Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: lubage on May 27, 2017, 10:41:17 AM
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Original thread:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=181803.0
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In
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I'm wondering if the problem with SD cards larger than 32Gb has to do with this statement from the manual:
Cards with a capacity of 32 GB or less will be formatted with the FAT32 file system. Cards with a capacity greater than 32 GB will be formatted with the exFAT file system.
They go on to write:
The exFAT file system is not compatible with Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.6.4 and lower.
I formatted a 64 Gb card via MixPre-3 and it worked (even when turning off and on) last night. Today it would not recognize the card. I can confirm the card was formatted to exFAT when I read on my computer.
Switching to a 32Gb card seems to have solved the issue. In my case I'm using Mac OS X 10.12.5 so I "should" be fine, but perhaps there's a glitch in their formatting system.
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I'm wondering if the problem with SD cards larger than 32Gb has to do with this statement from the manual:
Cards with a capacity of 32 GB or less will be formatted with the FAT32 file system. Cards with a capacity greater than 32 GB will be formatted with the exFAT file system.
They go on to write:
The exFAT file system is not compatible with Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.6.4 and lower.
I formatted a 64 Gb card via MixPre-3 and it worked (even when turning off and on) last night. Today it would not recognize the card. Switching to a 32Gb card seems to have solved the issue. In my case I'm using Mac OS X 10.12.5 so I "should" be fine, but perhaps there's a glitch in their formatting system.
i would agree
The other person who had issues also was on a 64gb card
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Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
And... where is the power switch/button?
You seem to be the first person around here with a MP3 in your hands...
Thanks.
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Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
And... where is the power switch/button?
Power switch is on one side of the device. Same side as USB-C input/output and with 2 XLR inputs.
I have no idea about your more complicated question. Right now I'm just using it in basic mode until I get everything down pat. I'll be trying 3 XLR inputs this morning: two for right/left stereo from one mic (AT BP4025) and another for a regular interview mic (MD45) via the 3 inputs. I'll also test out basic 3.5mm stereo input today. If all goes well then I'll try your scenario on Sunday or Monday.
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My very first impressions of the MixPre-3 so far are:
- smaller than I expected. Not a lot smaller, but still it makes for a very nice portable device to take when traveling.
- heavier than I expected (even with battery sled out). It feels really solid
- USB-C works fantastically well with it. Easy to record to software on my Mac directly. Easy to transfer files from MP3 to computer without removing SD card.
- the limiter is fantastic. I tried to get some sounds to clip by basically yelling into the mic. Just like with the USBPre-2 the limiters are fantastic.
- sound quality via preamps seems first rate. Haven't tested extensively at all, but so far I'm getting a really clean sound.
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I'm almost positive it doesn't like cards bigger than 32gigs!! There have been 3 reports of the problems with 64gig cards. Haven't seen anyone post of success using one either. Hopefully that gets resolved with firmware updates.
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Has anyone done a runtime test on as batteries yet?
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I'm almost positive it doesn't like cards bigger than 32gigs!! There have been 3 reports of the problems with 64gig cards. Haven't seen anyone post of success using one either. Hopefully that gets resolved with firmware updates.
Agreed. I don't mind using 32 Gb cards: this will be more than sufficient for almost all (perhaps all) of my uses. But the specs claim cards up to 512 Gb can be used.
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Has anyone done a runtime test on as batteries yet?
I probably won't have time to do this during the weekend with my MixPre-3. But in case I do have time, what's the best way to do a runtime test?
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record your stereo till it cuts off ;)
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record your stereo till it cuts off ;)
Okay, but there's going to be a big difference between dynamic mics, phantom-powered, mini-plug, etc. I can run with 2 mics but what "type" or combo of types is going to be most helpful?
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Any plans to put the Wingman app out on the Android platform for us peasants? I don't want to buy an old Apple device just to have remote control.
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New Tiptorial video's from SD on the mixpre 3 and 6.
Basic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tUxxO9hF_c
Advanced:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBznKUnfJ1Y
Nice vid on using skype with the Mixpre 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15TXTcmh5gU
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record your stereo till it cuts off ;)
Okay, but there's going to be a big difference between dynamic mics, phantom-powered, mini-plug, etc. I can run with 2 mics but what "type" or combo of types is going to be most helpful?
I would say for folks here phantom powered 2 channel since you have the mixpre-3.
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I would say for folks here phantom powered 2 channel since you have the mixpre-3.
That will be simple enough. I'll try that tomorrow. Whether a person has Bluetooth on (or not) should make a difference, but I'll record without Bluetooth activated.
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Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
Hopefully Paul from Sound Devices still visits. Or you could email them directly and share the answer. Your scenario is not one I would ever do, and I don't really know how to set it up. If someone gave me detailed directions then I can be a good monkey and try it. :)
However, I did try with one phantom-powered XLR stereo mic and one lav mini-plug mic. I know I didn't set it up in the best way as I ended up with 5 tracks: essentially the XLR stereo results duplicated on 1-2 and 3-4 with a 5th track including the lav 3.5 input. I'm not a true audio person so I'm a bit out of my depth with these more complicated setups. But there seems to be some hope you could accomplish what you want. SD will know best, however.
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I got my MixPre 3 yesterday. It's about the same size as an original MixPre. Touchscreen works suprisingly well for it's small size.
It's seems like it should be possible to assign the 3.5mm (aux) input to the stereo mixdown tracks, and then keep the XLR 1 & 2 as ISO tracks only (or assign them to the stereo if you want to matrix all of it on the fly).
That way you could end up with 4 separate tracks to work with later. But it does seem like, as the software is right now, that you cannot do this. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!
I haven't had enough time to dive into the manual yet. Answers may be in there...
Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
And... where is the power switch/button?
You seem to be the first person around here with a MP3 in your hands...
Thanks.
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I got my MixPre 3 yesterday. It's about the same size as an original MixPre. Touchscreen works suprisingly well for it's small size.
It's seems like it should be possible to assign the 3.5mm (aux) input to the stereo mixdown tracks, and then keep the XLR 1 & 2 as ISO tracks only (or assign them to the stereo if you want to matrix all of it on the fly).
That way you could end up with 4 separate tracks to work with later. But it does seem like, as the software is right now, that you cannot do this. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!
I haven't had enough time to dive into the manual yet. Answers may be in there...
Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
And... where is the power switch/button?
You seem to be the first person around here with a MP3 in your hands...
Thanks.
i didn't comment because I don't know for sure or have one but the way I read it you can't do four track the way he is asking.
It's three tracks and two as a mix down
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Any plans to put the Wingman app out on the Android platform for us peasants? I don't want to buy an old Apple device just to have remote control.
Highly doubtful, I think. There are only iOS versions of their other remote apps, such as the WiFi control for the 788 which has been around a long time as iOS only. Same deal with the Zoom F series, practically every plug in mic system, the best audio apps, etc. >:(
Really annoying for us Android users and others who don't want to buy Apple products, but I imagine it must be easier to develop iOS apps due to the limited hardware variation and non-fragmented software.
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Original thread:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=181803.0
why do we start new threads? what's the point? kind of muddies up the board.
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Original thread:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=181803.0
why do we start new threads? what's the point? kind of muddies up the board.
The site (backend, I guess) gets pissed off when the thread has too many pages. I guess 25 was picked because it was safe to go that far.
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Original thread:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=181803.0
why do we start new threads? what's the point? kind of muddies up the board.
The site (backend, I guess) gets pissed off when the thread has too many pages. I guess 25 was picked because it was safe to go that far.
surely that's something held over from the 90's on dialups? i'm on boards with the same client that has never ending threads. no problems.
seems weird.
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Possible Disadvantages compared to the 7 series: No pre-record, no digital in, no hold button. No internal dual media recording (not an option on 702 so a wash there). Media size so far limited to 32GB (but 512 to be supported?). No time code generator (not relevant to what we do though)
Advantages over the 7 series: smaller size, better powering options , better preamps?
Questions to be answered: A/D quality, metering, limter utility
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42m29s on 4 AAs running phantom on two channels.
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42m29s on 4 AAs running phantom on two channels.
You're kidding. Isn't it supposed to be around 2 hours?
Also, for devices allegedly designed for "blogger, youtubers" (I think the man said) these are so complicated people have to post questions repeatedly how to use them. That's not good, even the basic mode is not exactly for dummies.
Since these devices are game changers in price, quality and functions, I'll wait for someone to release a high quality device for dummies. I don't have the patience to read long manuals, and even with the 702 I forgot how to make it work every time (I don't tape often enough).
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Has anyone done a runtime test on as batteries yet?
on my mp3 2channel Phantom telefunkin m60's ( 2.37 hrs) 4 aa sled . still waiting on 8aa sled . usbc works great .
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42m29s on 4 AAs running phantom on two channels.
I was expecting maybe 90 minutes given they Paul says "2-3 hours depending on what's powered up, how many phantoms..." and 5-6 for the 8AA caddy.
https://youtu.be/RNwDioNH3RA?t=198
I was trying to decide if I wanted to buy the 8 AA caddy or the L mount caddy. If I'm going to only get 80-90 minutes with 4 channels phantom on 8AA, that accessory is pretty useless for me. I really like the slim profile on it compared to the way the L batteries attach, but whatever
EDIT: Was the 43 minutes recorded to poly wav? I'm surprised that you get that much more recording time on mp3 compared to wav.
EDIT2: I didn't see where mp3 was an option. Reading the manual again, I only saw wav an option
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I bet this thing will kick ass using a baby-nbox. Not asking the mixpre3 to power the mics should up the runtime considerably using only the 4 AA batteries.
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Some other advantages of the 6 is it has 4 preamps (744 only has 2) and channel 5/6 input for 6 channels of recording. Also USB instead of firewire. It is also way cheaper than the 744
Possible Disadvantages compared to the 7 series: No pre-record, no digital in, no hold button. No internal dual media recording (not an option on 702 so a wash there). Media size so far limited to 32GB (but 512 to be supported?). No time code generator (not relevant to what we do though)
Advantages over the 7 series: smaller size, better powering options , better preamps?
Questions to be answered: A/D quality, metering, limter utility
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I'm surprised that you get that much more recording time on mp3 compared to wav/flac
mp3=mixpre3
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Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
And... where is the power switch/button?
You seem to be the first person around here with a MP3 in your hands...
Thanks.
I asked support the same question- here is their reply.
"Hello Jesse,
Thank you for contacting Sound Devices. The MixPre-3 can record 3 separate sources on different tracks. These tracks can be mixed down to the Left and Right track (the other 2 recorded tracks out of 5). It sounds like you need a MixPre-6 if you need 4 isolated tracks, as the MixPre-3 can only do 3 isolated tracks max, plus the Left and Right tracks...
Best regards,
Danny Greenwald
danny_greenwald@sounddevices.com"
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Just completed battery test with MixPre-3.
Length: 1 hour 52 minutes until red warning light.
At 1:55 recording was auto-shutdown and got message to turn off recorder.
4 Eneloop rechargeable batteries, fully recharged. About 3 years old, but relatively lightly used.
Mic: AT BP4025 stereo mic with 2 XLR inputs.
While less than the stated length, this is satisfactory for my needs and usage.
Probably newer batteries, or better batteries, would result in a longer runtime. Type of Eneloop: regular (not Pro) at 2,000mAh.
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Just completed battery test with MixPre-3.
Length: 1 hour 52 minutes until red warning light.
At 1:55 recording was auto-shutdown and got message to turn off recorder.
4 Eneloop rechargeable batteries, fully recharged. About 3 years old, but relatively lightly used.
Mic: AT BP4025 stereo mic with 2 XLR inputs.
While less than the stated length, this is satisfactory for my needs and usage.
Probably newer batteries, or better batteries, would result in a longer runtime. Type of Eneloop: regular (not Pro) at 2,000mAh.
is that a 48v mic?
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for what its worth i used powerx 2800 lsd batts. pretty new fully charged for test.
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is that a 48v mic?
Yes, it's a 48v phantom powered mic.
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Some other advantages of the 6 is it has 4 preamps (744 only has 2) and channel 5/6 input for 6 channels of recording. Also USB instead of firewire. It is also way cheaper than the 744
Possible Disadvantages compared to the 7 series: No pre-record, no digital in, no hold button. No internal dual media recording (not an option on 702 so a wash there). Media size so far limited to 32GB (but 512 to be supported?). No time code generator (not relevant to what we do though)
Advantages over the 7 series: smaller size, better powering options , better preamps?
Questions to be answered: A/D quality, metering, limter utility
Definitely an advantage over the 744 in terms of preamps - I was thinking more of the 788 in that situation though. Also much cheaper than the 788 and a little less than the 702 or 722/744 used going price.
I'm interested to see transfer times. The manual claims transfer over USB C is actually using USB 2.0 which is pretty slow compared to USB 3.0 and might be slower than Firewire. That said, I now have to use an adapter to use firewire on my 744 which is annoying.
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Also, for devices allegedly designed for "blogger, youtubers" (I think the man said) these are so complicated people have to post questions repeatedly how to use them. That's not good, even the basic mode is not exactly for dummies.
Since these devices are game changers in price, quality and functions, I'll wait for someone to release a high quality device for dummies. I don't have the patience to read long manuals, and even with the 702 I forgot how to make it work every time (I don't tape often enough).
Basic mode is pretty basic. You don't need no stinking manuals. :) And you can create presets. I only have about 3 or 4 basic situations I record in. Create presets. Select right one in the future and you're good to go. Much of the discussion here involves more complicated things that demand Advanced or Custom modes. Basic mode will work quite well for many of us.
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~ 2 hours runtime on 4 AAs means I won't be stealthing with this thing. Good thing I kept my 744.
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~ 2 hours runtime on 4 AAs means I won't be stealthing with this thing. Good thing I kept my 744.
If you stealth with a 744, why not just add a USB battery pack to the tiny mixpre3?
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~ 2 hours runtime on 4 AAs means I won't be stealthing with this thing. Good thing I kept my 744.
If you stealth with a 744, why not just add a USB battery pack to the tiny mixpre3?
I like the piece of mind of having no moving parts when I stealth. I still think the 8 AA sled with the mixpre-3 will be a good option for a 2 hour show with 45 min opener but I need to have it all in hand first to compare side by side with the 744.
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You could also pull the SD card for transfers!
Some other advantages of the 6 is it has 4 preamps (744 only has 2) and channel 5/6 input for 6 channels of recording. Also USB instead of firewire. It is also way cheaper than the 744
Possible Disadvantages compared to the 7 series: No pre-record, no digital in, no hold button. No internal dual media recording (not an option on 702 so a wash there). Media size so far limited to 32GB (but 512 to be supported?). No time code generator (not relevant to what we do though)
Advantages over the 7 series: smaller size, better powering options , better preamps?
Questions to be answered: A/D quality, metering, limter utility
Definitely an advantage over the 744 in terms of preamps - I was thinking more of the 788 in that situation though. Also much cheaper than the 788 and a little less than the 702 or 722/744 used going price.
I'm interested to see transfer times. The manual claims transfer over USB C is actually using USB 2.0 which is pretty slow compared to USB 3.0 and might be slower than Firewire. That said, I now have to use an adapter to use firewire on my 744 which is annoying.
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I'm interested to see transfer times. The manual claims transfer over USB C is actually using USB 2.0 which is pretty slow compared to USB 3.0 and might be slower than Firewire. That said, I now have to use an adapter to use firewire on my 744 which is annoying.
It's hard to believe this is a serious question, but I'll play along. (Is someone really going to decide to buy or not based on transfer times?) I just transferred from MP3 to computer via file transfer mode. I had a 2.02 Gb file. Transfer time: 75 seconds.
I don't know if that's USB 2 or faster. But it's fast enough for me. Heck, even if it took 3 times longer that would be fast enough for me! Of course, as another person noted, you can also just pull out the SD card and use it directly.
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It's hard to believe this is a serious question, but I'll play along. (Is someone really going to decide to buy or not based on transfer times?)
You youngens have it good.
In the old days, a 90m dat tape took 3 hours to transfer because you had to do it in real time. Unless you had a DDS drive which allowed you to speed up the transfer, though I forget how much faster it was.
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You youngens have it good.
In the old days, a 90m dat tape took 3 hours to transfer because you had to do it in real time. Unless you had a DDS drive which allowed you to speed up the transfer, though I forget how much faster it was.
:clapping:
:cheers:
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Has anyone done a runtime test on as batteries yet?
on my mp3 2channel Phantom telefunkin m60's ( 2.37 hrs) 4 aa sled . still waiting on 8aa sled . usbc works great .
Hmmm... maybe my batteries weren't as fresh as I assumed. I'll do another test later today. Is there some kind of low power setting i'm missing?
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Anyone have a tutorial on how to use Wave agent to turn the polywave files into stereo wave files?? TIA
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Hmmm... maybe my batteries weren't as fresh as I assumed. I'll do another test later today. Is there some kind of low power setting i'm missing?
I would check battery levels, or simply recharge. If you can "slow recharge" rather than quick that will be better.
I'd also suggest turning off Bluetooth if on. In some circumstances Bluetooth can drain batteries pretty quickly.
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Has anyone done a runtime test on as batteries yet?
on my mp3 2channel Phantom telefunkin m60's ( 2.37 hrs) 4 aa sled . still waiting on 8aa sled . usbc works great .
Hmmm... maybe my batteries weren't as fresh as I assumed. I'll do another test later today. Is there some kind of low power setting i'm missing?
you can dim the leds and buttons & screen . should help some. also turn off the blue tooth. i really don't know how much all this helps . every mic draws different . i went ahead and ordered the L sled so ill have all three eventually . i'm waiting on the 8aa & now the Lsleds.
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~ 2 hours runtime on 4 AAs means I won't be stealthing with this thing. Good thing I kept my 744.
It's why I always use Energizer Lithium AA batteries...I'll get around 5-6 hours run time if regular AA only gets 2.
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I'm interested to see transfer times. The manual claims transfer over USB C is actually using USB 2.0 which is pretty slow compared to USB 3.0 and might be slower than Firewire. That said, I now have to use an adapter to use firewire on my 744 which is annoying.
It's hard to believe this is a serious question, but I'll play along. (Is someone really going to decide to buy or not based on transfer times?) I just transferred from MP3 to computer via file transfer mode. I had a 2.02 Gb file. Transfer time: 75 seconds.
I don't know if that's USB 2 or faster. But it's fast enough for me. Heck, even if it took 3 times longer that would be fast enough for me! Of course, as another person noted, you can also just pull out the SD card and use it directly.
First, that's a great transfer time and much better than I would have expected.
Not sure how important that is to someone else. I already bought one (Mix Pre 6). I bring it up because people frequently see the firewire on the 7 series as a fault. An external card reader over USB 3 is going to be faster than firewire, but much faster than USB 2.
I think it's pretty silly that it using USB 2.0 over a USB C cable when 3.0 is pretty standard. That said, I think someone looking at this is comparing it to the Zoom F4/8 which also use USB 2.0.
I could always pull the card and may end up doing that. But having the card behind the battery makes it an extra step (albeit not that big a deal). If I had a new Macbook Pro I would be annoyed that I couldn't use a USB C to USB C cable to transfer files at the highest possible speed. Instead, I'd have to use a USB C hub with card reader. I would also think that being able to use USB 3.0 would improve the latency issues (mentioned as a concern on at least one Youtube vide).
I should have mine in the next couple of days and I'll report back on my findings as far as transfer and battery run times. I ended up buying both the L mount and the 8xAA mount.
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Anyone have a tutorial on how to use Wave agent to turn the polywave files into stereo wave files?? TIA
(Assuming Channel 1,3 is left and 2,4 is Right)
1) Open Wave Agent>Import Files
2) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 1, Track 1 and File 2 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 1,2.
3) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 3, Track 1 and File 4 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 3,4.
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Another good video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McW2QqVh1jM
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All lights dimmed, Bluetooth off, battery type correctly chosen... just got 55 minutes out of 4 Duracells. Is it possible that the Rodes suck more power than other mics? Have tried with an NT4 and a set of NT5s. Weird. Guess it is time to explore other battery options.
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Another good video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McW2QqVh1jM
He totally missed custom mode and knob controls of gain as well as how to record the individual iso tracks but does a nice job showing off limiters..
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All lights dimmed, Bluetooth off, battery type correctly chosen... just got 55 minutes out of 4 Duracells. Is it possible that the Rodes suck more power than other mics? Have tried with an NT4 and a set of NT5s. Weird. Guess it is time to explore other battery options.
question are the duracell's nimhs or akalines. nhims are better. if your using alkalines try the lithiums. much better.the enloop pros or the powerx lsd's are costly but worth the extra coin.
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Thanks John!! I've had sometime to play with settings and the menu of my 6 today. It is really awesome. The custom options allow you to customize the recorder for your needs. I'm really happy with my purchase. I did email SD support about the SD card issue.
Anyone have a tutorial on how to use Wave agent to turn the polywave files into stereo wave files?? TIA
(Assuming Channel 1,3 is left and 2,4 is Right)
1) Open Wave Agent>Import Files
2) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 1, Track 1 and File 2 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 1,2.
3) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 3, Track 1 and File 4 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 3,4.
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(Assuming Channel 1,3 is left and 2,4 is Right)
1) Open Wave Agent>Import Files
2) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 1, Track 1 and File 2 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 1,2.
3) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 3, Track 1 and File 4 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 3,4.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when pulling up a selected MixPre-6 WAV 8 (POLY) file in Wave Agent, under "track info", I see the following:
Track 1 = Mix L
Track 2 = Mix R
Track 3 = Ch 1
Track 4 = Ch 2
Track 5 = Ch 3
Track 6 = Ch 4
Track 7 = Ch 5
Track 8 = Ch 6
So, if I want to isolate the sources into their own stereo files shouldn't the selected box combos (input tracks/output files) be:
(Trk 3&4/File 1) call it "primary mics"
(Trk 5&6/File 2) "secondary mics"
(Trk 7&8/File 3) "sbd"
(Trk 1&2/File 4) "left/right mix"
I tried tackling this late last night after returning from a gig, but was too tired to comprehend it, and have only given it some limited time today, so hoping this makes sense...
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I just got 2hours 35min off 4 powerex 2600mah rechargeables. Phantom 4 channels, Akg 460 & Telefunken m60.
12hours 49min off my Omni charge :)
https://www.amazon.com/Omnicharge-Portable-Charger-Fast-Charging-Adjustable/dp/B01NBJX99D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496014261&sr=8-1&keywords=omni+charge
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(Assuming Channel 1,3 is left and 2,4 is Right)
1) Open Wave Agent>Import Files
2) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 1, Track 1 and File 2 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 1,2.
3) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 3, Track 1 and File 4 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 3,4.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when pulling up a selected MixPre-6 WAV 8 (POLY) file in Wave Agent, under "track info", I see the following:
Track 1 = Mix L
Track 2 = Mix R
Track 3 = Ch 1
Track 4 = Ch 2
Track 5 = Ch 3
Track 6 = Ch 4
Track 7 = Ch 5
Track 8 = Ch 6
So, if I want to isolate the sources into their own stereo files shouldn't the selected box combos (input tracks/output files) be:
(Trk 3&4/File 1) call it "primary mics"
(Trk 5&6/File 2) "secondary mics"
(Trk 7&8/File 3) "sbd"
(Trk 1&2/File 4) "left/right mix"
I tried tackling this late last night after returning from a gig, but was too tired to comprehend it, and have only given it some limited time today, so hoping this makes sense...
Looks right to me
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Here's a sample of my Davy Knowles recording from last night, covering Muddy Waters' "Garbage Man" (/composer: Willie Hammond). :guitarist: Runs ~11 mins...
AKG(ck63) Naiant actives (DINa) > Naiant PFA > MixPre-6
FOB/ROC, 25' from stage, 8' up
raw as recorded, no EQ
Download link (We Transfer): https://we.tl/fezjs2brgW
Davy's website (support the artist!): http://davyknowles.com/about/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Knowles
Off to a BBQ. Happy holiday, all!
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(Assuming Channel 1,3 is left and 2,4 is Right)
1) Open Wave Agent>Import Files
2) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 1, Track 1 and File 2 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 1,2.
3) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 3, Track 1 and File 4 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 3,4.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when pulling up a selected MixPre-6 WAV 8 (POLY) file in Wave Agent, under "track info", I see the following:
Track 1 = Mix L
Track 2 = Mix R
Track 3 = Ch 1
Track 4 = Ch 2
Track 5 = Ch 3
Track 6 = Ch 4
Track 7 = Ch 5
Track 8 = Ch 6
So, if I want to isolate the sources into their own stereo files shouldn't the selected box combos (input tracks/output files) be:
(Trk 3&4/File 1) call it "primary mics"
(Trk 5&6/File 2) "secondary mics"
(Trk 7&8/File 3) "sbd"
(Trk 1&2/File 4) "left/right mix"
I tried tackling this late last night after returning from a gig, but was too tired to comprehend it, and have only given it some limited time today, so hoping this makes sense...
Sounds right. Not sure of the exact breakdown as I don't have mine in hand yet, so basing this off the process for the 744. Nonetheless, the steps should be about the same as I posted.
EDIT: Based on the file you posted, it seems you got it
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So as far as run times goes, it seems they are all over the place from 50 mins to 155
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Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...
1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )
2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.
Paul
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Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...
Paul
Paul: Thanks for continuing to monitor this board. It's much appreciated.
