Author Topic: Introducing the Sound Devices 664 Field Production Mixer (Read 15797 times)

hammerhorror · « **on:** September 06, 2012, 10:26:20 AM »

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/664/

Sound Devices introduces the 664 Field Production Mixer, the newest addition to Sound Devices mixer line. The flagship 664 builds on the features of the popular 552 Production Mixer and offers expanded input/output connectivity, additional recording capabilities, and full-featured time code. See the 664 on display at IBC, stand 8.D74.

H₂O · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2012, 10:48:52 AM »

Just got the email too - pretty sweet!

I wonder about price

I bet $4500-5000 - hope it's less though

Also wonder what the run time will be on 5 aa's

bryonsos · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:01:58 AM »

Quote from: H₂O on September 06, 2012, 10:48:52 AM

Just got the email too - pretty sweet!

I wonder about price

I bet $4500-5000 - hope it's less though

Also wonder what the run time will be on 5 aa's

Damn! Thought I'd be the first to post about this. Double damn for what looks to be a badass unit!!

NOLAfishwater · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:14:08 AM »

Recording Tracks
10 tracks (6 inputs, 4 output buses);
16 tracks (12 inputs, 4 output buses) with CL-6

bluewingolive · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:14:41 AM »

I love these SD product emails I get at work...totally distracting.

NOLAfishwater · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:15:37 AM »

664 Street price: $3995

NOLAfishwater · « **Reply #6 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:17:02 AM »

Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) · « **Reply #7 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:18:11 AM »

That thing is HUGE! (or the guy in this video is really small).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaYy4d6dfFY

hammerhorror · « **Reply #8 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:25:24 AM »

I've already pre-ordered mine from Trew Audio. Expected price is $3,995.00

Now, who wants to buy my 552?

StuStu · « **Reply #9 on:** September 06, 2012, 11:40:09 AM »

Quote from: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 06, 2012, 11:18:11 AM

That thing is HUGE! (or the guy in this video is really small).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaYy4d6dfFY

DATPAT · « **Reply #10 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:23:05 PM »

doo. Don't know how i didn't see there was already a thread. oops

DATPAT · « **Reply #11 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:24:51 PM »

My thread was actually 1st that's why i didn't see it. Anyhow no worries the info is out that's what is important. The spec's are on my link but not the photo. In case someone wants to check the features.

hammerhorror · « **Reply #12 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:29:24 PM »

Quote from: DATPAT on September 06, 2012, 05:24:51 PM

My thread was actually 1st that's why i didn't see it. Anyhow no worries the info is out that's what is important. The spec's are on my link but not the photo. In case someone wants to check the features.

Actually my thread was first. I started it at 9:26am, you started your thread at 12:28pm.

No worries, I just can't wait to get my hands on one of these!

jbell · « **Reply #13 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:30:21 PM »

Quote from: StuStu on September 06, 2012, 11:40:09 AM

Quote from: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 06, 2012, 11:18:11 AM
That thing is HUGE! (or the guy in this video is really small).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaYy4d6dfFY

So does this mean nicely priced 744T are going to surface in the YS?!

DATPAT · « **Reply #14 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:40:17 PM »

I hear you on the unit. I would like to pick one up myself. It's a little more than i have to spend, which is why i got on the list for zaxcom maxx. But this might change my mind even though it's about $1,400 more. Albeit more of a unit. I look forward to hearing your review of it once you get yours.

H₂O · « **Reply #15 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:54:29 PM »

Quote from: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 06, 2012, 11:18:11 AM

That thing is HUGE! (or the guy in this video is really small).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaYy4d6dfFY

It doesn't look any or much bigger then the 788 and it's definitely smaller then my hs-p82

What sampling rates does it support (in the video you can see 48khz but that's expected)?

Edit - found this -
A/D
24-bit, 114 dB, A-weighted dynamic range typical; 44.1 kHz, 47.952 kHz, 48 kHz, 48.048 kHz SR

Hope they add 96khz at least - someday (like the did w/ the 788)

The aes-42 support rocks!

StuStu · « **Reply #16 on:** September 06, 2012, 07:12:02 PM »

Quote from: H₂O on September 06, 2012, 05:54:29 PM

Quote from: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 06, 2012, 11:18:11 AM
That thing is HUGE! (or the guy in this video is really small).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaYy4d6dfFY

It doesn't look any or much bigger then the 788 and it's definitely smaller then my hs-p82

What sampling rates does it support (in the video you can see 48khz but that's expected)?

