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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: larrysellers on September 14, 2017, 12:37:36 PM

Title: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on September 14, 2017, 12:37:36 PM
Previous threads:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=181803.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182278.0
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182573.0
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on September 14, 2017, 02:24:39 PM
For those worried about the USB-C connection, I've had very good success with this right angled cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMOMAR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Z1MgZ7CViFhFs

The cable exits "down" in the bag, and then "up" to the battery, and is very secure.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: acidjack on September 14, 2017, 05:50:16 PM
For those worried about the USB-C connection, I've had very good success with this right angled cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMOMAR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Z1MgZ7CViFhFs

The cable exits "down" in the bag, and then "up" to the battery, and is very secure.

Thanks for that.

You mentioned you've used other non-approved batteries that worked. Could you share what some of them are?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on September 14, 2017, 08:32:20 PM
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=16240&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ejNBRCYARIsACEBhDNEmUir-ce495_8iCWYyH-WyqSwvpos2mM_m1DwWRsFOZb38Kd1LKAaAuQvEALw_wcB

That's the monoprice 15,000 mAh battery for $35

I prefer the form factor and larger capacity of the Anker, but this is half price.

There's also this: USB C Portable Charger, Jackery Titan S 20100mAh 30W Total Output QC2.0 Qualcomm Quick Charge External Battery, Type-C Port for Nintendo Switch, Macbook, Nexus, Samsung and More - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CO8LCP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_59XUzb8H7RS00
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on September 14, 2017, 09:40:39 PM
From the previous thread, I always liked running hot too.

Has anyone got a new MP_ and not liked it for fr one reason or another that you sent it back/sold it?
Or didn't get rid of it but are using you old gear instead?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on September 15, 2017, 04:14:25 AM
From the previous thread, I always liked running hot too.

Has anyone got a new MP_ and not liked it for fr one reason or another that you sent it back/sold it?
Or didn't get rid of it but are using you old gear instead?

Got my MP3 for field recordings and interviews (oral history), my 702 has been staying home since then.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on September 15, 2017, 07:59:39 AM
From the previous thread, I always liked running hot too.

Has anyone got a new MP_ and not liked it for fr one reason or another that you sent it back/sold it?
Or didn't get rid of it but are using you old gear instead?

For all you guys running hot, two questions:

1. Are you using the limiters?
2. Bt what means are you bringing up the levels in post to compare?

Obviously your experience is your own, but are you sure the only variable is more gain in the preamp?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Ronmac on September 15, 2017, 08:15:13 AM
^ This^

The only explanation I can muster for your experience and preferring the "hotter" version is the use of limiters and the preference for the effect they add.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: yug du nord on September 15, 2017, 10:34:48 AM
Regarding running hot....  I've never used an MP-3/6.
I used to run conservative levels until I ran a Mytek 192 ADC.
Once I realized that the Mytek could soak up a hot preamp signal, I started to run hot most of the time.  My rig sounded better to me when I ran hot.
I eventually switched over to a SD USBpre2 strictly as an ADC.  And it also can soak up a hot signal in my experiences.  And to me, my rig sounds better when I run hot. 

I don't "ride" the levels...  I just try to set them as hot as I can without clipping.  Occasionally, I need to turn down levels if they become too hot during a show.  But once I find the "zone" with my rig's levels..  and the musicians/sound engineer don't boost their levels, I usually leave it be.  I try to aim for -3db.  If the sound engineer and sound system is consistent with their levels, I'm not afraid to aim closer to 0db. 
If the sound pressure levels are all over the place or the dynamic range is all over the place or if I can't keep an eye on my rig's levels...  then those are the times when I find it necessary to run conservative....  and it still sounds great when I run conservative and boost in post...  but IMO, not as good as when it's "in-the-moment" hot.

So..  I can't speak for the MixPre-3/6...  but IMO, the USBpre2 sounds better to my ears when the levels are hot.
YMMV.

edit to add:  I do not use limiters.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Todd R on September 15, 2017, 10:53:28 AM

There's also this: USB C Portable Charger, Jackery Titan S 20100mAh 30W Total Output QC2.0 Qualcomm Quick Charge External Battery, Type-C Port for Nintendo Switch, Macbook, Nexus, Samsung and More - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CO8LCP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_59XUzb8H7RS00

That is one of the batteries I use.  It works fine, but at least for me, I can't seem to use it to start up the MP6.  It seems to require some kind of handshake that the Jackery/MP6 combo can't navigate from a powered down state. That is, if I don't have the 4AA battery pack attached, I've never been able to get the Jackery battery to power up the MP6.

So my workaround is I start up the MP6 using the 4AA battery pack, and then attach and power up the Jackery battery.  Once the MP6 is initially powered using the 4AA pack, the Jackery external USB C battery takes over and works fine.

Yes, I know Acidjack, this is not raising your comfort level.  :)  Really though, it works great other than this hiccup.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on September 15, 2017, 01:26:23 PM

You mentioned you've used other non-approved batteries that worked. Could you share what some of them are?

Here are some that I have found to work very well with the MixPre6:

This is the workhorse of the group:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LRQDAEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Runs seemingly forever.

This is also one that seems to go forever, but it is listed with a smaller capacity and is a smaller battery. I use this one the most, and have a few of them.
https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=108&cp_id=10831&cs_id=1083110&p_id=15121&seq=1&format=2

This one too seems to last and last. It is large, but very thin, so I find it useful in certain bags and situations where because it is thin it takes up little space even though it is large:
https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=108&cp_id=10831&cs_id=1083110&p_id=16240&seq=1&format=2

I am very happy with these 3 models. All three have push buttons that can start the power, but they usually also light up upon plugging in the USB "C" cable
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on September 15, 2017, 02:10:17 PM
I use both the thin monoprice and anker batteries. I like the monoprice form factor better personally. I do have to turn the batteries on, they do not turn on automatically when the Mixpre is connected.


The Amazon basics USB-c cable works great and Ive had no issues with it staying connected...

I have had no issues powering the mixpre via battery and/or USB-c battery. I dont see it as something that people should be paranoid about. I also have the Lmount sled and a Hawk-woods dummy battery to 12v barrel connector and intent on trying that for festivals...

Any USB-c battery that outputs 3amps @ 5 volts should theoretically be fine. SD only lists the one they have tested. If you find a USB-c battery that doesn't work, I would suspect the battery itself...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: stuartprovine on September 15, 2017, 02:48:12 PM
From the previous thread, I always liked running hot too.

Has anyone got a new MP_ and not liked it for fr one reason or another that you sent it back/sold it?
Or didn't get rid of it but are using you old gear instead?

Yes.  I sold mine.  The preamps were really excellent, though.  Reasons why I sold it were -

1) No redundant recording to a second card
2) Wasn't in love with the limiters for what I need the unit for
3) Powering options weren't what I consider to be professional
4) The ergos of the controls left a lot to be desired.  I hated having to reach into the bag to use the data encoder.  Too much physical interference with the aux input (which I was also using). 

Otherwise it's a wonderful sounding box.  Better than the F8 I replaced it with.  When SD releases a professional recorder with the pre tech from the MP6 I'll jump back on board.

-Stuart
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on September 15, 2017, 05:03:26 PM
^ To be fair, the MixPre-6 (or -3) isn't really intended to be a professional recorder, I think. More like "prosumer" (based on features, marketing, price, and even the existence of basic mode). And most of us here aren't pros like yourself, so we might be a little more flexible about their limitations...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: stuartprovine on September 15, 2017, 05:15:48 PM
^ To be fair, the MixPre-6 (or -3) isn't really intended to be a professional recorder, I think. More like "prosumer" (based on features, marketing, price, and even the existence of basic mode). And most of us here aren't pros like yourself, so we might be a little more flexible about their limitations...

I couldn't agree more.  In fact, I really do miss mine because the sound quality was better than what I have now.  The other factors are important enough that I don't regret my decision, but I do look forward to SD's next round of recorders and will likely buy one at their introduction. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on September 15, 2017, 08:01:47 PM
From the previous thread, I always liked running hot too.

Has anyone got a new MP_ and not liked it for fr one reason or another that you sent it back/sold it?
Or didn't get rid of it but are using you old gear instead?

For all you guys running hot, two questions:

1. Are you using the limiters?
2. Bt what means are you bringing up the levels in post to compare?

Obviously your experience is your own, but are you sure the only variable is more gain in the preamp?
no limiters for me.
When I ran hotter then I do now, it was with a UA-5 w/SVU > MT (normally). I did t really have anything to compare it to because I didn't have a second rig. But if I needed to do anything in post it was with Audacity.
Since I now have two rigs...
Tb > m10 and Dr-60d (which I also run in dual mode so kinda a third "rig")
I have not been running as hot with the tb > m10 rig because it's harder to adjust the levels bit with the Dr-60d I run with peaks around -6 and then the dual drops it down to -12. I would run closer to 0/-6 but the meters are not as good as the SVU.
All that said, I def felt the UA-5 rig sounded better hot and not adding in post.  The tb rig I think is more hit or miss and the dr-60d I don't hear much difference.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on September 15, 2017, 10:30:34 PM
^ This^

The only explanation I can muster for your experience and preferring the "hotter" version is the use of limiters and the preference for the effect they add.

No limiters. Here's a good example. The first six seconds were "hot". I regret turning the gain down 6dbs at the six second mark. I should have left it. The only post processing I did was to try and make the transition visually seamless on the wave by bringing everything up to match the first six seconds. I accomplished that. But as you can tell, it doesn't SOUND the same. Not as rich as the extra bits captured by running "hot".

https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.flac24/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.t02.flac
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ben_r_ on September 16, 2017, 12:42:29 AM
Just wanted to post back, seems like this charger and cable power the MixPre-6 perfectly:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Delivery-Charger-PowerPort-Samsung/dp/B06Y427WT7

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071XYBPMN
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on September 18, 2017, 07:14:45 PM
Apologies if this has been posted already. I searched, but didn't see it: Portabrace for the MixPre-6 (https://www.portabrace.com/ar-mixpre6.html#product_tabs_features).

No limiters. Here's a good example. The first six seconds were "hot". I regret turning the gain down 6dbs at the six second mark. I should have left it. The only post processing I did was to try and make the transition visually seamless on the wave by bringing everything up to match the first six seconds. I accomplished that. But as you can tell, it doesn't SOUND the same. Not as rich as the extra bits captured by running "hot".

https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.flac24/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.t02.flac

I don't think you are really capturing any extra bits (or a bit, really, at ~ 6 dB) of content. Kind of switching a bit of noise for a bit of headroom. I think it sounds "better" because it is still a lot louder, which makes for a big perceptual difference in quality, plus maybe a bit of comfirmation bias. Some gear might sound better at one gain settiing compared to another, but, personally, I don't think this example shows that and it's not a MixPre-6/3 either. Hard to compare across equipment probably. YMMV and whatnot...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: edtyre on September 18, 2017, 07:42:30 PM
^ This^

The only explanation I can muster for your experience and preferring the "hotter" version is the use of limiters and the preference for the effect they add.

No limiters. Here's a good example. The first six seconds were "hot". I regret turning the gain down 6dbs at the six second mark. I should have left it. The only post processing I did was to try and make the transition visually seamless on the wave by bringing everything up to match the first six seconds. I accomplished that. But as you can tell, it doesn't SOUND the same. Not as rich as the extra bits captured by running "hot".

https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.flac24/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.t02.flac

Don't like this part Justin, you tell people to not sell the recording, but you'll take money for it if people give it.
<***** - If you’ve enjoyed this recording, tips are appreciated - Thank you - *****>

Bitcoin:  1EY3jCESk6xu2mnKuYYAbdo8iyjC1WEA5m

Ethereum:  0xac24668758ACdd127AEbedBc84e2cF0D3e214662

Litecoin:  LPVepexetL9xxwZPKp5KuZfxRn4vq7eKF4

OmiseGo:  0xac24668758ACdd127AEbedBc84e2cF0D3e214662
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on September 18, 2017, 08:55:19 PM
^ This^

The only explanation I can muster for your experience and preferring the "hotter" version is the use of limiters and the preference for the effect they add.

No limiters. Here's a good example. The first six seconds were "hot". I regret turning the gain down 6dbs at the six second mark. I should have left it. The only post processing I did was to try and make the transition visually seamless on the wave by bringing everything up to match the first six seconds. I accomplished that. But as you can tell, it doesn't SOUND the same. Not as rich as the extra bits captured by running "hot".

https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.flac24/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.t02.flac
now if you boost it up 6db and compare do you hear a difference
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: goodcooker on September 19, 2017, 08:07:18 AM
^ This^

The only explanation I can muster for your experience and preferring the "hotter" version is the use of limiters and the preference for the effect they add.

No limiters. Here's a good example. The first six seconds were "hot". I regret turning the gain down 6dbs at the six second mark. I should have left it. The only post processing I did was to try and make the transition visually seamless on the wave by bringing everything up to match the first six seconds. I accomplished that. But as you can tell, it doesn't SOUND the same. Not as rich as the extra bits captured by running "hot".

https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.flac24/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.t02.flac

Don't like this part Justin, you tell people to not sell the recording, but you'll take money for it if people give it.
<***** - If you’ve enjoyed this recording, tips are appreciated - Thank you - *****>

Bitcoin:  1EY3jCESk6xu2mnKuYYAbdo8iyjC1WEA5m

Ethereum:  0xac24668758ACdd127AEbedBc84e2cF0D3e214662

Litecoin:  LPVepexetL9xxwZPKp5KuZfxRn4vq7eKF4

OmiseGo:  0xac24668758ACdd127AEbedBc84e2cF0D3e214662

Asking for donations or "tips" is crossing the line. You should take that down immediately. If you are asking for donations for the Archive that's a different matter entirely but if you are asking for yourself - that's terrible.