After two days of playing around with the MixPre-3 I gotta say this is the most beautiful mobile + studio recording device I've run into. I am soon making a 5 week trip out of my country. Armed with the MixPre-3 I'll easily be able to continue doing high quality screencasts and general audio with my fav dynamic mics directly to my computer, plus capture ambient sounds, poetry readings, and live music with my favorite phantom powered stereo mic directly to the internal SD. And it's easily packable! Plus I don't even need to leave Basic mode. :)
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Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...
1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )
2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for continuing to field questions on the new MixPre equipment!
Here is a question that all of us have and I haven't seen an answer on this yet. Will there be an option for a "front panel lock on the MixPre-3/6, similar to the 'backlight key/tone key' menu on the 7xx series"? Locking the front panel buttons on these machines to prevent the accidental shut down of the record mode would be a feature that all of us would appreciate!! Will this option be available via a firmware update?
thanks,
David
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Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...
1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )
2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for continuing to field questions on the new MixPre equipment!
Here is a question that all of us have and I haven't seen an answer on this yet. Will there be an option for a "front panel lock on the MixPre-3/6, similar to the 'backlight key/tone key' menu on the 7xx series"? Locking the front panel buttons on these machines to prevent the accidental shut down of the record mode would be a feature that all of us would appreciate!! Will this option be available via a firmware update?
thanks,
David
David - at Sound Devices we don't talk about future feature enhancements publicly because we don't like to keep promises that for whatever reason, we can't keep! All feature requests are noted though.
Paul
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...and we really appreciate SD trying to be completely upfront and honest with their customers. This particular point is of interest to many of us because at times (most of the time for me) we wind up wearing the recorder and having a safeguard against accidentally stopping a recording, powering down the recorder, etc is essential. Again your updates and responses are greatly appreciated.
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In the mean time, I wonder if someone could 3D print up a slide over cover to protect the front buttons/knobs. Perhaps with a cutout for the screen to see levels.
Not me though. I don't know how to do that. I'm just the idea guy.
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I just got 5hrs 49min off a 20,000mah USB Powerbank . Phantom 4 channels, Akg 460 & Telefunken m60.
-
Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...
1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )
2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for continuing to field questions on the new MixPre equipment!
Here is a question that all of us have and I haven't seen an answer on this yet. Will there be an option for a "front panel lock on the MixPre-3/6, similar to the 'backlight key/tone key' menu on the 7xx series"? Locking the front panel buttons on these machines to prevent the accidental shut down of the record mode would be a feature that all of us would appreciate!! Will this option be available via a firmware update?
thanks,
David
David - at Sound Devices we don't talk about future feature enhancements publicly because we don't like to keep promises that for whatever reason, we can't keep! All feature requests are noted though.
Paul
Paul,
I appreciate your candor on the Sound Devices' feature requests. As I already mentioned, the front panel lock request is one that is shared by most if not all of us here on TapersSection that have purchased or are purchasing the new MixPre's.
thanks,
David
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In the mean time, I wonder if someone could 3D print up a slide over cover to protect the front buttons/knobs. Perhaps with a cutout for the screen to see levels.
Not me though. I don't know how to do that. I'm just the idea guy.
I'm sure that Scott Shepherd of SRS Recording Services could do this.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=170480.0
The catch is that he would likely need a Mixpre3/6 sent to him so that he could evaluate the task, take measurements and test the design... But if SD rolls out the front panel lock option that work would be for naught.
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I just got 5hrs 49min off a 20,000mah USB Powerbank . Phantom 4 channels, Akg 460 & Telefunken m60.
Wow. This thing seems to be a power hog!
Would probably need four of those anker batteries for a multi day festival. Two each day, two charging / standby.
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Another suggestion... Would it be possible to slave/master two units through the hdmi or aux ports? That way you can manipulate two boxes using one and have time synced recordings?
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Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...
1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL
Paul
Found an old set of NiMHs, powered them up and got 2.5hours of recording time out of them. Problem solved. This is a really really sweet little machine. Been making field recordings in my basement checking run times and the preamps are dead quiet. Ive also been checking the sound of my double bass at different spots in the room and the MixPre-3 is capturing it beautifully. I can only imagine the quality using better mics. Onto my Remics and a Troll ribbon mic for some three channel comparisons I guess. Thanks!!!
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Another suggestion... Would it be possible to slave/master two units through the hdmi or aux ports? That way you can manipulate two boxes using one and have time synced recordings?
This was asked and answered in the previous thread and the answer unfortunately was no.
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Another suggestion... Would it be possible to slave/master two units through the hdmi or aux ports? That way you can manipulate two boxes using one and have time synced recordings?
This was asked and answered in the previous thread and the answer unfortunately was no.
Right. It's not a current feature. But if the R-44 can do it, I'm sure the MixPre can as the manual mentions syncing through the aux port for video (iirc).
My question was more or less for future updates. Since we're making a list...
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My MixPre-6 wish list includes 4 channel trim link and it would be rather neat to have a BWF marker inserted into the file by pressing the play button during recording.
Such a lovely, compact, and versatile unit.
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No digital in is a big hang up for me.
With most venues/bands going to digital boards, a digital in is most convenient.
The aux in isn't ideal for a board feed either (if available).
I know this wasn't designed for us exactly, but man... why not a coax in?
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I don't tape at that many venues but I have never encountered a digital in from the board. Or it's never been offered......
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I don't tape at that many venues but I have never encountered a digital in from the board. Or it's never been offered......
Lately I've run into the case more and more where they only have digital outs and not the typical analog "tape out" (either xlr or rca). From my understanding, most digital boards don't have analog outs. Except one time I got a single XLR and the soundman had to assign it as a main out (more work and hassle for them and he only did it because Mike Doughty told him to give me whatever I needed).
Digital outs are "yeah plug in here".
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I wonder if firmware updates will overwrite any internally saved presets?
I hope not.
Though I guess I should back them up to the card as well, just to be safe.
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I don't tape at that many venues but I have never encountered a digital in from the board. Or it's never been offered......
Lately I've run into the case more and more where they only have digital outs and not the typical analog "tape out" (either xlr or rca). From my understanding, most digital boards don't have analog outs. Except one time I got a single XLR and the soundman had to assign it as a main out (more work and hassle for them and he only did it because Mike Doughty told him to give me whatever I needed).
Digital outs are "yeah plug in here".
I've gotten board patches at a lot of shows in the last couple of years and I have never encountered one that didnt have analog out. And a large percentage of them were digital boards.
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In the thread. kindms and I are thinking of buying the 6. Battery run times seem widely varying. Do we think this has to do with phantom powering?
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In the thread. kindms and I are thinking of buying the 6. Battery run times seem widely varying. Do we think this has to do with phantom powering?
Here's what has been reported so far.
levoui: MP3 - 42m29s on 4 AAs running phantom on two channels. (Rode NT4 and NT5); 55 minutes (4 Duracell)
old and in the way: MP3 - 2.37 hrs 4 aa sled Phantom on (telefunkin m60's)
mitchellm: MP3 - 1:55 4 Eneloop rechargeable batteries, fully recharged (AT BP4025 stereo mic)
tgakidis: MP6 - 2hours 35min off 4 powerex 2600mah rechargeables. Phantom 4 channels, Akg 460 & Telefunken m60
Hard to tell if the variability is due to batteries or the type of mics used. Looks like if you've got Telefunken m60s you should get around 2.3 hours though
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Hard to tell if the variability is due to batteries or the type of mics used.
Ted's testing is confusing though. 2.5 hours off of a 4.8v (4x1.2v) 2600 mah powerex battery pack implies a power draw of about 5 watts. Same setup testing a 20000 mah external battery getting a bit under 6 hours doesn't make sense.
Assuming like many of these USB companies, the 20,000 mah is the rating of the internal li-ion battery not the rating at the 5v output, even given allowances for internal conversion efficiency to a 5v USB output, the 20,000 mah external battery getting under 6 hours of runtime implies a power draw of about 10 watts.
Hopefully that is a bum battery or a bad test, but given Sound Devices input on runtimes and even Ted's powerex test, I'd hope that a 20,000 mah battery would provide 10 hours or more of runtime. Says me who just bought a 20,000 mah battery and who wants it to power the MP6 for at least 7 hours. :P
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Hard to tell if the variability is due to batteries or the type of mics used.
Ted's testing is confusing though. 2.5 hours off of a 4.8v (4x1.2v) 2600 mah powerex battery pack implies a power draw of about 5 watts. Same setup testing a 20000 mah external battery getting a bit under 6 hours doesn't make sense.
Assuming like many of these USB companies, the 20,000 mah is the rating of the internal li-ion battery not the rating at the 5v output, even given allowances for internal conversion efficiency to a 5v USB output, the 20,000 mah external battery getting under 6 hours of runtime implies a power draw of about 10 watts.
Hopefully that is a bum battery or a bad test, but given Sound Devices input on runtimes and even Ted's powerex test, I'd hope that a 20,000 mah battery would provide 10 hours or more of runtime. Says me who just bought a 20,000 mah battery and who wants it to power the MP6 for at least 7 hours. :P
To clarify, my test was with rechargeable AA batteries, not a battery pack. I got 5hrs 49min off a 20,000mah USB Powerbank .
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I think Todd got that - that's why he calculated 4x1.2V. If your Powerbank is really 20k mAh, my bet is that your Powerbank is old or going bad. That said, I definitely know less about batteries and power than Ted, so I'm probably wrong. Maybe power over the AA sled is somehow twice as efficient as over USB C.
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Yes, got that, I guess set of AA batteries rather than AA battery pack is the more correct terminology. 4AA rechargeable batteries wired in series is 1.2v*4 = 4.8v. 2600 mAh is 2.6 Ah. 2.6*4.8 = 12.5 Watt-Hrs, divided by (rounding) 2.5 hours of runtime is a 5 Watt draw for the MP6.
For the external pack, 20,000 mah is probably the rating of the internal li-ion (or li-poly) cells, which are at 3.7v. The 3.7v needs to be converted to a 5v output. Assuming conservatively that that conversion is 80% efficient, you have 3.7v * 20 A-hr * 80% = 59 Watt-Hrs. Divided by 5.8 hours of runtime (5 hours, 49 minutes), you get a power draw of 10 Watts for the MP6.
Either the Mixpre-6 is very inefficient somehow when powered by the USB-C input, or the 20,000 mAh battery pack is old or wasn't fully charged. At least, so says me who is hoping for way better runtimes of a 20,000 mAh battery pack.
Sorry for all the math, just wanted to be clear what I was assuming for anyone trying to follow my calculations.
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A big "thank you" to the new adoptees for taking the plunge, and posting their impressions and field reports here. There's a few things that I wish these decks had, but the initial reports make them sound great so far.
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I don't tape at that many venues but I have never encountered a digital in from the board. Or it's never been offered......
Lately I've run into the case more and more where they only have digital outs and not the typical analog "tape out" (either xlr or rca). From my understanding, most digital boards don't have analog outs. Except one time I got a single XLR and the soundman had to assign it as a main out (more work and hassle for them and he only did it because Mike Doughty told him to give me whatever I needed).
Digital outs are "yeah plug in here".
I've gotten board patches at a lot of shows in the last couple of years and I have never encountered one that didnt have analog out. And a large percentage of them were digital boards.
`
Multiple times I have run into the situation of all the analog outputs were being used for other things, so it was the digital out or nothing. But yes, most of the time there should be something available that is analog. I'm always prepared for everything, so I'm never worried.
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anyone test if it will go from a dead external (via usb) to "internal" AA's seamlessly?
if so... i think running a 20000 mah anker pack and four AA's would be just fine for most circumstances, right?
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Hi all. My first post!
I took delivery of my MixPre 6 last Friday. I shoved in four AA batteries and started exploring. I quickly became concerned at the rapid decline in the battery indicator so I've done some tests. My findings and some other observations are below. All settings were in advanced mode.
BATTERY TIMES
All these tests are using tracks 1 and 2 to record the input from a stereo microphone.
TEST ONE
Maplin Extra Long Life Alkaline Batteries - 4 new batteries used.
MP6 set up for MS Stereo on inputs 1 and 2 with phantom power to a Pearl MSH 10 microphone.
All recording was at 24/96.
I pointed the microphone at a radio and monitored on headphones
The red battery warning started flashing after 15 minutes.
About 6 minutes afterwards there was a warning message to expect automatic shutdown soon, and there was an intermittent bleep on headphone but not recorded on the track (like the SD702).
About 4 minutes later the MP6 shut itself down.
A valid file was recorded on the card about the same length as the recording time.
Total recording time: 25 minutes
TEST TWO
Using 4 newly purchased Duracell Plus Power AA batteries
Same set up as above but without headphones and with Bluetooth switched off
Total recording time: just over 33 minutes
TEST THREE
Same set up as above (Duracells)
but with both brightness settings turned down to 2
Total recording time: 37 minutes
TEST FOUR
Rechargeable Duracells 2500mAh
4 freshly recharged batteries
Total recording time: 73 minutes with red battery warning about 65 minutes
TEST FIVE
As above but set up changed to record stereo via a Sanken CSS5
Total recording time: 76 minutes, so no significant difference.
Other power sources tried out
[UK] mains plug with three USB outputs, using supplied MX-USBY cable
No problems
Maplin 12000mA Power Bank with 2 USB outputs 2.1A and 2.4A
Fully charged
Connected via supplied MX-USBY cable
Seems to work OK. I did a trial recording and after just over 2 hours the battery indicator was still on full. Didn't continue to discover maximum time.
SD CARDS
Some people have been reporting problems with some SD cards.
My experience is that sizes up to 32GB seem to work well.
Sizes over 32GB may result in the MP6 hanging with the green channel lights flashing intermittently on and off.
There may be a work around.
1. Start the MP6 with the battery sled removed and with no card inserted. You'll need to use a USB power source to do this.
2. After the MP has started insert the SD card.
The card should now be recognised, and you can replace the battery sled.
I have tried and used a 64GB Lexar (150 MB/s), a 64GB SanDisk Extreme, and 256GB SanDisk Extreme PRO - and all worked when loaded like this.
You may have to repeat the above loading procedure each time you reuse the card. I understand the people at Sound Devices are working on a fix.
The above is now redundant if you upgrade to firmware v. 1.01. Well done, Sound Devices!
The MP6 is very fast at reporting the remaining recording space available on a card. Formatting is also very fast.
Files are stored in date named folders. I just noticed today that I couldn't see the details of the files I recorded yesterday when using the MP6 today. This may be a bug (or a feature). The files are still there and can be accessed via a computer. But it looks as though you can't access them or delete them on the MP6. Perhaps someone could look at this and confirm this.
RECORDING LEVELS
Lots of people were worried about whether or not they would be able to set the gain level for individual channels. In fact this is easy to do via each channel's menu. The default is 6dB and you can change it using the up and down arrows on the screen when you press the channel dial in and tap on the visual gain icon.
HOWEVER, if you turn off the MP6 the channel gain levels will all default to 6dB. You can get round this by storing your settings as a preset. However, you will have to reload your preset every time you turn on the MP6. I can see this being a potential problem for me when I record at long events when I often switch my recorder on and off to conserve battery power.
The fader levels for each channel are set using the channel knobs. They are not stored with presets and are maintained and defined by the position of the dot on the channel knob. Fader levels are maintained if the MP6 is switched off and on.
Otherwise everything people are saying about the MP6 is true. It is easy to operate and sounds great. The headphone output is the best I've heard on a portable recorder (better than the Marantz 661 mk ii, the Tascam DR-100 mk iii, and the Sound Devices 702).
I doubt I would have any quibbles about the AA battery issues if the MX-L Mount had been available to buy along with the MP6. However, here in the UK they are not yet available. From my experience with the 702 it is the obvious way to benefit from extended recording times in the field.
I hope this is of some help to people.
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anyone test if it will go from a dead external (via usb) to "internal" AA's seamlessly?
if so... i think running a 20000 mah anker pack and four AA's would be just fine for most circumstances, right?
It will. Also it will seamlessly switch from the USB power to AA's if you need to swap out the USB battery.
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I finally actually have the 6 in hand.
It looks like formatting larger SD cards on other devices may solve the problem. I have a 128GB card working as far as I can tell.. [ update - I thought it worked but at some point it started doing the blinking thing on startup ]
None of the USB-c cables I have give full power except for the stock one which, Ted noted, works if you have both plugged in
A right angle USB-c connector should face down or it will interfere with the XLR ports
With the supplied USB cable one is marked data and the other power. Can you have the device act as a USB interface while powering it vi USB-c? I would like to stream via an ipad by using it as a USB device but also want to power it via USB-c
I wonder if a USB-c battery would be a better option?
The 8 battery sled fits securely and is still small
This thing is pretty small
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I don't tape at that many venues but I have never encountered a digital in from the board. Or it's never been offered......
Lately I've run into the case more and more where they only have digital outs and not the typical analog "tape out" (either xlr or rca). From my understanding, most digital boards don't have analog outs. Except one time I got a single XLR and the soundman had to assign it as a main out (more work and hassle for them and he only did it because Mike Doughty told him to give me whatever I needed).
Digital outs are "yeah plug in here".
I've gotten board patches at a lot of shows in the last couple of years and I have never encountered one that didnt have analog out. And a large percentage of them were digital boards.
`
Multiple times I have run into the situation of all the analog outputs were being used for other things, so it was the digital out or nothing. But yes, most of the time there should be something available that is analog. I'm always prepared for everything, so I'm never worried.
I have run into the "all output ports are filled" scenario but a digital option dint occur to me. Are they AES/EBU, SPDIF coax or toslink?
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Got a tracking number from Gotham today. "Thursday, 06/01/2017, By End of Day".
Not sure if the 8 AA and L-series holders made it into the shipment since they were in a separate order but I'll have some battery tests with DPA402x's this weekend.
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Just got home and my MixPre3 was waiting for me!! :cheers:
DAMN this thing is TINY; like holy smokes, I knew it was small, but wow. My Anker 14400 astro pro powers it up with the provided cable just fine. I am going to set it up and run a test to see what kind of record time I can get with my Anker batteries. I can't wait to run this in the field!
Thanks Sound Devices!
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What would be nice to find is a USB battery/cable combination for the MixPre-6 that:
1. Fully powers the device (green plug symbol rather than orange).
2. Uses only one USB C cable (no USB A "Y splitters").
If anyone clearly identifies such a combination, please do say.
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What would be nice to find is a USB battery/cable combination for the MixPre-6 that:
1. Fully powers the device (green plug symbol rather than orange).
2. Uses only one USB C cable (no USB A "Y splitters").
If anyone clearly identifies such a combination, please do say.
This cable works for me with 4 channels phantom and 5/6 aux in (green plug!!!). I've run it off a 20,000mah power bank, an Omni charge, a Tekkeon and my MacBook Pro. All off a single USB socket. It has a down angle USB C plug that won't interfere with the XLR input.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/162439366511
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What would be nice to find is a USB battery/cable combination for the MixPre-6 that:
1. Fully powers the device (green plug symbol rather than orange).
2. Uses only one USB C cable (no USB A "Y splitters").
If anyone clearly identifies such a combination, please do say.
This cable works for me with 4 channels phantom and 5/6 aux in (green plug!!!). I've run it off a 20,000mah power bank, an Omni charge, a Tekkeon and my MacBook Pro. All off a single USB socket. It has a down angle USB C plug that won't interfere with the XLR input.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/162439366511
Thanks! The only similar one I can find is this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZLRIG0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZLRIG0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
The Amazon one claims to be manufactured by Zepthus with part # ZP-USBTPC002. The Ebay one claims to be manufactured by Chenyang with part # U3-298-RI
Unfortunately neither are on the list of tested cables linked in the pdf in this article: http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-find-safe-usb-type-c-cables (http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-find-safe-usb-type-c-cables)
I'd say there is a decent chance they are made in the same factory from the same design but packaged for the reseller.
I haven't really seen anything else that orients the Type C cable down. Any idea if the Ebay one is USB-IF approved? The metal connectors looks like a single extruded piece and not stamped from folded tin which is a good sign. The seller on Amazon claims it has the 56k resistor but I don't place much stock on that claim. Any idea how much current these draw? I don't see that in the spec sheet (which btw the manual was updated again yesterday)
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An important change to Paul's instructions re gain knobs:
" I said in my earlier comment that you set Channel to Basic - that's wrong - I meant set Gain to Basic so that your ISOs are post channel fader knob."
[from jwsoundgroup.net]
Further clarification from that site, posted by Mobilemike:
"It seems to me though that in Custom mode, if you set "Gain" to "Basic" but leave "Channel" on "Advanced" (and Record on Advanced like Paul said) then that approaches what we want to do. Namely in this mode it seems like the channel faders do act like gain pots (albeit with the modified -14-96db range), but since the channel is in advanced mode you still have access to all of the other channel settings like full pan, low cut settings, and linking."
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Hmmm... When I switch my MP6 to custom mode and set everything except gain to advanced, I don't see an option to link channels...
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Hmmm... When I switch my MP6 to custom mode and set everything except gain to advanced, I don't see an option to link channels...
FYI - We are aware of this and plan to make linking available even when Gain is set to Basic.
thx
Paul
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An important change to Paul's instructions re gain knobs:
" I said in my earlier comment that you set Channel to Basic - that's wrong - I meant set Gain to Basic so that your ISOs are post channel fader knob."
[from jwsoundgroup.net]
Further clarification from that site, posted by Mobilemike:
"It seems to me though that in Custom mode, if you set "Gain" to "Basic" but leave "Channel" on "Advanced" (and Record on Advanced like Paul said) then that approaches what we want to do. Namely in this mode it seems like the channel faders do act like gain pots (albeit with the modified -14-96db range), but since the channel is in advanced mode you still have access to all of the other channel settings like full pan, low cut settings, and linking."
Much appreciated! I've only been recording for a few years, mainly on my Sony M-10 and Sound Devices' MixPre-D and MM1. The whole gain/fade in my MixPre3 was confusing me. I'm still unsure what "albeit with the modified -14-96db range" means, but as long as i'm not clipping, all good yeah?
I'm blown away how quiet the amps are. Even when running my mics through a SD MixPre-D into the line of my M-10 the recordings didn't sound as good.
I only got my MixPre-D some 9 months ago but now i'm wondering why i should still hold onto it? Much dearer along than the MixPre 3. In fact larger too.
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Great! Thank you so much for this, I am loving my MP6, BTW!
Hmmm... When I switch my MP6 to custom mode and set everything except gain to advanced, I don't see an option to link channels...
FYI - We are aware of this and plan to make linking available even when Gain is set to Basic.
thx
Paul
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First firmware release, v. 1.01 (for both, the MixPre-3 & -6):
https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads
Changes introduced in 1.01 include:
Fixed
"Upon startup with an SD card inserted, the MixPre-3 or MixPre-6 could enter a power cycle loop"
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Hi all. My first post!
I took delivery of my MixPre 6 last Friday. I shoved in four AA batteries and started exploring. I quickly became concerned at the rapid decline in the battery indicator so I've done some tests. My findings and some other observations are below. All settings were in advanced mode.
BATTERY TIMES
All these tests are using tracks 1 and 2 to record the input from a stereo microphone.
TEST ONE
Maplin Extra Long Life Alkaline Batteries - 4 new batteries used.
MP6 set up for MS Stereo on inputs 1 and 2 with phantom power to a Pearl MSH 10 microphone.
All recording was at 24/96.
I pointed the microphone at a radio and monitored on headphones
The red battery warning started flashing after 15 minutes.
About 6 minutes afterwards there was a warning message to expect automatic shutdown soon, and there was an intermittent bleep on headphone but not recorded on the track (like the SD702).
About 4 minutes later the MP6 shut itself down.
A valid file was recorded on the card about the same length as the recording time.
Total recording time: 25 minutes
TEST TWO
Using 4 newly purchased Duracell Plus Power AA batteries
Same set up as above but without headphones and with Bluetooth switched off
Total recording time: just over 33 minutes
TEST THREE
Same set up as above (Duracells)
but with both brightness settings turned down to 2
Total recording time: 37 minutes
TEST FOUR
Rechargeable Duracells 2500mAh
4 freshly recharged batteries
Total recording time: 73 minutes with red battery warning about 65 minutes
TEST FIVE
As above but set up changed to record stereo via a Sanken CSS5
Total recording time: 76 minutes, so no significant difference.
Other power sources tried out
[UK] mains plug with three USB outputs, using supplied MX-USBY cable
No problems
Maplin 12000mA Power Bank with 2 USB outputs 2.1A and 2.4A
Fully charged
Connected via supplied MX-USBY cable
Seems to work OK. I did a trial recording and after just over 2 hours the battery indicator was still on full. Didn't continue to discover maximum time.
Although not directly related to the MixPre recorders, I decided to do a run time test on my Zoom H6.
With a set of freshly charged 2300 mah NiMh AA batteries, recording 2 channels connected to a pair of Behringer C2 mics with 48V phantom power on, and recording at 16 bit 48K,
I got 7 Hours and 33 mins up to the point of automatic shutdown.
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Although not directly related to the MixPre recorders ...
Let's state this more accurately:
"Although not faintly related to MixPre recorders I wanted to post this so I could feel better about myself."
Your comment wasn't related to anything, you just fancied having a dig didn't you ?, there's one like you on every forum.
