Author Topic: Sound Devices MixPre-D (Read 19353 times)

emmy · « **on:** October 13, 2011, 10:09:46 AM »

Is anyone currently using this item for field recording?

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mixpre-d.htm#

The only thing I'm concered about is the stated 10-18V external power. B&H claims (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/764543-REG/Sound_Devices_MIXPRE_D_MixPre_D_Compact_Field_Mixer.html) it can do 5-18V.

Beyond that, it seems to have everything I could ever want, including the mic-level unbalanced output for my Nikon D7000!

I've used the Sound Devices MP-2 with the AKG 451eb (cardoid) with good results, but not much in depth testing.

Can anyone speak on AKG's reputation with the Sound Devices? since that is most likely what type of microphones I'll be pairing with this device.

hi and lo · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2011, 10:11:57 AM »

I noticed that dc voltage range discrepancy a few weeks ago. SD's website says 10-18v but every single picture of the mixpre-d on their website clearly says 5-18v.

Anyone have an opinion on how this unit sounds? I love how much smaller it is than the usbpre2!

bryonsos · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2011, 10:28:57 AM »

My MixPre takes 5-18V external. The only difference with the newer "D" version is the USB out, so it's likely the same. I have no experience with pairing with AKGs, but this is an awesome clean pre IMHO. Compact, and built like a rock. It uses the same internals as their 7xx units.

eclark · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2011, 10:43:34 AM »

is it going to sound anything like an Oade W-mod UA5?

jbell · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2011, 05:03:12 PM »

Also has a digi out! AES

Quote from: bryonsos on October 13, 2011, 10:28:57 AM

My MixPre takes 5-18V external. The only difference with the newer "D" version is the USB out, so it's likely the same. I have no experience with pairing with AKGs, but this is an awesome clean pre IMHO. Compact, and built like a rock. It uses the same internals as their 7xx units.

page · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2011, 06:25:43 PM »

Quote from: bryonsos on October 13, 2011, 10:28:57 AM

My MixPre takes 5-18V external. The only difference with the newer "D" version is the USB out, so it's likely the same. I have no experience with pairing with AKGs, but this is an awesome clean pre IMHO. Compact, and built like a rock. It uses the same internals as their 7xx units.

generally, but it uses input transformers where as the usbpre2 really is the same as the 788's preamps which are very very similar to the older siblings. Neither is a bad approach, just what tool do you need for a job.

eclark · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2011, 08:18:06 PM »

sorry, I'm actually the OP, but had a mix up with my two accounts, since I haven't been on the boards in a while...

anyways, I am attracted to this unit because of it's functionality. but I'm not quite sure about sound, especially mixed with the AKG 460/480 mics. I've used the 451eb> MP-2 indoors for pgroove and outdoors for disco biscuits (both at the masquerade in ATL), I prefer the indoor pgroove recording because it's more bass-y. the outdoor recording with the disco biscuits is really bright and sharp almost, the highs are almost too high to listen to. OTOH, I used the w-mod UA5 with the 451 outdoors, slightly larger venue (echo project in ATL) with amazing results! it's my favorite recording. perfect sounding.

so, for anyone who has experience with the MP-2 or mixpre-d or mixpre or ANY Sound Devices product (since it seems they all use some what the same internals), how do these devices sound, say, compared to a W-mod UA5?

is the MixPre-D good for small boomy venues, large outdoors venues, nature recording? what are it's high points, what are it's low points?

bryonsos · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2011, 09:45:47 PM »

I'll see if I can borrow hypnocracy's AKGs for a show on Monday or the 22nd. If so, I'll report back.

kirk97132 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2011, 11:14:18 PM »

Quote from: eclark on October 13, 2011, 08:18:06 PM

sorry, I'm actually the OP, but had a mix up with my two accounts, since I haven't been on the boards in a while...

anyways, I am attracted to this unit because of it's functionality. but I'm not quite sure about sound, especially mixed with the AKG 460/480 mics. I've used the 451eb> MP-2 indoors for pgroove and outdoors for disco biscuits (both at the masquerade in ATL), I prefer the indoor pgroove recording because it's more bass-y. the outdoor recording with the disco biscuits is really bright and sharp almost, the highs are almost too high to listen to. OTOH, I used the w-mod UA5 with the 451 outdoors, slightly larger venue (echo project in ATL) with amazing results! it's my favorite recording. perfect sounding.

so, for anyone who has experience with the MP-2 or mixpre-d or mixpre or ANY Sound Devices product (since it seems they all use some what the same internals), how do these devices sound, say, compared to a W-mod UA5?

is the MixPre-D good for small boomy venues, large outdoors venues, nature recording? what are it's high points, what are it's low points?

