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Author Topic: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre  (Read 14405 times)

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kirk97132

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #15 on: March 23, 2010, 02:44:26 PM »
I run a late model mixpre(it is noteworthy that there are 2 models of mixpre in addition to the mp-2). As far as what I've noticed/heard the early model mixpre's which are more akin to the mp-2 still have the difference in gain. The closest comparison I can give you is one taperjoe and I did a few weeks back. We were actually doing a comparison of my skm184 and skm140 since they are supposed to be the same mic. My skm140 source is the new model mixpre and Joe's skm184 source is the old model. It should serve as an effective A/B for you. After doing our own listening Joe and I both agreed the second set was a better comparison. We got hit by a balloon in set 1 which we think threw things off and readjusted for second set.

Trey Anastasio Band, The Riviera Theater, Chicago, IL, 2010-02-19
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
skm140 > mixpre(new model) > mr-1
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=532775

skm184 > mixpre(old model) > mr-1
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=532788

pictures of the rigs:
http://205.234.187.219/tab2010-02-19pic1.JPG
http://205.234.187.219/tab2010-02-19pic2.JPG

Hopefully this is some help. Best I could do on short notice!

Thanks for that.  But I have to say the different mics would negate any subtle differences in the preamps.  And I know they are "supposed" to be the same sounding mics but I don't believe it. 
    My impressions are the mixpre is geared for film and the MP-2 is straight up preamp.  The manual say that the mic inputs are transformer balanced inputs.  And the XLR uses an active balanced output stage.  I can say I don't really know exactly what that means. 

So this thing is mint brand new condition.  Anybody wanna trade this for  an MP-2 even up?  I just am looking to run the same units that is the only reason for the trade.  Let me know, Kirk

Offline yug du nord

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #16 on: March 23, 2010, 03:14:27 PM »
Not sure what this means, but the recommended replacement for the MP-2 is the 302.  NOT the MixPre for whatever reason....  maybe this list is outdated??  Maybe the MP-2 and MixPre are two completely different boxes internally....   I don't know?? 

I've been running a MixPre in front of my LD Busman mics for a few months now and have been diggin the results.  The LD Busman's have a transformer based output and the MixPre has a transformer based input... and to my ears, they seem to compliment each other.  I'm sure that's of no help what so ever, but figured I'd throw that in there.

Here's a link to SD recommendations of replacements for discontinued products.

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/discontinued.htm


edit to add:  both the MixPre and 302 use Lundahl transformers on the XLR inputs.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2010, 03:23:40 PM by uncleyug »
.....got a blank space where my mind should be.....

kirk97132

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #17 on: March 23, 2010, 03:51:06 PM »
Yeah that is weird for SD to recommend a mixer for a pre amp replacement.   I run the MP-2 with my Busman modded ADK's too, and I also run the Busman UA-5 with them.  I go back and forth but bottom line is that both do sound good.  I got the Mixpre in a trade and was surprised that it is perfect shape, not even wearing the paint on the edges yet.  Maybe I should just keep it.  I was only looking to have two of the same, MP-2's in this case. 

Offline taperj

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #18 on: March 23, 2010, 07:26:18 PM »
Thanks for that.  But I have to say the different mics would negate any subtle differences in the preamps.  And I know they are "supposed" to be the same sounding mics but I don't believe it.

Yeah, the comparison was actually for the mics as I had explained, depending on what school your in(believer/non-believer) on the sameness of 184/140 it would be either a decent comparison of preamp or not-so-decent comparison of the preamp. I agree that for a true comparison on the preamp that the same(truly the same) mics would need to be used(although neumann says 184's and 140's are truly the same mics.. that's all I'll say on the subject, we all know that's a whole different discussion that has eaten up a lot of database space here at ts.com) and if you wanted to get really crazy, have a manufacturer build and test 4 matched mics and record to a 4 track recorder, that would probably tighten up the sterility of the test environment as well as you could. Anyway, as I had said, it was just the best I could do and thought it might relate.  ;D
Rig: Neumann skm184 or Neumann skm140 > Sound Devices Mixpre > Olympus LS-10 or Korg MR-1

Just ask the axis, he knows everything.

Offline Shadow_7

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #19 on: March 25, 2010, 12:13:36 AM »
Sound Devices uses slightly odd terminology.  Probably because the portable aspects caters more towards the film crowd than the audiophile.  My MM-1's actually say something like Mic to Line Amplifier, instead of microphone preamp on the box.  Even though it's everything that the MP-1's are and then some (monitoring added).  Less a bit of battery life for the extras.

kirk97132

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #20 on: March 25, 2010, 03:39:32 PM »
So I think I'm gonna sell the mixpre.  Mostly to have the cash on hand.  I doubt if my old ears would be able to tell a difference between any of the SD boxes.  So if you want a MINT condition Mixpre for $565 to your door:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133671.0

Offline rastasean

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #21 on: March 25, 2010, 04:07:34 PM »
So I think I'm gonna sell the mixpre.  Mostly to have the cash on hand.  I doubt if my old ears would be able to tell a difference between any of the SD boxes.  So if you want a MINT condition Mixpre for $565 to your door:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133671.0

What pre are you going to use?
Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

kirk97132

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #22 on: March 25, 2010, 04:34:27 PM »
Well I already have an Sound Devices MP-2 and a Edirol UA-5 BM2p+ so I've got pre's to use and I am waiting on an ordered Tascam DR-680 to find out how the pre's sound in that.  If the Mixpre sells, I might keep the money or I might roll it into something else.  If it don't sell then I'll be using the Mixpre too.

Offline rastasean

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #23 on: March 25, 2010, 09:24:32 PM »
You should be able to sell the mixpre. Perhaps if you want to sell a pre-amp, the MP2 may be better but mixpres do sell fast. I really like mine and I'm blown away by the tiny size of it and the huge amount of gain.
Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

kirk97132

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Re: Sound Devices MP-2 vs. Sound Devices MixPre
« Reply #24 on: March 26, 2010, 08:41:30 PM »
Well I don't think either the MP-2 or Mixpre is better.  They are the same but built with slightly different features.  And like I said the MP-2 is a loaner so selling is not an option.  Besides you would be hard pressed to find one that is as cherry the one I have for sale. 

 

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