Comparisons are always useful.
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Well then I apologize. I thought most/all folks on these boards already knew there were several recorders with longer battery life. But if this info is useful, even as a reminder, then I have been amiss in my comment. Again, I apologize.
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Well then I apologize. I thought most/all folks on these boards already knew there were several recorders with longer battery life. But if this info is useful, even as a reminder, then I have been amiss in my comment. Again, I apologize.
Apology accepted.
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First firmware release, v. 1.01 (for both, the MixPre-3 & -6):
https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads
Changes introduced in 1.01 include:
Fixed
"Upon startup with an SD card inserted, the MixPre-3 or MixPre-6 could enter a power cycle loop"
Looks like this solved the large card issue
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Yes, as I understand it that's exactly what it does. Will try to test out tomorrow with a bigger card.
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Although not directly related to the MixPre recorders, I decided to do a run time test on my Zoom H6.
With a set of freshly charged 2300 mah NiMh AA batteries, recording 2 channels connected to a pair of Behringer C2 mics with 48V phantom power on, and recording at 16 bit 48K,
I got 7 Hours and 33 mins up to the point of automatic shutdown.
Could you please run the same test at 24 bit 96kHz? Just curious to see if that makes a difference. The MP6 doesn't record at 16 bit.
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Although not directly related to the MixPre recorders, I decided to do a run time test on my Zoom H6.
With a set of freshly charged 2300 mah NiMh AA batteries, recording 2 channels connected to a pair of Behringer C2 mics with 48V phantom power on, and recording at 16 bit 48K,
I got 7 Hours and 33 mins up to the point of automatic shutdown.
Could you please run the same test at 24 bit 96kHz? Just curious to see if that makes a difference. The MP6 doesn't record at 16 bit.
The specs suggest the MP6 records at both 16 and 24 bit.
I would request that we keep the posts in this thread only about the Sound Devices Mix Pre products. I think battery tests comparing various branded recorders might be useful but in a separate thread to avoid confusion.
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Although not directly related to the MixPre recorders, I decided to do a run time test on my Zoom H6.
With a set of freshly charged 2300 mah NiMh AA batteries, recording 2 channels connected to a pair of Behringer C2 mics with 48V phantom power on, and recording at 16 bit 48K,
I got 7 Hours and 33 mins up to the point of automatic shutdown.
Could you please run the same test at 24 bit 96kHz? Just curious to see if that makes a difference. The MP6 doesn't record at 16 bit.
The specs suggest the MP6 records at both 16 and 24 bit.
I would request that we keep the posts in this thread only about the Sound Devices Mix Pre products. I think battery tests comparing various branded recorders might be useful but in a separate thread to avoid confusion.
Sorry, I was referring to drone's battery tests and I meant to say the MP6 didn't record at 16 bit. Drone indicated that he did all his tests at 24/96.
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Hi all. My first post!
I took delivery of my MixPre 6 last Friday. I shoved in four AA batteries and started exploring. I quickly became concerned at the rapid decline in the battery indicator so I've done some tests. My findings and some other observations are below. All settings were in advanced mode.
BATTERY TIMES
All these tests are using tracks 1 and 2 to record the input from a stereo microphone.
TEST ONE
Maplin Extra Long Life Alkaline Batteries - 4 new batteries used.
MP6 set up for MS Stereo on inputs 1 and 2 with phantom power to a Pearl MSH 10 microphone.
All recording was at 24/96.
I pointed the microphone at a radio and monitored on headphones
The red battery warning started flashing after 15 minutes.
About 6 minutes afterwards there was a warning message to expect automatic shutdown soon, and there was an intermittent bleep on headphone but not recorded on the track (like the SD702).
About 4 minutes later the MP6 shut itself down.
A valid file was recorded on the card about the same length as the recording time.
Total recording time: 25 minutes
TEST TWO
Using 4 newly purchased Duracell Plus Power AA batteries
Same set up as above but without headphones and with Bluetooth switched off
Total recording time: just over 33 minutes
TEST THREE
Same set up as above (Duracells)
but with both brightness settings turned down to 2
Total recording time: 37 minutes
TEST FOUR
Rechargeable Duracells 2500mAh
4 freshly recharged batteries
Total recording time: 73 minutes with red battery warning about 65 minutes
TEST FIVE
As above but set up changed to record stereo via a Sanken CSS5
Total recording time: 76 minutes, so no significant difference.
Other power sources tried out
[UK] mains plug with three USB outputs, using supplied MX-USBY cable
No problems
Maplin 12000mA Power Bank with 2 USB outputs 2.1A and 2.4A
Fully charged
Connected via supplied MX-USBY cable
Seems to work OK. I did a trial recording and after just over 2 hours the battery indicator was still on full. Didn't continue to discover maximum time.
SD CARDS
Some people have been reporting problems with some SD cards.
My experience is that sizes up to 32GB seem to work well.
Sizes over 32GB may result in the MP6 hanging with the green channel lights flashing intermittently on and off.
There may be a work around.
1. Start the MP6 with the battery sled removed and with no card inserted. You'll need to use a USB power source to do this.
2. After the MP has started insert the SD card.
The card should now be recognised, and you can replace the battery sled.
I have tried and used a 64GB Lexar (150 MB/s), a 64GB SanDisk Extreme, and 256GB SanDisk Extreme PRO - and all worked when loaded like this.
You may have to repeat the above loading procedure each time you reuse the card. I understand the people at Sound Devices are working on a fix.
The above is now redundant if you upgrade to firmware v. 1.01. Well done, Sound Devices!
The MP6 is very fast at reporting the remaining recording space available on a card. Formatting is also very fast.
Files are stored in date named folders. I just noticed today that I couldn't see the details of the files I recorded yesterday when using the MP6 today. This may be a bug (or a feature). The files are still there and can be accessed via a computer. But it looks as though you can't access them or delete them on the MP6. Perhaps someone could look at this and confirm this.
RECORDING LEVELS
Lots of people were worried about whether or not they would be able to set the gain level for individual channels. In fact this is easy to do via each channel's menu. The default is 6dB and you can change it using the up and down arrows on the screen when you press the channel dial in and tap on the visual gain icon.
HOWEVER, if you turn off the MP6 the channel gain levels will all default to 6dB. You can get round this by storing your settings as a preset. However, you will have to reload your preset every time you turn on the MP6. I can see this being a potential problem for me when I record at long events when I often switch my recorder on and off to conserve battery power.
The fader levels for each channel are set using the channel knobs. They are not stored with presets and are maintained and defined by the position of the dot on the channel knob. Fader levels are maintained if the MP6 is switched off and on.
Otherwise everything people are saying about the MP6 is true. It is easy to operate and sounds great. The headphone output is the best I've heard on a portable recorder (better than the Marantz 661 mk ii, the Tascam DR-100 mk iii, and the Sound Devices 702).
I doubt I would have any quibbles about the AA battery issues if the MX-L Mount had been available to buy along with the MP6. However, here in the UK they are not yet available. From my experience with the 702 it is the obvious way to benefit from extended recording times in the field.
I hope this is of some help to people.
Looks like the Sony L sleds will be needed for these. Disappointing..
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The firmware update did not wipe out my internal presets. Excellent.
SD Card presets can be deleted via computer (or simply viewed as they're XML files).
Internal Presets as far as I can tell at the moment cannot be deleted only written over.
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> Looks like the Sony L sleds will be needed for these. Disappointing.
Why not an Anker-style battery? I hated the L batteries when I had a 744. Took forever to charge. In my experience Anker types charge fast and have a higher capacity. The slim ones seem less bulky in a bag.
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I only got my MixPre-D some 9 months ago but now i'm wondering why i should still hold onto it? Much dearer along than the MixPre 3. In fact larger too.
Just taking a guess here as I don't have one of these recorders and haven't read through the manual, but couldn't you still use your MixPre-D as a mic preamp and run it into the "Aux/Mic In" input on the side to record a few more microphone channels? Honest question as I don't know if that input is stereo or how it can be utilized on a separate track. Apologies if I'm mistaken.
This is also why an AES (or even SPDIF) input would've been a welcome addition on the MixPre-3/6 series. Could take advantage of the extra channels that don't have XLR inputs.
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Looks like this solved the large card issue
Seems to have solved mine. The 64GB Transcend card I mentioned previously, appears to work fine now. But, since no formal approved media list has appeared yet, I'd still proceed with caution, and not assume anything. Transcend cards specifically, have never shown up on any Sound Devices approved card lists, that I'm aware of (they seem to favor Class 10 SanDisk & Delkin). For peace of mind, I've since ordered the Sound Devices 32GB card (#SAM-32SD). I can live with 32GB...
https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Devices-SAM-32SD-32GB-Card/dp/B01MUS45W4
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What would be nice to find is a USB battery/cable combination for the MixPre-6 that:
1. Fully powers the device (green plug symbol rather than orange).
2. Uses only one USB C cable (no USB A "Y splitters").
If anyone clearly identifies such a combination, please do say.
This cable works for me with 4 channels phantom and 5/6 aux in (green plug!!!). I've run it off a 20,000mah power bank, an Omni charge, a Tekkeon and my MacBook Pro. All off a single USB socket. It has a down angle USB C plug that won't interfere with the XLR input.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/162439366511
Can you link to the power bank you are using? I'm also having a very hard time finding a combination that powers the MP6 fully (green indicator).
Thanks!
-Mike
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What would be nice to find is a USB battery/cable combination for the MixPre-6 that:
1. Fully powers the device (green plug symbol rather than orange).
2. Uses only one USB C cable (no USB A "Y splitters").
If anyone clearly identifies such a combination, please do say.
This cable works for me with 4 channels phantom and 5/6 aux in (green plug!!!). I've run it off a 20,000mah power bank, an Omni charge, a Tekkeon and my MacBook Pro. All off a single USB socket. It has a down angle USB C plug that won't interfere with the XLR input.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/162439366511
Can you link to the power bank you are using? I'm also having a very hard time finding a combination that powers the MP6 fully (green indicator).
Thanks!
-Mike
I am using any USB battery with the cable I linked. My guess is the cable you are using is the problem. Buy the one I linked, problem solved.
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anyone test if it will go from a dead external (via usb) to "internal" AA's seamlessly?
if so... i think running a 20000 mah anker pack and four AA's would be just fine for most circumstances, right?
It will. Also it will seamlessly switch from the USB power to AA's if you need to swap out the USB battery.
awesome, thanks!
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> Looks like the Sony L sleds will be needed for these. Disappointing.
Why not an Anker-style battery? I hated the L batteries when I had a 744. Took forever to charge. In my experience Anker types charge fast and have a higher capacity. The slim ones seem less bulky in a bag.
whats considered "fast"?
I have two Rav Power that I use, both are just over 10,000 mah and they take prob close to 18 hrs from dead to full with a 1a iPhone charger.
I never tried a 2a to see if it cuts it in half or not and I don't own anything "bigger"
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eye candy
I have a pair of right angle stubby interconnects that are terminated so they point up, those go into my Naiant PFA's.
I really need to get a right angle USB-C cable, I like the few that were linked in this thread that terminate so that it points down.
Lowepro AW180
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah217/claporte1/IMG_1013_zpscsiqc2ce.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/claporte1/media/IMG_1013_zpscsiqc2ce.jpg.html)
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah217/claporte1/IMG_1011_zpso3ief7ls.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/claporte1/media/IMG_1011_zpso3ief7ls.jpg.html)
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah217/claporte1/IMG_1001_zps1qiigub5.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/claporte1/media/IMG_1001_zps1qiigub5.jpg.html)
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I only got my MixPre-D some 9 months ago but now i'm wondering why i should still hold onto it? Much dearer along than the MixPre 3. In fact larger too.
Just taking a guess here as I don't have one of these recorders and haven't read through the manual, but couldn't you still use your MixPre-D as a mic preamp and run it into the "Aux/Mic In" input on the side to record a few more microphone channels? Honest question as I don't know if that input is stereo or how it can be utilized on a separate track. Apologies if I'm mistaken.
This is also why an AES (or even SPDIF) input would've been a welcome addition on the MixPre-3/6 series. Could take advantage of the extra channels that don't have XLR inputs.
Cheers, but i don't think i really need more than 3 channels as it is. Perhaps i'll hold onto it a little while longer.. Anyone in Sydney Oz wanna buy it off of me? :)
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What would be nice to find is a USB battery/cable combination for the MixPre-6 that:
1. Fully powers the device (green plug symbol rather than orange).
2. Uses only one USB C cable (no USB A "Y splitters").
If anyone clearly identifies such a combination, please do say.
This cable works for me with 4 channels phantom and 5/6 aux in (green plug!!!). I've run it off a 20,000mah power bank, an Omni charge, a Tekkeon and my MacBook Pro. All off a single USB socket. It has a down angle USB C plug that won't interfere with the XLR input.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/162439366511
Can you link to the power bank you are using? I'm also having a very hard time finding a combination that powers the MP6 fully (green indicator).
Thanks!
-Mike
I am using any USB battery with the cable I linked. My guess is the cable you are using is the problem. Buy the one I linked, problem solved.
Thanks will do! I hope it gets here quick from China!
-Mike
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> whats considered "fast"?
Couple hours.
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So my MP-6 arrived about about 5 pm yesterday. I got into line for TAB at Red Rocks at 4...so no trial run last night. Todd R did have his there, so I did get to check it out briefly.
Hooked mine up and have run into one issue, I'm getting a brief "USB Power Low" (or something like that). Flashing on the screen for a millisecond. Same message as I get if I unplug one of the USB-A plugs from the battery. It only happens a few times a minute so I think I'll be fine since in rolls over to the AA battery sled. Still, it's annoying.
My battery puts out 2.4 amps from each USB port (in theory). It should be getting enough power. This is what I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X5RV14Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Any idea what the issue could be? The USB-C cable doesn't seem super snug in there (a little wiggle room). Is that normal?
And for fucks sake...is that USB cable long enough? I need to pick something up that works that is A LOT shorter.
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ya'all may know this one... but the USB-C (or USB3.1) standard voltage is 3 amps most older usb types use 1.1 or 2 amps to send the power. Anker does make a USB batter with a 3 amp USB C output for proper voltage.
I've been schooling myself because I have a Nexus 6 P phone which uses USBC (aka USB3.1) such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-High-Capacity-Portable/dp/B014ZO46LK (https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-High-Capacity-Portable/dp/B014ZO46LK)
MacBook Compatibility: In addition to standard functionality, USB-C Compatible: Fully compatible with the new MacBook (not MacBook Pro), charging at 5V/3A. USB-C port acts as input and output.
It's possible that with he newer USB C that the mixpre series may desire to be powered by the 3 amps and not 2 or 1.1 amps.
the MixPre 6 is tempting... for sure. --Ian
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My battery puts out 2.4 amps from each USB port (in theory). It should be getting enough power.
^^^^
See my comment above and below USB C standard voltage is 5 v 3 amps so 2.4 amps might *not* be enough...
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ya'all may know this one... but the USB-C (or USB3.1) standard voltage is 3 amps most older usb types use 1.1 or 2 amps to send the power. Anker does make a USB batter with a 3 amp USB C output for proper voltage.
I've been schooling myself because I have a Nexus 6 P phone which uses USBC (aka USB3.1) such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-High-Capacity-Portable/dp/B014ZO46LK (https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-High-Capacity-Portable/dp/B014ZO46LK)
MacBook Compatibility: In addition to standard functionality, USB-C Compatible: Fully compatible with the new MacBook (not MacBook Pro), charging at 5V/3A. USB-C port acts as input and output.
It's possible that with he newer USB C that the mixpre series may desire to be powered by the 3 amps and not 2 or 1.1 amps.
the MixPre 6 is tempting... for sure. --Ian
FWIW, the linked Anker battery (model 20100) apparently only puts out a max of 2.4 amps per port. The 26800 model, however, apparently does put out a max of 3 amps per port. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JIWQPMW?ref=emc_b_5_t
Who knew powering a device could be so complicated.
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> Looks like the Sony L sleds will be needed for these. Disappointing.
Why not an Anker-style battery? I hated the L batteries when I had a 744. Took forever to charge. In my experience Anker types charge fast and have a higher capacity. The slim ones seem less bulky in a bag.
Agreed. Forget trying to run these things on internal AA batteries. The above recording times are a complete disaster. Reminds me of the early days of the Fostex FR-2. L batteries or external lithiums, like Tekkeon or Anker, are the way to go, imo
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Got mine and unboxed it. Wow, I second those that said this thing is tiny. Here are some pics of it against the 744t and Tascam DR100mkIII.
I'll have some runtimes DPA4023 > mixpre3 using 4 brand new/fully-charged x Powerex 2700 mAh later today.
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The Anker 20100 USB-C should put out 5V/3A from the USB-C port (it's both input/output). If anyone in NYC with one of the recorders wants to test the viability of a USB-C to USB-C cable with this battery I'm happy to loan mine for a few days.
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Has anyone here given any thought to an applied screen protector, yet? They seem to work with cellphone touch screens - shouldn't be any different, right? You know how pissed you'll be, the minute that first hairline scratch shows up...
I may have a spare laying around that's meant to easily mount/remove a vehicle city sticker, although that may be a bit on the thicker side. May give it a try, by the weekend. Any better offerings?
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The Anker 20100 USB-C should put out 5V/3A from the USB-C port (it's both input/output). If anyone in NYC with one of the recorders wants to test the viability of a USB-C to USB-C cable with this battery I'm happy to loan mine for a few days.
I ordered one of these:
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=16240
it does 3amps @ 5 volts via USB-c port and is a lot cheaper than the anker. Although Ted came uop with a cable that will work with batteries with USB-a, it seems like a USB-c battery is a good thing to investigate
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SD just posted a very brief "tiptorial", titled:
"How to Use Channel Knobs to Adjust ISO* Levels"...
https://youtu.be/vL_dmV8n43c
*ISO = isolated, or individual tracks
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Couple of photos. Top one is testing. Bottom is all packed up. This is all in the Sachtler Lightweight Audio Bag (Small). Bag is a great size for this thing. I thought it might be too large. Turns out to be just about perfect for me. Plenty of room for my 4 channel setup. I could probably squeeze another 2 mics in to run 6 channels if I really wanted to. The IPA really helps with that option though.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v331/sloppyart/IMG_20170601_120514_zpsksgrodgw.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v331/sloppyart/MP6%20Packed%20Up_zps6ihmpmer.jpg)
Running 4 channels in the test.
Source 1: Nevaton MCE400 > MP6 (CH1/2)
Source 2: Beyer CK930 > Naiant IPA > 1/8" in (routed to CH3/4 on the MP6)
The USB power low issue seemed to have cleared by the time I ran that test.
Thanks for the video on the gain settings, sos. With my test I had my stereo turned up loud, but not concert loud. Still want to play with the gain some more before my first show with this thing.
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I ordered this Anker PowerCore II:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LQ7MQG6?tag=slicinc-20&ascsubtag=c51eaabe429111e7ab492ed1168216e50INT
It also is described as having a 6A output and is somewhat cheaper.
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SD just posted a very brief "tiptorial", titled:
"How to Use Channel Knobs to Adjust ISO* Levels"...
https://youtu.be/vL_dmV8n43c
*ISO = isolated, or individual tracks
Still no specific demonstration on setting up the channel knobs as gain controls—as Paul Isaacs has indicated in previous posts.
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SD just posted a very brief "tiptorial", titled:
"How to Use Channel Knobs to Adjust ISO* Levels"...
https://youtu.be/vL_dmV8n43c
*ISO = isolated, or individual tracks
Still no specific demonstration on setting up the channel knobs as gain controls—as Paul Isaacs has indicated in previous posts.
Isnt that what this video shows you how to do?
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Regarding powering options, this tech note should help ....
https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/mixpre-3-mixpre-6-powering-options
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The Tech Note is useful but this note is interesting
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.
Ted found one his cables works and 5v x 2.4 amps = 12W so this is confusing
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I'm trying to discover if the entire signal path of the MixPre 6 is full bandwidth?..... At 192KHz sampling the MixPre 6 frequency response extends to 80KHz... That makes it an ideal high quality recorder of ultrasonic sounds.
What would be really nice is if the full signal path - including the outputs - retains the full 80KHz bandwidth. That would provide a very simple way to monitor the ultrasonic signals via an external heterodyne converter connected to the output jack - or even the headphone jack? -(although that's less likely to be full bandwidth).
Sound Devices support themselves suggest it should retain the full bandwidth throughout, but unfortunately "Engineering has no time to confirm this at the moment".....
Does anyone know if any of the expert users/reviewers here on the board have done a check on the output signal bandwidth with 192KHz sampling?......I realise it's unlikely - but just maybe someone has?....
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SD just posted a very brief "tiptorial", titled:
"How to Use Channel Knobs to Adjust ISO* Levels"...
https://youtu.be/vL_dmV8n43c
*ISO = isolated, or individual tracks
Still no specific demonstration on setting up the channel knobs as gain controls—as Paul Isaacs has indicated in previous posts.
Isnt that what this video shows you how to do?
It "might" be. But not necessarily.
I believe the default signal path looks like this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> Stereo Mix
I interpret the video demonstration to be instructing us how to modify the path to this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> ISO Track
My interpretation extends to the belief that in neither of these cases is the Fader controlling Preamp gain—only post-preamp signal level.
I'm still hopeful faders can be configured to control preamp gain. I just haven't seen any explicit demonstrations of this. And I don't yet have a unit I can experiment with.
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The Tech Note is useful but this note is interesting
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.
Ted found one his cables works and 5v x 2.4 amps = 12W so this is confusing
If that cable delivers full power (green USB power icon in MixPre homescreen), then it is not compliant with the USB power specifications. You use it at your own risk.
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Why are people not using the supplied USB cable?
Want right angle, only have one port available on your battery??
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Why are people not using the supplied USB cable?
Want right angle, only have one port available on your battery??
The supplied cable, while nice quality, is rather bulky compared to the mix pre 3, and unwieldy as well. the usb-c connector sticks out way to far for my liking and is not snug, it has some wiggle room. The wiggle room concerns me b/c I don't want it to torque the connector on the mix pre 3 (if that makes sense).
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Got mine and unboxed it. Wow, I second those that said this thing is tiny. Here are some pics of it against the 744t and Tascam DR100mkIII.
I'll have some runtimes DPA4023 > mixpre3 using 4 brand new/fully-charged x Powerex 2700 mAh later today.
that's the thing.... i don't want tiny, necessarily. i want usefulness.
i want a mixpre in 8 kashmir powered xlr/trs inputs and a spdif digital input (call it a mixpre10...?); in the size of a 744 box or smaller.
i'd pay a handsome amount for that. mostly because i would never have to buy anything else again.
of course, we still need the hold functions, lights out functions, etc... but that's all firmware updates. that said, i feel like there is very much a market (not only for us) but for tv and film for a box like i described above.
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I believe the default signal path looks like this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> Stereo Mix
I interpret the video demonstration to be instructing us how to modify the path to this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> ISO Track
My interpretation extends to the belief that in neither of these cases is the Fader controlling Preamp gain—only post-preamp signal level.
I'm still hopeful faders can be configured to control preamp gain. I just haven't seen any explicit demonstrations of this. And I don't yet have a unit I can experiment with.
It would be good to know if it is actually possible to configure this signal path on the MixPre-6:
Mic -> Fader -> Preamp -> ISO Track
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I believe the default signal path looks like this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> Stereo Mix
I interpret the video demonstration to be instructing us how to modify the path to this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> ISO Track
My interpretation extends to the belief that in neither of these cases is the Fader controlling Preamp gain—only post-preamp signal level.
I'm still hopeful faders can be configured to control preamp gain. I just haven't seen any explicit demonstrations of this. And I don't yet have a unit I can experiment with.
It would be good to know if it is actually possible to configure this signal path on the MixPre-6:
Mic -> Fader -> Preamp -> ISO Track
Me too!
I know the MixPre's are professional pieces of kit and these numerous files that are recorded simultaneously, but if i'm recording a simple Stereo recording, i would love the option of just the the two channels. That's it. Basically i bought mine for the super quiet pre amps and limiters.
Just taking a stab in the dark, but limiting the recording of just basic ISO tracks could potentially save on battery?
Definitely not hating on SD or the MixPre's - I'm loving my 3! But to have an option of a simple set up where the channel dials control the gain and simple one track recording per channel [which i was kinda expecting] would be great too.
-
I believe the default signal path looks like this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> Stereo Mix
I interpret the video demonstration to be instructing us how to modify the path to this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> ISO Track
My interpretation extends to the belief that in neither of these cases is the Fader controlling Preamp gain—only post-preamp signal level.
I'm still hopeful faders can be configured to control preamp gain. I just haven't seen any explicit demonstrations of this. And I don't yet have a unit I can experiment with.
It would be good to know if it is actually possible to configure this signal path on the MixPre-6:
Mic -> Fader -> Preamp -> ISO Track
Me too!
I know the MixPre's are professional pieces of kit and these numerous files that are recorded simultaneously, but if i'm recording a simple Stereo recording, i would love the option of just the the two channels. That's it. Basically i bought mine for the super quiet pre amps and limiters.
Just taking a stab in the dark, but limiting the recording of just basic ISO tracks could potentially save on battery?