I've run a Bmp2+ UA-5 an MP-2 and a USBPre2. The Pre2 is more like a V3 and fairly transparent which depending on the mic could said to be bright. while the MP-2 has that warmer transformer feel. I actually prefered the UA-5 with my LD mics over the MP-2. BUT I used them stage lip and never in an OTS situation. I can remember hearing the modded UA-5's being called a poor mans V2 or V3 but I don't think that's quite accurate. I also do not have any direct expereince with the Oade modded UA-5's.

hi and lo · « **Reply #9 on:** October 13, 2011, 11:36:09 PM »

Cool. I've heard a lot of Pre2 tapes and agree that it is very transparent and 'grace' like and I actually like its feature set a little better than than the v3.

I think the UA5 was coined a 'poor man's v2/3' more for it's funtionality rather than it's sound. Between the warm/P/T mods (I can't keep track of them all), it offered such a wide range of sounds that it's hard to pin it to the transparent 'grace' realm.

Definitely want to hear a few mixpre-d tapes and some comparisons to the original mp2/mixpre which has a very distinct sound. The only downside I am seeing to the pre-d is that it cannot be bus powered, so you can't use it as a headphone amp without an a/c adapter (unlike the pre-2). The idea of transformers for field use intrigues me, even if the pre-2 has slightly better specs, and it's small footprint is great.

kirk97132 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 14, 2011, 10:02:42 AM »

I know that the spec sheet list the sizes but in reality I don't think the footprint of either is much difference. Here are pix of my Pre2 and MP-2 with a DVD battery for comparison.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=139081.msg1817110#msg1817110
I think the mix-D is similisr in size to the MP-2. From what I have gathered reading info, the D was an answer to the DSLR camera inputs. Even if that had been out when I bought I was after the Pre2's ability to sync to an external Spdif signal. Then there is the USB interface, they used a UBS-3 plug which is rather robust. I had issues with the mini usb jack on another piece of gear I owned, it didn't hold up to constant use and got so a jiggle would break the connection. The only down side I personally have about the Pre2 is no internal battery. Not a bigggie for me YMMV. At this point I don't think I could get rid of any of the three preamps. Each has features I want that the other does not when I use them with a DR-680 or two

. It does make a great headphone amp with shiploads of power. Not the quietest amp but it can get real loud. The MP-2 works really well IMO with a bright mic like the AKG 451. The Pre2 has done well for me with my large diaphragm mics and also with my Teac 120(Nak 300 clones) and well I like the V3 with any mic. The Pre2 when paired with a bright mic like the 451 does have the ability to cut through the mud and pull crisp highs but remember I don't really do any section taping ever at large arenas or venues, rarely pull audience at bars or smaller clubs too. So my expereinces are not what most people here do for recording.

eclark · « **Reply #11 on:** October 14, 2011, 03:07:51 PM »

Quote from: page on October 13, 2011, 06:25:43 PM

generally, but it uses input transformers where as the usbpre2 really is the same as the 788's preamps which are very very similar to the older siblings. Neither is a bad approach, just what tool do you need for a job.

can you explain this please? what are input transformers? I'm not sure what a transformer is, and why it matters?

page · « **Reply #12 on:** October 14, 2011, 03:42:08 PM »

Quote from: eclark on October 14, 2011, 03:07:51 PM

Quote from: page on October 13, 2011, 06:25:43 PM
generally, but it uses input transformers where as the usbpre2 really is the same as the 788's preamps which are very very similar to the older siblings. Neither is a bad approach, just what tool do you need for a job.

can you explain this please? what are input transformers? I'm not sure what a transformer is, and why it matters?

the jist is that transformers aid in rejecting interference at the occasional cost of tonal balance or other color adjustments. For example, in my listening and learning experiences; some transformers roll off the extreme highs and lows (e.g. sub 100hz and above 16khz), might add harmonics in the low mid-range or upper bass (e.g a sensation of "warmth" in the low mid-range), or might produce a smooth "haze" texture across the soundstage. Some transformers are very clean with few faults, it's more based on what model they use. They are functionally useful when you are in a high/hostile RFI environment and/or using extreme cable distances and want to mitigate rogue noise. Someone else will probably have a better explanation.