Edit - found this -
A/D
24-bit, 114 dB, A-weighted dynamic range typical; 44.1 kHz, 47.952 kHz, 48 kHz, 48.048 kHz SR

Hope they add 96khz at least - someday (like the did w/ the 788)

The aes-42 support rocks!

From SD website:
664

Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions: 5.3 cm x 32 cm x 19.8 cm (H x W x D) 2.1" x 12.6" x 7.8"
Weight: 4 lbs. 12 oz. (unpackaged, without batteries)

788
Dimensions and Weight
Size: 45 mm x 257 mm x 163 mm (H x W x D) 1.8" x 10.1" x 6.4"
Mass: unpackaged: 1.7 kg, (3 lbs 12 oz.) without battery

12.6" is pretty wide. It does look nice though. I'm curious about the pres. Great price for what all you get.

H₂O · « **Reply #17 on:** September 06, 2012, 08:44:38 PM »

So that is a bit bigger

RichT · « **Reply #18 on:** September 12, 2012, 08:24:05 PM »

Had a play with one of these this afternoon at a trade show. Was impressive- pre's sounded clean with the gain cranked, no transformers in this one. Routing can pretty much be done anywhere to AES or analogue. Is only 48k, don't know of any plans to bring up the sample rate, 5s pre record buffer, loads of metadata options. Menus seem intuitive, still lots of knobs and analogue controls (gain knobs will arm tracks etc).

It's bigger and heavier than both the 788T and 552, but less hot than the 788T.

Apparently the first shipment to the UK's already been sold and they haven't even set a price yet...

Napo · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2012, 04:35:46 AM »

Sorry for my ignorance but

what is the difference between a field mixer which can record and a field recorder (supposing the same number of inputs/outputs)?

RichT · « **Reply #20 on:** September 18, 2012, 05:30:33 PM »

Quote from: Napo on September 15, 2012, 04:35:46 AM

Sorry for my ignorance but

what is the difference between a field mixer which can record and a field recorder (supposing the same number of inputs/outputs)?

Traditionally the mixer would be used like your 'preamp' but often with more channels than your recorder or be plugged directly into a camera, where the mixer would mix various sources on the fly down to 2 (or more channels). Recorders usually just record whatever goes in. Normally mixers can't record (although the 552 has a 2-track recorder onboard), and recorders can't mix but this got a bit foggy with the 788T which you can use as a mixer (in the digital domain) with the CL-8 or CL-9 controllers. The Zaxcom Nomad's (and AETA 4Minx etc) are similar (digital mixers) but have different features as different products converge into being in one box. The 664 is an analogue mixer with a pretty fully featured recorder onboard. Both the 788T and 664 will let you record a mix (or mixes) in addition to individual tracks.

Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) · « **Reply #21 on:** September 18, 2012, 05:43:05 PM »

Not sure I follow the above comment all the way.

Will this device record 6 channels that I could mix down later or do you mix on the fly to a stereo recording?

Just curious. I don't do enough multi-channel recordings to make it worth buying one, but the geek inside me needs to know how everything people are using works.

Napo · « **Reply #22 on:** September 19, 2012, 02:41:01 AM »

Many thanks, RichT;

much clear to me.

Now as knolwdge is accumalted over time ('standing on the shoulder of the giants'), I wonder how the mixer can mix various sources (let's say 4 channels) down to two. Does it take the best signal or just overimpose all of them into two? (maybe I should post that in the newbie section

)

Oh, if I had the money I would jump to buy this mixer. It looks so slick and we so much to learn by doing. Being in Italy I should add an hefty 23% VAT ( a real killer).

RichT · « **Reply #23 on:** September 24, 2012, 06:26:57 PM »

It'll record both 6 (or even up to 12) tracks *and* the mix at the same time.

The mix will be whatever you choose to send to the main outputs. It also gives you the option of recording whatever is sent to 2 additional aux outputs (whilst still recording all the inputs)

Napo · « **Reply #24 on:** September 25, 2012, 02:28:51 AM »

Quote from: RichT on September 24, 2012, 06:26:57 PM

It'll record both 6 (or even up to 12) tracks *and* the mix at the same time.

The mix will be whatever you choose to send to the main outputs. It also gives you the option of recording whatever is sent to 2 additional aux outputs (whilst still recording all the inputs)

Cristal clear, RichT. Many thanks.

hammerhorror · « **Reply #25 on:** November 19, 2012, 04:50:56 PM »

Just received my Sound Devices 664. Time to have some fun.