Definitely not hating on SD or the MixPre's - I'm loving my 3! But to have an option of a simple set up where the channel dials control the gain and simple one track recording per channel [which i was kinda expecting] would be great too.
This has been discussed several times earlier on this thread and can be done.
-
I believe the default signal path looks like this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> Stereo Mix
I interpret the video demonstration to be instructing us how to modify the path to this:
Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> ISO Track
My interpretation extends to the belief that in neither of these cases is the Fader controlling Preamp gain—only post-preamp signal level.
I'm still hopeful faders can be configured to control preamp gain. I just haven't seen any explicit demonstrations of this. And I don't yet have a unit I can experiment with.
It would be good to know if it is actually possible to configure this signal path on the MixPre-6:
Mic -> Fader -> Preamp -> ISO Track
Me too!
I know the MixPre's are professional pieces of kit and these numerous files that are recorded simultaneously, but if i'm recording a simple Stereo recording, i would love the option of just the the two channels. That's it. Basically i bought mine for the super quiet pre amps and limiters.
Just taking a stab in the dark, but limiting the recording of just basic ISO tracks could potentially save on battery?
Definitely not hating on SD or the MixPre's - I'm loving my 3! But to have an option of a simple set up where the channel dials control the gain and simple one track recording per channel [which i was kinda expecting] would be great too.
This has been discussed several times earlier on this thread and can be done.
I feel uncertain about this. I know that we can control the level of the preamp going to the mix or to the ISO track. But can we control the level of the microphone going into the preamp?
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This has been discussed several times earlier on this thread and can be done.
[/quote]
For the dials controlling the gain, there's a work around, which i've followed and is fine by me. But i was of the understanding that it still doesn't directly control the gain. Anyway, its not a big deal for me. The single track recordings on the other hand i would love to know how to make that work. I've been following this thread since it began and the older one. Perhaps it has been covered. But much of the terminology i'm not so familiar with.
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Here you go guys- This is what you were looking for.
Jesse
An important change to Paul's instructions re gain knobs:
" I said in my earlier comment that you set Channel to Basic - that's wrong - I meant set Gain to Basic so that your ISOs are post channel fader knob."
[from jwsoundgroup.net]
Further clarification from that site, posted by Mobilemike:
"It seems to me though that in Custom mode, if you set "Gain" to "Basic" but leave "Channel" on "Advanced" (and Record on Advanced like Paul said) then that approaches what we want to do. Namely in this mode it seems like the channel faders do act like gain pots (albeit with the modified -14-96db range), but since the channel is in advanced mode you still have access to all of the other channel settings like full pan, low cut settings, and linking."
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But can we control the level of the microphone going into the preamp?
Isn't the level from the microphone determined by the SPLs of the source and the mic sensitivity? I must be reading this wrong...
of course, we still need the hold functions, lights out functions, etc... but that's all firmware updates. that said, i feel like there is very much a market (not only for us) but for tv and film for a box like i described above.
"We" aren't necessarily monolithic in our needs. Personally, I have no need for eight pres, spdif, or even lights out. I definitely have a really strong preference for small, though, and hold would be nice. Different strokes and all.
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But can we control the level of the microphone going into the preamp?
Isn't the level from the microphone determined by the SPLs of the source and the mic sensitivity? I must be reading this wrong...
I said it clumsily, but what I meant was: given that the source and mic sensitivity are fixed, can we control the level of the sound going into the preamp, or is the record level/fader control always post-preamp?
-
But can we control the level of the microphone going into the preamp?
Isn't the level from the microphone determined by the SPLs of the source and the mic sensitivity? I must be reading this wrong...
I said it clumsily, but what I meant was: given that the source and mic sensitivity are fixed, can we control the level of the sound going into the preamp, or is the record level/fader control always post-preamp?
Here you go guys- This is what you were looking for.
Jesse
An important change to Paul's instructions re gain knobs:
" I said in my earlier comment that you set Channel to Basic - that's wrong - I meant set Gain to Basic so that your ISOs are post channel fader knob."
[from jwsoundgroup.net]
Further clarification from that site, posted by Mobilemike:
"It seems to me though that in Custom mode, if you set "Gain" to "Basic" but leave "Channel" on "Advanced" (and Record on Advanced like Paul said) then that approaches what we want to do. Namely in this mode it seems like the channel faders do act like gain pots (albeit with the modified -14-96db range), but since the channel is in advanced mode you still have access to all of the other channel settings like full pan, low cut settings, and linking."
-
But can we control the level of the microphone going into the preamp?
Isn't the level from the microphone determined by the SPLs of the source and the mic sensitivity? I must be reading this wrong...
I said it clumsily, but what I meant was: given that the source and mic sensitivity are fixed, can we control the level of the sound going into the preamp, or is the record level/fader control always post-preamp?
Here you go guys- This is what you were looking for.
Jesse
An important change to Paul's instructions re gain knobs:
" I said in my earlier comment that you set Channel to Basic - that's wrong - I meant set Gain to Basic so that your ISOs are post channel fader knob."
[from jwsoundgroup.net]
Further clarification from that site, posted by Mobilemike:
"It seems to me though that in Custom mode, if you set "Gain" to "Basic" but leave "Channel" on "Advanced" (and Record on Advanced like Paul said) then that approaches what we want to do. Namely in this mode it seems like the channel faders do act like gain pots (albeit with the modified -14-96db range), but since the channel is in advanced mode you still have access to all of the other channel settings like full pan, low cut settings, and linking."
I just want to know for sure: is it Mic -> Fader -> Preamp -> ISO Track.
-
But can we control the level of the microphone going into the preamp?
Yes, you can control the microphone's gain going into the preamp by setting "gain" to basic in the menu.
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I just want to know for sure: is it Mic -> Fader -> Preamp -> ISO Track.
I think there's a lot of confusion around this, though perhaps it is my confusion about the terminology being thrown around. If in the above diagram "Fader" equals "the Fader gain stage" and "Preamp" means the "Kashmir mic preamp gain stage", then I guess that is a question to be answered by Sound Devices, though I assume the "Fader gain stage" always comes after the "Kashmir mic preamp" stage. Otherwise, I think there might be confusion around how gain stages work.
Much more than likely it isn't really a question of Mic -> Fader -> Preamp -> ISO Track vs. an alternative of Mic -> Preamp -> Fader -> ISO Track.
Gain stages aren't configured like that these days, esp when you're developing a preamp that is as quiet as the Mixpre series or can accept as wide of a mic input range as it does (from a very quiet low-level mic signal to a really hot mic signal up to +14dbu). That is, you don't really have either pathway above where the fader is something like an attenuator in line with the preamp gain stage (before or after).
Instead, the channel knobs/fader control the amount of gain coming from the gain stage. So it is like this:
Mic ---> Preamp ---> ISO track
^^
| |
Fader
So the fader/gain control/channel knob doesn't come either before or after the preamp, it just controls the amount of gain coming from the preamp.
Beyond this, Sound Devices probably has several gain stages built into the Mixpre series, including their Kashmir mic preamps. This is a block diagram they've shared of the 6-series mixer/recorders:
(https://www.sounddevices.com/images/tech-notes/6-series-limiters-and-indicators-diagram.png)
The Mixpre-6/-3 probably looks something like this, with a (guessing here) trim gain stage (Kashmir mic preamps) providing say 0-70db of gain, a fader gain stage providing -20db to 20db of gain (in basic mode, -infinity for advanced mode), and 6db at the output stage. Thus, 3 gain stages combine to provide a maximum of 96db of gain, or a range of -14db of gain to 96db of gain in basic mode, as has been reported before.
For a 3-stage gain set up like this (again, my guess, though it conforms to the gain block diagram SD has provided for the 6-series), you'd have a final output gain fixed at 6db and then the Kashmir mic preamp gain stage combined with the fader gain stage to provide -20db to 90db of gain (before the final 6db output gain stage).
So the signal path diagram is: Mic input -> Kashmir mic preamp (0-70db gain) -> Fader gain stage (-20db to 20db) -> output gain stage (fixed 6db) -> ISO tracks.
In any case, the fader/channel knobs wouldn't come after or before the Kashmir mic preamps, they'd just control the amount of gain provided.
Now whether the basic mode puts the fader gain stage before the kashmir mic preamp gain stage, or whether in Basic mode the mixpre switches from a 3-gain stage configuration to a 2-gain stage configuration (kashmir mic preamps and output gain stage, skipping the fader gain stage), I have no idea. But if overall the Mixpre across the full signal path provides an EIN of -128dbu and a dynamic range of 120db, I'm not sure why it really matters. ???
-
Started another battery runtime test with the mixpre-6, 4x MBHO mics (48V phantom power) + and the RAVPower 26800mAh powerbank.
Will report the results tomorrow...
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Much appreciated, Todd R.
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I am concerned about the amount of torque those attenuaters are placing on the mic pre inputs. Do you normally run like that, or apply some strain relief?
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I am concerned about the amount of torque those attenuaters are placing on the mic pre inputs. Do you normally run like that, or apply some strain relief?
Yes, some cable binders and k&m cable clips. The MBHOs are quite sensitive and need attenuating.
Actually, I'm more concerned about the usb-c input.
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Mic ---> Preamp ---> ISO track
^^
| |
Fader
Now whether the basic mode puts the fader gain stage before the kashmir mic preamp gain stage, or whether in Basic mode the mixpre switches from a 3-gain stage configuration to a 2-gain stage configuration (kashmir mic preamps and output gain stage, skipping the fader gain stage), I have no idea. But if overall the Mixpre across the full signal path provides an EIN of -128dbu and a dynamic range of 120db, I'm not sure why it really matters. ???
Todd... I agree with your analysis. Thanks for sharing it.
While my signal flow diagram was (is) not ideal, what I was driving at was, "Can the fader be set up to control preamp trim?"
Some say, "yes."
Others say, "no."
A few ask, "Why does it matter?"
It might be the case the difference is inaudible for all practical purposes and therefore "irrelevant" in any reasonable use case.
BUT... We are (with limited exceptions) a group of technically-minded gear heads. For that reason, I propose the answer matters—if only from the perspectives of knowledge and accuracy.
In no event is it a deal breaker for me. But I'd still like to know the answer.
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The MBHOs are quite sensitive and need attenuating.
Are you sure? Sound Devices says the XLR mic inputs can handle 14 dBu. Unless the mics are REALLY sensitive and the SPLs are REALLY high, you'll have a hard time hitting that (I think most of the usual suspects would distort before outputting that level)...
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what I was driving at was, "Can the fader be set up to control preamp trim?"
I didn't realize the question was as simple as this. I think it's been answered several times now by SD and since there remains so much concern and confusion about it, they put out a short video showing how it is done. I'll test on my MP6 this weekend, but it seems pretty clear their intention is that it can be done (front channel knobs controlling trim gain and recorded at that gain level in the ISO tracks) by using either basic mode or custom mode.
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I'll have some runtimes DPA4023 > mixpre3 using 4 brand new/fully-charged x Powerex 2700 mAh later today.
My test was DPA4028 > MixPre3 with mics going into xlr1 and xlr2 using 4 Powerex 2700 mAh AAs. The total record time before the batteries died was 2 hr 36 min.
I thought I had it all setup correctly, but ended up with 4 channels in each wav file. I was expecting a normal stereo wav file with 2 channels.
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I thought I had it all setup correctly, but ended up with 4 channels in each wav file. I was expecting a normal stereo wav file with 2 channels.
You'll want to download SD's Wave Agent, and get familiar with polyphonic wave files:
https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/wave-agent
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what I was driving at was, "Can the fader be set up to control preamp trim?"
I didn't realize the question was as simple as this. I think it's been answered several times now by SD and since there remains so much concern and confusion about it, they put out a short video showing how it is done. I'll test on my MP6 this weekend, but it seems pretty clear their intention is that it can be done (front channel knobs controlling trim gain and recorded at that gain level in the ISO tracks) by using either basic mode or custom mode.
Todd R, thanks very much for taking the time for that explanation. What intrigued me about dpower's questions, was that the explanatory video could be interpreted to mean that the MP6 was not being set up to control preamp trim, but merely to divert the channel information from the mix tracks to the ISO tracks, so that it was not affecting the preamp at all.
But your explanation seems to say that this doesn't matter given the excellence of the preamps, and that seems satisfactory.
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Here is a quick taste:
Jazz is Phish - 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH
Onstage 4 channel Mix.
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, left stage spot mic on the horns section
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, right stage spot mic on the bass & keys
Center Pair of Telefunken ELA M260's with Blue B6 Lollipops NOS Configuration
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3kz2lsqa4ndz3q8/twist.wav?dl=0
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Here is a quick taste:
Jazz is Phish - 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH
Onstage 4 channel Mix.
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, left stage spot mic on the horns section
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, right stage spot mic on the bass & keys
Center Pair of Telefunken ELA M260's with Blue B6 Lollipops NOS Configuration
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3kz2lsqa4ndz3q8/twist.wav?dl=0
Thank you Ted! Sounds great!
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Here is a quick taste:
Jazz is Phish - 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH
Onstage 4 channel Mix.
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, left stage spot mic on the horns section
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, right stage spot mic on the bass & keys
Center Pair of Telefunken ELA M260's with Blue B6 Lollipops NOS Configuration
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3kz2lsqa4ndz3q8/twist.wav?dl=0
thanks
If you are taking requests, can we get a sample recording done with akg and Naiant actives ;)
On a more serious note, how do you feel it compares to the other all in one boxes you have?
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Update: Got a total recording time of 15h10' with the mixpre-6, 4x MBHO mics (48V phantom power) + and the RAVPower 26800mAh powerbank (using the split USB cable).
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Jazz is Phish - 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH
Onstage 4 channel Mix.
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, left stage spot mic on the horns section
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, right stage spot mic on the bass & keys
Center Pair of Telefunken ELA M260's with Blue B6 Lollipops NOS Configuration
https://archive.org/details/jazzisphish2017-06-01.ar51.elam260-b6.mixpre6.flac
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Sounds great Ted! How did you power the Mixpre-6?
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Jazz is Phish - 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH
Onstage 4 channel Mix.
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, left stage spot mic on the horns section
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, right stage spot mic on the bass & keys
Center Pair of Telefunken ELA M260's with Blue B6 Lollipops NOS Configuration
https://archive.org/details/jazzisphish2017-06-01.ar51.elam260-b6.mixpre6.flac
Nice!
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Has anyone of you tested PiP Mics on the Aux in? I asked SD support but they could not give me a definite answer to my questions and recommend visiting a reseller, which is difficult for me. So perhaps someone here has an answer or two:
Can I connect a stereo plug-in power mic to the aux in of the Mixpre-6? Or two mono plug-in power mics with an adapter cable?
If I use the Mic(s) from the aux as channel input will they take advantage of the Kashmir preamps? If not: how much "worse" ist is the quality of the aux in preamps? Are Limiter and Lowcut analog or digital on the Aux?
Thanks in advance
Johannes
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Has anyone of you tested PiP Mics on the Aux in? I asked SD support but they could not give me a definite answer to my questions and recommend visiting a reseller, which is difficult for me. So perhaps someone here has an answer or two:
Can I connect a stereo plug-in power mic to the aux in of the Mixpre-6? Or two mono plug-in power mics with an adapter cable?
If I use the Mic(s) from the aux as channel input will they take advantage of the Kashmir preamps? If not: how much "worse" ist is the quality of the aux in preamps? Are Limiter and Lowcut analog or digital on the Aux?
Thanks in advance
Johannes
Not sure about the other questions but somewhere in this thread or the old one Paul said that the Kashmir preamps are only on 1-4 and not the aux
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Has anyone of you tested PiP Mics on the Aux in?
Can I connect a stereo plug-in power mic to the aux in of the Mixpre-6? Or two mono plug-in power mics with an adapter cable?
If I use the Mic(s) from the aux as channel input will they take advantage of the Kashmir preamps? If not: how much "worse" ist is the quality of the aux in preamps? Are Limiter and Lowcut analog or digital on the Aux?
I have the MixPre-3. I did a short test with 2 different PIP mics: a Countryman lav mic and a Soundman binaural mic (stereo). These were short simple tests. So, yes, you can plug in a stereo PIP mic. About the adapter and two monos I have no idea. I don't know if the PIP used Kashmir preamps or not: no easy way to know. However the sound in both cases was excellent. The big caveat is these were short and simple tests.
I'm currently packing for a trip, but in about a week (or less) I should be able to provide a more thorough report. On my trip I'll be using the binaural mics a fair amount. Remind me on this thread if I forget to report back. But initial impressions are quite positive.
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24 Hours of Power :cheers:
My first battery test results:
2 Anker Astro pro 14400 Mah (5V - 2A output), freshly charged and using the provided usb-a to usb-c cable
2 AKG ck63 > Naiant PFA > MixPre-3 (24bit/48khz)
Basic mode
50 dB of gain on channels 1 and 2 with Phantom on (channel 3 off)
LCD screen at 4
LED at 9
bluetooth on
the pic below shows the timestamps of the files; the 4gb files are 4hours and 8 min each, so 4 hours and 8 min before the first time stamp would be 12:41AM on 6/2 and it went till 12:44 am on 6/3!!
:coolguy:
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah217/claporte1/24hoursofpower_zpsybs8qwyr.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/claporte1/media/24hoursofpower_zpsybs8qwyr.jpg.html)
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Has anyone of you tested PiP Mics on the Aux in? I asked SD support but they could not give me a definite answer to my questions and recommend visiting a reseller, which is difficult for me. So perhaps someone here has an answer or two:
Can I connect a stereo plug-in power mic to the aux in of the Mixpre-6? Or two mono plug-in power mics with an adapter cable?
If I use the Mic(s) from the aux as channel input will they take advantage of the Kashmir preamps? If not: how much "worse" ist is the quality of the aux in preamps? Are Limiter and Lowcut analog or digital on the Aux?
Thanks in advance
Johannes
Not sure about the other questions but somewhere in this thread or the old one Paul said that the Kashmir preamps are only on 1-4 and not the aux
I posted a query about the frequency response of the MixPre 6 to Sound Devices support. Here's a quote from the reply I received from Sound Devices, which also happens to mention the aux inputs
"Should be full bandwidth on all counts, but Engineering has no time to confirm this at the moment. The aux inputs will not have the same quality of the Kashmir inputs."
They haven't described what the difference in quality is, just that there is one....
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Jazz is Phish - 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH
Onstage 4 channel Mix.
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, left stage spot mic on the horns section
1 Telefunken AR-51 sub card, right stage spot mic on the bass & keys
Center Pair of Telefunken ELA M260's with Blue B6 Lollipops NOS Configuration
https://archive.org/details/jazzisphish2017-06-01.ar51.elam260-b6.mixpre6.flac
Sounds NICE. Thanks Ted
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OK. I finally have time to play with this thing. What am I doing wrong?
I want to record 4 channels (2 stereo omni + 2 stereo cards). I'm using Advanced Mode, but it's spitting out one big 8 channel WAV file. I want 2 stereo tracks. How do I do that?
Also tips on setting gain in Advanced Mode. I'm using my stereo as a source, but it doesn't get as loud as a concert. It doesn't seem like the fader knobs on the front do a damn thing in Advanced Mode.
-
Use Custom mode with gain on basic!
OK. I finally have time to play with this thing. What am I doing wrong?
I want to record 4 channels (2 stereo omni + 2 stereo cards). I'm using Advanced Mode, but it's spitting out one big 8 channel WAV file. I want 2 stereo tracks. How do I do that?
Also tips on setting gain in Advanced Mode. I'm using my stereo as a source, but it doesn't get as loud as a concert. It doesn't seem like the fader knobs on the front do a damn thing in Advanced Mode.
-
Thanks. Now I can change the gain on my individual channels, but I still get a 8 channel WAV file.
Use Custom mode with gain on basic!
OK. I finally have time to play with this thing. What am I doing wrong?
I want to record 4 channels (2 stereo omni + 2 stereo cards). I'm using Advanced Mode, but it's spitting out one big 8 channel WAV file. I want 2 stereo tracks. How do I do that?
Also tips on setting gain in Advanced Mode. I'm using my stereo as a source, but it doesn't get as loud as a concert. It doesn't seem like the fader knobs on the front do a damn thing in Advanced Mode.
-
It records polywav files! You need to download wave agent from SD website and you can split into individual tracks. I'm hoping in the future they add the option to record to normal wave files.
Thanks. Now I can change the gain on my individual channels, but I still get a 8 channel WAV file.
Use Custom mode with gain on basic!
OK. I finally have time to play with this thing. What am I doing wrong?
I want to record 4 channels (2 stereo omni + 2 stereo cards). I'm using Advanced Mode, but it's spitting out one big 8 channel WAV file. I want 2 stereo tracks. How do I do that?
Also tips on setting gain in Advanced Mode. I'm using my stereo as a source, but it doesn't get as loud as a concert. It doesn't seem like the fader knobs on the front do a damn thing in Advanced Mode.
-
^ Sweet. Thanks. Got a PM with the same info.
So to clear things up for my fellow SD Newbies (courtesy of jbell):
1. Use Custom mode with gain on basic! (This will allow you to change the gain on each individual channels with the front knobs).
2. Download Wave Agent from SD. (This will allow you to take your "polywav" files and split them however you like). LINK: https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/wave-agent?fdid=917e50988307cbd5b2463a40291f3ce4
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This has already been disscussed in the thread!
^ Sweet. Thanks. Got a PM with the same info.
So to clear things up for my fellow SD Newbies (courtesy of jbell):
1. Use Custom mode with gain on basic! (This will allow you to change the gain on each individual channels with the front knobs).
2. Download Wave Agent from SD. (This will allow you to take your "polywav" files and split them however you like). LINK: https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/wave-agent?fdid=917e50988307cbd5b2463a40291f3ce4
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^ DOH! My bad. I thought I've been reading every post...but I guess I missed a few yesterday. Thanks for your help.
-
Also turn off aux 5,6 (aux in mode) to get 2 less files if you're only using 4 channels
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Sounds great Ted! How did you power the Mixpre-6?
via usb-c using a 20,000mah power bank
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Are you using this cable?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Up-Down-Angled-USB-C-USB-3-1-to-90D-Right-Angled-A-Male-Data-Cable-for-Macbook-/162439366511?hash=item25d224076f:g:-A4AAOSwA3dYGuW3
Sounds great Ted! How did you power the Mixpre-6?
via usb-c using a 20,000mah power bank
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Are you using this cable?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Up-Down-Angled-USB-C-USB-3-1-to-90D-Right-Angled-A-Male-Data-Cable-for-Macbook-/162439366511?hash=item25d224076f:g:-A4AAOSwA3dYGuW3
Sounds great Ted! How did you power the Mixpre-6?
via usb-c using a 20,000mah power bank
Yes, and I just got this one and it works as well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XP5T78F/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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^
Thanks Ted!
-
any idea if anyone has stock at the moment?
-
any idea if anyone has stock at the moment?
I'm doubting it. I think the next wave of shipments is due around the 1st week of July. Maybe Paul can provide some insight.
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I'd call around. I got mine through DV Estore last week. They had 3 of each in stock. They look to be sold out now, but smaller (compared to B&H etc) resellers might have some. Maybe try TAI Audio.
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I'd call around. I got mine through DV Estore last week. They had 3 of each in stock. They look to be sold out now, but smaller (compared to B&H etc) resellers might have some. Maybe try TAI Audio.
Thanks! Pulled the trigger with TAI.
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I'd call around. I got mine through DV Estore last week. They had 3 of each in stock. They look to be sold out now, but smaller (compared to B&H etc) resellers might have some. Maybe try TAI Audio.
Thanks! Pulled the trigger with TAI.
Thanks also - I also did TAI - looks like the order went thru-no indication of backorder.
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Oh shit....let me know when it comes.
I'd call around. I got mine through DV Estore last week. They had 3 of each in stock. They look to be sold out now, but smaller (compared to B&H etc) resellers might have some. Maybe try TAI Audio.
Thanks! Pulled the trigger with TAI.
Thanks also - I also did TAI - looks like the order went thru-no indication of backorder.
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Sure will
Oh shit....let me know when it comes.
I'd call around. I got mine through DV Estore last week. They had 3 of each in stock. They look to be sold out now, but smaller (compared to B&H etc) resellers might have some. Maybe try TAI Audio.
Thanks! Pulled the trigger with TAI.
Thanks also - I also did TAI - looks like the order went thru-no indication of backorder.
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Can anyone with a unit in hand tell me how one starts a new file *while* recording?
My general practice is to leave the recorder "rolling" as soon as I get everything set up, and pressing the "new track" button as soon as the lights go down, at setbreak, at the beginning of set 2, etc. On the dr-70d this was accomplished by pressing the >> button.
It's hard to tell from the manual how one accomplishes this.
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Can anyone with a unit in hand tell me how one starts a new file *while* recording?
My general practice is to leave the recorder "rolling" as soon as I get everything set up, and pressing the "new track" button as soon as the lights go down, at setbreak, at the beginning of set 2, etc. On the dr-70d this was accomplished by pressing the >> button.
It's hard to tell from the manual how one accomplishes this.
Pressing the "REC" button starts a new file.
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There's a review of the MP6 here:
http://theaudiospotlight.com/sound-devices-mixpre-6-review/
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Possible bad news from theaudiospotlight review:
The cable can easily be disconnected and both the cable connector and the port on the device can get broken. (This will also result in loss of data since audio does not get saved on power loss.)