So some general reading that is sort of related to the subject:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=118862.0 (first page is the meat of it, but the rest is interesting)
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=144387.msg1863109#msg1863109 (page 4 is nice as well)

bryonsos · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2011, 04:16:10 PM »

^^^Yep. In the case of SD products, the input transformers are Lundahl, so they're more or less transparent. For this app they're intended to provide a boost for long (up to 100') cable run.

eclark · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2011, 04:27:36 PM »

Quote from: page on October 14, 2011, 03:42:08 PM

So some general reading that is sort of related to the subject:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=118862.0 (first page is the meat of it, but the rest is interesting)
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=144387.msg1863109#msg1863109 (page 4 is nice as well)

Thanks for those links, page. Sometimes I think the Search bar at the top doesn't give very good results! I'll have to read through both of those threads later. Just for reference, does the MixPre-D use transformers, or no? I was a little confused when you said something about it before.

page · « **Reply #15 on:** October 14, 2011, 04:37:46 PM »

Quote from: eclark on October 14, 2011, 04:27:36 PM

Just for reference, does the MixPre-D use transformers, or no? I was a little confused when you said something about it before.

mixpre family = yes
usbpre family = no

eclark · « **Reply #16 on:** October 14, 2011, 08:46:13 PM »

Quote from: page on October 14, 2011, 04:37:46 PM

Quote from: eclark on October 14, 2011, 04:27:36 PM
Just for reference, does the MixPre-D use transformers, or no? I was a little confused when you said something about it before.

mixpre family = yes
usbpre family = no

so, what about the usbpre? Sorry, haven't had time to browse those threads, but will tomorrow morning while the wifey is at work

rastasean · « **Reply #17 on:** October 14, 2011, 10:22:36 PM »

Quote from: eclark on October 14, 2011, 08:46:13 PM

Quote from: page on October 14, 2011, 04:37:46 PM
Quote from: eclark on October 14, 2011, 04:27:36 PM
Just for reference, does the MixPre-D use transformers, or no? I was a little confused when you said something about it before.

mixpre family = yes
usbpre family = no

so, what about the usbpre? Sorry, haven't had time to browse those threads, but will tomorrow morning while the wifey is at work

it does not have transformers.

kirk97132 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 15, 2011, 09:29:32 AM »

I think you should make sure that it clear we are talking about the USBPre2 and the Mixpre-D. Not to be confused with the USBPre (v1.5) or the regular mixpre. They both are completely different animal. The USBPre is not able to do standalone, is bus powered and requires interface with drivers on computer. I am pretty sure it does not have transformers either fwiw. And the Mixpre does not have any digital output but does have transformer topology. Then there is the MP-2 which preceded the Mixpre, also no digital w/transformers and has a M/S function. It is easy to end up confusing them by dropping off a letter or number

eclark · « **Reply #19 on:** October 15, 2011, 10:57:58 AM »

Quote from: kirkd on October 15, 2011, 09:29:32 AM

I think you should make sure that it clear we are talking about the USBPre2 and the Mixpre-D. Not to be confused with the USBPre (v1.5) or the regular mixpre. THey both are completely different animal. The USBPre is not able to do standalone, is bus powered and requires interface with drivers on computer. I am pretty sure it does not have transformers either fwiw. And the Mixpre does not have any digital output but does have transformer topology. Then there is the MP-2 which preceded the Mixpre, also no digital w/transformes and has a M/S function. It is east to end up confusing them by dropping off a letter or number

(And then there's the Aereco MP-2.. j/k)

thanks for the clarification. I ran the Sound Devices MP-2 with AKG 451eb+ck1. The 451eb are known to have a bit of a high bump (iirc, because when used for analog recording, the tapes rolled off some of the highs, so people asked for a little more presence in the highs). now that we have lossy digital recording, AKG made the 460s. a bit later the 480s were made. I'm thinking the MixPre-D will be similar to the MP-2, and since I thought maybe the MP-2/451eb combo was a little *too* high, so I'm thinking the MixPre-D + 460s will be nice.

page, that MixPre-D thread is great! for anyone that hasn't read it yet that's interested in the MixPre-D, head there first!

