HealthCov Chris on February 01, 2023, 03:08:01 AM
As it stands, I can now load and split polywaves in reaper, but loading them one by one, splitting them, rendering each pair, then combining the files into a single file per set/show, then reloading into reaper to normalize, etc, is just so many steps,

especially when trying to beat Chris King on getting my upload up etree.....  :smash: :shrug:

You don't have to split them all up and render individually.  If you have 4 mics, just import the polywave > duplicate it 3 times > rt click on each track and select the channel you want (ex. ch 3) > repeat for other channels > pan accordingly.  Now you have all your channels in 1 screen.  You can do all your processing individually and for master output.  Setup your tracks as Regions, edit the Regions (track number/name).  Select the channels you want to render together and mute the others.  Then Render the Regions.  Repeat as needed.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on February 03, 2023, 12:59:10 AM
Interesting FYI, according to the SD Facebook users page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/sounddevices/], SD now has stock of MixPreIIs, and they have changed display screens to an OLED with rounded corners, instead of LCD. They had to change some internal parts, so such units get firmware 8.01 which is not applicable to older units.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on February 03, 2023, 02:10:08 AM
Thanks GLouie

That rounded screen did not look that great actually.
Wonder if the firmware change is related to oled touch drivers or any changes to the AKM ADC’s.

Unfortunately I can’t participate or read the discussions in the group since I don’t have any FB account.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on February 03, 2023, 02:22:03 PM
Unfortunately I can’t participate or read the discussions in the group since I don’t have any FB account.
I can read the discussion without logging in.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: jbell on February 03, 2023, 06:47:16 PM
So is the change for better or worse?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: justme on February 03, 2023, 07:04:19 PM
Unfortunately I can’t participate or read the discussions in the group since I don’t have any FB account.
I can read the discussion without logging in.

On iOS, no browser seems to work for me.
On macOS I found that Brave allowed me to read the discussions.

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: morst on February 03, 2023, 09:53:03 PM
On iOS, no browser seems to work for me.
On macOS I found that Brave allowed me to read the discussions.
Safari works for me under mac os Ventura
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: GLouie on February 03, 2023, 11:49:14 PM
I’m not on Facebook but had no problem reading the thread on MacOS Catalina with Firefox.

I guess time will tell if there is a downside to the changes, such as a programming error. You’ll certainly be able to spot the new ones though.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: DavidPuddy on September 07, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
I'm taping for the first time in a while on SAturday night and the first time with my Mixpre-D. I'm planning to take some -18db attenuators for the input side. Anyone know if the line outs are good to go into ch 5&6 of Mixpre-6ii? I know they are hot but I feel like the recorder can handle it. I'd rather use the XLR outs than the tape out if I can. It seems to work fine with my stereo but shows are much louder  :smash:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Ronmac on September 08, 2023, 06:56:32 AM
I also own a MixPre-D and a MP6ii. They compliment each other very well.

Personally, I use the MixPre-D unbalanced "Tape Out" to connect to the MixPre6ii 5/6 unbalanced inputs. They are level and impedance matched and allow a very simple mechanical connection with a single 3.5mmTRS connection.

The following, taken from page 7 of the MixPre-D manual, makes it clear to me that there is no advantage to converting the balanced XLR outs to the unbalanced inputs of the MixPre6ii.

Quote
XLR Outputs
The two XLR outputs are active-balanced connections, each capable of driving long lines. These connections can be used as either balanced or unbalanced. When unbalancing, use pin-2 for (+) and pin-1 for ground; float (leave open) pin-3.
Tape Output
The Tape Output is typically used to interface with consumer inputs such as Comtek inputs or con- sumer transcription recorders. The MixPre-D has an unbalanced, two-channel tape level output on a single, TRS 3.5 mm connector.
The Tape Output program is identical to the XLR Output. Tape Out level is fixed at a -10 dBu nomi- nal level and is electrically isolated from the XLR Outputs. Additionally, the Tape Output is used for the Mix Out signal to link multiple Sound Devices mixers.

AES Digital Output
The Right XLR Output can be set to AES digital signal by sliding the XLR Output
switch to “AES”. In this configuration, the Right XLR Output contains both channels of the MixPre-D’s output as a balanced, AES3 signal. All other outputs are unaffected, so inputs panned left will appear on the left channel of the AES output plus the left channel of all analog outputs (in- cluding the left XLR main output).
Sampling Rate
The MixPre-D’s digital system operates at sample rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, or 96 kHz. When either a USB connection or AES output is enabled the operating sample rate of the MixPre-D is indicated by the front panel Sample Rate LEDs. If AES output is disabled and there is no USB connection to a computer both Sample Rate LEDs are off.
To change the sampling rate of the MixPre-D, hold down the Headphone Controller while sliding the Right XLR Output switch to “AES”.
When connected to a computer with a USB cable, the sample rate of the MixPre-D is set by the comput- er’s operating system and the sample rate cannot be changed from the MixPre-D. See Computer Interface
Stereo Unbalanced Mic Output
The Stereo Unbalanced Mic Output is designed to interface with “pro-sumer” DSLR- type cameras. The MixPre-D has an unbalanced, two-channel “hot” mic level output on a single, locking, TA3M connector.
The Stereo Unbalanced Mic Output program is identical to the XLR Output. This out- put is fixed at a -36 dBu.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: goodcooker on September 08, 2023, 08:25:31 AM

Agreed ^. I ran a MixpreD for a bit and the Tape Out is much better suited for prosumer level devices with a -10 output instead of +4 on the XLRs.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 7
Post by: Chanher on September 08, 2023, 01:21:52 PM
I have a Sound Devices MP-2 preamp (very similiar to Mixpre D) and I quickly learned the tape out is the better option. The XLR outs simply run too hot and adding ADDITIONAL gain only to reduce it with attenuators is simply unnecessary. The only time you might benefit from the XLR outs is nature recording, spoken word or reeally quiet music.