It's been 4 years - can't believe no one caught this and called you out for it until now. Or that you are still doing it  > https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2017-07-27.dpa4023.744.flac24 (https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2017-07-27.dpa4023.744.flac24)

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on September 19, 2017, 11:59:20 AM
^ This^

The only explanation I can muster for your experience and preferring the "hotter" version is the use of limiters and the preference for the effect they add.

No limiters. Here's a good example. The first six seconds were "hot". I regret turning the gain down 6dbs at the six second mark. I should have left it. The only post processing I did was to try and make the transition visually seamless on the wave by bringing everything up to match the first six seconds. I accomplished that. But as you can tell, it doesn't SOUND the same. Not as rich as the extra bits captured by running "hot".

https://archive.org/details/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.flac24/JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.t02.flac

Don't like this part Justin, you tell people to not sell the recording, but you'll take money for it if people give it.
<***** - If you’ve enjoyed this recording, tips are appreciated - Thank you - *****>

Bitcoin:  1EY3jCESk6xu2mnKuYYAbdo8iyjC1WEA5m

Ethereum:  0xac24668758ACdd127AEbedBc84e2cF0D3e214662

Litecoin:  LPVepexetL9xxwZPKp5KuZfxRn4vq7eKF4

OmiseGo:  0xac24668758ACdd127AEbedBc84e2cF0D3e214662

That is...organized. This place sure has changed.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 19, 2017, 03:01:15 PM
Let's try not to derail this thread with the "tips" issue. Just report his recordings with the tips note in them. I reported JohnMayer2013-07-12.dpa4028.flac24 as spam/scam/fraud.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: gewwang on September 19, 2017, 03:11:22 PM
so I guess starting a gofundme page to help pay for travel and tickets to shows in exchange for a tape is out of the question?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on September 21, 2017, 11:49:59 AM
The lack of a hold button got me at the onset of the 2nd set last night. 

I set levels and laid the recorder so that I could see it on stage from the front row.  I must've hit the stop button when I pushed it away from the stage lip because there is a minute or two of sound and then it just stops.  From my seat I could see levels were perfect so I never walked back up to check.  I did open Wingman but I must've had BT off because it would not see the device. 

It is a friggin' shame too because the band pulled all amplification for the final 2 songs and played into my mics on stage.  UGH!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on September 28, 2017, 11:40:13 AM
New firmware MixPre Series Firmware v1.20

https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware

"The MixPre-6 now features 4-channel linking, ideal for surround recording."
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on September 28, 2017, 11:57:04 AM
New firmware MixPre Series Firmware v1.20

https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware

"The MixPre-6 now features 4-channel linking, ideal for surround recording."

Can someone explain why this would be useful for me?  I typically run a cardiod pair and a MS pair.  The two are never close to being the same levels, really ever, especially the mid and side channels.  Why would I want to control gain on 4 mis-matched channels by just spinning a single knob?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on September 28, 2017, 12:05:01 PM
You wouldn't. But I can think of at least two reasons this would be very useful:

1) Using a Soundfield, tetramic or other 4 channel microphone. These need to have consistent levels across all 4 channels to insure proper stereo decoding.

2) Running multiple stereo (not m/s) pairs of microphones of the same company. I might use this to run my schoeps mk41v hypercard and mk3 omni pairs, to insure that the levels will be matched across all channels. That way I can control levels on both pairs with a single knob.

New firmware MixPre Series Firmware v1.20

https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware

"The MixPre-6 now features 4-channel linking, ideal for surround recording."

Can someone explain why this would be useful for me?  I typically run a cardiod pair and a MS pair.  The two are never close to being the same levels, really ever, especially the mid and side channels.  Why would I want to control gain on 4 mis-matched channels by just spinning a single knob?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on September 28, 2017, 12:06:13 PM
From the release notes, this would appear to allow the much clamored for channel linking (also two channel) with front knob gain control!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on September 28, 2017, 12:09:57 PM
From the release notes, this would appear to allow the much clamored for channel linking (also two channel) with front knob gain control!

yup, I just updated mine, and the channel linking option is no longer greyed out.

It looks like SD is listening.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on September 28, 2017, 12:16:08 PM
Great news here! Thank you Sound Devices for listening. I just updated my unit w/o issue and love that I can finally operate the MP6 like my old 744.  :cheers:

From the release notes, this would appear to allow the much clamored for channel linking (also two channel) with front knob gain control!

yup, I just updated mine, and the channel linking option is no longer greyed out.

It looks like SD is listening.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: goodcooker on September 28, 2017, 12:43:54 PM


This is good news. I really like the idea of a MixPre6 and a Sennheiser AMBEO VR mic as a compact surround rig.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on September 28, 2017, 12:47:23 PM
Does the 7xx series have the option to record to FLAC?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: johnw on September 28, 2017, 02:29:00 PM
^yes the 7xx can record to flac
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: sos on September 28, 2017, 02:41:12 PM
Does the 7xx series have the option to record to FLAC?

https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/recording-to-flac-file-format-with-7-series-recorders (https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/recording-to-flac-file-format-with-7-series-recorders)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on September 28, 2017, 03:01:34 PM
Full details:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on September 29, 2017, 10:24:29 AM

Can someone explain why this would be useful for me?  I typically run a cardiod pair and a MS pair.  The two are never close to being the same levels, really ever, especially the mid and side channels.  Why would I want to control gain on 4 mis-matched channels by just spinning a single knob?

I was happy to see that with the firmware update using the front panel knobs for gain, I can link channels 1/2, and then separately link channels 3/4. ISO (front panel) Knob 1 controls 1/2, and ISO (Front panel) knob 3 controls 3/4. That is exactly how I have used my Tascam DR680. I do not foresee ever linking all 4 together, at least not with my mic combos. I did not think to check if there is an option to link 5/6, I'll have to look at that tonight.

There is a specific linking option for m/s, so you could balance your M/S and control that with ISO 1, and then control your cardioid pair after balancing on ISO 3, so you would have 2 master balance controls instead of 4 separate controls.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on September 29, 2017, 11:48:03 AM

Can someone explain why this would be useful for me?  I typically run a cardiod pair and a MS pair.  The two are never close to being the same levels, really ever, especially the mid and side channels.  Why would I want to control gain on 4 mis-matched channels by just spinning a single knob?

I was happy to see that with the firmware update using the front panel knobs for gain, I can link channels 1/2, and then separately link channels 3/4. ISO (front panel) Knob 1 controls 1/2, and ISO (Front panel) knob 3 controls 3/4. That is exactly how I have used my Tascam DR680. I do not foresee ever linking all 4 together, at least not with my mic combos. I did not think to check if there is an option to link 5/6, I'll have to look at that tonight.

There is a specific linking option for m/s, so you could balance your M/S and control that with ISO 1, and then control your cardioid pair after balancing on ISO 3, so you would have 2 master balance controls instead of 4 separate controls.

^
+T
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on October 01, 2017, 08:19:37 AM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 01, 2017, 02:28:46 PM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/

Looks just like the Hawk Woods version:
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/hawk-woods-sd-1/ (https://www.trewaudio.com/product/hawk-woods-sd-1/)

Hawk Woods also makes a single L battery sled:
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/hawk-woods-sd-2/ (https://www.trewaudio.com/product/hawk-woods-sd-2/)

...Speaking of which, anyone here powering these units with the L style batteries?  I haven't seen much discussion about that option here.  The USB-C packs seem to be the cheaper option if starting fresh, unless you already own the Sony batteries and charger.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: mnm207 on October 01, 2017, 03:21:44 PM
Volt, I had a handful of unbranded NP-550 size L batteries from some LED lights gathering dust so I got one of SD's L sleds. With one in each of the sled's sockets it's just a bit thicker than the recorder itself (and roughly the same thickness as the Hawk Woods single L sled). I get plenty of record time out of two batteries for my needs and can easily hot swap in a spare. I prefer the all in one form factor that the L batteries provide and two of the batteries are lighter than my USB battery pack. If an extremely long recording situation comes up I can use my Anker 20100+ (again, already on hand from another task).

If I hadn't had either on hand to begin with I'd lean towards USB powering. On a longer trip I have coming up later in the year, I will likely bring the Anker since I'll be carrying it and its charger anyway (and the one charger also charges my phone and camera batteries). The L batteries mean one more (large-ish) charger to pack.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 01, 2017, 08:44:49 PM
Volt, I had a handful of unbranded NP-550 size L batteries from some LED lights gathering dust so I got one of SD's L sleds. With one in each of the sled's sockets it's just a bit thicker than the recorder itself (and roughly the same thickness as the Hawk Woods single L sled). I get plenty of record time out of two batteries for my needs and can easily hot swap in a spare. I prefer the all in one form factor that the L batteries provide and two of the batteries are lighter than my USB battery pack. If an extremely long recording situation comes up I can use my Anker 20100+ (again, already on hand from another task).

If I hadn't had either on hand to begin with I'd lean towards USB powering. On a longer trip I have coming up later in the year, I will likely bring the Anker since I'll be carrying it and its charger anyway (and the one charger also charges my phone and camera batteries). The L batteries mean one more (large-ish) charger to pack.

Thanks for sharing your experience.  I also like the form factor and ability to hot-swap the NP / L batteries, which is why I was interested in them, but the smaller ones that don't stick out that far like the 550s make me wonder about runtimes with 4 mics.

As for chargers, this kit looks attractive since the charger is small and can be powered off of a 12V car outlet:
https://www.amazon.com/DSTE-NP-F550-Sony-CCD-RV100-CCD-RV200/dp/B00CPYXQ2S/ (https://www.amazon.com/DSTE-NP-F550-Sony-CCD-RV100-CCD-RV200/dp/B00CPYXQ2S/)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 04:43:46 AM
MixPre-10T?

If this is what I think it is, THIS is why I didn’t buy a mixpre6!

https://www.sounddevices.com/component/tags/tag/tn-mixpre-10t
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 03, 2017, 06:30:42 AM
MixPre-10T?

If this is what I think it is, THIS is why I didn’t buy a mixpre6!

https://www.sounddevices.com/component/tags/tag/tn-mixpre-10t

Looks like they took those links down, but here's someone who grabbed a screenshot:
http://ironfilm.co.nz/leaked-is-a-new-sound-devices-mixpre-10t-coming-soon/ (http://ironfilm.co.nz/leaked-is-a-new-sound-devices-mixpre-10t-coming-soon/)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 07:06:50 AM
Needless to say, I’ve been waiting for this.

Paging Mr. Paul Isaacs!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 12:27:43 PM
DONE! 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Paul Isaacs on October 03, 2017, 12:28:53 PM
Thought some of you might like this baby!!

Paul
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 12:33:18 PM
Thought some of you might like this baby!!

Paul

when/where can i pre-order, and how much???

 :coolguy:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 12:40:28 PM
$1,837.50 Shipped.  Due on Halloween day.  Just Pre-ordered!

https://www.trewaudio.com/product/sound-devices-mixpre-10t/

WHOOO!!!!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 12:46:42 PM
Oade CM V3 and busman UA5 officially for sale.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on October 03, 2017, 12:52:55 PM
Oade CM V3 and busman UA5 officially for sale.

And here I had figured there were some big tippers... ;)

Why don't you post this in the Yardsale?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 01:05:32 PM
Oade CM V3 and busman UA5 officially for sale.

And here I had figured there were some big tippers... ;)

Why don't you post this in the Yardsale?

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=183788.0

 :bigsmile:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 01:22:06 PM
I just called Trew Audio in Nashville.  They said I was the first pre-order and they got a few since then. 

Delivery will be before or on Halloween. 

Super amped.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 03, 2017, 02:02:19 PM
Thought some of you might like this baby!!

Paul

Paul.  The webpage I read of the MixPre10 says that it can be powered by Hirose (awesome) and AA sled.  Can it be powered by USB-C as well (like the 3 and 6) or did they do away with that option on the 10?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Paul Isaacs on October 03, 2017, 02:24:53 PM
No powering via USB.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: tom the taper on October 03, 2017, 02:48:59 PM
No powering via USB.

Thanks Paul!!  For being here and all...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 03, 2017, 06:29:20 PM
I have to wonder, other than AES inputs and MixAssist, what else would cause someone to buy the $5000 more expensive 788T-SSD now?  Frankly I'm very surprised (but pleased) to see the 10T come to market because of that undercut, but perhaps sales of 788s have been pretty slow in recent years.

SD is sure to sell a boatload of these now that they've addressed some of the major annoyances in early firmware.


Paul, I still am waiting to hear how the Kashmir preamps compare to those in the 788, which I know had been the best you offer.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: 2manyrocks on October 04, 2017, 12:49:38 PM
^adding to Voltronic's question, do you know if the mixpre 3, 6 or 10 will sync audio to video in the new Nikon D850 and whether you can automatically start and stop audio recording over HDMI from the D850 to any of the mixpres?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on October 04, 2017, 11:53:43 PM
I came across some uncertain artifacts in a 4-channel recording of the Lil Smokies last night.  Two pairs of mics, no preamps, just Schoeps into the Mixpre-6

It sounds like distortion or clipping.  It is not one source or the other, it is on both.  Peaks never went totally bonkers.