I'd like to hear some samples if possible!

eclark · « **Reply #20 on:** October 23, 2011, 10:40:11 AM »

got my unit in the mail on Friday and love it so far! it's such an awesome device! here are some pictures when I took it out of the box

http://fileslap.com/86h/Untitled (5 images here)

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #21 on:** October 25, 2011, 12:25:11 AM »

Nice pics. Looks like a solid preamp

eclark · « **Reply #22 on:** October 25, 2011, 08:54:24 PM »

regarding the Voltage disceprency, I emailed Sweetwater and they emailed Sound Devices, here is the response from Sweetwater,

Quote

Hey Emery,

Got an answer directly from Sound Devices!

10-17 V is the correct spec. The images on the website are of prototype units that had a different labeling and the "10 to 18" that is stated in the user guide on page 9 is a misprint that should read "10 to 17". The voltage range of 10-17 V that is listed in the specs on the product web page and in the specifications section of the user guide, is correct.

Regards,

Nic Stage

Hope this helps.

Popmarter · « **Reply #23 on:** February 06, 2012, 06:41:43 AM »

Hope this is not a dumb question, but is it possible to run this: Mics > mixpre-D > USB to a tablet (with USB) running Android? And hit record?

kirk97132 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2012, 10:14:33 AM »

Quote from: popmarter on February 06, 2012, 06:41:43 AM

Hope this is not a dumb question, but is it possible to run this: Mics > mixpre-D > USB to a tablet (with USB) running Android? And hit record?

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mixpre-d.htm#
"24-bit, class-compliant USB streaming output for interconnection with Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and select iOS devices"

Popmarter · « **Reply #25 on:** February 06, 2012, 12:55:46 PM »

Quote from: kirkd on February 06, 2012, 10:14:33 AM

Quote from: popmarter on February 06, 2012, 06:41:43 AM
Hope this is not a dumb question, but is it possible to run this: Mics > mixpre-D > USB to a tablet (with USB) running Android? And hit record?
http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mixpre-d.htm#
"24-bit, class-compliant USB streaming output for interconnection with Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and select iOS devices"

Great!

Napo · « **Reply #26 on:** February 20, 2012, 03:34:38 PM »

Sorry for the newbie's questions:

- How I can connect the MixPre-D to my Sony M-10?
- I suppose I can connect my Schoeps CMR's to the MIXPre using the Naiant PFA Phantom power adaptor
- Is the set up worth the money?

Thanks in advance, Mauro from Italy

rastasean · « **Reply #27 on:** February 21, 2012, 10:41:23 AM »

Hi Mauro!

Have you considered the usb2? >>> http://sounddevices.com/products/usbpre2.htm
Slightly larger than the mixpre-d but if you're going from RCA or XLR to 1/8" to connect to the sony m10, you may want to consider saving the money since transformers may not be necessary.

I would consider the mixpred if I had equipment that could use the AES output from the pre-amp.

heehaw · « **Reply #28 on:** April 11, 2012, 08:38:53 PM »

How about battery life of the mixpre-D compared to the old one ?

phil_er_up · « **Reply #29 on:** October 07, 2012, 11:01:50 AM »

Sound Devices mixpre-d Results:

I recorded 2 shows with it in a small rig profile. What I found is 2 AA will not last 2 hours running phantom 48. Basically you would need to change batteries about 90 minutes or so with phantom on. After an hour the light would flash then would go completely dead between 1:30 - 1:40 with phantom on. The XLR outputs are side mounted which means you need a special cables stubbie or right angle to fit it in a small pack.

Battery Solution: run teckeon 3450. Had ted build me a custom cable for it - hosa 4 pin to teckeon 3450 connector.

Build quality:
The unit is built like a tank you could probably throw it against the wall and it would still work. Had a lot of functions WE as tapers like. It is small and not as light as a Naiant LB. I ran XLR inputs into the SD mixpre-d with oututs both XLR and 1/8 inch stereo.

Sound:
The sound is very neutral. No coloration as far as I can tell. The bass is very controlled with DPA40XX series mics. Say more hi end even though mids are very nice and come thru strong. So a very nice sounding neutral preamp with many nice options for tapers. You could not run this on double A batteries for a long set or even a long festival without a different power source. Ran the teckeon 3450 with the mixpre for 2.5 hours and it went down one bar. Not much thou the pre does like to be power hungry with the phantom on. I did not run it with phantom off so can not report on that.