I thought Paul had mentioned file headers being updated so as to reduce/eliminate this problem.
Can anyone confirm how solid the power connection is with the battery sled (or more particularly, with the MX-LMount)? If I'm wearing the recorder in some sort of pack, I want to be absolutely sure that power is not going to be cut while I move around. I agree that the form factor with the LMount looks wonky, but it's still gonna be lighter/smaller than lugging around a 744.
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Possible bad news from theaudiospotlight review:
The cable can easily be disconnected and both the cable connector and the port on the device can get broken. (This will also result in loss of data since audio does not get saved on power loss.)
I thought Paul had mentioned file headers being updated so as to reduce/eliminate this problem.
Can anyone confirm how solid the power connection is with the battery sled (or more particularly, with the MX-LMount)? If I'm wearing the recorder in some sort of pack, I want to be absolutely sure that power is not going to be cut while I move around. I agree that the form factor with the LMount looks wonky, but it's still gonna be lighter/smaller than lugging around a 744.
Its solid with the four and eight battery sleds. mountaintaper said the MX-lmount sled doesnt like to stay connected
The review indicates the guy got two hours off of batteries (I am thinking he meant, but did not say, with the 8 battery sled...
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Possible bad news from theaudiospotlight review:
The cable can easily be disconnected and both the cable connector and the port on the device can get broken. (This will also result in loss of data since audio does not get saved on power loss.)
I thought Paul had mentioned file headers being updated so as to reduce/eliminate this problem.
Can anyone confirm how solid the power connection is with the battery sled (or more particularly, with the MX-LMount)? If I'm wearing the recorder in some sort of pack, I want to be absolutely sure that power is not going to be cut while I move around. I agree that the form factor with the LMount looks wonky, but it's still gonna be lighter/smaller than lugging around a 744.
I think the best option for a 2 mic stealth where you can't change batteries every 2.5 hours will be the 8AA sled with 2700 mAh nihm batteries. The 4AA sled with these batteries got around 2.5 hours phantom powering 2 DPA402x mics in my testing. I expect the 8AA sled to cover most shows where there's a 45 min-1 hour opener and a 2 hour- 2.5 hour main act.
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I got the last Mixpre-6 from Trew in ATL this morning! I called TIA and they said the six they had are gone and they only have a few of the 3s left. :cheers:
I'd call around. I got mine through DV Estore last week. They had 3 of each in stock. They look to be sold out now, but smaller (compared to B&H etc) resellers might have some. Maybe try TAI Audio.
Thanks! Pulled the trigger with TAI.
Thanks also - I also did TAI - looks like the order went thru-no indication of backorder.
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I thought Paul had mentioned file headers being updated so as to reduce/eliminate this problem.
File headers are updated so no data should be lost in the event of power loss. We have discovered an intermittent bug where this doesn't always happen - that'll be fixed in the next firmware update.
I agree that the form factor with the LMount looks wonky, but it's still gonna be lighter/smaller than lugging around a 744.
With our L-mount battery sled and a couple of NP-F570 Li-ions mounted, it's pretty slim line and you can shake the thing like crazy and the sled won't pop off. Been tested pretty extensively.
Paul
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Possible bad news from theaudiospotlight review:
The cable can easily be disconnected and both the cable connector and the port on the device can get broken. (This will also result in loss of data since audio does not get saved on power loss.)
I thought Paul had mentioned file headers being updated so as to reduce/eliminate this problem.
Can anyone confirm how solid the power connection is with the battery sled (or more particularly, with the MX-LMount)? If I'm wearing the recorder in some sort of pack, I want to be absolutely sure that power is not going to be cut while I move around. I agree that the form factor with the LMount looks wonky, but it's still gonna be lighter/smaller than lugging around a 744.
I think the best option for a 2 mic stealth where you can't change batteries every 2.5 hours will be the 8AA sled with 2700 mAh nihm batteries. The 4AA sled with these batteries got around 2.5 hours phantom powering 2 DPA402x mics in my testing. I expect the 8AA sled to cover most shows where there's a 45 min-1 hour opener and a 2 hour- 2.5 hour main act.
Thats good news. I recorded a show this weekend but was afraid to use the battery sleds without any sense of how long they may last.
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I understand the battery sleds and F-type (744T style battery)dual sled...but with an external larger battery, do you have to power it via the USB? Right now that's the only thing I'm not digging...don't have one in my hands yet...Tried to order today from TREW in Nashville - no luck
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I understand the battery sleds and F-type (744T style battery)dual sled...but with an external larger battery, do you have to power it via the USB? Right now that's the only thing I'm not digging...don't have one in my hands yet...Tried to order today from TREW in Nashville - no luck
You could use a dummy L series battery with a hirose cable on the dual MXL Mount battery sled if you didn't want to connect an external battery over USB
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I understand the battery sleds and F-type (744T style battery)dual sled...but with an external larger battery, do you have to power it via the USB? Right now that's the only thing I'm not digging...don't have one in my hands yet...Tried to order today from TREW in Nashville - no luck
You could use a dummy L series battery with a hirose cable on the dual MXL Mount battery sled if you didn't want to connect an external battery over USB
Link?
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With our L-mount battery sled and a couple of NP-F570 Li-ions mounted, it's pretty slim line and you can shake the thing like crazy and the sled won't pop off. Been tested pretty extensively.
Paul
I've shaken mine with 2 NP-F960 batteries and it's too heavy for the sled and it will lose contact and power off...sled doesn't "pop off" but moves enough to power down. Did same test with just one battery and had no problem. I'd assume 2 NP-F570's isn't as heavy ;)
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I understand the battery sleds and F-type (744T style battery)dual sled...but with an external larger battery, do you have to power it via the USB? Right now that's the only thing I'm not digging...don't have one in my hands yet...Tried to order today from TREW in Nashville - no luck
You could use a dummy L series battery with a hirose cable on the dual MXL Mount battery sled if you didn't want to connect an external battery over USB
Link?
https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/mixpre-3-mixpre-6-powering-options
http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/LR-06
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I understand the battery sleds and F-type (744T style battery)dual sled...but with an external larger battery, do you have to power it via the USB? Right now that's the only thing I'm not digging...don't have one in my hands yet...Tried to order today from TREW in Nashville - no luck
You could use a dummy L series battery with a hirose cable on the dual MXL Mount battery sled if you didn't want to connect an external battery over USB
Link?
https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/mixpre-3-mixpre-6-powering-options
http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/LR-06
http://www.swit.us/s7500f-sony-npf-dummy-battery-ada7500.html
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My thoughts after playing around with the Mix Pre 6 for a while now:
- As everyone else has said, it's pretty tiny, but heavy/dense feeling. If someone wants a comparison to a 744, M10 or Nbox I'm happy to post a photo but this has been covered pretty well!
- Preamps seem fine for our purposes. Not sure about the limiters. Haven't had a chance to record a show with it yet
- Firmware update is easy and totally fixes the SD card issue. Works on SD cards at least up to 128GB
- The menu isn't totally intuitive, especially coming from my experience as a 702,722 and 744 owner. But I've gotten pretty used to it and think I've got it set now
- The touchscreen is pretty easy to use
- I don't see any reason to have the LCD above 1 and the LED above 2 in terms of brightness. In fact, I wish the LCD could be dimmer.
- I really wish channel linking was an option (I know Paul said they are aware and working on this). That said, it is pretty easy to match levels across channels with Custom Mode, Basic Gain. Not sure how the gain structure works, but in this setup, you turn the knob and the gain level changes. Fine by me.
- It doesn't seem to power on to the last state every time - at least for the metering display
- I get 2.5 hours using 8 AA Enloop Pros with 4 channels P48 and gain around 50-60, bluetooth off, timecode off and aux off using PFAs>KCY and Nbox cables. I will pack a C>C cable and battery just in case.
- I wish the battery indicator was more advanced, giving an indication of how much time was left. The 7 series shows volts and that is pretty helpful
- I wish it could record to mono wav in addition to poly wav
- Kinda wish it had more output options as I might run it into the 744 some time
- I haven't had any issues with the L battery sled but haven't tried 2 batteries on it yet
- I find the battery sleds kinda hard to pop off. They also feel flimsy (at least compared to the rest of the unit) and I am not sure how long the 8xAA one will last. It seems like its likely to break along the point where it opens to get the other 4 batteries in.
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Thank you johnw and ted for the links to the hirose doo-hick. USB power comes in handy for festies, bit I like this option much better.
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I thought Paul had mentioned file headers being updated so as to reduce/eliminate this problem.
File headers are updated so no data should be lost in the event of power loss. We have discovered an intermittent bug where this doesn't always happen - that'll be fixed in the next firmware update.
I agree that the form factor with the LMount looks wonky, but it's still gonna be lighter/smaller than lugging around a 744.
With our L-mount battery sled and a couple of NP-F570 Li-ions mounted, it's pretty slim line and you can shake the thing like crazy and the sled won't pop off. Been tested pretty extensively.
Paul
In your testing, how long should 2 of these NP-F570 batteries last on a Mix Pre 6 with 4 channels phantom power? They are only around 5000mAh combined, so maybe an hour?
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I understand the battery sleds and F-type (744T style battery)dual sled...but with an external larger battery, do you have to power it via the USB? Right now that's the only thing I'm not digging...don't have one in my hands yet...Tried to order today from TREW in Nashville - no luck
You could use a dummy L series battery with a hirose cable on the dual MXL Mount battery sled if you didn't want to connect an external battery over USB
Link?
https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/mixpre-3-mixpre-6-powering-options
http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/LR-06
Manios Digital and Film is a new USA distributor for Hawk-Woods products. Hawk-Woods suggested that I contact them for pricing on the LR-06 w/Hirose and I e-mailed them this morning. Even though I don't have the MP6 in hand yet I know that I would prefer the Hirose/dummy cell powering option too. And the LR-06 outputs a regulated 8V.
https://maniosdigital.com/
http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/LR-06
https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/mixpre-3-mixpre-6-powering-options
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Here is the link to the Hawk-Woods LR-06 (http://www.noyzboyz.nl/Producten/Hawk-Woods/sony-dummy-f-battery/hawk-woods-lr-06) from one of their Dutch distributors, NoyzBoyz, if that helps. € 111.68 (€ 135.13 with value-added tax). As a point of reference, the MixPre-6 from NoyzBoyz is € 935 (€ 1131.35 with VAT). Maybe it is a little cheaper from Germany (the MixPre-6 is € 1069 from MusicStore.de including VAT). What sort of battery are people thinking about using with the LR-06?
Completely unrelated to powering, but I have a question about USB options. First, you can plug a USB stick into many soundboards and get a direct-to-stick recording. Can you record like this with the MixPre-6 with a USB cable? Second, can you use the USB output on the MixPre to directly record a back-up copy to a phone or tablet (or even a memory stick)? From my reading of the manual, it seems like the answer to both may be "yes", but I was curious if anyone who already has theirs might have some insight.
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If someone wants a comparison to a 744, M10 or Nbox I'm happy to post a photo but this has been covered pretty well!
Could you please post front and side photos of your MP6 with the 8AA battery sled attached?
Thanks.
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No affiliation other than I have been calling around to see if I can stumble on one that someone had hidden. If you are looking for one before the next drop Gotham is getting one returned by a customer that did not like the unit. I called their ATL number.
Persistence paid off for me. After about 10 random calls I found one sitting at Dale Pro Audio. Yesterday I ordered a RA USB-C cable that Ted linked us too but I will also get a Hawkwoods hirose adapter.
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With the dummy sleds and hirose connector, what are the battery options? Does the hirose connect to something that then holds swappable batteries? Is it possible to get a laager capacity battery that the hirose connects too? Unless I am missing something the LMount sled, dummy battery, etc adds up to a lot of stuff to drag around.
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If someone wants a comparison to a 744, M10 or Nbox I'm happy to post a photo but this has been covered pretty well!
Could you please post front and side photos of your MP6 with the 8AA battery sled attached?
Thanks.
Top view with the 8xAA sled and the 744
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4229/35011423571_ec655f0179_z_d.jpg)
Side view with 8xAA sled and the the 744
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4214/34297435294_79a02b030e_z_d.jpg)
Front view with the 744
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4264/34755662870_2449daaca0_z_d.jpg)
Front view with the 3 sleds
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4255/34297434864_cb03405a6c_z_d.jpg)
Front view with 2 970 batteries mounted
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4248/35142512635_f257386ced_z_d.jpg)
View of 970 battery on L mount sled
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4280/34755661710_7874d2c864_z_d.jpg)
Me Doing Shake test to see if it powers off with 2 L type 970 batteries on the sled - it did not disrupt power. Seems pretty solid to me
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4284/35142512175_268c318671_z_d.jpg)
Powered with Tekeon over USB A>C (shows orange light indicating it isn't providing enough power to support 4 channel phantom)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4232/34755661000_90660710c9_z_d.jpg)
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If someone wants a comparison to a 744, M10 or Nbox I'm happy to post a photo but this has been covered pretty well!
Could you please post front and side photos of your MP6 with the 8AA battery sled attached?
Thanks.
Top view with the 8xAA sled and the 744
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4229/35011423571_ec655f0179_z_d.jpg)
Side view with 8xAA sled and the the 744
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4214/34297435294_79a02b030e_z_d.jpg)
Many thanks for these terrific photos. I couldn't tell from the SD site how the 8AA sled would look attached. It seems manageable.
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With the dummy sleds and hirose connector, what are the battery options? Does the hirose connect to something that then holds swappable batteries? Is it possible to get a laager capacity battery that the hirose connects too? Unless I am missing something the LMount sled, dummy battery, etc adds up to a lot of stuff to drag around.
You'd have to have a custom Hirose cable made to go with a battery (like the Tekeon or anything that supports >7.2V). You could have 2 of these dummy batteries with Hirose connectors, or use an L mount battery and a dummy cell and hot swap new L mount batteries or batteries with a Hirose connector. Yes, it totally adds a bunch of other crap to lug around.
Personally, I think my favorite option so far is to use the 8xAA battery sled. It's pretty compact and lasts between 2.5-2.75 hours with phantom on 4 channels. If you had 2, you could swap them between setbreaks at a concert. For stealth, I suspect you could easily go over 3 hours with only 2 channel phantom on 8AAs. I don't see the Lmount batteries as being all that great given how much they stick out from the unit. I'm also not sure how long they last. I will try that test later on.
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I will add that to me, the least stable power solution seems to be over USB. This connection wiggles up and down even with a right angle cable and I could see where it might break the solder off the board internally. It is kind of hard to pull the cable out, so I wouldn't be worried about a disconnect, just the strain on the connection if that makes sense.
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With the dummy sleds and hirose connector, what are the battery options? Does the hirose connect to something that then holds swappable batteries? Is it possible to get a laager capacity battery that the hirose connects too? Unless I am missing something the LMount sled, dummy battery, etc adds up to a lot of stuff to drag around.
You'd have to have a custom Hirose cable made to go with a battery (like the Tekeon or anything that supports >7.2V). You could have 2 of these dummy batteries with Hirose connectors, or use an L mount battery and a dummy cell and hot swap new L mount batteries or batteries with a Hirose connector. Yes, it totally adds a bunch of other crap to lug around.
Personally, I think my favorite option so far is to use the 8xAA battery sled. It's pretty compact and lasts between 2.5-2.75 hours with phantom on 4 channels. If you had 2, you could swap them between setbreaks at a concert. For stealth, I suspect you could easily go over 3 hours with only 2 channel phantom on 8AAs. I don't see the Lmount batteries as being all that great given how much they stick out from the unit. I'm also not sure how long they last. I will try that test later on.
thanks for the info and the pictures. If I can get over 2 hours consistently with the 8 battery sled and rechargeables thats going to be my preferred strategy, except for festivals perhaps. I'll just buy another and swap them between bands, etc. I want to try and use the USB-c for streaming anyways but dont like the USB-c route either way unless using a right angle or down angle USB-c connector.
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>I will add that to me, the least stable power solution seems to be over USB. This connection wiggles up and down even with a right angle cable and I could see where it might break the solder off the board internally. It is kind of hard to pull the cable out, so I wouldn't be worried about a disconnect, just the strain on the connection if that makes sense.
Can't a cable be taped in place and left as is -- set it and forget it?
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>I will add that to me, the least stable power solution seems to be over USB. This connection wiggles up and down even with a right angle cable and I could see where it might break the solder off the board internally. It is kind of hard to pull the cable out, so I wouldn't be worried about a disconnect, just the strain on the connection if that makes sense.
Can't a cable be taped in place and left as is -- set it and forget it?
It snaps securely in, I don't think it will fall out. The problem is it moves up and down really easily while plugged in. I am afraid the wiggle/strain will cause it to break off the board internally. I don't see a way to tape it so it couldn't wiggle - even if it were a right angle cable.
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I'm wondering if this USB 3.1 TYPE-C to 4xUSB 3.0 F & Type-C Charging hub might be a solution to streaming from the MixPre-6 and powering it at the same time from its single USB-C port:
https://www.primecables.com/p-354263-cab-c4u01-usb-c-usb-type-c-usb-31-to-4xusb-30-female-type-c-charging-port-15cm-primecables-
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I'm wondering if this USB 3.1 TYPE-C to 4xUSB 3.0 F & Type-C Charging hub might be a solution to streaming from the MixPre-6 and powering it at the same time from its single USB-C port:
https://www.primecables.com/p-354263-cab-c4u01-usb-c-usb-type-c-usb-31-to-4xusb-30-female-type-c-charging-port-15cm-primecables-
It's not clear to me if you can inject power while using it as a USB interface. The menu on the unit for USB-c has two options - power or audio - there is no option for both, but this may be meaningless. I am going to try streaming via an ipad (USB-c audio interface -> USB-c to lightning connector cable -> ipad) this weekend to see how that works out. Last weekend I used the 1/8 inch stereo out -> A/D device -> lightning connector cable-> ipad I use with my F8 and that worked fine so I can always use that if I need to power via USB-c, but the less stuff to drag in the better...
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I'm wondering if this USB 3.1 TYPE-C to 4xUSB 3.0 F & Type-C Charging hub might be a solution to streaming from the MixPre-6 and powering it at the same time from its single USB-C port:
https://www.primecables.com/p-354263-cab-c4u01-usb-c-usb-type-c-usb-31-to-4xusb-30-female-type-c-charging-port-15cm-primecables-
It's not clear to me if you can inject power while using it as a USB interface. The menu on the unit for USB-c has two options - power or audio - there is no option for both
Maybe the options are 1. audio with power, or 2. only power. Here's the manual:
"USB-C Mode
When connected to a computer via USB-C, the MixPre-6 may be setup to be powered from the host without the computer identifying it as an audio interface.
To toggle between the USB-C audio/power modes:
1.Tap .
2. Tap System > USB-C. Options include: Audio and Power Only."
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I'm wondering if this USB 3.1 TYPE-C to 4xUSB 3.0 F & Type-C Charging hub might be a solution to streaming from the MixPre-6 and powering it at the same time from its single USB-C port:
https://www.primecables.com/p-354263-cab-c4u01-usb-c-usb-type-c-usb-31-to-4xusb-30-female-type-c-charging-port-15cm-primecables-
The options are "audio" or "power only".
It's not clear to me if you can inject power while using it as a USB interface. The menu on the unit for USB-c has two options - power or audio - there is no option for both
Maybe the options are 1. audio with power, or 2. only power. Here's the manual:
"USB-C Mode
When connected to a computer via USB-C, the MixPre-6 may be setup to be powered from the host without the computer identifying it as an audio interface.
To toggle between the USB-C audio/power modes:
1.Tap .
2. Tap System > USB-C. Options include: Audio and Power Only."
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I will add that to me, the least stable power solution seems to be over USB. This connection wiggles up and down even with a right angle cable and I could see where it might break the solder off the board internally. It is kind of hard to pull the cable out, so I wouldn't be worried about a disconnect, just the strain on the connection if that makes sense.
slip and wrap the cable in and around the "handle" with the orange stripe on it.
Maybe even gaff it there??
That's what I was thinking of doing to relieve stress from anything from weight to popping out and such
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I will add that to me, the least stable power solution seems to be over USB. This connection wiggles up and down even with a right angle cable and I could see where it might break the solder off the board internally. It is kind of hard to pull the cable out, so I wouldn't be worried about a disconnect, just the strain on the connection if that makes sense.
slip and wrap the cable in and around the "handle" with the orange stripe on it.
Maybe even gaff it there??
That's what I was thinking of doing to relieve stress from anything from weight to popping out and such
Maybe that would work.
On another note, I charged the Enloop Pro AAs and tried again. This time I got 5 1/2 hours on 8 Enloop Pro at 24/48 with 30-40 gain on 4 channels phantom power with 5/6 turned off and brightness at LCD1, LED 2. This was using PFAs for a KCY and a Nbox cable and schoeps caps.
My first test was with the Enloop Pro batteries fresh out of the package. I thought they came fully charged, but looks like I was wrong. With a recent fresh charge, I'm pretty confident I could get through a 3-4 hour show no problem.
I think I'm going to forget about the L mount batteries and just get another 8 AA sled to have as a backup..
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I finally received my anker power core plus battery and can confirm it powers with green light over usb c to c cable. Also this cable as well as an a to c and an a to micro is included with the battery for $65
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014ZO46LK/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&sr=1-10&tag=ianker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B014ZO46LK&keywords=battery+charge&qid=1496882761&kwr_id=179
The included c to c cable does not protrude significantly further out than the right angle c cable ted has
I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but it seems like a nice cheap backup option to the 8x aa sled
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Got notice from B&H this evening that the MP6 is shipped and due to arrive tomorrow. Initially they said it was on back order and site had July 6 availability. Guess more units arrived. I placed order several weeks ago.
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I spoke with Trew Audio yesterday and they told me that my MP6 wouldn't be shipping to me for another 2-3 weeks. Last week they told me that it would be shipping to me this week... It appears that they did NOT get what they were expecting from SD last week. :-X
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I got my tracking number from Dale Pro audio. It should arrive Tuesday.
Has anyone used the wingman app on It? I'm considering an used outdated iPad mini so I can control it remotely.
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Yes it works ok. Not sure how useful it is as I'm usually within Bluetooth range of my gear and could adjust the knobs on the unit. Also not sure how much Bluetooth impacts battery life. I'll test it tonight to see what range I can get if you'd like
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Got notice from B&H this evening that the MP6 is shipped and due to arrive tomorrow. Initially they said it was on back order and site had July 6 availability. Guess more units arrived. I placed order several weeks ago.
Same here, but my tracking from B and H says Priority Shipping delivery June 12. I think maybe we have different ideas on what Priority means, but it is nice to know it is on the way. I only ordered it about a week ago though.
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I got my tracking number from Dale Pro audio. It should arrive Tuesday.
Has anyone used the wingman app on It? I'm considering an used outdated iPad mini so I can control it remotely.
I love the wingman app. Its most useful for renaming tracks and files, and editing metadata so you don't have to go in and use the headphone encoder to do it one letter at t time on the MixPre.
Its also great for arming/disarming tracks if you do that a lot.
-Mike
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https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1340191-REG/strut_str_mp6_fit_field_case_for.html
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> slip and wrap the cable in and around the "handle" with the orange stripe on it.
Maybe even gaff it there??
Can I see a photo of this. Mine just arrived. Def smaller than imagined, even after seeing pictures on this board. In some ways not as sturdy as I imagined (that battery sled, for example) but very cool.
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> slip and wrap the cable in and around the "handle" with the orange stripe on it.
Maybe even gaff it there??
Can I see a photo of this. Mine just arrived. Def smaller than imagined, even after seeing pictures on this board. In some ways not as sturdy as I imagined (that battery sled, for example) but very cool.
i don't own one yet to take pics but in my mind it's beautiful
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Here's a shot of the right angle (this one is to spec and doesn't provide full power)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4220/35057587821_55ed81f5d9_z_d.jpg)
And Anker straight USB
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/35147979176_2bd7aecfee_z_d.jpg)
In my mind, the small space savings offered by the non-spec right angle cables isn't worth it
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Forgive me if I've missed this, but why can't one use channel linking when the GAIN is on BASIC? this would be so useful.
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Forgive me if I've missed this, but why can't one use channel linking when the GAIN is on BASIC? this would be so useful.
Paul Isaacs has mentioned that this will be addressed in a future firmware update...
Hmmm... When I switch my MP6 to custom mode and set everything except gain to advanced, I don't see an option to link channels...
FYI - We are aware of this and plan to make linking available even when Gain is set to Basic.
thx
Paul
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Has anyone actually recorded a show with one yet?
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Has anyone actually recorded a show with one yet?
https://archive.org/search.php?query=mixpre-6&sort=-publicdate
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Has anyone actually recorded a show with one yet?
TTB Philly Last night, maiden voyage for the Sound Devices Mixpre6
mk22> nbob kcy> Naiant Littlebox> Mixpre6 (line in 5/6) 16 bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593527
mk22> nbob kcy> Naiant Littlebox> Mixpre6 (line in 5/6) 24bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593528
mk41v> nbob kcy> Naiant PFA> Mixpre6 (mic in 3/4) 24bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593530
mk3 (omni)> nbob actives> Naiant PFA> Mixpre6 (mic in 1/2) 24bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593529
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Forgive me if I've missed this, but why can't one use channel linking when the GAIN is on BASIC? this would be so useful.