Samples of the sources rough mixed together:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ph297ecv388unlb/LS_Sample2.mp3?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vgj6m44z19yd7zb/LS_Sample3.mp3?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i10bubhovzaxr0p/LS_Sample4.mp3?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p2ykzz1fm7ul4n2/LS_Sample5.mp3?dl=0

Happy to post longer samples or a whole song if it helps.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 05, 2017, 08:57:38 AM
I came across some uncertain artifacts in a 4-channel recording of the Lil Smokies last night.  Two pairs of mics, no preamps, just Schoeps into the Mixpre-6

It sounds like distortion or clipping.  It is not one source or the other, it is on both.  Peaks never went totally bonkers.

Samples of the sources rough mixed together:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ph297ecv388unlb/LS_Sample2.mp3?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vgj6m44z19yd7zb/LS_Sample3.mp3?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i10bubhovzaxr0p/LS_Sample4.mp3?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p2ykzz1fm7ul4n2/LS_Sample5.mp3?dl=0

Happy to post longer samples or a whole song if it helps.

i'm not seeing or hearing anything.

limiters involved?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 05, 2017, 10:00:31 AM
I don't hear anything either.  Maybe on sample 4 but I don't think it's from recorder.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on October 05, 2017, 01:11:50 PM
Crap, I hope it isn't my HD700's.  I'll check on the VR4jr's in a bit.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on October 05, 2017, 01:26:41 PM
So the only output on the MP-6 is the 3.5mm port? There is no way to route L/R mix out of the USB port? I want to try live stream though Mixlr.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on October 05, 2017, 01:35:05 PM
So the only output on the MP-6 is the 3.5mm port? There is no way to route L/R mix out of the USB port? I want to try live stream though Mixlr.

This should work via the USB audio interface. I tried it once and couldn't get it to work but plan on revisiting this this weekend. Everytime I've used the mixpre so far I needed to ensure the stream worked so I just kept using my sonicport - which I know works for streaming - but this weekend I am recording a show thats not as critical to successfully stream. 

According to the manual USB-7 and USB-8 correlate to L/R
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on October 05, 2017, 10:39:45 PM
Has anyone run the mp_ "out" > a camcorder (mic in)?
That's the huge plus of my Dr-60d, multi options to run out > in
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ICTWoody on October 09, 2017, 06:06:53 PM
Hey guys. Been trying to keep up with the thread, but travel has made that kinda hard.

I just received my MixPre-6 and I'm looking forward to trying it out. What is the current favorite/approved media preferences for the MP6? I need to order up a couple new SD cards to use in it and I wondered what everyone was liking from a compatibility and reliability standpoint?

Also, I want to snag a USB-C Battery to use. Favorites of the week?

Thanks,
Woody
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on October 09, 2017, 07:47:34 PM
Here is what I am using currently. I have also used a sandisk extreme 64gb, but I like having the larger capacity. I haven't seen any issues with cards since the first firmware update.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VBNQ1LC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As for batteries, there are just too many, I have a bunch, but there is a specific thread addressing it here:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182362.0

Also there is plenty in this thread which has 4 parts. Anything with a USB C output should perform well.
Enjoy your MixPre. It is a great deck.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on October 09, 2017, 08:16:36 PM
So the only output on the MP-6 is the 3.5mm port? There is no way to route L/R mix out of the USB port? I want to try live stream though Mixlr.

I tried streaming via the audio interface again this weekend. I think the problem is that  mixlr (or the iDevice itself) has no way of choosing which channels of the audio interface to use and its going to require another app first allowing you to chose the channels and then sending the selected ones over audiobus to mixlr (apps on ios can route audio between supported programs via audiobus)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 09, 2017, 08:19:54 PM
Officially joining the team! 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on October 09, 2017, 08:25:43 PM
Officially joining the team!

Welcome aboard!  3 or 6?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 09, 2017, 08:45:50 PM
6!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: markrsmith on October 09, 2017, 09:14:22 PM
Wondering if users are happy with these Kasmir preamps, and not need an external pre? And are these equal or better than the 702-788 series preamps? It is seeming that way, but still want to ask before i purchase a 3. Sorry for the question, done a little research but curious.

Found my answers in the 10 forum...
Title: MX POWER SLED - For MP-3/6
Post by: waltmon on October 09, 2017, 09:31:09 PM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/?removed_item=1

Cool power solution for Mixpre3/6 and made in the US...I like the looks of this better than the similar Hawkwoods hack, PLUS this is more flexible voltage wise for battery options...
Title: Re: MX POWER SLED - For MP-3/6
Post by: voltronic on October 09, 2017, 09:59:01 PM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/?removed_item=1

Cool power solution for Mixpre3/6 and made in the US...I like the looks of this better than the similar Hawkwoods hack, PLUS this is more flexible voltage wise for battery options...

I'm puzzled by why one would buy these accessories, unless you have already bought into a distributed battery system.  If you were starting from scratch, wouldn't it be much cheaper to use an appropriate USB-C battery that supplies the correct voltage?
Title: Re: MX POWER SLED - For MP-3/6
Post by: noahbickart on October 09, 2017, 11:57:33 PM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/?removed_item=1

Cool power solution for Mixpre3/6 and made in the US...I like the looks of this better than the similar Hawkwoods hack, PLUS this is more flexible voltage wise for battery options...

I'm puzzled by why one would buy these accessories, unless you have already bought into a distributed battery system.  If you were starting from scratch, wouldn't it be much cheaper to use an appropriate USB-C battery that supplies the correct voltage?

I'm with you 100%. The various USB-C Batteries are super inexpensive and run the mixpre6 forever.

Others have expressed concerns over the lack of a locking connector with USB-C. I've found a right angle cable solves all my problems. Others just want to use their current 9v or 12v batteries.
Title: Re: MX POWER SLED - For MP-3/6
Post by: dallman on October 10, 2017, 02:45:11 AM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/?removed_item=1

Cool power solution for Mixpre3/6 and made in the US...I like the looks of this better than the similar Hawkwoods hack, PLUS this is more flexible voltage wise for battery options...

I'm puzzled by why one would buy these accessories, unless you have already bought into a distributed battery system.  If you were starting from scratch, wouldn't it be much cheaper to use an appropriate USB-C battery that supplies the correct voltage?

I'm with you 100%. The various USB-C Batteries are super inexpensive and run the mixpre6 forever.

Others have expressed concerns over the lack of a locking connector with USB-C. I've found a right angle cable solves all my problems. Others just want to use their current 9v or 12v batteries.
Exactly! As far as I know only people that already have the Sony style batteries are exploring the less than perfect Hawkwoods options. It is unlikely anyone would seek those dated batteries out unless they already were using them. There are more and more USB C batteries hitting the market every day, and they are inexpensive and powerful.
Title: Re: MX POWER SLED - For MP-3/6
Post by: voltronic on October 10, 2017, 06:33:10 AM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/?removed_item=1

Cool power solution for Mixpre3/6 and made in the US...I like the looks of this better than the similar Hawkwoods hack, PLUS this is more flexible voltage wise for battery options...

I'm puzzled by why one would buy these accessories, unless you have already bought into a distributed battery system.  If you were starting from scratch, wouldn't it be much cheaper to use an appropriate USB-C battery that supplies the correct voltage?

I'm with you 100%. The various USB-C Batteries are super inexpensive and run the mixpre6 forever.

Others have expressed concerns over the lack of a locking connector with USB-C. I've found a right angle cable solves all my problems. Others just want to use their current 9v or 12v batteries.
Exactly! As far as I know only people that already have the Sony style batteries are exploring the less than perfect Hawkwoods options. It is unlikely anyone would seek those dated batteries out unless they already were using them. There are more and more USB C batteries hitting the market every day, and they are inexpensive and powerful.

My comment was only directed at the Hirose adapters.  Actually the dual Sony battery sled looks attractive in the sense you can hot-swap with the dual battery mount and keep running all day.  The big downside is that those batteries with decent capacity are large and bulky.  The Hawk Woods SD-2 seems kind of silly by comparison, as you're spending $100 more to only mount one battery compared to the SD dual battery sled.

I suppose it would be just as easy to run off of USB-C batteries with the 8 x AA sled as backup, and you can hot-swap USB batteries as needed with the AA powering the brief periods during swaps.  If I end up buying one of these recorders, that's how I think I'd power it.

Too bad USB power isn't an option for the 10T.
Title: Re: MX POWER SLED - For MP-3/6
Post by: 2manyrocks on October 10, 2017, 07:17:16 AM
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/cable-techniques-mx-powersled/?removed_item=1

Cool power solution for Mixpre3/6 and made in the US...I like the looks of this better than the similar Hawkwoods hack, PLUS this is more flexible voltage wise for battery options...

I'm puzzled by why one would buy these accessories, unless you have already bought into a distributed battery system.  If you were starting from scratch, wouldn't it be much cheaper to use an appropriate USB-C battery that supplies the correct voltage?

Some users want a locking power supply connector and the option to use other powering options.  They built this connector into the 10t. 

Various lights and monitors still use L series batteries.  Photographers who already have L batteries may prefer them over USB batteries especially if they don't trust the nonlocking  USB connector.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: waltmon on October 10, 2017, 08:08:37 AM
I've been pretty lucky to date but a usb c connector is a bit shaky in the world of field recording...an opinion shared by more than just me. Im still really puzzled why they went that powering route
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on October 10, 2017, 08:37:23 AM
I've been pretty lucky to date but a usb c connector is a bit shaky in the world of field recording...an opinion shared by more than just me. Im still really puzzled why they went that powering route

Maybe it depends on the cable, but I have to work pretty hard to get my USB-C connector out of the MP6 slot.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on October 11, 2017, 07:49:58 PM
Here's a comp between the MP6 and the USBPre2, a short recording of acoustic piano.

COMP 1-A https://app.box.com/s/lj7a1k7ifelh3y271p7k944ngggkef5x

COMP 1-B https://app.box.com/s/6dcyz792iqb8ojiqe6dzg64a8r46h820

Beyerdynamic MC930's > ART Phantom Pro II > Y-cable split   > 1. to USBPre2 mic in > TASCAM DR100MK3 digital in;   &  > 2. to MixPre-6 mic in
 
Both recorded at 24/48.

One file is a bit louder than the other.

A river flows past my house. Not sure if it's audible on the tracks.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 13, 2017, 02:17:17 PM

Can someone explain why this would be useful for me?  I typically run a cardiod pair and a MS pair.  The two are never close to being the same levels, really ever, especially the mid and side channels.  Why would I want to control gain on 4 mis-matched channels by just spinning a single knob?

I was happy to see that with the firmware update using the front panel knobs for gain, I can link channels 1/2, and then separately link channels 3/4. ISO (front panel) Knob 1 controls 1/2, and ISO (Front panel) knob 3 controls 3/4. That is exactly how I have used my Tascam DR680. I do not foresee ever linking all 4 together, at least not with my mic combos. I did not think to check if there is an option to link 5/6, I'll have to look at that tonight.

There is a specific linking option for m/s, so you could balance your M/S and control that with ISO 1, and then control your cardioid pair after balancing on ISO 3, so you would have 2 master balance controls instead of 4 separate controls.

Got my mp6 today!  quick question regarding linking channels.  Do you make sure they are matched and then enable linking or simply link ahead of time and use channel 2 or 4 to balance if they are off a little?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on October 13, 2017, 04:50:31 PM

Can someone explain why this would be useful for me?  I typically run a cardiod pair and a MS pair.  The two are never close to being the same levels, really ever, especially the mid and side channels.  Why would I want to control gain on 4 mis-matched channels by just spinning a single knob?

I was happy to see that with the firmware update using the front panel knobs for gain, I can link channels 1/2, and then separately link channels 3/4. ISO (front panel) Knob 1 controls 1/2, and ISO (Front panel) knob 3 controls 3/4. That is exactly how I have used my Tascam DR680. I do not foresee ever linking all 4 together, at least not with my mic combos. I did not think to check if there is an option to link 5/6, I'll have to look at that tonight.

There is a specific linking option for m/s, so you could balance your M/S and control that with ISO 1, and then control your cardioid pair after balancing on ISO 3, so you would have 2 master balance controls instead of 4 separate controls.

Got my mp6 today!  quick question regarding linking channels.  Do you make sure they are matched and then enable linking or simply link ahead of time and use channel 2 or 4 to balance if they are off a little?
It is a great question that I haven't had the time to figure out the answer to. It appeared to me that if I linked 2 channels, that there became significant differences in my balance between those 2 linked channels which I assumed was somehow based on the settings it was picking up from my pre-sets, but I couldn't be sure why linking appeared to create or change the balance between my 2 mics. It appeared to create a change as soon as I engaged the linking. I was linking 1-2, and linking 3-4, not all 4mics together, as mics 1-2 were Schoeps, and mics 3-4 were Busmans. Both sets appeared to show a disparity between channels as soon as they were linked. Further, I was wondering if knobs 2 and 4 were creating the disparity, as they were at the positions they had been in for gain on channels 2 and 4 before I linked the channels, I did not wind them down or center them. I didn't know if the pan would act like a balance control and therefore offset any difference, or if it would just throw my stereo image off. Because I was recording a live show and choose not to risk it or spend too much brain power trying to figure out what was happening or playing with the settings, I unlinked and used the deck as I had been using it. Then of course after the show I totally forgot to do any testing, so I wonder if others actually have specific answers. I was also thinking I'd ask Sound Devices for clarification, but this too slipped my mind. As you know setting up (in this case 6 mics) for a live show is not the best time to start to do analysis when something seems amiss, it's easier to just fall back on what is working if that is an option. 5 and 6 were linked too, but this is a moot point, because I run through a USB Pre2, and use the gain controls on the preamp as it is just easier than the gain controls on the MixPre for 5 and 6. That kind of renders my linking this channels useless.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 13, 2017, 05:32:59 PM
Here's a comp between the MP6 and the USBPre2, a short recording of acoustic piano.