StuStu · « **Reply #26 on:** November 19, 2012, 05:30:32 PM »

Quote from: hammerhorror on November 19, 2012, 04:50:56 PM

Just received my Sound Devices 664. Time to have some fun.

Congrats!

DigiGal · « **Reply #27 on:** December 22, 2012, 04:48:58 PM »

No chat on this in a month. Anyone using the 644 want to write up a review?

blee421 · « **Reply #28 on:** December 28, 2012, 02:20:07 PM »

Hammerhorror-How do you like this unit?Looks sweet!!!

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #29 on:** December 28, 2012, 03:41:22 PM »

Quote from: blee421 on December 28, 2012, 02:20:07 PM

Hammerhorror-How do you like this unit?Looks sweet!!!

I'm wondering the same. This is the first I've seen/heard of it!

hammerhorror · « **Reply #30 on:** December 28, 2012, 05:21:51 PM »

The Sound Devices 664 is a fantastic mixer/recorder. I primarily use it on video projects, but I have used it to record a couple concerts as well. It sounds great, is very well built, and performs as well as you would expect any Sound Devices product to perform. It is also very easy to operate. If you are familiar with Sound Devices products the controls will immediately become familiar to you.

I don't ever see myself ever needing to upgrade to another recorder. It has everything I need: 24bit, great meters/screen, cf card & sd card slot, digital outputs, 6 analog inputs on full size xlr connectors (with the ability to add 6 more inputs via the CL-6 input expander), time code, word clock, direct outputs, 2 headphone jacks, returns, the list goes on and on....

I highly recommend the 664 to anyone who may be thinking of purchasing one. I was lucky enough to buy mine before the Sound Devices price increase went into effect (saved myself $600).

DigiGal · « **Reply #31 on:** December 28, 2012, 05:42:31 PM »

Congrats on the purchase before the price hike, $600 is a nice savings. Any chance the concerts you did record with it could be posted on LMA? Considering the 664 currently tops out at 48.048 kHz, what bit depth do you record at with it? How are you powering it, internals or external?

hammerhorror · « **Reply #32 on:** December 28, 2012, 05:56:09 PM »

Sorry, the concerts I recorded are not able to be posted anywhere per the artists request. When I do use the 664 to record a band that is LMA friendly, I will be sure to post the recording.

I have always recorded live music at 24bit/48kHz. So the 48kHz sample rate is not a problem for me.

I power it with an external battery. I use the same batteries that I use for my video camera: http://www.batteries4broadcast.com/vmb11.htm

I use the battery in conjunction with a Remote Audio BDS system, this allows me to power the 664, plus any other gear I have in the bag off of my single battery: http://www.remoteaudio.com/bds_v4/

hammerhorror · « **Reply #33 on:** November 05, 2013, 04:21:45 PM »

Very impressive firmware update for the Sound Devices 664: http://www.sounddevices.com/download/664-firmware/

-Version 2.0 firmware provides access to six additional, menu-controlled, line-level inputs for a total of 12 inputs. Inputs 7-12 appear on TA3 connectors shared with the direct outputs.
-The 664 records 16-track broadcast WAV files or stereo MP3 files to SD and/or CompactFlash cards. All inputs and outputs are individually selectable for recording.

leehookem · « **Reply #34 on:** November 18, 2013, 10:10:24 AM »

any samples?

ArchivalAudio · « **Reply #35 on:** November 19, 2013, 01:34:05 AM »

Quote from: hammerhorror on November 19, 2012, 04:50:56 PM

Just received my Sound Devices 664. Time to have some fun.

Lucky!

looking forward to hearing your feedback and results!

ArchivalAudio · « **Reply #36 on:** November 19, 2013, 01:36:58 AM »

Here's a video from sweetwater:

http://youtu.be/7dTVQy_QaGY

another
http://youtu.be/SaYy4d6dfFY

http://youtu.be/55gDCZFTUuE

jbell · « **Reply #37 on:** March 22, 2015, 07:04:56 AM »

There is a bunch of 644's on ebay. Would this be a better route than a 744t? Seems like it would be great for concert recording, but maybe I'm missing something.

hammerhorror · « **Reply #38 on:** March 22, 2015, 12:20:12 PM »

Quote from: jbell on March 22, 2015, 07:04:56 AM

There is a bunch of 644's on ebay. Would this be a better route than a 744t? Seems like it would be great for concert recording, but maybe I'm missing something.

I have a 664 and I love it. I used to own the 744 and I definitely prefer the 664. Way more features, 6 full size xlr connectors, 6 preamps, better menu structure, etc. The only advantage the 744 has is the lighter weight and smaller size.