Paul Isaacs has mentioned that this will be addressed in a future firmware update...
thanks!!
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Has anyone actually recorded a show with one yet?
TTB Philly Last night, maiden voyage for the Sound Devices Mixpre6
mk22> nbob kcy> Naiant Littlebox> Mixpre6 (line in 5/6) 16 bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593527
mk22> nbob kcy> Naiant Littlebox> Mixpre6 (line in 5/6) 24bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593528
mk41v> nbob kcy> Naiant PFA> Mixpre6 (mic in 3/4) 24bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593530
mk3 (omni)> nbob actives> Naiant PFA> Mixpre6 (mic in 1/2) 24bit:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593529
Thanks Noah 8)
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And please someone PM me if you know where I can order an MP6 and get it ASAP ;)
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Try Full Compass.
Just today they shipped my friend a MP6, 8 AA sled, and wall wart power supply.
And please someone PM me if you know where I can order an MP6 and get it ASAP ;)
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Try Full Compass.
Just today they shipped my friend a MP6, 8 AA sled, and wall wart power supply.
And please someone PM me if you know where I can order an MP6 and get it ASAP ;)
+T Thanks bro 8) I'll give them a call tomorrow! I'd like to order it WITH the 8xAA Battery Sled like your buddy did, so that's great news :)
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Sounds like at least a few places got new batches in today. Trew in Nashville also got some more in today as well but I believe have shipped/sold them all already.
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Got my Anker 20100 PowerCore+ today. I followed the link from the Sound Devices website to the Anker website and from there followed a link to their Amazon store. On Amazon they have "Customers who bought this item also bought" which has an Anker usb-c to usb-c PowerLine+ cable. Link to Anker's website for that cable can be seen here: https://www.anker.com/products/A8187091
I purchased that cable as well and it powers the MixPre3 just fine with the powercore battery; the connection is snug and firm and the quality of the cable is excellent (nylon braided)!
Here is a pic of it on my MixPre3 to show how far out it sticks:
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah217/claporte1/f2ae2386-00a4-4d91-9502-cb7dba9fdc3e_zpsopthbdxs.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/claporte1/media/f2ae2386-00a4-4d91-9502-cb7dba9fdc3e_zpsopthbdxs.jpg.html)
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Does the cable wiggle up and down while connected? Looks nice.
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Sounds like at least a few places got new batches in today. Trew in Nashville also got some more in today as well but I believe have shipped/sold them all already.
^^^
Trew Audio in Nashville contacted me yesterday to tell me that my MP-6 is on the way...
^^
Thanks GDfan for the battery cable link!
:cheers:
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Does the cable wiggle up and down while connected? Looks nice.
No it does wiggle at all.
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In a Nova 4 with the F8, and the MP6 alone.
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I now see firsthand the potential issue with the USB input. Def wiggle room. Have ordered the red cable listed above.
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Got my Anker 20100 PowerCore+ today. I followed the link from the Sound Devices website to the Anker website and from there followed a link to their Amazon store. On Amazon they have "Customers who bought this item also bought" which has an Anker usb-c to usb-c PowerLine+ cable. Link to Anker's website for that cable can be seen here: https://www.anker.com/products/A8187091
I purchased that cable as well and it powers the MixPre3 just fine with the powercore battery; the connection is snug and firm and the quality of the cable is excellent (nylon braided)!
Here is a pic of it on my MixPre3 to show how far out it sticks:
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah217/claporte1/f2ae2386-00a4-4d91-9502-cb7dba9fdc3e_zpsopthbdxs.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/claporte1/media/f2ae2386-00a4-4d91-9502-cb7dba9fdc3e_zpsopthbdxs.jpg.html)
thats exactly what I was thinking in my past post
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Got my Anker 20100 PowerCore+ today. I followed the link from the Sound Devices website to the Anker website and from there followed a link to their Amazon store. On Amazon they have "Customers who bought this item also bought" which has an Anker usb-c to usb-c PowerLine+ cable. Link to Anker's website for that cable can be seen here: https://www.anker.com/products/A8187091
I purchased that cable as well and it powers the MixPre3 just fine with the powercore battery; the connection is snug and firm and the quality of the cable is excellent (nylon braided)!
Here is a pic of it on my MixPre3 to show how far out it sticks:
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah217/claporte1/f2ae2386-00a4-4d91-9502-cb7dba9fdc3e_zpsopthbdxs.jpg) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/claporte1/media/f2ae2386-00a4-4d91-9502-cb7dba9fdc3e_zpsopthbdxs.jpg.html)
do you get the green (full) battery light?
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Using wave agent to combine mono files to stereo is it better to use manual or batch?? :shrug:
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I was out of town traveling last week and haven't had time to post about my experience using the Mixpre-6 the first time. Unfortunately, I had a pretty big failure, which ties back to design limitations (in my view) of the Mixpre. I have been able to do testing and am fairly sure of the problem.
Cut to the chase: the problem is that if you use an SD card that doesn't work (presumably not fast enough, though in my case supposedly Class 10), you can get short dropouts on the recording when the card can't keep up. Pretty typical behavior for SD card recorders. The bigger issue is that the dropouts you get on the SD recording also occur on the line output and the headphone output. That is, it appears that the analog outputs -- line out and headphone out -- are somehow configured within the Mixpre to be post SD-card, such that every single dropout you get on your internal recording will be transmitted to the analog outputs. Thus, you cannot use an external recorder attached to the line output of the Mixpre as a back-up recorder -- any problems/dropouts you get on the internal recording due to a slow/corrupted/fragmented/failing SD card will occur on the Mixpre analog outputs and your back-up recording will be just as corrupt as your internal recording.
I hate to have to come out of the gate with negative impressions. I have owned the Sound Devices MP-2, 722, 702, and USBPre 2 and have always found Sound Devices to make rock solid gear. I have done quite a bit of testing now and have confirmed that dropouts occurring on the internal Mixpre recording lead to dropouts at the exact point on the line output and headphone output. I have only had this happen with one of my SD cards (a Sony branded card) and never with any other SD card, and I haven't had any dropouts except with this Sony card. So the dropouts on the analog outputs are confirmed, though it is only my guess that the original dropouts are occurring due to a slow SD card. Sure seems like it though.
I'm pretty bummed about this. I sold my USBPre 2 to fund the Mixpre-6. My USBPre 2 was rock solid as was the Grace Design Lunatec V3 I had before it. With both of those preamps, I could use the multiple outputs available to record to 2 devices, such that I had a backup recorder at all times. (Really, I've been using backup recorders or backup recording systems going back to the unreliable portable DAT days.) In these cases, the mic preamp could be a common point of failure such that having 2 recorders doesn't really help. But the USBPre 2 and Lunatec V3 were so rock solid that as long as my batteries were good, the preamps were never a concern.
Conversely, I think SD cards are notoriously unreliable. Forgetting finding a fast enough and reliable enough card to begin with, even a high-speed, high-quality card can fail at some point or can get corrupted or fragmented such that it has a blip and you get a dropout. With the Mixpre-6 designed as it is, you cannot simply use a second recorder attached to the line output as a backup. You will need to have a completely separate recording system. I guess for my purposes, instead of using a Sony M10 as a backup recorder to the Mixpre-6, I will use my Zoom H4n Pro to record my second set of mics and will send the output of the H4n to the Mixpre-6 in case I want to mix those mics with my primary pair on the Mixpre. Unfortunately, in order to have a back up for the rare time of recording failure, I will now be using the more noisy Zoom H4n preamps rather than the much cleaner Kashmir preamps of the Mixpre-6.
BTW, if you've read this far, this happened with my maiden voyage of the Mixpre-6. I had just gotten the UPS delivery of the Mixpre-6 moments before I went to record Trey Anastasio Band. I took enough time to insure that my batteries would power the MP-6, but then took off for the show with no time for additional testing or understanding how to run the MP-6. I was able to set it up no problem, and ran my Sony M10 as a backup recorder just in case. For the opening band (Vulfpeck) I ran a no-name SD card and everything was fine. For Trey, I used a Sony-branded SD card which led to the dropouts I mentioned on both the internal SD recording and the external M10 recording. I then tested at home to confirm.
Ultimately for my purposes, I think the Mixpre-6 will be a great piece of gear and will probably almost always provide great results, in large part since I think it is an excellent sounding piece of gear. But unless I run some kind of backup using my Zoom H4n, I probably will never trust that I got a recording until I get home and can verify. This is something I never worried about with my USBPre 2 or 722, which does bum me out quite a bit.
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Got my Anker 20100 PowerCore+ today. I followed the link from the Sound Devices website to the Anker website and from there followed a link to their Amazon store. On Amazon they have "Customers who bought this item also bought" which has an Anker usb-c to usb-c PowerLine+ cable. Link to Anker's website for that cable can be seen here: https://www.anker.com/products/A8187091
I purchased that cable as well and it powers the MixPre3 just fine with the powercore battery; the connection is snug and firm and the quality of the cable is excellent (nylon braided)!
Here is a pic of it on my MixPre3 to show how far out it sticks:
do you get the green (full) battery light?
Yes
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...Ultimately for my purposes, I think the Mixpre-6 will be a great piece of gear and will probably almost always provide great results, in large part since I think it is an excellent sounding piece of gear. But unless I run some kind of backup using my Zoom H4n, I probably will never trust that I got a recording until I get home and can verify. This is something I never worried about with my USBPre 2 or 722, which does bum me out quite a bit.
Thanks for sharing your experience. That really stinks. Did you send this to Sound Devices?
Can you let us know exactly which Sony card? Any chance it could be counterfeit? Was it cleanly formatted in the MP6? Any problems with the card in the past? What settings were you using (i.e 24/96, 2 channel, mix on, aux off, bluetooth off)?
Maybe Sound Devices could create some type of internal card testing program that could be run from the MixPre6. Or if they'd offer higher capacity cards, I wouldn't mind paying the premium for the Sound Devices ones. But 32GB is pretty skimpy these days.
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Ultimately for my purposes, I think the Mixpre-6 will be a great piece of gear and will probably almost always provide great results, in large part since I think it is an excellent sounding piece of gear. But unless I run some kind of backup using my Zoom H4n, I probably will never trust that I got a recording until I get home and can verify. This is something I never worried about with my USBPre 2 or 722, which does bum me out quite a bit.
As the previous person noted it's really important to know if you formatted the card directly in the MixPre-6. I've worked with two different cards without any problems so far. Audio is not as tricky or intensive as capturing video so this seems very strange behavior. (But not very strange if not formatted in the MixPre directly.)
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^^^^ Also, did you update the firmware? If not, I wonder if that helps?
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All cards formatted in the Mixpre. I've tested all of my SD cards for good measure and all work fine except the Sony card. I'll be ordering a Sandisk extreme pro soon for use in the Mixpre-6, these were the cards I had on hand.
The Sony card is supposedly Class 10 and it clearly looks like a crappy card. I'm sure a good card that has been thoroughly tested should do the trick. But I still find it to be very troubling that the Mixpre-6 was designed in such a way that a bad/slow/corrupted SD card will not only take out the internal recording, but will also bring down the analog outputs.
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^^^^ Also, did you update the firmware? If not, I wonder if that helps?
I specifically tested with the original firmware and then again with the updated firmware. Both firmware revisions exhibit the exact same behavior.
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But I still find it to be very troubling that the Mixpre-6 was designed in such a way that a bad/slow/corrupted SD card will not only take out the internal recording, but will also bring down the analog outputs.
Yeah that's a let down for sure. But Sound Devices categorizes this as a recorder and not a mixer or mixer with integrated recorder, so I guess it makes sense that the output comes after the recorder in the signal path. I wonder if it causes a drop out over USB recording as well? Any way of testing that with the Sony card?
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^^^^^^^
The above demonstrates that the analogue outputs have gone through AD > DA conversions. I suspect that this was done in order to cut costs.
While I'm sorry that you had trouble, and I know how much it sucks to lose a show, I don't really see how this is SD's fault, given that the sony card is not one they recommend.
Use one of their recommended cards and things should work as they ought to.
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I don't really see how this is SD's fault.
Use one of their recommended cards and things should work as they ought to.
Different expectations I guess. I am not complaining about dropouts on an untested, non-recommended card that I used in a rush. I totally expected that it might happen, which is why I ran a backup recorder. But I do not expect that a bad SD card should affect the analog outputs.
I can use one of their recommended cards, and may never have another problem. But I find it to be pretty poor design to let a bad SD card also affect your analog outputs. Even recommended cards and even cards that have worked perfectly on countless occasions can fail. Letting that also bring down your analog outputs means you can't use the analog outs for a back up recording. It may not be their fault I used a non-recommended card but it is lousy design practice in my view to allow that to corrupt your analog outputs.
As a hobbyist concert recordist, sure whatever it doesn't matter that much. But if I were a film maker with a lot on the line, I would simply not use the Mixpre series, I'd stick with the 788 or 744t.
As I said, I'm a huge fan of Sound Devices, they're right up there with Grace Design for well built, well designed gear. But this is a design failure in my book. Even the best SD cards can fail, including the Sound Devices branded card. It simply should not affect the analog outputs in well-designed, well-implemented gear. Maybe this is the limitation imposed by Sound Devices deciding to enter a lower price-point market, but it doesn't meet the high expectations I have for Sound Devices.
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But if I were a film maker with a lot on the line, I would simply not use the Mixpre series, I'd stick with the 788 or 744t.
As I said, I'm a huge fan of Sound Devices, they're right up there with Grace Design for well built, well designed gear. But this is a design failure in my book. Even the best SD cards can fail, including the Sound Devices branded card. It simply should not affect the analog outputs in well-designed, well-implemented gear. Maybe this is the limitation imposed by Sound Devices deciding to enter a lower price-point market, but it doesn't meet the high expectations I have for Sound Devices.
Agreed 100%. Please let Sound Devices know your experience if you haven't already. Perhaps there is a workaround they can offer on the chance that it is somehow software related.
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I have a few questions...
Is your MP setup in "Custom" mode?
If so, did you have the "Record" mode set to "Advance"?
If so, did you have the channel routed out of the left or right stereo out?
What did you route out of the stereo out? Mix or Channels?
Did you route the signal pre (green) or post (blue) fade?
Thanks for the additional info. :cheers:
Cut to the chase: the problem is that if you use an SD card that doesn't work (presumably not fast enough, though in my case supposedly Class 10), you can get short dropouts on the recording when the card can't keep up. Pretty typical behavior for SD card recorders. The bigger issue is that the dropouts you get on the SD recording also occur on the line output and the headphone output. That is, it appears that the analog outputs -- line out and headphone out -- are somehow configured within the Mixpre to be post SD-card, such that every single dropout you get on your internal recording will be transmitted to the analog outputs. Thus, you cannot use an external recorder attached to the line output of the Mixpre as a back-up recorder -- any problems/dropouts you get on the internal recording due to a slow/corrupted/fragmented/failing SD card will occur on the Mixpre analog outputs and your back-up recording will be just as corrupt as your internal recording.
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For both my field recording and my testing, I had the MP-6 set to advanced mode, recording at 24/48. Field recording used 4 mic inputs and a LR mix track (channels 1&3 panned hard left, 2&4 panned hard right), in testing at home I added channels 5-6 as well. Line output using the LR mix track, using a mix of channels 1&3 for left and 2&4 for right (in the home testing with channels 5-6 added, I didn't send those to the LR mix track as it was different source material). LR mix signal routed post fade (blue).
In all cases, the dropouts occurred at the same time across all 4 (or 6) channels as well as the LR mix track. I had external recorders attached to the line output and the headphone output (headphone on home testing only) and dropouts occurred at the same points on the external recorders as on the internal MP-6 recording.
No idea where and when I got the Sony card, or even where I was using it. I gathered up all the high capacity SD cards I had from various recorders and cameras to use in the MP-6 and lost track of what was used where. I don't recall having any trouble with the Sony card, or any other.
Wondering if there was some glitch on the card, earlier today I did a low level erase and re-formatting on it. First time through, it failed for some reason, so I did it again which seemed to work without incident. Didn't think to try disk first aid before doing all this, but tried disk first aid after the second low-level reformat and it didn't show a problem. Then I re-formatted it yet again in the MP-6 and set things up to re-test. After about an hour of testing, I didn't have any dropouts on the recording to the Sony card, and no dropouts on the two external recorders patched into the headphone and line outputs (unsurprisingly). Only 4 channels plus the LR mix track for this test, I didn't set up channels 5-6 this time around.
Don't know that I will ever trust or use the card, but the failures seem to have gone away. I've ordered a Sandisk extreme card for use in the MP-6. I'll test that card when I get it, which I assume will be fine. With any luck I won't see any more card failures, though I don't know that I'll bother running the Sony M10 as a backup recorder since I don't see much point.
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My first attempt to stealth the mixpre-3 didn't go so well.
The wand went bonkers when waved over the mixpre and 4023s behind my belt buckle.
So I got back to the car to repack. the 4023s went somewhere else where they wouldn't get wanded. The tascam dr100mkIii went in the same spot the mixpre was in previously.
This worked. Different wander but same routine and the tascam didn't go off.
Of note, this place used a gray wand that I've never seen before. In my experience, they usually use the Black and yellow ones.
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For both my field recording and my testing, I had the MP-6 set to advanced mode, recording at 24/48. Field recording used 4 mic inputs and a LR mix track (channels 1&3 panned hard left, 2&4 panned hard right), in testing at home I added channels 5-6 as well. Line output using the LR mix track, using a mix of channels 1&3 for left and 2&4 for right (in the home testing with channels 5-6 added, I didn't send those to the LR mix track as it was different source material). LR mix signal routed post fade (blue).
In all cases, the dropouts occurred at the same time across all 4 (or 6) channels as well as the LR mix track. I had external recorders attached to the line output and the headphone output (headphone on home testing only) and dropouts occurred at the same points on the external recorders as on the internal MP-6 recording.
No idea where and when I got the Sony card, or even where I was using it. I gathered up all the high capacity SD cards I had from various recorders and cameras to use in the MP-6 and lost track of what was used where. I don't recall having any trouble with the Sony card, or any other.
Wondering if there was some glitch on the card, earlier today I did a low level erase and re-formatting on it. First time through, it failed for some reason, so I did it again which seemed to work without incident. Didn't think to try disk first aid before doing all this, but tried disk first aid after the second low-level reformat and it didn't show a problem. Then I re-formatted it yet again in the MP-6 and set things up to re-test. After about an hour of testing, I didn't have any dropouts on the recording to the Sony card, and no dropouts on the two external recorders patched into the headphone and line outputs (unsurprisingly). Only 4 channels plus the LR mix track for this test, I didn't set up channels 5-6 this time around.
Don't know that I will ever trust or use the card, but the failures seem to have gone away. I've ordered a Sandisk extreme card for use in the MP-6. I'll test that card when I get it, which I assume will be fine. With any luck I won't see any more card failures, though I don't know that I'll bother running the Sony M10 as a backup recorder since I don't see much point.
The MixPre outputs are not post SD card (except during playback obviously). The fact that you got audio dropouts on the Sony card and MixPre outputs at the same time suggests something else very strange is going on here. The outputs are totally independent from what's going on in terms of SD card data writes. Even with a slow card this should not happen - that would just result in a media too slow message and stop recording. If you haven't contacted Sound Devices tech support, you should do this asap so we can get to the bottom of what caused this. We would very much like to get our hands on this Sony SD card as well for evaluation.
Paul
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If you haven't contacted Sound Devices tech support, you should do this asap so we can get to the bottom of what caused this. We would very much like to get our hands on this Sony SD card as well for evaluation.
Paul
This is why I like giving SD my money.
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If you haven't contacted Sound Devices tech support, you should do this asap so we can get to the bottom of what caused this. We would very much like to get our hands on this Sony SD card as well for evaluation.
Paul
This is why I like giving SD my money.
cant beat that response as much as it might such to deal with, many places wouldn't care
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100%
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Mine showed up today. It was the 3rd courier delivery of the day and every time I heard a truck pulled up I got giddy. Here is is laid on top of my R-44 that is being sent to pasture.
I pulled out my old Protabrace RM-Multi and it fits perfectly in the POCKET of the RM-Multi. It is hard to believe that my new recorder fits in the pocket of the accessory bag to my old DAT recorder.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/kskreider/2017-06-12%2016.39.36.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kskreider/media/2017-06-12%2016.39.36.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/kskreider/2017-06-12%2016.39.43.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kskreider/media/2017-06-12%2016.39.43.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/kskreider/2017-06-12%2016.39.55.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kskreider/media/2017-06-12%2016.39.55.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/kskreider/2017-06-12%2016.40.06.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kskreider/media/2017-06-12%2016.40.06.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/kskreider/2017-06-12%2016.40.08.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kskreider/media/2017-06-12%2016.40.08.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/kskreider/2017-06-12%2016.40.15.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kskreider/media/2017-06-12%2016.40.15.jpg.html)
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Boom...thanks Paul, we all appreciate your support!
The MixPre outputs are not post SD card (except during playback obviously). The fact that you got audio dropouts on the Sony card and MixPre outputs at the same time suggests something else very strange is going on here. The outputs are totally independent from what's going on in terms of SD card data writes. Even with a slow card this should not happen - that would just result in a media too slow message and stop recording. If you haven't contacted Sound Devices tech support, you should do this asap so we can get to the bottom of what caused this. We would very much like to get our hands on this Sony SD card as well for evaluation.
Paul
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If you haven't contacted Sound Devices tech support, you should do this asap so we can get to the bottom of what caused this. We would very much like to get our hands on this Sony SD card as well for evaluation.
Paul
Thanks much for reaching out Paul and for your great customer support. I will check in with tech support about this.
I did more testing using 4 mic channels + the LR mix track recording at 192k onto a Sandisk Class 2 card I had lying about. No media slow warnings, but more dropouts as described before on both the internal MP6 recording and on the line output and headphone out (as recorded by my Zoom H4n and Sony M10). Everything chugging along fine and then the sound cuts out and meters zero out for a second or two, then back to normal.
I haven't found this on any other cards, but I'll keep testing. 6 channels of recording at 192k should require higher speed than class 2 (class 4 at a minimum?), but I wasn't getting any media too slow errors, just the dropouts.
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On a positive note, I can report based on all this testing that the power management of the Mixpre-6 is incredibly robust. While using USB-C power, I've pulled off the AA battery pack while recording without causing any glitches to the recording. Conversely, while using the USB-C powering and with the AA battery pack in place, I've removed the USB-C cable from the MP6 to switch from a USB battery to a USB wall wart and also switched between USB battery and USB wall wart while keeping the USB-C side of the cable still connected to the MP-6. In all cases, the MP-6 kept chugging along with no interruption to the recording.
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I got my tracking number from Dale Pro audio. It should arrive Tuesday.
Has anyone used the wingman app on It? I'm considering an used outdated iPad mini so I can control it remotely.
I played with this some more and while the range is pretty good, I just don't see it as useful for concert taping. I don't believe there is a way to change gain, just check levels. So while it's cool to be able to set it up 30 feet away, you still have to walk over to adjust gain. In your case I don't think buying an iPad makes sense since you can't really remotely control anything other than to start or stop recording
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I got my tracking number from Dale Pro audio. It should arrive Tuesday.
Has anyone used the wingman app on It? I'm considering an used outdated iPad mini so I can control it remotely.
I played with this some more and while the range is pretty good, I just don't see it as useful for concert taping. I don't believe there is a way to change gain, just check levels. So while it's cool to be able to set it up 30 feet away, you still have to walk over to adjust gain. In your case I don't think buying an iPad makes sense since you can't really remotely control anything other than to start or stop recording
From using the app on a Zoom F8, in my opinion the value of these apps is the ability to remotely monitor your recording, not necessarily having remote control-ability. I love that I don't need to be peeking in my bag every so often to check levels, battery status, and that the recording is still going. While an iPad is great for increased display size, I gotta say that I also love being able to stick my iphone/monitor in my pocket and walk around with it. Bluetooth range should give you around 50 or 60 feet if the Bluetooth signal is clear and unimpeded...maybe 15 or 20 feet in a crowd.
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Looks like Vintage King Audio has the Mixpre 3 and 6 in stock. They have them on eBay and their site.
https://vintageking.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=mixpre
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Does the cable wiggle up and down while connected? Looks nice.
No it does wiggle at all.
Out of curiosity does it move up and down if it isn't wrapped like that?
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Does the cable wiggle up and down while connected? Looks nice.
No it does wiggle at all.
Out of curiosity does it move up and down if it isn't wrapped like that?
The USB-C cables in use in computers, phones, and the mixpre6 are designed such that the cable is unlikely to be disconnected unless pulled out intentionally. There is a firm "click" when inserting, and the slight wiggle room doesn't affect the connection of either power or data.
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I am not worried about a disconnection, more that if you push down on the cable (causing the tip to move up), will this strain the soldered connection where the USB C jack is soldered onto the board? I could see that with repeated strain, this could eventually break.
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Pigs do fly. Wingman app now for android: https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/wm-firmware
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I am not worried about a disconnection, more that if you push down on the cable (causing the tip to move up), will this strain the soldered connection where the USB C jack is soldered onto the board? I could see that with repeated strain, this could eventually break.