COMP 1-A https://app.box.com/s/lj7a1k7ifelh3y271p7k944ngggkef5x

COMP 1-B https://app.box.com/s/6dcyz792iqb8ojiqe6dzg64a8r46h820

Beyerdynamic MC930's > ART Phantom Pro II > Y-cable split   > 1. to USBPre2 mic in > TASCAM DR100MK3 digital in;   &  > 2. to MixPre-6 mic in
 
Both recorded at 24/48.

One file is a bit louder than the other.

A river flows past my house. Not sure if it's audible on the tracks.

Both sound very good, but surprisingly different given that there's only a 0.5 dB difference in level.  It almost sounds like two takes where the mics were moved slightly.

Never having heard either preamp, I can't tell which is which.  I'll only comment that File A has a fatter/thicker tone but I suspect B may be closer to reality.

Nice playing and nice piano also.  Yamaha?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 13, 2017, 07:42:16 PM

Got my mp6 today!  quick question regarding linking channels.  Do you make sure they are matched and then enable linking or simply link ahead of time and use channel 2 or 4 to balance if they are off a little?

Further, I was wondering if knobs 2 and 4 were creating the disparity, as they were at the positions they had been in for gain on channels 2 and 4 before I linked the channels, I did not wind them down or center them.

That was it and that pretty much answers my question!  2 and 4 need to be at 12 o'clock for the balance to be centered.  so depending where you had the gain knobs it either unbalanced right or left right away.  so it does sound like we need to link beforehand or we'll see what you saw.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on October 13, 2017, 08:35:12 PM
Here's a comp between the MP6 and the USBPre2, a short recording of acoustic piano.

COMP 1-A https://app.box.com/s/lj7a1k7ifelh3y271p7k944ngggkef5x

COMP 1-B https://app.box.com/s/6dcyz792iqb8ojiqe6dzg64a8r46h820

Beyerdynamic MC930's > ART Phantom Pro II > Y-cable split   > 1. to USBPre2 mic in > TASCAM DR100MK3 digital in;   &  > 2. to MixPre-6 mic in
 
Both recorded at 24/48.

One file is a bit louder than the other.

A river flows past my house. Not sure if it's audible on the tracks.

Both sound very good, but surprisingly different given that there's only a 0.5 dB difference in level.  It almost sounds like two takes where the mics were moved slightly.

Never having heard either preamp, I can't tell which is which.  I'll only comment that File A has a fatter/thicker tone but I suspect B may be closer to reality.

Nice playing and nice piano also.  Yamaha?

Thanks very much for your comments. It is only a single take but they do sound quite different as you say.

The piano does have that Yamaha crispness but it's an English manufacturer, Danemann, who used to make a lot of instruments for the Tropics and ocean liners. Mine, a 6'7" grand made in the 50's, has the soundboard screwed down in many spots, perhaps to keep it from warping in severe humidity. It has a terrific action, very chunky and responsive.

It probably doesn't matter whether this is a blind test or not. So I'll say your description of File A is very apt for the smooth nature of the MixPre-6. Some have said that the USBPre2 is similar to the 788T preamps. Do owners of that recorder find it to be more clinical and, as you say, "closer to reality"?

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: 2manyrocks on October 13, 2017, 09:14:32 PM
Neither file has digital harshness that seems to affect some piano recordings.  Of the two, I like A better because it seems to have a fuller presence. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 13, 2017, 10:01:17 PM
Here's a comp between the MP6 and the USBPre2, a short recording of acoustic piano.

COMP 1-A https://app.box.com/s/lj7a1k7ifelh3y271p7k944ngggkef5x

COMP 1-B https://app.box.com/s/6dcyz792iqb8ojiqe6dzg64a8r46h820

Beyerdynamic MC930's > ART Phantom Pro II > Y-cable split   > 1. to USBPre2 mic in > TASCAM DR100MK3 digital in;   &  > 2. to MixPre-6 mic in
 
Both recorded at 24/48.

One file is a bit louder than the other.

A river flows past my house. Not sure if it's audible on the tracks.

Both sound very good, but surprisingly different given that there's only a 0.5 dB difference in level.  It almost sounds like two takes where the mics were moved slightly.

Never having heard either preamp, I can't tell which is which.  I'll only comment that File A has a fatter/thicker tone but I suspect B may be closer to reality.

Nice playing and nice piano also.  Yamaha?

Thanks very much for your comments. It is only a single take but they do sound quite different as you say.

The piano does have that Yamaha crispness but it's an English manufacturer, Danemann, who used to make a lot of instruments for the Tropics and ocean liners. Mine, a 6'7" grand made in the 50's, has the soundboard screwed down in many spots, perhaps to keep it from warping in severe humidity. It has a terrific action, very chunky and responsive.

It probably doesn't matter whether this is a blind test or not. So I'll say your description of File A is very apt for the smooth nature of the MixPre-6. Some have said that the USBPre2 is similar to the 788T preamps. Do owners of that recorder find it to be more clinical and, as you say, "closer to reality"?

Hmm, never heard of that maker.  Soundboard screwed down, you say?  That's certainly unusual but clearly it works.  I was thinking that the sustain of the bass reminds me of my Yamaha U1 upright.

Perhaps I should explain my "closer to reality" statement.  The "fat" sound of A is the one I preferred, but piano recordings in home studios tend to sound a bit thin at times, and not knowing your instrument I thought B was the "un-hyped" version. 

I'm still surprised how different these two files sound.  It almost sounds like two different mic positions.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on October 13, 2017, 10:06:35 PM
Here's a comp between the MP6 and the USBPre2, a short recording of acoustic piano.

COMP 1-A https://app.box.com/s/lj7a1k7ifelh3y271p7k944ngggkef5x

COMP 1-B https://app.box.com/s/6dcyz792iqb8ojiqe6dzg64a8r46h820

Beyerdynamic MC930's > ART Phantom Pro II > Y-cable split   > 1. to USBPre2 mic in > TASCAM DR100MK3 digital in;   &  > 2. to MixPre-6 mic in
 
Both recorded at 24/48.

One file is a bit louder than the other.

A river flows past my house. Not sure if it's audible on the tracks.

Both sound very good, but surprisingly different given that there's only a 0.5 dB difference in level.  It almost sounds like two takes where the mics were moved slightly.

Never having heard either preamp, I can't tell which is which.  I'll only comment that File A has a fatter/thicker tone but I suspect B may be closer to reality.

Nice playing and nice piano also.  Yamaha?

Thanks very much for your comments. It is only a single take but they do sound quite different as you say.

The piano does have that Yamaha crispness but it's an English manufacturer, Danemann, who used to make a lot of instruments for the Tropics and ocean liners. Mine, a 6'7" grand made in the 50's, has the soundboard screwed down in many spots, perhaps to keep it from warping in severe humidity. It has a terrific action, very chunky and responsive.

It probably doesn't matter whether this is a blind test or not. So I'll say your description of File A is very apt for the smooth nature of the MixPre-6. Some have said that the USBPre2 is similar to the 788T preamps. Do owners of that recorder find it to be more clinical and, as you say, "closer to reality"?

Hmm, never heard of that maker.  Soundboard screwed down, you say?  That's certainly unusual but clearly it works.  I was thinking that the sustain of the bass reminds me of my Yamaha U1 upright.

Perhaps I should explain my "closer to reality" statement.  The "fat" sound of A is the one I preferred, but piano recordings in home studios tend to sound a bit thin at times, and not knowing your instrument I thought B was the "un-hyped" version. 

I'm still surprised how different these two files sound.  It almost sounds like two different mic positions.

Lol. They sound the same to me (iPhone > usb CarPlay > crappy car speakers).

Both sound great but I can’t discern a difference.

 :shrug:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on October 13, 2017, 10:12:10 PM
Neither file has digital harshness that seems to affect some piano recordings.  Of the two, I like A better because it seems to have a fuller presence.

The Beyerdynamic MC930 (which I first heard about on this forum) is a great mic for piano. It's a bit "dark" or mellow and works well with close-miking.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 14, 2017, 08:53:48 AM
Here's a comp between the MP6 and the USBPre2, a short recording of acoustic piano.

COMP 1-A https://app.box.com/s/lj7a1k7ifelh3y271p7k944ngggkef5x

COMP 1-B https://app.box.com/s/6dcyz792iqb8ojiqe6dzg64a8r46h820

Beyerdynamic MC930's > ART Phantom Pro II > Y-cable split   > 1. to USBPre2 mic in > TASCAM DR100MK3 digital in;   &  > 2. to MixPre-6 mic in
 
Both recorded at 24/48.

One file is a bit louder than the other.

A river flows past my house. Not sure if it's audible on the tracks.

Both sound very good, but surprisingly different given that there's only a 0.5 dB difference in level.  It almost sounds like two takes where the mics were moved slightly.

Never having heard either preamp, I can't tell which is which.  I'll only comment that File A has a fatter/thicker tone but I suspect B may be closer to reality.

Nice playing and nice piano also.  Yamaha?

Thanks very much for your comments. It is only a single take but they do sound quite different as you say.

The piano does have that Yamaha crispness but it's an English manufacturer, Danemann, who used to make a lot of instruments for the Tropics and ocean liners. Mine, a 6'7" grand made in the 50's, has the soundboard screwed down in many spots, perhaps to keep it from warping in severe humidity. It has a terrific action, very chunky and responsive.

It probably doesn't matter whether this is a blind test or not. So I'll say your description of File A is very apt for the smooth nature of the MixPre-6. Some have said that the USBPre2 is similar to the 788T preamps. Do owners of that recorder find it to be more clinical and, as you say, "closer to reality"?

Hmm, never heard of that maker.  Soundboard screwed down, you say?  That's certainly unusual but clearly it works.  I was thinking that the sustain of the bass reminds me of my Yamaha U1 upright.

Perhaps I should explain my "closer to reality" statement.  The "fat" sound of A is the one I preferred, but piano recordings in home studios tend to sound a bit thin at times, and not knowing your instrument I thought B was the "un-hyped" version. 

I'm still surprised how different these two files sound.  It almost sounds like two different mic positions.

Lol. They sound the same to me (iPhone > usb CarPlay > crappy car speakers).

Both sound great but I can’t discern a difference.

 :shrug:

Try it at home on a good setup.  I'm listening on my KRK monitors, and the difference is not small.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: adrianb on October 14, 2017, 09:08:30 AM
Both recordings sound equally good to me. They are definitely different, but both are excellent.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 14, 2017, 09:53:33 AM

Got my mp6 today!  quick question regarding linking channels.  Do you make sure they are matched and then enable linking or simply link ahead of time and use channel 2 or 4 to balance if they are off a little?

Further, I was wondering if knobs 2 and 4 were creating the disparity, as they were at the positions they had been in for gain on channels 2 and 4 before I linked the channels, I did not wind them down or center them.

That was it and that pretty much answers my question!  2 and 4 need to be at 12 o'clock for the balance to be centered.  so depending where you had the gain knobs it either unbalanced right or left right away.  so it does sound like we need to link beforehand or we'll see what you saw.

So how were you able to unlink while recording?  When I'm recording the link option is grayed out.  Can't turn it on or off unless it's not recording.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: waltmon on October 14, 2017, 02:19:14 PM
That's my experience...you stay link til recording is in active
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 14, 2017, 02:28:54 PM
Any issues using linked? Seems like the way to go.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: waltmon on October 14, 2017, 03:06:32 PM
Not that I've encountered...I did disable the on the fly mix because it makes this huge file and chops my mono files early because of the 2 gb file size thing
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 14, 2017, 03:07:17 PM
Yea I disabled that for sure.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on October 14, 2017, 04:09:24 PM
Any issues using linked? Seems like the way to go.

I link my cardiod pair but leave my MS pair unlinked because the mid and side always vary so much.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on October 14, 2017, 07:11:54 PM

Got my mp6 today!  quick question regarding linking channels.  Do you make sure they are matched and then enable linking or simply link ahead of time and use channel 2 or 4 to balance if they are off a little?

Further, I was wondering if knobs 2 and 4 were creating the disparity, as they were at the positions they had been in for gain on channels 2 and 4 before I linked the channels, I did not wind them down or center them.

That was it and that pretty much answers my question!  2 and 4 need to be at 12 o'clock for the balance to be centered.  so depending where you had the gain knobs it either unbalanced right or left right away.  so it does sound like we need to link beforehand or we'll see what you saw.

So how were you able to unlink while recording?  When I'm recording the link option is grayed out.  Can't turn it on or off unless it's not recording.
I unlinked prior to the band coming out. I just decided that was not the time to start turning knobs and seeing what was happening. I do agree with your assessment though as to what was happening, but because my presets had certain (matched) gain amounts dialed in, I just decided unlinking was my safest bet.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: sos on October 15, 2017, 08:36:02 PM
For those that may not have come across this yet, a "feature comparison" sheet of the 3 new MixPre recorders (-3, -6, & -10T)...

http://cdn.sounddevices.com/download/lit/MixPre-10T-Web-SellSheet.pdf (http://cdn.sounddevices.com/download/lit/MixPre-10T-Web-SellSheet.pdf)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on October 15, 2017, 10:03:22 PM
Any issues using linked? Seems like the way to go.