Test Gear:
DPA4060 -> SD mixpre-D -> sony m10 (Home tests)
DPA4060 -> SD mixpre-D -> edirolhr09 (Home tests)
DPA4022 -> SD mixpre-D -> edirolhr09 (2 recordings Informants at Boulder band shell and TTB at RR 2012 both at LL)

PS: Also, commented in the Sony m10 thread that there is a difference in sound between recording with the Sony m10 and edirolhr09. Not sure on final conclusions about the difference in sound thou was surpirsed they sounded very different so your recorder does add color at least to some extent. Maybe not as much as any other piece in the chain thou it still adds somethings which is sort of counter intuitive to the way I was thinking...

DigiGal · « **Reply #30 on:** October 07, 2012, 12:24:12 PM »

I run my MixPre-D in the Portabrace case with my 661 in its case strapped atop it as pictured, makes for a sweet compact rig. I'm using a Tekkeon MP3450 to power both the MixPre-D and the PMD661, the Tekkeon fits in the bottom of the Portabrace case. The AES out of the MixPre-D feeds the S/PDIF in of the PMD661 via my own impedance matched conversion cable. RCA outs of the PMD661 feed the 3.5 mm return input on MixPre-D which allows for confidence record and playback monitoring of the PMD661 with the MixPre-D's excellent headphone amp. The Tekkeon MP3450 powers both units without a recharge for several shows even without shutting down between sets. The 3.5 mm output of the MixPre-D is unused with this setup so it is available to hand out a patch which I've done on a few occasions.

George2 · « **Reply #31 on:** October 07, 2012, 12:51:12 PM »

^^Nice!

JBernstein · « **Reply #32 on:** November 27, 2012, 10:36:19 PM »

DigiGal,

I'd love to see how you have the MixPre-D and PMD661 fitting inside those cases (the photo seems to no longer be viewable). You're using which cases, specifically? The Marantz PMD661 case for the recorder and the PortaBrace MX-24 Mini for the MixPre-D? Or is that a PortaBrace AR-PMD661? And the Tekkeon MP3450 fits in the bottom of which case? All photos would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.

DigiGal · « **Reply #33 on:** November 28, 2012, 12:35:59 AM »

Quote from: JBernstein on November 27, 2012, 10:36:19 PM

DigiGal,

I'd love to see how you have the MixPre-D and PMD661 fitting inside those cases (the photo seems to no longer be viewable). You're using which cases, specifically? The Marantz PMD661 case for the recorder and the PortaBrace MX-24 Mini for the MixPre-D? Or is that a PortaBrace AR-PMD661? And the Tekkeon MP3450 fits in the bottom of which case? All photos would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Oops, guess I moved the photo to a different folder and it broke the old link. Replaced above with new link.

The Marantz case is part number PRC661 from Marantz. The PortaBrace Case is the MX-24 it's the larger PortaBrace case of the two they make for it. Tekkeon fits in the bottom of the PortaBrace case and the Marantz case is attached atop the PortaBrace case over the built in pouch. One of these days I'll take more detailed photos showing how it all goes together but for now that's the only one I took.

DigiGal · « **Reply #34 on:** November 28, 2012, 01:03:25 PM »

Here's a few more photos, I cut the plastic strap lock connectors off the Marantz PRC661 case and cable tied it's loops to the strap mount ring on the PortaBrace MX-24 and use the PortaBrace MX-24 strap to carry the combo. If you ever want to run the PMD661 alone just snip the cable ties and put a key ring through the case loops, this will allow you to easily clip the PortaBrace strap to the PRC661 case. I also made a custom L-bracket that attaches to the bracket screws on the top of the MixPre-D which all fits inside the PortaBrace case and allows it to sit upright stably as pictured. It will all still work without the custom bracket but I decided to construct one for best stability. The bracket is not visible in the pictures, I would have to take the MixPre-D out of the case in order to show what it looks like.

DavidPuddy · « **Reply #35 on:** January 10, 2024, 11:12:26 AM »

Old thread....

I'm interested in running my Mixpre-D on Friday but don't want to lug around a separate battery. I did a test run and got a little over 4 hours on a set of white Eneloops - can anyone comment on if that is a normal run time for AAs?

SMsound · « **Reply #36 on:** January 12, 2024, 02:26:22 AM »

^^ Sounds about right maybe? I have a MixPre-D and run the Ikea Ladda / Eneloop Pro's. A couple hours of powering Line Audio CM4 doesn't seem to make much of a dent in the battery level. I expect I could get more than 4 hours on those or on CMC1 (which are also not power hungry), but i doubt you have to worry about getting less time.

Author Topic: Sound Devices MixPre-D (Read 19353 times)

kirk97132

kirk97132

kirk97132

kirk97132