It is probably important to say that the above is an opinion. (and a valid one, but...) The USB C connection on this deck is no different than on my LG G6 phone and for that matter every phone using USB C or USB micro. I do not see it being an issue , unless (as some people might) the deck is often shoved in a pocket that does not have enough room for the connector. >:D Reasonable care would be required on any connection of this type, IMO but there is nothing particularly different about the design to warrant anything more than normal care. The connection seems very solid. The same could be said for the 1/8 aux jack sticking out on the side, but that too is quite common and some caution and care is always advised.
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I am not worried about a disconnection, more that if you push down on the cable (causing the tip to move up), will this strain the soldered connection where the USB C jack is soldered onto the board? I could see that with repeated strain, this could eventually break.
I agree with the concern about strain on the connection.
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I like this unit on paper very much, but the 3 modes still seem a bit confusing to me, and I hope that they are changed a bit in a future firmware update.
The way I'd want to use this is for recording something like an orchestra or chamber ensemble, with a main stereo pair on channels 1-2 as a linked pair, and two solo spots on channels 3 and 4 individually controlled, with no L/R mixdown. I also want to be able to quickly adjust all of the gain levels from the 4 channel knobs. Strangely, it doesn't seem possible to do all of that in Advanced mode. To adjust ISO gain in Advanced mode, you have to press the channel fader to go into that channel menu, then select Gain, then use the headphone encoder. Moving the channel knobs in Advanced is adjusting fader level for the L/R mixdown; not ISO gain, which you have to go back into the channel menu to adjust. To get ISO gain control from the channel knobs and channel linking, you have to use Custom mode.
In the video below at the linked time (2:47) he demonstrates the bug a few have mentioned where deactivating the L/R track while Gain is set to Basic causes the ISO tracks to record at very low levels. This would make the recording situation I described above not possible until this is fixed.
https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167 (https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167)
Possible bugs aside, wouldn't it be far simpler if Custom and Advanced modes were combined into one mode? Right now, you change to Custom mode and set Gain to Basic to control your ISO gain from the channel knobs. This doesn't really describe what is happening. Instead, I'd like to see a submenu in Advanced called [Front Panel Knobs] with the options [Channel Gain] and [Track Fader]. You could also have a shortcut toggle between the two modes of knob operation by holding down the channel knob, you then are in the other mode which is indicated onscreen and with a flashing LED ring, you long press the knob again to toggle back. That might be even easier.
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In the video below at the linked time (2:47) he demonstrates the bug a few have mentioned where deactivating the L/R track while Gain is set to Basic causes the ISO tracks to record at very low levels. This would make the recording situation I described above not possible until this is fixed.
https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167 (https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167)
I had this problem the first time I used my Mixpre-6 but was waiting to do more testing to make sure it wasn't me.
I switched to advanced mode and controlling the gain directly for my second usage as I wasnt sure what had caused it (it appears turning of the mix recoding did) and this went much better.
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Some pictures with the L-style battery attached. I have a 3-shelf Petrol bag and had to remove one of the separators to have room for the mixpre-3 to sit on the bottom with the L-style battery mount.
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Of course they do...the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV!!! Glad to know Android users aren't on the outside looking in! :coolguy:
Pigs do fly. Wingman app now for android: https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/wm-firmware
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I had this problem the first time I used my Mixpre-6 but was waiting to do more testing to make sure it wasn't me.
I switched to advanced mode and controlling the gain directly for my second usage as I wasnt sure what had caused it (it appears turning of the mix recoding did) and this went much better.
While irritating (although, I suspect, easily correctable), the workaround seems simple: just record the mix tracks and delete them afterwards. With a 32 GB card, you get 64 "channel-hours" at 24/48. Even with all 8 channels, that's about 8 hours, so not too much of a problem...
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I had this problem the first time I used my Mixpre-6 but was waiting to do more testing to make sure it wasn't me.
I switched to advanced mode and controlling the gain directly for my second usage as I wasnt sure what had caused it (it appears turning of the mix recoding did) and this went much better.
While irritating (although, I suspect, easily correctable), the workaround seems simple: just record the mix tracks and delete them afterwards. With a 32 GB card, you get 64 "channel-hours" at 24/48. Even with all 8 channels, that's about 8 hours, so not too much of a problem...
Many things are obvious in retrospect. I didn't know the issue was a bug specifically related to the lack of recording the mix channel the first two times I used the device... After I ended up with the low track levels the first time, I reset the device config to the factory default and decided to test one thing at a time for the second attempt. Not knowing what the issue was, I chose to do everything in advanced mode, including gain. I had a sbd patch and I had to turn down the gain from the default, so I am thinking I might just stick with this method.
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^ Hindsight is 20/20, for sure. But now that the bug is known, it is easy to deal with going forward until it is fixed. Obviously, that doesn't correct a past issue, though...
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Found a cool Manfrotto bag at Best Buy for $42. MP6 in the inner compartment, snug between Anker battery and padded interconnects. On left, Pelican case with DPA 4023. On right, cables.
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Found a cool Manfrotto bag at Best Buy for $42. MP6 in the inner compartment, snug between Anker battery and padded interconnects. On left, Pelican case with DPA 4023. On right, cables.
Cool! I might pick up that bag for my rig.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/manfrotto-camera-shoulder-bag-gray/5802916.p?skuId=5802916 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/manfrotto-camera-shoulder-bag-gray/5802916.p?skuId=5802916)
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I like this unit on paper very much, but the 3 modes still seem a bit confusing to me, and I hope that they are changed a bit in a future firmware update.
The way I'd want to use this is for recording something like an orchestra or chamber ensemble, with a main stereo pair on channels 1-2 as a linked pair, and two solo spots on channels 3 and 4 individually controlled, with no L/R mixdown. I also want to be able to quickly adjust all of the gain levels from the 4 channel knobs. Strangely, it doesn't seem possible to do all of that in Advanced mode. To adjust ISO gain in Advanced mode, you have to press the channel fader to go into that channel menu, then select Gain, then use the headphone encoder. Moving the channel knobs in Advanced is adjusting fader level for the L/R mixdown; not ISO gain, which you have to go back into the channel menu to adjust. To get ISO gain control from the channel knobs and channel linking, you have to use Custom mode.
In the video below at the linked time (2:47) he demonstrates the bug a few have mentioned where deactivating the L/R track while Gain is set to Basic causes the ISO tracks to record at very low levels. This would make the recording situation I described above not possible until this is fixed.
https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167 (https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167)
Possible bugs aside, wouldn't it be far simpler if Custom and Advanced modes were combined into one mode? Right now, you change to Custom mode and set Gain to Basic to control your ISO gain from the channel knobs. This doesn't really describe what is happening. Instead, I'd like to see a submenu in Advanced called [Front Panel Knobs] with the options [Channel Gain] and [Track Fader]. You could also have a shortcut toggle between the two modes of knob operation by holding down the channel knob, you then are in the other mode which is indicated onscreen and with a flashing LED ring, you long press the knob again to toggle back. That might be even easier.
I am glad that someone posted a message while I was composing my query about what you wrote above. It forced me to go back and read the past few posts and see why I was so confused. I have not listened to anything recorded yet as I am just beginning to do battery tests but I think that I can see why some people are returning their units. I'll need to be patient as I am not used to being an early adopter.
You can set the gain on each linked pair but it is a bit convoluted and not intuitive. Push channel | Touch gain | Twist headphone knob or use up/down arrows on touch screen. If channels are linked they gain as a pair.
How about the ability to twist the big blinking knobs right on the front of the unit for ISO gain control? I thought that what everyone was asking about 29 pages ago? Only the tiny side knob for headphones or the touchscreen? What if I have headphones plugged in? There is not a lot of real estate for fat fingers on a tiny knob.
I am pretty sure all the front knobs are currently good for is to select a channel menu and to adjust the level of each of the four respective channels in the LR mix and that is it. Ironically I am going to disable the mix track because I do everything in post anyway. Man, I drove myself bat shit crazy for the past couple of hours trying to figure out what I was missing. LOL
Other impressions: I am going to miss the HOLD feature and the PRE-RECORD feature of my R-44.
I will get this thing into the field in the next couple of days and see what it does in the wild.
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Some pictures with the L-style battery attached. I have a 3-shelf Petrol bag and had to remove one of the separators to have room for the mixpre-3 to sit on the bottom with the L-style battery mount.
That picture in the Petrol bag is pretty hilarious! So much empty space, just to make room for the (relatively) huge batteries attached to a tiny deck!
I wonder why they chose to do the double L-style battery mount for these, sacrificing the compactness that is clearly a big selling point. I know, long runtimes, hot-swappable, etc. But if a 788 runs for a reasonable amount of time off of one L-style battery, then couldn't they have made a powering sled that would hold a single battery oriented at the rear, kind of like what you see for the 7-series?
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I like this unit on paper very much, but the 3 modes still seem a bit confusing to me, and I hope that they are changed a bit in a future firmware update.
The way I'd want to use this is for recording something like an orchestra or chamber ensemble, with a main stereo pair on channels 1-2 as a linked pair, and two solo spots on channels 3 and 4 individually controlled, with no L/R mixdown. I also want to be able to quickly adjust all of the gain levels from the 4 channel knobs. Strangely, it doesn't seem possible to do all of that in Advanced mode. To adjust ISO gain in Advanced mode, you have to press the channel fader to go into that channel menu, then select Gain, then use the headphone encoder. Moving the channel knobs in Advanced is adjusting fader level for the L/R mixdown; not ISO gain, which you have to go back into the channel menu to adjust. To get ISO gain control from the channel knobs and channel linking, you have to use Custom mode.
In the video below at the linked time (2:47) he demonstrates the bug a few have mentioned where deactivating the L/R track while Gain is set to Basic causes the ISO tracks to record at very low levels. This would make the recording situation I described above not possible until this is fixed.
https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167 (https://youtu.be/XAaWUbCpCPg?t=167)
Possible bugs aside, wouldn't it be far simpler if Custom and Advanced modes were combined into one mode? Right now, you change to Custom mode and set Gain to Basic to control your ISO gain from the channel knobs. This doesn't really describe what is happening. Instead, I'd like to see a submenu in Advanced called [Front Panel Knobs] with the options [Channel Gain] and [Track Fader]. You could also have a shortcut toggle between the two modes of knob operation by holding down the channel knob, you then are in the other mode which is indicated onscreen and with a flashing LED ring, you long press the knob again to toggle back. That might be even easier.
You can set the gain on each linked pair but it is a bit convoluted and not intuitive. Push channel | Touch gain | Twist headphone knob or use up/down arrows on touch screen. If channels are linked they gain as a pair.
Yes, that's my point. So many steps to do a single simple operation, which anyone experienced with audio equipment would expect to do a certain thing when you twist the corresponding channel pot/encoder.
I am pretty sure all the front knobs are currently good for is to select a channel menu and to adjust the level of each of the four respective channels in the LR mix and that is it.
In Advanced mode, that appears to be the case. And it's pretty silly in my opinion to make these nice rotary encoder knobs with integrated pushbuttons and multicolor LED surrounds, only to give them limited functionality in any one mode. They don't seem to do any more in Advanced than what they do in Basic, and in Custom (with Gain set to Basic) you simply get the opposite function instead of additional function. Advanced mode should let you freely toggle the function of said knobs between channel gain and faders for the mix. Free the knobs!
Ironically I am going to disable the mix track because I do everything in post anyway.
Well that's how I work also, but be careful - as per the bug discussed above, if you have Gain set to Basic (via Custom mode) to control ISO gain with the knobs, you get very low levels on your ISO tracks. Or you work in Advanced, and adjust gain through the menu and headphone encoder.
I applaud the early adopters here. For me, I think I'm going to watch from the sidelines for a while until new firmware makes these more intuitive to use.
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Some pictures with the L-style battery attached. I have a 3-shelf Petrol bag and had to remove one of the separators to have room for the mixpre-3 to sit on the bottom with the L-style battery mount.
That picture in the Petrol bag is pretty hilarious! So much empty space, just to make room for the (relatively) huge batteries attached to a tiny deck!
I wonder why they chose to do the double L-style battery mount for these, sacrificing the compactness that is clearly a big selling point. I know, long runtimes, hot-swappable, etc. But if a 788 runs for a reasonable amount of time off of one L-style battery, then couldn't they have made a powering sled that would hold a single battery oriented at the rear, kind of like what you see for the 7-series?
thats how I assumed it was set up, I def wouldn't be buying the l dock
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Can anyone explain what changing custom>channel>basic does? My unit doesn't seem to do what works for the guy in this video.
https://youtu.be/4WR3yTQrgIw
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couldn't they have made a powering sled that would hold a single battery oriented at the rear, kind of like what you see for the 7-series?
I feel the same way. They could have had room for 2 L-style batteries oriented that way if the pins you push the batteries into were back-to-back. That would let the unit sit in the petrol type bags the same way the 7xx's do.
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Can anyone explain what changing custom>channel>basic does? My unit doesn't seem to do what works for the guy in this video.
https://youtu.be/4WR3yTQrgIw
Go to system, select custom mode, the menu will prompt you to set all channel knobs to off if you havent already (fully counter clockwise), press ok to the menu prompt. Go back one menu, select custom set up. Select advanced for channel (allows full range of panning, solo, etc), probably select advanced for everything in both set up menus except gain, here select basic. Go back to the home menu. At this point, the main channel knobs will dial in pre fader gain. At fully counter clockwise where they should be it will be zero gain, can be increased up to 92db of gain.
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Go to system, select custom mode, the menu will prompt you to set all channel knobs to off if you havent already (fully counter clockwise), press ok to the menu prompt. Go back one menu, select custom set up. Select advanced for channel (allows full range of panning, solo, etc), probably select advanced for everything in both set up menus except gain, here select basic. Go back to the home menu. At this point, the main channel knobs will dial in pre fader gain. At fully counter clockwise where they should be it will be zero gain, can be increased up to 92db of gain.
Thank you for this Todd!
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Can anyone explain what changing custom>channel>basic does? My unit doesn't seem to do what works for the guy in this video.
https://youtu.be/4WR3yTQrgIw
Go to system, select custom mode, the menu will prompt you to set all channel knobs to off if you havent already (fully counter clockwise), press ok to the menu prompt. Go back one menu, select custom set up. Select advanced for channel (allows full range of panning, solo, etc), probably select advanced for everything in both set up menus except gain, here select basic. Go back to the home menu. At this point, the main channel knobs will dial in pre fader gain. At fully counter clockwise where they should be it will be zero gain, can be increased up to 92db of gain.
Thanks, that's how I've had mine set up. My question wasn't really clear. In the video, the guy wants to record only ISO tracks (no mix). He called Sound Devices and was told that he should turn channel to basic. In his video he shows that he has 4 armed ISO tracks and is not recording mix tracks. This seems to be what a lot of users here want. The problem is that people are reporting low gain. I haven't tried this myself, but I'm wondering that if turning off the mix tracks but having channel on advanced is somehow causing the low gain problem? Personally I want the mix+4 iso tracks so not a big deal to me.
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Some pictures with the L-style battery attached. I have a 3-shelf Petrol bag and had to remove one of the separators to have room for the mixpre-3 to sit on the bottom with the L-style battery mount.
That picture in the Petrol bag is pretty hilarious! So much empty space, just to make room for the (relatively) huge batteries attached to a tiny deck!
I wonder why they chose to do the double L-style battery mount for these, sacrificing the compactness that is clearly a big selling point. I know, long runtimes, hot-swappable, etc. But if a 788 runs for a reasonable amount of time off of one L-style battery, then couldn't they have made a powering sled that would hold a single battery oriented at the rear, kind of like what you see for the 7-series?
I completely agree that the L battery should have mounted on the back like the 7-series.
Maybe someone will come up with a 3d printed version to hold a single L style battery.
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I'm wondering that if turning off the mix tracks but having channel on advanced is somehow causing the low gain problem? Personally I want the mix+4 iso tracks so not a big deal to me.
I haven't tested this yet since I assume I can just record the mix track and then scrap it later if I don't want it (don't think I will). But from reading the posts, I thought it was the opposite: there currently is a bug causing low gain when no LR mix track is recorded and when you select basic mode or select basic gain in custom mode. I thought the gain was fine if you recorded no LR mix track and used Advanced mode. Could be wrong though, I'll try to test it when I get a chance.
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I had a question via pm about using custom mode with advanced channel, etc but using basic gain (as I described above). As far as I can tell, if you set up this way to use the main channel knobs to control pre-fade gain as many people apparently want to do, you no longer have the option of channel linking.
Set up this way, the channel menu (accessed by pressing the gain knob) only includes 2 menu pages, and linking is not an option. Set up in Advanced mode, the channel menu is 3 pages deep and channel linking is an option.
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I thought the gain was fine if you recorded no LR mix track and used Advanced mode.
I can confirm what I've said in a few postings here: that when I am totally in Advanced mode, I can record the ISO tracks with full gain while NOT recording the LR mix.
EDIT: Just remember, when you are not recording the LR mix, to change the headphone source so you can hear the ISO tracks playback. Headphone default is LR mix.
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Does the low gain bug record low gain or just drop the settings all down to 6db. I noticed the latter but I bring it back up to the 30-40 range and set it I think it's fine.
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Seems like it's time for a clearly articulated cheat sheet to menu options suited for two channel (and other configs) recording. Can someone whip one up as this thread has fast become confusing.
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Agreed!
Seems like it's time for a clearly articulated cheat sheet to menu options suited for two channel (and other configs) recording. Can someone whip one up as this thread has fast become confusing.
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I will say, based on the posts, there seem to be a lot of people who want the main channel knobs to control gain (pre-fade gain). As noted, this can be done using Basic mode or by using Custom mode with gain set to basic.
Sound devices seems to get a lot of heat for their position on gain both here and on other discussion boards and have pulled the manual or tech note section they had on A Note About Gain. But I think they are right and for many people here it's worth considering what they were saying.
For perhaps the majority of the board who are recording concerts with the more usual mic techniques (i.e., not using a Soundfield mic or not using M-S recording), messing with your gain while recording the show probably doesn't help with the quality of the recording and just makes your life more difficult. Assuming of course, you are "mastering" the recording in post with some sound editing software and normalizing your levels. For instance, I spent many an hour during post-production trying to smooth out very noticeable and very jarring level changes I made while recording so the result on playback is much more smooth.
When I started DAT recording, recorders like a Sony D7 were very noisy, making it best to record near 0dbFS. On top of that, for myself, I transferred my DATs to CDR using a standalone Marantz CDR burner. There was no raising my levels in post, so if I recorded with peaks at -16dbFS, my CDR recording was very low. The situation is very different today, both with the use of post-production with sound editing software and with much, much improved recorders.
The Mixpre-6 has a noise level of -130dbV and has 120db of dynamic range -- very quiet, very low noise, very wide dynamic range. If we're recording concerts in large arenas or bars, the noise level of the environment without any music playing would be something like 60db being very generous, probably more like 65-70db (or more). And ear-splittingly loud, the concert with the music playing is 120db. So we only need 50-60db of dynamic range.
If the noise level of the club is say 65db and the internal noise of the MP6 is -130dbV, you pretty much cannot possibly set your levels so low that the internal noise of the MP6 is louder than the noise level of the recording environment. So take an educated guess and set your levels so that you expect peaks no louder than -40dbFS. Plenty of headroom so you don't clip, and you can boost/normalize your recording in post by 40db and it will sound no different than if you rode your levels and recorded at -3dbFS and only boosted 3db in post.
That is set your gain so that you expect your levels to be quite low with plenty of headroom and no chance of going over, and you have a very easy job of simply normalizing in post. Compared to finding each time you decided to increase gain using the front panel gain knobs (if you set up in basic gain mode) and somehow massaging that recorded passage to make any level changes unnoticeable for the listener.
Long story short, given the noise level and dynamic range of the mixpre-6 and especially given the noise level of a concert environment, I really don't see what is the expected benefit of making any adjustments to gain once the show has started. What are people trying to accomplish? Maybe there are valid reasons and for some taping situations it might make sense, but for most of us doing the recording we do and mastering/normalizing in post, I don't see the benefit of needing to set levels at all during the show. Set the MP6 at a very, very conservative amount of gain before the show starts and never change levels again. Or set the MP6 to advanced mode with very, very conservative pre-fade gain and use the front faders to make a LR post-fade recording if it makes you feel more comfortable. I'd bet for many people once they get used to the new way of doing things would just archive the LR mix recording and would use the ISO tracks with the very low levels for mastering and final distribution.
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I'm wondering that if turning off the mix tracks but having channel on advanced is somehow causing the low gain problem? Personally I want the mix+4 iso tracks so not a big deal to me.
I haven't tested this yet since I assume I can just record the mix track and then scrap it later if I don't want it (don't think I will). But from reading the posts, I thought it was the opposite: there currently is a bug causing low gain when no LR mix track is recorded and when you select basic mode or select basic gain in custom mode. I thought the gain was fine if you recorded no LR mix track and used Advanced mode. Could be wrong though, I'll try to test it when I get a chance.
Yes that's my understanding of the bug exactly. It occurs when gain is basic and no mix track is recorded. I am talking about having the channel on advanced in custom mode though. In the video, he shows his settings in custom where he has channel basic, gain as basic, headphones basic, record advanced, metadata basic and outputs basic. This is around 1:10 in the video.
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Set the MP6 at a very, very conservative amount of gain before the show starts and never change levels again. Or set the MP6 to advanced mode with very, very conservative pre-fade gain and use the front faders to make a LR post-fade recording if it makes you feel more comfortable. I'd bet for many people once they get used to the new way of doing things would just archive the LR mix recording and would use the ISO tracks with the very low levels for mastering and final distribution.
My thoughts exactly. This is what I will be doing if I get one of these recorders. It's hard for folks that have been recording for a long time, especially if you started with noisy analog gear, to get over the urge to push levels close to -12, -6 or 0dbFS.
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As a addendum to my post above about gain, you can just get a feel for things with experience, but knowing the specs of your gear and some general understanding of sound pressure can help a lot.
For example, Gefell m200 cardiods have a mic sensitivity of 12mv/Pa, or about -36dbu. The Mixpre-6 can accept a mic signal of +14dbu without leading to clipping (going over 0dbFS) the A/D. A Pascal (Pa) is a sound pressure of 94db. If I conservatively assume a concert will get to 130db (36db above 1 Pascal), my mics will put out 0dbu (130-94+ (-36)). If I add 12db of gain before the show, I can still have 2db of headroom even if the concert gets to 130db. If the concert only hits a max SPL of 100db, my recording levels will be at -32dbFS, based on +14dbu max input on the MP6. That is, -36dbu for the mic sensitvity at 1 Pa (94 db), plus 6db for going to 100db (above the 94db reference), plus the 12db of gain I set, leading to a total of -18dbu going to the A/D stage, which needs +14dbu to get to 0dbFS. So my peaks are at -32dbFS.
Which seems low, but given the wide dynamic range of the MP6 and the very low noise at -130dbV, the noise of the concert environment is much higher than the internal noise of the recorder, so I can boost 32db in post and everything will be great.
Plus if you really want more insurance after giving yourself plenty of expected headroom, you can set up the limiters of the Mixpre-6, which are supposed to be excellent. Though if you need the limiters since the concert was louder than 130db, you won't be able to hear anything anyway.
Edit: I'm making some quick assumptions above between the max mic input and how that relates to the max input level to the A/D on the MP6. The mic input has a minimum gain of 6db and the max mic input of +14dbu may take that into account, so the max input to the A/D stage may be +20dbu, which would make my calcs above off by 6db, so that 12db of gain at a 100db SPL would lead to -38dbFS peaks on the recording. Still plenty high enough to insure you get adequate levels. Realistically, I will probably set my gain at 18db and will engage the limiters for extra safety.
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I generally don't adjust levels once I hit record. I usually use 20dB gain for louder shows and 30db for quiet shows. I do want linking as I'd prefer to balance my channels during recording because I have noticed that my channels are often 2-3dB apart. Probably time to send the caps into Schoeps...
I'd be ok using gain in advanced mode and not controlling with the front knobs so long as there is enough to show that the levels are moving during recording (flashing green knobs). I may save something like this as preset #2
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I haven't taped any shows yet, but just taping with the mixpre-3 side by side with my tascam dr100mkIII, it's unbelievable how quiet the mixpre preamps are and how much dynamic range they put out.
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^^^ The other advantage to doing it in the way Todd R is suggesting is that you don't need to worry about bumping the channel knobs. If you can keep yourself from accidentally stopping the recording, you'll be OK. You can balance the channels in advance, too, by setting the gains to account for the difference between mics.
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I got my MP-6. Really a small toy!
Quick battery test:
Fully charged four AA eneloop pro 2500 mAh
Card sandisk 32 extreme pro 95MB/s FAT32
Four Line Audio phantom microphones
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-M9vh-K8KZmVTExRTBjMGoxQVk
Total 130 minutes Recording.
Every 42 minutes the recorder starts a new file.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-M9vh-K8KZmdlpiQVNPLVJTaEU
The last 8 minutes the battery blinks orange, then turn off automatically.
The last file is played, but shows it is corrupt.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-M9vh-K8KZmRmF3OElnMkU3RXM
I set the recorder in the "iso mode" (as was written above) and saved it as a preset, which would not repeat the confusing procedure every time.