I used it at TTB on both a mk22 stereo pair and a mk8/mk4v MS pair. I encountered no problems. The L channel was a little hotter on both pairs, as we were somewhat LOC, and closer to that stack. It was simple to fix in post.

In the old days I might have tried to compensate at the show, but it's much easier to measure and fix in post.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on October 15, 2017, 10:25:24 PM
Are people having issues mixing sources at home since there is no time code or word clock on the mp6?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 16, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
edit:  never mind.....
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: 2manyrocks on October 16, 2017, 12:55:29 PM
^What devices were you using and how long was the recording, please? 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 16, 2017, 02:10:56 PM
mixpre 6.  2 sets 1 hr 15 each.

are y'all talking about linking decks?  I thought he was implying that from one deck there would be issues.  if you're talking about multiple decks disregard me!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on October 16, 2017, 04:45:30 PM
mixpre 6.  2 sets 1 hr 15 each.

are y'all talking about linking decks?  I thought he was implying that from one deck there would be issues.  if you're talking about multiple decks disregard me!
That would be the natural assumption from the question.

Using multiple decks, the answer would be that if you are using the MixPre to record directly onto a dslr, the audio and video will lineup as it is being recorded together onto the same card at the same time so there is no drift, and if you are doing ISO tracks for a high quality soundtrack onto the MixPre's SD card you would need some sort of time code plug in which the MixPre accepts and then the audio and video would line up as that is the function of the time clock. Without using a time clock the synching of the audio and video or audio from a second source would be the same crap shoot it always is because of small differences between machines.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on October 18, 2017, 01:17:04 PM
So the only output on the MP-6 is the 3.5mm port? There is no way to route L/R mix out of the USB port? I want to try live stream though Mixlr.

This should work via the USB audio interface. I tried it once and couldn't get it to work but plan on revisiting this this weekend. Everytime I've used the mixpre so far I needed to ensure the stream worked so I just kept using my sonicport - which I know works for streaming - but this weekend I am recording a show thats not as critical to successfully stream. 

According to the manual USB-7 and USB-8 correlate to L/R

I was able to get streaming via my Mixpre-6 working, using only my ipad in conjunction with it, or at least it appears to work. I will have to see how it works in practice.  The biggest problem is that the Ipad sees all six channels and unless the app on the ipad side knows how to deal with that, it won't work. Mixlr does not know how to deal with this. I got it to work by using AUM, which allows me to choose the channels I want and then sending if rom there to Audiobus and from there mixlr. Audiobus allows sound to shuffled between apps if those apps are Audiobus "aware".

Mixpre-6 > USB-A > ipad via lightning connector > AUM > Audiobus > Mixlr

An interesting anecdote is that I kept getting "device uses too much power" on the ipad side when attempting to use the USB-c connection, so I tried the USB-a connection and, sure neough, it works as some people have noted...

In the end, using the sonicport is at lot easier but this appears to work
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on October 18, 2017, 04:08:57 PM
One of the reasons I like the MixPre-3 is that I'm going to use it as a bedside headphone amp in addition to my recording rig.  I needed an AC power cord and wasn't too keen on paying $40 for a wal-wart so got this at Best Buy and it works great (green lights).  Note on the back that it has a rating of 15W and 3A.  Saved me $20.

(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/USBC1_zpsmqdujaqs.jpg)
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/USBC2_zps7ibhpyla.jpg)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: audBall on October 18, 2017, 07:26:35 PM
^ To piggyback on your headphone comment, can anyone comment on the quality of the headphone out of these units with respect to previous SD offerings? I remember that being a concern from others in the past; however, I've never owned any SD gear.

Also, is anyone using theirs for the USB interface functionality, and willing to share their opinion?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ts on October 18, 2017, 07:29:34 PM
Is it possible to disable the LR mix?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on October 18, 2017, 08:22:46 PM
Is it possible to disable the LR mix?

Yes...I don't have mine in front of me, but I think it's in the Menu under "Recording." Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I can double check when I get home from work.

I keep mine disable. I wasn't really happy with the mix I got out of it. When I'm running more than 2 channels it worked way better to manually mix the sources.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on October 18, 2017, 08:23:45 PM
Yes but you have to be in the advanced mode or in custom mode with record set to advance. Then you go to the record scree to turn off L/R mix. You can also disable the mix within the app by pressing on the red L/R button on the left of the screen when viewing levels horizontally.

Is it possible to disable the LR mix?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ts on October 19, 2017, 03:26:34 PM
Thanks. I just started using advanced mode. I was doing fine with basic but decided disabling the LR mix might extend battery life. I use the 8 battery sled for normal length shows. ~ 3 hours. Besides I really don’t see trying an Aud/SBD Mix on the fly. These units will handle up to 30 feet, right?


Yes but you have to be in the advanced mode or in custom mode with record set to advance. Then you go to the record scree to turn off L/R mix. You can also disable the mix within the app by pressing on the red L/R button on the left of the screen when viewing levels horizontally.

Is it possible to disable the LR mix?

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Paul Isaacs on October 20, 2017, 04:28:10 PM
^ To piggyback on your headphone comment, can anyone comment on the quality of the headphone out of these units with respect to previous SD offerings? I remember that being a concern from others in the past; however, I've never owned any SD gear.

Also, is anyone using theirs for the USB interface functionality, and willing to share their opinion?

Feel free to ignore my opinion as I'm one of the MixPre designers and so a wee bit biased:) Headphone amp will make you want to listen to your entire music collection all over again - clarity and low frequency in abundance. Plenty of welly before distortion! Sounds great on my AT M50's and Sennheiser HD25's.
I'm using MixPre-6 in my music studio as a USB audio interface to both Logic and Protools all the time.  8 in, 4 out is all I need.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: audBall on October 20, 2017, 04:52:27 PM
Thank you for the response, Paul.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on October 20, 2017, 05:33:46 PM
Thank you for the response, Paul.

Same here.  Good quality dedicated headphone amps run $300 on their own and a good DAC is another couple hundred, so buying a MixPre-3 for $650 is kinda like putting money in the bank.  OK well not exactly, but I'm more than pleased that my recording and playback hardware is integrated as much as possible.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: audBall on October 20, 2017, 05:59:34 PM
OK well not exactly, but I'm more than pleased that my recording and playback hardware is integrated as much as possible.

Thanks, those are my thoughts as well.

It's also convenient that they work with "any impedance" headphones, too.

Paul, is there an "ideal" impedance range, or is it truly any?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: heathen on October 20, 2017, 05:59:55 PM
Plenty of welly before distortion! Sounds great on my AT M50's and Sennheiser HD25's.

Does the headphone section have sufficient power for harder-to-drive headphones (for example, 600 ohm Beyers)?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: GDfan on October 20, 2017, 09:56:49 PM
I just uploaded my WideSpread Panic shows from Peach fest this summer. I wanted to post this here b/c the first night I recorded them in basic mode 24bit/48khz and the second night I recorded them in advanced mode at 24bit/96khz. For the second night I set the gain at 24db and used the faders to add 1db gain to the left channel and 2 db of gain to the right channel. I also used the low cut filter at 40 hz and used the limiter as well. I thought some of you would like to hear the difference b/t the two. I was in the exact same spot both nights so I feel this gives a good comparison.

Night 1: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=595730
Night 2: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=595731

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 28, 2017, 03:57:12 PM
anyone looking for a wall wart I just posted my sd branded one in the yard sale for $25.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on October 30, 2017, 01:01:01 PM
New firmware update for the MixPre-3 and 6 (v1.51): https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware (https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware)...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on October 30, 2017, 03:11:45 PM
does it wipe setting when updating firmware?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on October 30, 2017, 03:51:51 PM
does it wipe setting when updating firmware?

Earlier versions did not.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on October 30, 2017, 05:28:24 PM
does it wipe setting when updating firmware?

Earlier versions did not.
It is worth noting that if you have kept previous firmware upgrades on your SD card, when you go to install the new firmware, it'll ask you if you are trying to install the oldest firmware on that card first. Answering "No" will then bring on the prompt asking if you wish to install the next oldest firmware, and so on until the newest one appears. So there is no need to delete the older firmware updates, in order to install the new update, but of course there is no particular need to keep them either...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on October 30, 2017, 06:24:30 PM
I installed the update and all my settings/presets are still there.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jbell on October 30, 2017, 06:59:11 PM
Updated mine and my settings are still correct! 

does it wipe setting when updating firmware?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ts on October 30, 2017, 08:08:32 PM
Anyone find a short c cable like 1 foot?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on October 31, 2017, 03:29:11 AM
Anyone find a short c cable like 1 foot?

Here are a few:

https://www.amazon.com/Type-Cable-Pack-MacBook-ChromeBook/dp/B01F9DEORM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1509434706&sr=8-3&keywords=usb%2Bc%2Bto%2Busb%2Bc%2B1ft&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/FosPower-Reversible-Braided-Nintendo-MacBook/dp/B072JTXM8P/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1509434767&sr=8-7&keywords=usb+c+to+usb+c+1ft&dpID=41NqAwvqoGL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-WiRoTech-White-USB-C-Charging/dp/B06XWF36CS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1509434767&sr=8-8&keywords=usb+c+to+usb+c+1ft

.5meter (1.6ft): https://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-Charging-Devices-MacBook-ChromeBook/dp/B017W2RWBI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1509434767&sr=8-5&keywords=usb+c+to+usb+c+1ft&dpID=41kJap07NeL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on October 31, 2017, 07:08:30 PM
What seems nonexistent right now is a dual right-angle USB-C cable under 3 feet.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on November 01, 2017, 11:33:26 AM
What seems nonexistent right now is a dual right-angle USB-C cable under 3 feet.

FWIW, I keep this permanently attached to my MixPre6 which is inside a portabrace bag. It is right angled and only about 6 inches, so you could combine this with a short cable right angled at one end too. I read some people had issues with this type of connector, but not with this particular one. I have used it with 3 different batteries and no issues at all.

https://www.amazon.com/Degree-SinLoon-Angled-Extension-Charging/dp/B071ZVQWJ5/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509550280&sr=8-2&keywords=sinloon+USB+Type+C+90+Degree+Cable%2CSinLoon+Right+%26+Left+Angled+90+Degree+USB-C+USB+3.1+Type+C+Male+to+Female&dpID=31YtCse-cVL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ts on November 01, 2017, 12:38:44 PM
Thanks! I ordered a one footer and the above.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on November 07, 2017, 01:13:56 PM
Nothing conclusive but I'm flagging a potential issue and word of caution about recent firmware.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=184207.0
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 07, 2017, 04:11:04 PM
Nothing conclusive but I'm flagging a potential issue and word of caution about recent firmware.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=184207.0


three of us over the weekend with the same issue.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on November 07, 2017, 04:24:23 PM
Make it 4. I did a Danjo set on Saturday and it has the "phasing". Weird that the Cowboy Junkies set I did on Sunday doesn't seem suffer from it. Something in the FW for sure.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on November 07, 2017, 04:34:18 PM
Gordon, do you want to amend your note to SD, or want me to send my own?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 07, 2017, 04:39:25 PM
Gordon, do you want to amend your note to SD, or want me to send my own?

I haven't filled out an actual support ticket yet.  I just sent a quick pm to Paul on here asking if there where any reported issues.  I didn't have to time to post a thread as I was walking out the door but told him I would post details later.  Then I saw your thread.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on November 07, 2017, 04:44:42 PM
Thanks. I sent him a message linking to the threads.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jbell on November 07, 2017, 04:54:20 PM
Does anyone have the 1.20 firmware??  It isn't on the website and I deleted off my desktop.  TIA
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 07, 2017, 05:06:59 PM
when you click download, then agree you can hit the drop down for older versions.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on November 07, 2017, 05:17:29 PM
I have them all archived locally, so, if they ever stop offering the older versions, I should still have them (at least through now; maybe my diligence lapses over time)...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on November 07, 2017, 05:56:57 PM
I have it, sending email now.  :cheers:

Does anyone have the 1.20 firmware??  It isn't on the website and I deleted off my desktop.  TIA
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jbell on November 07, 2017, 05:58:38 PM
It is on the website!  I finally figured it out.  Thanks for looking out.

I have it, sending email now.  :cheers:

Does anyone have the 1.20 firmware??  It isn't on the website and I deleted off my desktop.  TIA
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on November 07, 2017, 06:24:35 PM
Interesting. I didn't have time to perform the update before my shows last weekend. Glad I didn't. My recordings turned out perfect.

I'm sure SD will take care of everything promptly. Sorry to hear about the issues.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Paul Isaacs on November 07, 2017, 09:53:17 PM
Just tuned into this thread.
This is very unusual - we haven't heard of any issue like this in v1.51, but we'll investigate.
If you have this problem, please send your setup file to Nelson or Danny in Tech Support and we'll try and duplicate.

thx for your help

Paul
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on November 07, 2017, 10:16:59 PM
Just tuned into this thread.
This is very unusual - we haven't heard of any issue like this in v1.51, but we'll investigate.
If you have this problem, please send your setup file to Nelson or Danny in Tech Support and we'll try and duplicate.

thx for your help

Paul

Thanks for checking in and the help Paul.  The community appreciates it!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on November 07, 2017, 11:12:23 PM
Just tuned into this thread.
This is very unusual - we haven't heard of any issue like this in v1.51, but we'll investigate.
If you have this problem, please send your setup file to Nelson or Danny in Tech Support and we'll try and duplicate.

thx for your help

Paul

Thanks for checking in and the help Paul.  The community appreciates it!

Reason #1 why I'm really happy to be a paying SD customer.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dmcculh on November 08, 2017, 08:03:08 AM
Make it 4. I did a Danjo set on Saturday and it has the "phasing". Weird that the Cowboy Junkies set I did on Sunday doesn't seem suffer from it. Something in the FW for sure.

I had the same issues as noted above. Had updated the firmware as others had and now have two shows with these issues since updating. Initially thought it was my cables/PFAs but appears it likely not... Was running battery powered with green indicator.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 08, 2017, 09:07:29 AM
is the setup file I'm supposed to send just the presets?  so save presets?

edit:  looks like it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Paul Isaacs on November 08, 2017, 09:55:46 AM
Yes - save your setup preset to SD card then email it to support.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on November 08, 2017, 10:48:22 AM
For the people having the problem, was it with mixpre-3 or 6?
Thanks,
JM.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 08, 2017, 10:56:52 AM
For the people having the problem, was it with mixpre-3 or 6?
Thanks,
JM.

3 I know where mp6.  looks like larrysellers runs a mp3?  not sure about the other one.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on November 08, 2017, 11:14:42 AM
Yes, mine is a mixpre3 and suffered from the phasing issue after the update. Switched back to 1.20 yesterday.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 08, 2017, 11:51:44 AM
Yes - save your setup preset to SD card then email it to support.

Email sent! Thanks.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 08, 2017, 02:06:39 PM
Already heard back from support with follow up questions.  Like Paul said everyone affected please email with the settings file!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 08, 2017, 02:28:09 PM
Yes, mine is a mixpre3 and suffered from the phasing issue after the update. Switched back to 1.20 yesterday.

do you have channels linked?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dmcculh on November 08, 2017, 07:12:34 PM
Sent in my setup file, thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on November 09, 2017, 02:15:25 AM
Back from tonight's Oteil and Friends show. I used the older firmware and the recording has none of the issues the last one did.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on November 09, 2017, 02:52:24 AM
Thanks all for the info, I moved back to firmware 1.20 on my mixpre-3 until the problem is solved.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 09, 2017, 07:38:49 AM
Another report of the issue on my post in the Facebook group.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on November 11, 2017, 08:56:29 AM
Another report of the issue on my post in the Facebook group.

Have you heard anything else from SD on the firmware problem?  Thank you.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 11, 2017, 10:03:47 AM
nothing since Friday when they asked for my raw files to analyze.  others have emailed settings as well.  not sure what others have heard back.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on November 11, 2017, 11:06:11 AM
Another issue-free recording last night after going to the earlier firmware. Again, do not upgrade to the current version.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jbell on November 11, 2017, 03:23:27 PM
I still need to send SD my NMA file!!  I did send a support email.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on November 15, 2017, 10:50:12 AM

I have SEVERAL gear bags that I'm almost happy with for my MixPre-6.  I like the Orca 28 bag that I have but I would like an alternate bag with a slight reduction in size, weight and "visibility". 

I might give this K-Tek bag a try when it becomes available.  The K-Tek KSTGMIX Stingray MixPro Audio Bag for MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 Recorders.  Expected availability: End of Nov 2017

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1371251-REG/k_tek_kstgmix_stingray_mixpro_bag_for.html

K-Tek MixPro

Dimensions Interior (W x D x H)
Bag: 7.5 x 2.0 x 5.0" / 19.1 x 5.1 x 12.7 cm
Pouch: 10.5 x 2.0 x 4.25" / 26.7 x 5.1 x 10.8 cm

Dimensions Exterior (W x D x H)
Bag: 10.5 x 3.5 x 6.75" / 26.7 x 8.9 x 17.1 cm
Pouch: 10.5 x 2.5 x 4.5" / 26.7 x 6.4 x 11.4 cm

Weight:  1.3 lb / 605 g



https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1226514-REG/orca_or_28_mini_sound_bag_for.html

Orca 28 - OR-28

Dimensions Interior
L: 21.5cm / 8.46" - W: 11.5cm / 4.52" - H: 16.5cm / 6.49"   

Dimensions Exterior
L: 27cm / 10.63" - W: 25cm / 9.84" - H: 20cm / 7.87" -

Weight:  1.46kg / 3.218Lb

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on November 15, 2017, 10:58:03 AM
Lowepro Adventura 170 here ---> http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182573.msg2237380#msg2237380. It isn't a portabrace style bag like the others you referenced but I can pack a full active rig in it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on November 15, 2017, 10:59:07 AM

I have SEVERAL gear bags that I'm almost happy with for my MixPre-6.  I like the Orca 28 bag that I have but I would like an alternate bag with a slight reduction in size, weight and "visibility". 

I might give this K-Tek bag a try when it becomes available.  The K-Tek KSTGMIX Stingray MixPro Audio Bag for MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 Recorders.  Expected availability: End of Nov 2017

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1371251-REG/k_tek_kstgmix_stingray_mixpro_bag_for.html

K-Tek MixPro

Dimensions Interior (W x D x H)
Bag: 7.5 x 2.0 x 5.0" / 19.1 x 5.1 x 12.7 cm
Pouch: 10.5 x 2.0 x 4.25" / 26.7 x 5.1 x 10.8 cm

Dimensions Exterior (W x D x H)
Bag: 10.5 x 3.5 x 6.75" / 26.7 x 8.9 x 17.1 cm
Pouch: 10.5 x 2.5 x 4.5" / 26.7 x 6.4 x 11.4 cm

Weight:  1.3 lb / 605 g



https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1226514-REG/orca_or_28_mini_sound_bag_for.html

Orca 28 - OR-28

Dimensions Interior
L: 21.5cm / 8.46" - W: 11.5cm / 4.52" - H: 16.5cm / 6.49"   

Dimensions Exterior
L: 27cm / 10.63" - W: 25cm / 9.84" - H: 20cm / 7.87" -

Weight:  1.46kg / 3.218Lb

I am using the Porta Brace and the more I use it the more I like it, but it has so much Velcro that it sticks to everything. The hardest part is reaching the on/off switch.

One word of caution (perhaps) on the K-Tek product. I ordered one for my Tascam DR701d. It was a really nice bag, but the fit was so snug that I was unable to use it with my 4 darktrain connectors attached to the sides. These were stubby connectors too, but from a storage standpoint the bag was just too small and too tight to leave those connectors permanently attached. I ended up returning it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on November 15, 2017, 11:06:13 AM
^ Which Portabrace are you using; the one designed specifically (I linked to it in this post (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=183580.msg2240644#msg2240644)) or a different one?

I have been using a Petrol PS607 (now the Sachtler SN607) and it works pretty well.  Enough  room for me to fit the whole rig pretty easily, but a little too much room on the MixPre side...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on November 15, 2017, 12:01:53 PM
I've been using the Portabrace RM-Multi and it fits just fine with a pocket in the front for mics, battery, etc.  I'm not positive at the moment but also think it can be belt worn
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on November 15, 2017, 12:14:19 PM
Lowepro Adventura 170 here ---> http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182573.msg2237380#msg2237380. It isn't a portabrace style bag like the others you referenced but I can pack a full active rig in it.

Larry I bought one of the Lowepro Adventura 170 bags on eBay right after you posted the info on the one that you purchased.  It is a nice bag at a great price!!  Thanks for the recommendation!

I like the portabrace style bags and the K-Tek MixPre bag looks like it has the features that I would like, with a small footprint.  If I purchase it and I wind up being unhappy with it I'll just return it.


I am using the Porta Brace and the more I use it the more I like it, but it has so much Velcro that it sticks to everything. The hardest part is reaching the on/off switch.

One word of caution (perhaps) on the K-Tek product. I ordered one for my Tascam DR701d. It was a really nice bag, but the fit was so snug that I was unable to use it with my 4 darktrain connectors attached to the sides. These were stubby connectors too, but from a storage standpoint the bag was just too small and too tight to leave those connectors permanently attached. I ended up returning it.

dallman what are the interior dimensions on that Portabrace bag? 

Thanks for the caution on the possibility of too snug of a fit with the xlr's.  I wouldn't normally leave the xlr connectors permanently attached.  The K-Tek bag has plenty of easy access points and "dual curved zippers encircle each side panel to fully access inputs, outputs and controls".  It also has an easy access panel to the battery & SDHC card.   The front storage pouch (external battery) is also detachable.

https://ktekpro.com/product/kstgmix-stingray-mixpro/

Watch the video at this link!

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on November 15, 2017, 01:17:48 PM


I am using the Porta Brace and the more I use it the more I like it, but it has so much Velcro that it sticks to everything. The hardest part is reaching the on/off switch.

One word of caution (perhaps) on the K-Tek product. I ordered one for my Tascam DR701d. It was a really nice bag, but the fit was so snug that I was unable to use it with my 4 darktrain connectors attached to the sides. These were stubby connectors too, but from a storage standpoint the bag was just too small and too tight to leave those connectors permanently attached. I ended up returning it.

dallman what are the interior dimensions on that Portabrace bag? 

Thanks for the caution on the possibility of too snug of a fit with the xlr's.  I wouldn't normally leave the xlr connectors permanently attached.  The K-Tek bag has plenty of easy access points and "dual curved zippers encircle each side panel to fully access inputs, outputs and controls".  It also has an easy access panel to the battery & SDHC card.   The front storage pouch (external battery) is also detachable.

https://ktekpro.com/product/kstgmix-stingray-mixpro/

Watch the video at this link!

Here is the link: https://www.portabrace.com/ar-mixpre6.html
I'm traveling, so I don't have the bag handy, but Portabrace is great to call. They will talk to you and answer any questions. (802) 442-8171
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on November 15, 2017, 01:37:39 PM


I am using the Porta Brace and the more I use it the more I like it, but it has so much Velcro that it sticks to everything. The hardest part is reaching the on/off switch.

One word of caution (perhaps) on the K-Tek product. I ordered one for my Tascam DR701d. It was a really nice bag, but the fit was so snug that I was unable to use it with my 4 darktrain connectors attached to the sides. These were stubby connectors too, but from a storage standpoint the bag was just too small and too tight to leave those connectors permanently attached. I ended up returning it.

dallman what are the interior dimensions on that Portabrace bag? 

Thanks for the caution on the possibility of too snug of a fit with the xlr's.  I wouldn't normally leave the xlr connectors permanently attached.  The K-Tek bag has plenty of easy access points and "dual curved zippers encircle each side panel to fully access inputs, outputs and controls".  It also has an easy access panel to the battery & SDHC card.   The front storage pouch (external battery) is also detachable.

https://ktekpro.com/product/kstgmix-stingray-mixpro/

Watch the video at this link!

Here is the link: https://www.portabrace.com/ar-mixpre6.html
I'm traveling, so I don't have the bag handy, but Portabrace is great to call. They will talk to you and answer any questions. (802) 442-8171

^
The dimensions of that bag are not listed at that link and they are not listed on B&H either...   :shrug:   I'll visit with you once you're back from your travels.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 15, 2017, 11:52:13 PM
 :banging head:  Not happy with this deck right now!  Doing a simple battery test tonight (Anker PowerCore+ 26800).  About to go to bed so I went to stop the deck.  Won't stop, can't raise/lower gain, pushing gain knobs does nothing,  can't get in menu etc!  Disconnected usb cord and the power light didn't change to reflect the AA.  Completely locked up but was still recording (at least it appeared to be).  Had to just turn it off.  Took a couple short videos and will get them on youtube tomorrow.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on November 16, 2017, 12:01:30 AM
:banging head:  Not happy with this deck right now!  Doing a simple battery test tonight (Anker PowerCore+ 26800).  About to go to bed so I went to stop the deck.  Won't stop, can't raise/lower gain, pushing gain knobs does nothing,  can't get in menu etc!  Disconnected usb cord and the power light didn't change to reflect the AA.  Completely locked up but was still recording (at least it appeared to be).  Had to just turn it off.  Took a couple short videos and will get them on youtube tomorrow.

What firmware version?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 16, 2017, 12:03:11 AM
1.20 I rolled back b/c of the issues I and others had with 1.51
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 16, 2017, 08:04:01 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1iEpL8JlJA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilwlLbNvF88


Quote from someone on the facebook group

Quote
This often happens on my MixPre 3, total lock up have to switch power off then back on to unfreeze. Only happens with Anker battery and USB c to USB c cable. Was hoping was the brand or characteristics of these cables. Never locks in with USB a to USB a cable. Using latest firmware 1.5
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 16, 2017, 10:44:27 AM
another confirmed lockup on my facebook post

Quote
It happened to me a few days ago recording interviews for a documentary. I noticed my MixPre was extremely hot and turning it off and on solved it. But like you said it’s very lucky you weren’t recording.


In my case the unit was barely warm to the touch!


Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on November 16, 2017, 12:54:59 PM
Mine has locked up a couple times but as I recall, it happened after pressing "stop" on a recording. Had to pull the battery cable.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 16, 2017, 01:15:31 PM
Mine has locked up a couple times but as I recall, it happened after pressing "stop" on a recording. Had to pull the battery cable.

did stop work and then it locked up?  I was trying to stop mine and it was stuck recording.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on November 17, 2017, 08:08:09 AM
My mixpre6 developed a problem this summer where once the deck was recording, the stop button wouldn't work and I have to use the wingman app to stop recording. I was also unable to use the playback functions.

I sent it back to SD, and they repaired it for free.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 17, 2017, 08:16:42 AM
My mixpre6 developed a problem this summer where once the deck was recording, the stop button wouldn't work and I have to use the wingman app to stop recording. I was also unable to use the playback functions.