You can take this preset, place it in the settings folder on the card, load it when the recorder is started, change other settings if necessary.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-M9vh-K8KZmNEgyOHRXZjhPUkE
The recording was together with the mix, I did not pay attention to сlipping on the L and R channels, Just do not use the L and R tracks in the post.
It's not very convenient, but as it is.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-M9vh-K8KZmZmpBQ2hCbld3VFE
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Nbox vs MixPre 3 size comp
my new stealth rig (maybe) all depends on how it sounds :-)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/edtyre2/IMG_3517_zpslqoiyvbe.jpg) (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/edtyre2/media/IMG_3517_zpslqoiyvbe.jpg.html)
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Has anyone tried using this going USB A out>lightning cable>ipad?
I was not aware this was even an option until I saw this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF3VbAQqgS8
Not familiar with Auria but this seems like another cool option
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Has anyone tried using this going USB A out>lightning cable>ipad?
I was not aware this was even an option until I saw this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF3VbAQqgS8
Not familiar with Auria but this seems like another cool option
I stream shows and have traditionally used F8 -> A/D device -> iPad. I attempted to use USB-c -> iPad on my second outing with the Mixpre-6 but got a "device requires to much power error", even though I had the Mixpre USB-c output set to audio only. I was going to keep attempting to get this work but had no idea the USB-a port would work. IOS uses a system wide set of audio drivers/software so id this auria works any audio app should
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The last 8 minutes the battery blinks orange, then turn off automatically.
The last file is played, but shows it is corrupt.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-M9vh-K8KZmRmF3OElnMkU3RXM
I read somewhere, perhaps at jwsoundgroup.net, that if your MP6 battery dies in the middle of a recording, you can save that file by immediately turning the unit back on with a fresh power source.
I tried it on my recent battery test and it worked. After the AA batteries ran out, I plugged in my USB-C power source and turned the MP6 back on. I did some more recording and after turning off the MP6, I removed the SD card and played the files on my computer. The recording that was interrupted is fine.
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If you run out of power mid-recording and then you boot up with the card inserted, the MixPre will repair/finalize the file properly so that is can play in its entirety anywhere. The next firmware will not require you to boot up with the card inserted - there will be no corruption or loss of data, period.
The MixPre should work with any OS that uses Core Audio drivers.
Paul
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It is understood.
Paul Isaacs, thank you that you are with us!
dogmusic thank you!
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Four Line Audio phantom microphones
Which Line Audio mics were you using (I am interested in the current draw, which differs between the OM1 and CM3)?
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Which Line Audio mics were you using (I am interested in the current draw, which differs between the OM1 and CM3)?
I have both.
CM3 as ORTF (110 angles, 21cm) and OM1 as outrigger, usually. Sometimes CM3 as ORTF only.
Start with CM3, satisfies in most cases. As a result, I sold my Rode.
Line Audio and Sound Devices sound fantastic for me )
Big topic is on https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/644759-cm3-really-good.html
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^ So one pair of each in your MixPre battery test?
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Nbox vs MixPre 3 size comp
my new stealth rig (maybe) all depends on how it sounds :-)
(http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/edtyre2/IMG_3517_zpslqoiyvbe.jpg) (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/edtyre2/media/IMG_3517_zpslqoiyvbe.jpg.html)
Just sick.
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Seems like it's time for a clearly articulated cheat sheet to menu options suited for two channel (and other configs) recording. Can someone whip one up as this thread has fast become confusing.
Yes. Exactly what I wanted to say but was to afraid. These things are super confusing.
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^ So one pair of each in your MixPre battery test?
Yes )
Ordered BlitzWolf BW-P5 15600 mAh QC 3.0 Dual USB. While on the road.
https://mysku.ru/blog/china-stores/49094.html
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Seems like it's time for a clearly articulated cheat sheet to menu options suited for two channel (and other configs) recording. Can someone whip one up as this thread has fast become confusing.
Yes. Exactly what I wanted to say but was to afraid. These things are super confusing.
hipporu posted links to preset files for 2- and 4-channel set-ups with phantom power. You can put them on an SD card and then load them into the recorder. Maybe that helps?
I set the recorder in the "iso mode" (as was written above) and saved it as a preset, which would not repeat the confusing procedure every time.
You can take this preset, place it in the settings folder on the card, load it when the recorder is started, change other settings if necessary.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-M9vh-K8KZmNEgyOHRXZjhPUkE
Yes )
Thanks!
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Here's what the mixpre6 can do:
Soulive with John Scofield, the Shady Horns, John Scofield, & Marcus King
June 15, 2017
Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn, NY
Location: Stage Lip DFC
Source: Schoeps mk22 (NOS) + Mk3 (12 Foot Split) stage lip> Nbob Actives> Naiant PFA> SD Mixpre6 @ 24bit 48kHz.
Transfer: SD Card> Macbook Pro> Reaper (mix + DSP)> Sound Studio (Tracking + Fades)> xact (Tagging and flacing)
16 Bit: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593684
24 Bit: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593685
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Sweet! Thank you!
Here's what the mixpre6 can do:
Soulive with John Scofield, the Shady Horns, John Scofield, & Marcus King
June 15, 2017
Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn, NY
Location: Stage Lip DFC
Source: Schoeps mk22 (NOS) + Mk3 (12 Foot Split) stage lip> Nbob Actives> Naiant PFA> SD Mixpre6 @ 24bit 48kHz.
Transfer: SD Card> Macbook Pro> Reaper (mix + DSP)> Sound Studio (Tracking + Fades)> xact (Tagging and flacing)
16 Bit: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593684
24 Bit: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593685
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Here's what the mixpre6 can do:
Soulive with John Scofield, the Shady Horns, John Scofield, & Marcus King
June 15, 2017
Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn, NY
Location: Stage Lip DFC
Source: Schoeps mk22 (NOS) + Mk3 (12 Foot Split) stage lip> Nbob Actives> Naiant PFA> SD Mixpre6 @ 24bit 48kHz.
Transfer: SD Card> Macbook Pro> Reaper (mix + DSP)> Sound Studio (Tracking + Fades)> xact (Tagging and flacing)
16 Bit: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593684
24 Bit: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=593685
Thanks Noah!
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Using the deck is the best way to figure out how to use it. I tried for the first time last night, Mix Pre 6, ran 6 channels no mix and really it was a breeze. I powered it with a USB C Power Bank RAVPower 26800 PD Portable Charger 26800mAh, and after a 35 minute set and a 154 minute set, it had not gone down even 1 led. Since I always use external power, this was business as usual for me except it was USB C instead of USB Micro. In my setup, there is no way that the USB C input would be compromised with the gear in a bag, there was just no way for anything to touch it. Perhaps it would be a problem for some if maybe the deck was crammed in where there is no space on the sides but even then, I have 2 XLR stubbies coming out on each side of the deck short cables, 8 inches in length that my mics attach to (Courtesy of Mr. Darktrain) and that protects the USB C output, even though it is a stubbie, it comes out enough to be protection. I ran in custom mode, with only my gain in basic mode allowing me to use the 4 pots for gain. That said 2 minutes into the warm-up band, I had a feel for the levels and settings and had no further need to touch the gain. I knew the headliner (Pokey Lafarge, First Ave Mpls, MN) would not be as loud , so I increased gain a bit prior to the start and still ran very conservatively. It may take a while to post as there is construction going on at home, but it sounds great as everyone else has reported. I planned to use my Tinybox to run channels 5/6, but had the perfect spot to run my USB Pre 2, and that allowed me to run digital into my Tascam DR100MKIII just in case... I like the poly files, which show up in soundforge as separate tracks all on the screen together which allows me to track everything at once and then save each recording separately. I like to record one cardioid, one hyper cardioid and one Omni and see which I like best, so I don't mix them, that never sounds good. Using a 128gb card, the file size is 4gb (give or take a few kb's), but because it is recording poly files which are all together, the 4gb limit is reached at 24/48 after about an hour and 25 min. Of course the split is seamless so that is not an issue. I assume, and maybe someone can confirm this, that if you use 32gb or less, the file split would be at 2gb, because of the limitation of the FAT32 system. Anyone who runs a Marantz deck would be used to the 4gb limit, but of course the poly files will be split at whatever point, determined by using 2/4/6 or 8 tracks at a time.
I really liked the glowing pots, I found the deck easy to figure out, but I played with every menu to see what was where.
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Nice setup, dallman.
What bag is that you're using?
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I assume, and maybe someone can confirm this, that if you use 32gb or less, the file split would be at 2gb, because of the limitation of the FAT32 system. Anyone who runs a Marantz deck would be used to the 4gb limit, but of course the poly files will be split at whatever point, determined by using 2/4/6 or 8 tracks at a time.
The file seamless splits are always at 4GB regardless of card size or whether FAT32 or ExFAT. The 4GB limit is a .wav file format limit.
Paul
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I assume, and maybe someone can confirm this, that if you use 32gb or less, the file split would be at 2gb, because of the limitation of the FAT32 system. Anyone who runs a Marantz deck would be used to the 4gb limit, but of course the poly files will be split at whatever point, determined by using 2/4/6 or 8 tracks at a time.
The file seamless splits are always at 4GB regardless of card size or whether FAT32 or ExFAT. The 4GB limit is a .wav file format limit.
Paul
Paul:
1. Congratulations of a great product! We're a demanding bunch here, but at least from my experience, this is one of the most useful products for "what we do" to come along in a long while. That it does so at its price point makes it a classic.
2. Thank you for being here and for your continued assistance.
3. When's the new firmware drop? :smash:
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Nice setup, dallman.
What bag is that you're using?
Thanks!! The bag is a Kata Koala 1 Bag purchased here in the yard sale from Bean many years ago.
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I assume, and maybe someone can confirm this, that if you use 32gb or less, the file split would be at 2gb, because of the limitation of the FAT32 system. Anyone who runs a Marantz deck would be used to the 4gb limit, but of course the poly files will be split at whatever point, determined by using 2/4/6 or 8 tracks at a time.
The file seamless splits are always at 4GB regardless of card size or whether FAT32 or ExFAT. The 4GB limit is a .wav file format limit.
Paul
Thanks Paul! That makes total sense but of course if I had a good memory, I probably wouldn't need to record every show I go to ;D
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I got my MP6 yesterday, and already have it all setup and recorded the TV last night with AA's! I'm trying to see how long my old USB A battery lasts with the MixPre's Dual USB A>USB C cable right now! Already got my DarkTrain Rt Angle STubby XLR's, and I'm just waiting on my Anker PowerCore+ 20,100mah USB C Battery and Anker 60w C>C Cable with Power Delivery!
I am ONLY using SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards with my MP6, so I hope that I never have the issues that ToddR is having :(
Here's a few pics with the DT Rt Angle Stubbies & 60v PFA's hooked up to my MP6! I'm using a HoneyComb 10,000mah USB A Battery with the SD Dual USB A>C Cable right now to see how long that'll run the MP6!
FWIW, I ran the MP6 through some tests yesterday and I ONLY got around 2hrs with 6 channels [4 DAUD 60v PFA's + LR Mix] and my 2,300mah Energizer AA's! Even when I turned Bluetooth OFF and the LR Mix OFF, I still only got about 2 hours, so I'm GUESSING that the Bluetooth and LR Mix don't take up too much battery power! I'm doing more battery testing & playing around every day so I'll keep yinz posted on battery runtimes and if I have any symptoms or problems!
Also, if you want to use those nice big gain knobs on the FRONT of the Mp6, and NOT use the menu, you have to be setup in CUSTOM MODE, and then Select BASIC under the gain option! BINGO, now you have complete gain control over the ISO tracks with the nice big gain knobs, instead of having to use the menu to add gain like in Advanced Mode :P ;D
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I bet you are one happy camper. The idea that you can buy a SD at this price point would have set off a buying frenzy if SD had beaten the 70d to market.
And even the black case is classy.
Not much discussion that I have been able to find, but the ability to start and stop recording via HDMI signals from a gh4 or similar DSLR is really going to please some videomakers.
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I bet you are one happy camper. The idea that you can buy a SD at this price point would have set off a buying frenzy if SD had beaten the 70d to market.
And even the black case is classy.
Not much discussion that I have been able to find, but the ability to start and stop recording via HDMI signals from a gh4 or similar DSLR is really going to please some videomakers.
It's much beefier and heavier than a DR-70D and you know when you're holding it in your hand that's it a well built machine and extremely durable & rugged IMO! I'm still shocked that SD released such a small but powerful deck for UNDER $1k! And I'm pretty sure there's already been a good bit of a buying frenzy related to these and the initial shipments!
I already have my 3 main taping scenarios saved as presets so that I can instantly switch between them depending on the taping situation that I'm in! I'm running a battery test right now with the MP6@24/96 with 4 channels of 60v PFA's@48v and the LR Mix all being recorded. Bluetooth ON and headphones plugged in@82! LCD & LED@3! Plugged into a Honeycomb brand USB A battery capable of 3.1 or 3.4 amps total output on both USB A ports, so it powers the MP6 wonderfully with the included Dual USB A>C Cable, even though the USB A>C cable is kinda big and too long! But great that I can use most of my old USB A batteries for my 70D, for the MP6 as well, if I'm in a pinch and need to at a festie or something!
I'll be running the 4xAA Tray & the Anker PowerCore+ & Monoprice USB C Batteries method to power my MixPre-6 8) I was going to get an 8xAA Tray too, but according to my setup and running 4xAA's battery tests [3] times yesterday, I'll be lucky to get 4 hours from the 8xAA tray since I only got 2 hours with the 4xAA Tray! I'm way too OCD to ONLY have 4 hours of power with me EVER, so I would feel better running the USB Battery with the 8xAA Tray anyway, since 4 hours would be too close for me! Does that make sense? So I'm probably saving my 8xAA Tray money and putting it towards something else for the MP6, like one more PowerCore+ or [2] Monoprice USB C Batteries!
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so I would feel better running the USB Battery with the 8xAA Tray anyway, since 4 hours would be too close for me! Does that make sense? So I'm probably saving my 8xAA Tray money and putting it towards something else for the MP6, like one more PowerCore+ or [2] Monoprice USB C Batteries!
Makes sense to me. Those Monoprice batteries are a good deal in the USA if you get them from Monoprice themselves.
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Stepping in, I know one day I want one unit too.
For now, would tapedeck (unbalanced out) to this unit be the way for a proper cassette-transfer? line in on channel 1+2?
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^ musicstore.de has the best price I have seen on this side of the Atlantic!
The idea that you can buy a SD at this price point would have set off a buying frenzy if SD had beaten the 70d to market.
I don't really see the 70D impeding the sales of these; they are kind of targeting different segments of the market. There are probably quite a lot of Zoom F4/F8 customers that would have bought the SDs if they had come out first, though. As for a buying frenzy, I know from a phone call with the aforementioned musicstore.de that they sold three shipments worth before they even received the first...
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when are you expecting yours Aaron? I am considering, dont really need it now but I probably will :wink2:
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I'm getting about 6 hours running 4 channels of 60v PFAs@48v + LR Mix, so 6 channels total, running a 10,000mah USB A battery with the included Dual USB A>C Cable! So around 2A or so average for the Mixpre6! I'll let yinz know once I get my Anker Powercore+ USB C battery and test it to see how long it'll run! I should have it today or Monday at the latest! But even with the USB A batteries that I already have, paired with the 4xAA Tray, I easily have enough power to record any non-festie related shows, so I really don't have any want or need to run anything but the 4xAA + USB Battery combo at this point in time!
I'm still shocked that I called Full Compass early Tuesday morning and they had 1-2 in stock, so I ordered one immediately
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^ musicstore.de has the best price I have seen on this side of the Atlantic!
The idea that you can buy a SD at this price point would have set off a buying frenzy if SD had beaten the 70d to market.
I don't really see the 70D impeding the sales of these; they are kind of targeting different segments of the market. There are probably quite a lot of Zoom F4/F8 customers that would have bought the SDs if they had come out first, though. As for a buying frenzy, I know from a phone call with the aforementioned musicstore.de that they sold three shipments worth before they even received the first...
At this stage, I agree. But if these new mixpres had been available when the 70d first came out, I suspect many here would have saved up the extra bucks to get the SD. Given the posting so far, it looks like some folks here are thrilled to get these new recorders.
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I'm still shocked that I called Full Compass early Tuesday morning and they had 1-2 in stock, so I ordered one immediately
That stock was not from their first allotment, that was round #2.
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I will say, based on the posts, there seem to be a lot of people who want the main channel knobs to control gain (pre-fade gain). As noted, this can be done using Basic mode or by using Custom mode with gain set to basic.
Just to clarify - My understanding is that there is not currently a way to get the channel knobs to control pre-fader gain.
In Advanced mode, the MP6 has two user-adjustable gain stages. The first stage is a trim pot (called gain on the MixPres). This is an analog gain stage and controls the analog level of the microphone preamp itself. It is adjusted by turning the headphone controller in the channel menu. The second stage is the fader, which is a digital gain stage. It is adjusted by turning the channel fader knob.
This sets up what is traditionally SOP (standard operating procedure) on many film and television shoots (which is of course a large part of Sound Devices' background). There, you often want to set your analog trim to a good but conservative level and focus on the mix using the faders. That way a mixer has total control of the mix, but the ISO's also serve as a safety in case something gets suddenly loud and clips. The sound mixer's fader mix is usually used for picture editing, screenings, and the like, and the program is eventually re-mixed in post production using the ISO's. In post it is no problem to have the ISO's to be a little low in level, as they can be turned up digitally without adding any noise - digital gain will not add noise when done properly. So in Advanced mode, you have your ISO's pre-fader and controlled only by the analog trim, and your mix track post fader and controlled by both the analog trim and the digital gain of the fader.
When you change Gain to Basic (usually in Custom mode), two things happen. First, that analog trim is disabled from being user-adjustable. It is fixed at +6db (the lowest setting) and is greyed out and cannot be changed in the current firmware. Second, basic gain mode switches the ISO channels from pre-fader to post-fader. That way both the ISO's and the mix (if active) are controlled by only the digital fader gain stage. This is a bit different from having the channel faders control the pre-fader analog gain.
In theory it is no problem to not have access to analog gain with a device as good as the MixPre's are. As I mentioned before, digital gain should add no noise to a signal, so if you have a preamp which is quiet enough that the self-noise of the preamp does not overpower even the quietest signal then you have little to lose by simply recording with the preamp gain down and raising the volume digitally in post. This has the advantage as well of preventing even surprisingly loud signals from overloading the A/D converters and causing clipping. Sound Devices' new Kashmir preamps seems purpose-built for this kind of recording; they are certainly quiet enough and have a wide enough bandwidth to be able to do this. This seems to be what Sound Devices is recommending in a lot of their marketing literature as well.
In practical use though, there are a couple of disadvantages to this way of working, mostly in terms of monitoring. First of all, if you monitor anything pre-fader while in Gain-Basic mode, it will be very hard to hear. Remember that pre-fader monitoring only responds to that first, analog trim stage which in this mode is fixed at +6 db. So if your sources need more gain than this they will seem soft in your monitoring. This makes recording low level sources, like nature ambience for example, quite difficult in gain-basic mode. For some sources, the digital gain available on the MixPre alone isn't really enough to get the sound to a clearly audible level. Again this isn't really an issue with recording quality as the file can always be given more digital gain after it is recorded, but that is an extra step and makes monitoring in the field quite difficult. In these situations you end up cranking up the headphone amp on the MixPre as high as it will go just to hear the signal. This is also not ideal though because the headphone amp is an analog gain stage and will induce noise on what you're hearing. Although this noise won't affect the recording, it could definitely trick you into thinking your recording is noisier than it actually is.
That's why the request to have an option for the channel fader knobs to control the analog preamp trim is still a popular request. There are great threads about the MixPre both on the JWSound Group and on Gearslutz with a lot of great info. I post as "mobilemike" on jwsoundgroup.net and as "celticrogues" on Gearslutz.
Hope this helps a bit.
-Mike
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Ran MP6 for first time last night (Marshall Crenshaw y Los Straightjackets) and looking at the file I think it made a mono recording. The waveforms for both channels are identical. Any idea what I did wrong?
Also, what should the "pan" be set to for each channel? Looking now I see it was set to center.
I should add that there was only one file on the SD card.
Still would appreciate if an experienced user can make a cheat sheet.
Thanks.
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Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
And... where is the power switch/button?
You seem to be the first person around here with a MP3 in your hands...
Thanks.
I asked support the same question- here is their reply.
"Hello Jesse,
Thank you for contacting Sound Devices. The MixPre-3 can record 3 separate sources on different tracks. These tracks can be mixed down to the Left and Right track (the other 2 recorded tracks out of 5). It sounds like you need a MixPre-6 if you need 4 isolated tracks, as the MixPre-3 can only do 3 isolated tracks max, plus the Left and Right tracks...
Best regards,
Danny Greenwald
danny_greenwald@sounddevices.com"
Sorry for bringing this up again, but still curious about this. The MP3 can record 5 tracks? The website and manual both state that the 3.5 in. input can do 2 channel. So why can't a stereo SBD feed be routed thru the 3.5. Because there is no where to assign it? It gets knocked down to mono. Can this fixed with a firmware update? I would just like to do 2 mics and a SBD signal and matrix in post.
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Ran MP6 for first time last night (Marshall Crenshaw y Los Straightjackets) and looking at the file I think it made a mono recording. The waveforms for both channels are identical. Any idea what I did wrong?
Also, what should the "pan" be set to for each channel? Looking now I see it was set to center.
I should add that there was only one file on the SD card.
Still would appreciate if an experienced user can make a cheat sheet.
Thanks.
I'm not an expert. Only recorded 1 show so far, but I would pan CH1 to L and CH2 to R (and CH3 to L/CH 4 to R). That is what I did and I had a stereo recording (ran 2 mics + stereo SBD).
I'm wagering you recorded your left and right mic to the CH1 and CH2 equally.
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Hey mitchellm.... I know it's been discussed, but can you tell me if the MixPre-3 can record two XLR inputs and 3.5mm (mini-stereo) input at the same time... for a total of 4 tracks??
And... where is the power switch/button?
You seem to be the first person around here with a MP3 in your hands...
Thanks.
I asked support the same question- here is their reply.
"Hello Jesse,
Thank you for contacting Sound Devices. The MixPre-3 can record 3 separate sources on different tracks. These tracks can be mixed down to the Left and Right track (the other 2 recorded tracks out of 5). It sounds like you need a MixPre-6 if you need 4 isolated tracks, as the MixPre-3 can only do 3 isolated tracks max, plus the Left and Right tracks...
Best regards,
Danny Greenwald
danny_greenwald@sounddevices.com"
Sorry for bringing this up again, but still curious about this. The MP3 can record 5 tracks? The website and manual both state that the 3.5 in. input can do 2 channel. So why can't a stereo SBD feed be routed thru the 3.5. Because there is no where to assign it? It gets knocked down to mono. Can this fixed with a firmware update? I would just like to do 2 mics and a SBD signal and matrix in post.
The MixPre3 cannot record the aux input directly like the MP6 can. You are limited to only 3 channels on the MP3. To record the signal from the aux input you need to assign that signal to one of the MixPre 3's three channels (attached to the big faders). The aux input is a stereo (2 channel) input so to record both sides of that you would need to assign each side separately to a fader channel. So for example you could assign Aux in 1 as the source for channel 1 and Aux in 2 as the source for channel 2.
You can't record 2 mics and a stereo aux input on the MP3 as you only have 3 channels to work with.
With that said, a lot of live shows are mixed in mono however, so you can often get away with recording only one side of the board feed and not lose anything.
-Mike
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> I'm wagering you recorded your left and right mic to the CH1 and CH2 equally
I think you're right.
I got the Wave Agent app and split the file on the card but both channels are identical -- as was the original file I opened using Sound Studio, which apparently can handle poly files.
The recording sounds nice but wish I had the full effect.
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The recording sounds nice but wish I had the full effect.
Most FOH uses 5-10% panning maximum. It's practically mono )
Maybe this is your case...
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Alex, you need to pan your channels Left and Right. That's how I have my Shure FP24 (Mixpre preamp). Standard Sound Devices operation on all their gear.
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Thanks, Dan. I don't recall that on the 744 but must have forgotten.
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Maiden voyage for MixPre3 (stealth)
schoeps mk6 > actives > pfa > sound devices mixpre3
https://soundcloud.com/edtyre/mojo-hand
A couple of observations. I used 4 AA Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. Was able to record 2 channels
with P48 for 2.5 hours and let it run in the car for another hour and it still had juice left over.
The unit gets really hot, wearing it on your body might get uncomfortable after a couple of hours running.
Even at 1 out of 10 the display is really bright in a dark room, would be great if it had stealth mode to turn it off.
Hows it sound? Listen to the sample and let me know here. There was no processing at all on the sample track.
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Can't imagine trading the cosmic tinyness of ipa>m10 for a Christmas tree light bodywarmer. :facepalm: :laugh:
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Can't imagine trading the cosmic tinyness of ipa>m10 for a Christmas tree light bodywarmer. :facepalm: :laugh:
One reason>>it sounds better
After running it once i have the gain structure down perfect, i can turn it on zip up my fanny pack and
start record from app. Going to try to run the babynbox > mixpre3 to see if that sounds better (as soon as Nick makes me a cable)
that way, i can power the mics with a 9 volt and shut off P48 on the MixPre3.
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Part 3:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182573.0