I sent it back to SD, and they repaired it for free.

where you able to still control gain etc?  mine wouldn't let me do anything.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on November 17, 2017, 08:19:37 AM
I ran the test twice with the hypergear battery and after switching to the AA's it shutdown gracefully both times once they drained. How many mics were you phantom powering during the test?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on November 17, 2017, 08:27:55 AM
My mixpre6 developed a problem this summer where once the deck was recording, the stop button wouldn't work and I have to use the wingman app to stop recording. I was also unable to use the playback functions.

I sent it back to SD, and they repaired it for free.

where you able to still control gain etc?  mine wouldn't let me do anything.

Yes, everything worked except the stop button and the transport controls. I was able to change menu settings, adjust gain, and everything. I recorded all the Phish BD shows that way, and sent it to SD after. Now works fine.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 17, 2017, 08:31:42 AM
I ran the test twice with the hypergear battery and after switching to the AA's it shutdown gracefully both times once they drained. How many mics were you phantom powering during the test?

just 2 phantom.  did it switch to aa on it's own or did the message come up about changing to battery power?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: vwmule on November 17, 2017, 11:25:24 AM
> did stop work and then it locked up?

No, it happened after I stopped (and saved) the recording.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on November 17, 2017, 01:14:46 PM
I'm nervous about running for Matisyahu tonight.  Problems with both the Anker batteries and fw 1.20 have me tweaking a bit.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: yug du nord on November 17, 2017, 06:47:19 PM
I'm nervous about running for Matisyahu tonight.  Problems with both the Anker batteries and fw 1.20 have me tweaking a bit.

Run your SX-M2 in front of it...  use the XLR outputs on SX-M2 > MixPre and the 1/8" output on SX-M2 > M10.
Safety safety safety!!!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on November 18, 2017, 01:53:44 AM
I'm nervous about running for Matisyahu tonight.  Problems with both the Anker batteries and fw 1.20 have me tweaking a bit.
I have had no issues, but I did roll back to 1.20. I do not have any Anker Batteries, and I continue to run without issue. Just use a different battery and if you have not had issues there should be no problems.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 18, 2017, 11:00:48 AM
Now wondering if my issues are related to the usb c to c cable I was using.   see my post in the battery thread........
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on November 18, 2017, 11:13:45 AM
No problem with my recorder or battery last night although there is an intermittent problem with either my KCY or the PFA I connect it with.  My mid-side pull is hosed.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on November 19, 2017, 02:01:20 AM
Now wondering if my issues are related to the usb c to c cable I was using.   see my post in the battery thread........
If you look at USB C to C cable reviews on Amazon, there have been issues with some brands.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on November 19, 2017, 12:00:23 PM
I'm gonna retract part of what I said above.  I have my ORTF pair set to output so I can listen in the car on the way home.  It's always worked and is part of my presets.  I could not get any of the 5 files to play for the life of me.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on November 24, 2017, 10:53:47 AM
Already heard back from support with follow up questions.  Like Paul said everyone affected please email with the settings file!

Has anyone heard anything further from SD on the v1.51 firmware issues?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 24, 2017, 11:13:32 AM
I sent an email on the 16th asking for any updates. This was the response.

Quote
Thanks for your e-mail.  Our team is currently running tests trying to duplicate this behavior.  Once we know more we can certainly reach out.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on November 24, 2017, 11:15:07 AM
I sent an email on the 16th asking for any updates. This was the response.

Quote
Thanks for your e-mail.  Our team is currently running tests trying to duplicate this behavior.  Once we know more we can certainly reach out.

^
Thanks Gordon!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on November 24, 2017, 11:57:48 AM

K Tek KSTGMIX Stingray bag for Sound Devices MixPre 3 and MixPre 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx8BAy04dLE
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 28, 2017, 08:17:12 AM
Now wondering if my issues are related to the usb c to c cable I was using.   see my post in the battery thread........

Still not 100% sure but I'm leaning toward the c to c cable as the cause for the lockup.  I've now tested multiple times with both the hypergear and the anker with a usb a to c they both switch gracefully to AA when they die and no lockups so far.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: sos on November 29, 2017, 11:19:29 AM
Firmware v. 1.52 now out:

https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware (https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware)


Changes introduced in 1.52 include:

Fixed

    Rare issue where input level would momentarily change
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on November 29, 2017, 02:34:24 PM
Firmware v. 1.52 now out:

https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware (https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware)


Changes introduced in 1.52 include:

Fixed

    Rare issue where input level would momentarily change

One more testimonial to Sound Devices customer service: I emailed them last week asking about the status of the fluctuating recording level issue that had been uncovered, and mentioned I had rolled back to the previous 1.20 firmware and was not willing to take the chance and run the unit with the 1.51 firmware. I received a very nice note back right away, that explained that they were working on trying to recreate the issue and asked if I had personally had any issues. I let them know I had not but just was not willing to chance it. They again promptly responded that they were working to recreate the issue and solve it. Today aside form the generic email I received announcing the new 1.52 firmware, I also received a personal email from one of the techs letting me know that the issue had been solved and alerting me to the new 1.52 firmware. I thought that was pretty nice and great customer service.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on November 29, 2017, 02:36:39 PM
Now who is willing to try the new firmware?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dmcculh on November 29, 2017, 11:03:30 PM
Firmware v. 1.52 now out:

https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware (https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware)


Changes introduced in 1.52 include:

Fixed

    Rare issue where input level would momentarily change

One more testimonial to Sound Devices customer service: I emailed them last week asking about the status of the fluctuating recording level issue that had been uncovered, and mentioned I had rolled back to the previous 1.20 firmware and was not willing to take the chance and run the unit with the 1.51 firmware. I received a very nice note back right away, that explained that they were working on trying to recreate the issue and asked if I had personally had any issues. I let them know I had not but just was not willing to chance it. They again promptly responded that they were working to recreate the issue and solve it. Today aside form the generic email I received announcing the new 1.52 firmware, I also received a personal email from one of the techs letting me know that the issue had been solved and alerting me to the new 1.52 firmware. I thought that was pretty nice and great customer service.

I also received an email from Nelson in Technical Support today alerting me to the new firmware update after I had sent in my samples from v1.51 a few weeks ago.  Agreed on the prompt and professional service/support. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on November 29, 2017, 11:09:33 PM
Is that limited liability pop-up that you need to agree to before downloading the firmware new?  I don't recall seeing that before.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on November 30, 2017, 08:51:24 AM
^ No, the limited liability pop-up has also been there for previous firmware updates.  SD is pretty careful with that sort of thing; all of the manuals and software include similar statements... 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on December 02, 2017, 11:05:30 AM
Have any of you used a 64GB or 128GB SDXC card with your MixPre-6's while recording 24/48 on 4 channels?

I'm looking at these cards: 
 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1282965-REG/sandisk_sdsdxxg_064g_gn4in_extremepro_sdhc_64gb.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1275616-REG/sandisk_sdsdxxg_128g_ancin_extremepro_sdhc_128gb.html

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: if_then_else on December 02, 2017, 12:20:14 PM
Have any of you used a 64GB or 128GB SDXC card with your MixPre-6's while recording 24/48 on 4 channels?

I'm looking at these cards: 
 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1282965-REG/sandisk_sdsdxxg_064g_gn4in_extremepro_sdhc_64gb.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1275616-REG/sandisk_sdsdxxg_128g_ancin_extremepro_sdhc_128gb.html

Yes. I've got a SanDisk Extreme Pro 64 GB. I've used it a couple of times recording 24/48 on 4 respectively 6 (2xSBD+4xAUD) channels. Not a single glitch. Not even with the additional instant mix-down enabled.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on December 02, 2017, 12:53:08 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on December 03, 2017, 09:28:59 AM
Small problem discovered where my I've been able to repeat a situation where my MixPre-3 DID NOT shut down gracefully when power was lost.

I've got a bunch of Tekkeon 3300 batteries which are fantastic for powering my gear all weekend without worrying about recharges at a festival.  I recently bought the Cable Technologies MX-powersled (the one with the Hirose connector) for my Mixpre-3, so I decided to conduct run time tests on all of the batteries to get a feel for which of the batteries are still in good shape and which might be starting to go bad. 

So far, I've run 14 batteries through the test and 3 times the recorder DID NOT write the file header information properly before the shutdown occurred.  Strangely, the other 11 times the file was written fine.  When I pull up the file in the MixPre-3 projects menu to determine how long the battery lasted, the file is showing zero minutes.  When I try to load the file in my DAW (Adobe Audition), it won't load and I get messages about the header info being bad. 

The good news however is that when I load the file into CDWav, it assumes that the file is a WAV file and corrects the header information and properly loads the file.  I then save the file from CDWav and it's fixed.  Then I can open it up in Audition for mastering, so in the end it's no big deal.

My thoughts are that the sled provides a regulated power supply to the MixPre-3.  Perhaps since the power level is regulated, the voltage being provided to the unit doesn't drop off at all prior to the battery going dead, which somehow doesn't give the MixPre-3 enough time to write the file header info before it loses power. 

Anyway, since I have been able to recover the file with CDWav, so far it's not really that big a deal to me, but it's concerning all the same and thought I should pass along my discovery. 

I'll be contacting Sound Devices and providing them with details.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on December 07, 2017, 01:52:28 PM
Now who is willing to try the new firmware?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on December 07, 2017, 05:45:39 PM
Now who is willing to try the new firmware?

Now everyone is paranoid to try any new firmware.

I think I'm going with the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mantra. Mine works fine on 1.20 and I don't see any new features added since, so I'm sticking with it.

That being said, I'm curious how 1.52 is.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on December 08, 2017, 02:09:20 AM
Mixpre-3, 1.52 here, nothing wrong,I've been using it mostly for long mono interviews (1 or 2 hours) on a dynamic mic, but also on shorter stereo recordings with phantom power, no volume drops.
I made the change because I was fed up with the automatic folder of the day creation, even if I was recording nothing.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: datbrad on December 08, 2017, 07:39:55 AM
My buddy who already owned a 722 got the NP battery adapter and he's not had one single blip of a power issue. Sure its a little bulky, but it sits higher in his bag, and sits firm because of the base created by the perpendicular position of the NP battery.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on December 08, 2017, 09:27:56 AM
Now who is willing to try the new firmware?

dallman has run the new firmware for 3 shows this week and I think that everything was good for him but I'll let him comment on that since I wasn't at any of the 3 shows with him...

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on December 08, 2017, 09:33:17 AM
^ I installed 1.52 when it was released, but, unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to record a show yet (there are a couple coming up on the agenda, though).  I have run several lengthy (2 to 2.5 hour) tests at home and haven't had anything strange happen...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on December 08, 2017, 10:09:58 AM
Now who is willing to try the new firmware?

dallman has run the new firmware for 3 shows this week and I think that everything was good for him but I'll let him comment on that since I wasn't at any of the 3 shows with him...

I have run 1.52 with no issues at all. Monday I recorded using 4 mics at a fundraiser, and I recorded 4 sets totaling about 4 hours. Tuesday I recorded Orphan, Common Kings and Matisyahu using 6 mics. All the recordings were flawless. Based on the experience of others, I never ran 1.51, I had installed it but backed up to 1.20. I will run again tonight for the 38th Annual John Lennon Tribute at First Ave and I expect no issues.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on December 08, 2017, 04:41:21 PM
Glad to hear!  Still holding out for a bit.

Quote
I made the change because I was fed up with the automatic folder of the day creation, even if I was recording nothing.

That is annoying! 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Ronmac on December 12, 2017, 06:39:34 AM
I just viewed this recent thread over on SOS Magazine Forum, and it holds some interesting news from SD, as well as Hugh's positive nod for the product engineering.

https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=58616&p=534967#p534967

Quote
I've recently reviewed the MixPre3 and 6 models and I was really REALLY impressed with them. I think the review is scheduled for the coming issue...

I've always been a fan of Sound Devices gear which is almost ubiquitous in professional location TV sound work these days. The Mix Pre 3 and 6 have all the compactness of the Zoom recorders, but better ergonomics, and professional design details throughout without too hefty a price. Genuinely stunningly good mic preamps too. A real joy to use (although the AA battery pack is a bit optimistic, and I'd have preferred dual memory card slots!)

The MixPre 10 was an inevitable next step and it looks fabulous... although I'm not convinced about the transport joystick (I have fears of it being easily knocked) Sound Devices is such an experienced company with location recording equipment that I'm sure it works perfectly in practice.


Hugh Robjohns
Moderator
Posts: 19714Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2003 7:00 pmLocation: Worcestershire, UK
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound

Some news....

Quote
Pre-record is a useful feature, of course, but perhaps not as critically important as it once was when memory cards were small and expensive. Memory cards are now so big and so cheap that it's really no hardship to start recording once set up, and just leave it running until the end of the day, using markers to identify takes as and when, as an aid to find relevant sections in the DAW afterwards. I often do exactly that if I'm concerned that I might miss the start of a good take.

However, I had a conversation with the nice folk at SD when I reviewed the mixpre-3 and -6, raising the lack of a pre-record mode amongst a few other wish-list items. Rest assured, a pre-record mode is on the update list and will apparently be introduced in a (near) future firmware update.

H
User avatar
Hugh Robjohns
Moderator
Posts: 19714Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2003 7:00 pmLocation: Worcestershire, UK
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on December 12, 2017, 10:09:42 AM
Mentions hold function.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on December 12, 2017, 11:20:05 AM
Regarding markers it's not implemented yet, pressing Rec creates new takes,
Having that in future updates would be a great feature.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on December 13, 2017, 08:01:53 AM
Mentions hold function.

Most of us here are still interested in "front panel control lock" options in a future firmware update.

Lock All – All front panel keys are locked except the Record key. The Record key is kept active so the user can initiate recording after entering this mode and enter cue markers. To stop recording in this mode, you must disengage the panel lock and hit the stop key.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: groundhog2 on December 13, 2017, 01:24:27 PM
Just picked up a pre6 as a gift but been using it the last couple weeks.  Seems easy enough to use without reading the manual.  Then I read and was bummed about there not being a hold button.  Also not sure I like the lack of a spidf in.  Maybe I'll pick one up at some point for myself.  Definitely like the size.  Thanks for all the useful powering posts.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on December 15, 2017, 05:37:10 AM
Hello,
I wanted to share an easy setup I use for interviews with a small Samsonite bag.
Kind regards,
JM.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: lerond on December 15, 2017, 04:37:56 PM
Spotted Sandisk 64 GB microSD + adaptor 2-pack for $40 at my local Costco.  U1 speed, fwiw. Seems slightly less expensive than what I noticed the last time I was card shopping.

Does anyone care to comment on using microSD in an adaptor with their MixPre?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on December 17, 2017, 10:25:10 PM

Does anyone care to comment on using microSD in an adaptor with their MixPre?

No problems using one here.  128gb Sandisc microSD is all I've used in it so far and no problems encountered.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ts on December 28, 2017, 04:58:33 PM
Mentions hold function.

Most of us here are still interested in "front panel control lock" options in a future firmware update.

Lock All – All front panel keys are locked except the Record key. The Record key is kept active so the user can initiate recording after entering this mode and enter cue markers. To stop recording in this mode, you must disengage the panel lock and hit the stop key.

I’ll do an update if the hold or lock all function comes out. That’s a big feature for tapers. However, normally I never do firmware updates. Like Doug Oade always said, too much shit can go wrong and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: soundsvisual on December 29, 2017, 06:51:27 AM
For those worried about the USB-C connection, I've had very good success with this right angled cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMOMAR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Z1MgZ7CViFhFs

The cable exits "down" in the bag, and then "up" to the battery, and is very secure.

Is that USB-C on both ends? My Poweradd battery is normal USB out. Can't see one of that configuration. Thanks for link though.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: soundsvisual on December 29, 2017, 07:01:16 AM
Apologies if this has been covered before and I have missed it.

I'm using a MixPre-3 - wondering if someone can help me on a couple of things please?

Is the only way to get control of the mic gain from the physical pots by operating in Custom Mode? Can't see how to do it in Advanced mode. I like to be able to adjust the input level easily and don't really like doing this in menus on the tiny but nonetheless very good touch screen.

When I just record a pair of linked (1&2) ISOs and don't record anything else under the record options then I get a stereo file that imports into Logic Pro fine as an interleaved file - in other words it sets up a stereo channel on one track.
If I opt to record the L,R to the card then when you import into Logic it comes in as separate audio files onto sep tracks which you can then pan hard L&R etc. bit of a pain.

Also...under the RECORD menu...can someone explain what the difference is between L,R, L,R + Linked and Off & Linked?

I'm running latest release of the firmware and Logic pro X

Many thanks
Jonathan
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: soundsvisual on December 29, 2017, 07:02:25 AM
Anyone found a decent affordable bag for the MixPre-3 and a few things like USB battery, phones, that they would recommend for out in the field?

Thanks J
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on December 30, 2017, 02:01:28 PM
v1.52 playback question.

I recorded long-ish show last night in 24/96.  I set it and forget it.

Paying back file #1 on the drive home this morning and at 1h:02m:and change the file just stops.  Why doesn't it just queue up the next file and play it?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on January 03, 2018, 11:23:26 AM
For those worried about the USB-C connection, I've had very good success with this right angled cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMOMAR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Z1MgZ7CViFhFs

The cable exits "down" in the bag, and then "up" to the battery, and is very secure.

Is that USB-C on both ends? My Poweradd battery is normal USB out. Can't see one of that configuration. Thanks for link though.
Your Poweradd battery is not really designed for the MixPre3, as USB A to USB C will only power 2 of the 3 channels. For external batteries the right amount of power output comes from a battery with a USB C output. There are options using the supplied dual USB A out cable, but I have no experience with using that cable.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: spyder9 on January 03, 2018, 11:55:23 AM
Anyone found a decent affordable bag for the MixPre-3 and a few things like USB battery, phones, that they would recommend for out in the field?

Thanks J

Tamrac Adventure 8.  Traditional Backpack with scads of room for odds n ends.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xtamrac+adventure+8.TRS0&_nkw=tamrac+adventure+8&_sacat=0
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on January 03, 2018, 12:10:20 PM
Apologies if this has been covered before and I have missed it.

I'm using a MixPre-3 - wondering if someone can help me on a couple of things please?

Is the only way to get control of the mic gain from the physical pots by operating in Custom Mode? Can't see how to do it in Advanced mode. I like to be able to adjust the input level easily and don't really like doing this in menus on the tiny but nonetheless very good touch screen.

Yes, You can use channel knobs to adjust your ISO levels. To do this, you would select Custom mode and set Record to Advanced and leave Channel set to Basic. When Channel is set to Basic, ISO levels are post channel knob and when Record is set to Advanced, ISOs can be armed. This has been covered in these threads many times. You can set it and it will hold the setting, or if you use the deck in multiple applications and have a poor memory, you can set up a pre-set.

When I just record a pair of linked (1&2) ISOs and don't record anything else under the record options then I get a stereo file that imports into Logic Pro fine as an interleaved file - in other words it sets up a stereo channel on one track.
If I opt to record the L,R to the card then when you import into Logic it comes in as separate audio files onto sep tracks which you can then pan hard L&R etc. bit of a pain.

I'm running latest release of the firmware and Logic pro X


I am not understanding at all what you are explaining. When you say "interleaved", are you talking about a polyfile? That is how these decks save your files, but it is easy to break them down to the recorded tracks in any way you desire, stereo, mono , single tracks , dual tracks, mix tack etc. I use soundforge and the polyfiles are great, because I can track everything and then break them down to the files I want.

Also...under the RECORD menu...can someone explain what the difference is between L,R, L,R + Linked and Off & Linked?

Many thanks
Jonathan

On the record menu:
L = Left Channel
R = Right Channel
L+R = Left an Right Channel, each controlled separately by front knob or within the menu, or with the scrub knob.
L=R Linked = Left And Right Channels linked so controlled by one knob again front knob or within the menu or scrub button, but linked together so turning or adjusting whichever moves both L and R together.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on January 03, 2018, 02:58:56 PM
Feature request:  Allow USB-A to be set as an output as well as an input.  I would love to be able to push a stereo pair out of my USB-A so I could broadcast via an app like Mixlr.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on January 03, 2018, 03:20:06 PM
Agreed! This would be perfect for live streaming!

Feature request:  Allow USB-A to be set as an output as well as an input.  I would love to be able to push a stereo pair out of my USB-A so I could broadcast via an app like Mixlr.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on January 03, 2018, 03:33:28 PM
Feature request:  Allow USB-A to be set as an output as well as an input.  I would love to be able to push a stereo pair out of my USB-A so I could broadcast via an app like Mixlr.

I thought they said this was not possible due to hardware. I think the MixPre 10 can do it. Maybe I'm thinking of something else.

If I could hook this thing straight up to my phone to stream (and keep the phone charged) I would stream all the time.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on January 03, 2018, 05:04:29 PM
Feature request:  Allow USB-A to be set as an output as well as an input.  I would love to be able to push a stereo pair out of my USB-A so I could broadcast via an app like Mixlr.

I thought they said this was not possible due to hardware. I think the MixPre 10 can do it. Maybe I'm thinking of something else.

If I could hook this thing straight up to my phone to stream (and keep the phone charged) I would stream all the time.

They did say it wouidnt work but it works for me on a Mixpre-6 (as others have found), with a USB-A to lightning cable. It only works if I use the l-mount sled (and Hawk-Woods dummy battery); the iphone complains about insufficient power if I try it while powering via USB-c.  The bigger issue is that the iphone doesnt inherently know how to deal with a multi-track stream. I have to use the mixer app AUM to select the two channels I want, send it to the AudioBus 3 app and then to mixlr (which is audiobus aware)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF3VbAQqgS8
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: soundsvisual on January 03, 2018, 05:18:38 PM
Thanks for answers.

Is the only way to get control of the mic gain from the physical pots by operating in Custom Mode? Can't see how to do it in Advanced mode. I like to be able to adjust the input level easily and don't really like doing this in menus on the tiny but nonetheless very good touch screen.

[/quote]
Yes, You can use channel knobs to adjust your ISO levels. To do this, you would select Custom mode and set Record to Advanced and leave Channel set to Basic. When Channel is set to Basic, ISO levels are post channel knob and when Record is set to Advanced, ISOs can be armed. This has been covered in these threads many times. You can set it and it will hold the setting, or if you use the deck in multiple applications and have a poor memory, you can set up a pre-set.

When I just record a pair of linked (1&2) ISOs and don't record anything else under the record options then I get a stereo file that imports into Logic Pro fine as an interleaved file - in other words it sets up a stereo channel on one track.
If I opt to record the L,R to the card then when you import into Logic it comes in as separate audio files onto sep tracks which you can then pan hard L&R etc. bit of a pain.

I'm running latest release of the firmware and Logic pro X


I am not understanding at all what you are explaining. When you say "interleaved", are you talking about a polyfile? That is how these decks save your files, but it is easy to break them down to the recorded tracks in any way you desire, stereo, mono , single tracks , dual tracks, mix tack etc. I use soundforge and the polyfiles are great, because I can track everything and then break them down to the files I want.

Apple describe interleaved as this: "You can store multi-channel audio as interleaved or split channel audio files. An interleaved audio file contains all channel information, stored in an alternating single “stream.”For stereo files, this would be left channel, right channel, left, right, and so on."

When bringing files from the MixPre into Logic, if you have only recorded a linked pair of ISOs then that comes into Logic as I would expect as a single stream stereo track - as opposed to split mono tracks which you could then pair and pan L&R as desired.  If you record say 2 ISOs and a Linked L&R when you bring that into Logic everything comes in as split channel separate files. It's no big deal, I was just wondering if it was a quirk of Logic.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: soundsvisual on January 03, 2018, 05:20:35 PM
For those worried about the USB-C connection, I've had very good success with this right angled cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMOMAR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Z1MgZ7CViFhFs

The cable exits "down" in the bag, and then "up" to the battery, and is very secure.

Is that USB-C on both ends? My Poweradd battery is normal USB out. Can't see one of that configuration. Thanks for link though.
Your Poweradd battery is not really designed for the MixPre3, as USB A to USB C will only power 2 of the 3 channels. For external batteries the right amount of power output comes from a battery with a USB C output. There are options using the supplied dual USB A out cable, but I have no experience with using that cable.

Thanks. It works with the dual USB A out cable, but will try it with a different USB C pack.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on January 04, 2018, 11:10:54 AM

When I just record a pair of linked (1&2) ISOs and don't record anything else under the record options then I get a stereo file that imports into Logic Pro fine as an interleaved file - in other words it sets up a stereo channel on one track.
If I opt to record the L,R to the card then when you import into Logic it comes in as separate audio files onto sep tracks which you can then pan hard L&R etc. bit of a pain.

I'm running latest release of the firmware and Logic pro X


I am not understanding at all what you are explaining. When you say "interleaved", are you talking about a polyfile? That is how these decks save your files, but it is easy to break them down to the recorded tracks in any way you desire, stereo, mono , single tracks , dual tracks, mix tack etc. I use soundforge and the polyfiles are great, because I can track everything and then break them down to the files I want.

Apple describe interleaved as this: "You can store multi-channel audio as interleaved or split channel audio files. An interleaved audio file contains all channel information, stored in an alternating single “stream.”For stereo files, this would be left channel, right channel, left, right, and so on."

When bringing files from the MixPre into Logic, if you have only recorded a linked pair of ISOs then that comes into Logic as I would expect as a single stream stereo track - as opposed to split mono tracks which you could then pair and pan L&R as desired.  If you record say 2 ISOs and a Linked L&R when you bring that into Logic everything comes in as split channel separate files. It's no big deal, I was just wondering if it was a quirk of Logic.

What you are describing is what Sound Devices calls a polyfile. In fact Tascam refers to it as a Poly (Interleaved) file. This is normal and the way that the SD MP6 records. Everything ends up in one file which is explained in the MP3 and MP6 manual. It is not new for Sound devices. Tascam has a free program that will decode the polyfiles, and many programs will do this. They have it for Mac and Windows PC's. If I open my polyfile in Soundforge, I can see the individual tracks and then do with them as I wish.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on January 04, 2018, 12:56:11 PM
Use Sound Devices Wave Agent to split the poly wavs into mono or stereo tracks. Then import those into your DAW.

https://www.sounddevices.com/products/accessories/software/wave-agent
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: spyder9 on January 04, 2018, 02:08:13 PM
Use Sound Devices Wage Agent to split the poly wavs into mono or stereo tracks. Then import those into your DAW.

https://www.sounddevices.com/products/accessories/software/wave-agent

Thank gawd for this software.  Ran the MixPre3 for the first time last night.  Picked "Unlinked L+R" and ended up with mono files.  Ugh. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on January 04, 2018, 02:17:03 PM
I wish some clever coding geek would figure out a way to FLAC polywav's.  Foobar gets close but fails MD5's.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: spyder9 on January 04, 2018, 03:06:57 PM
My 'System' setup for using my Shure FP24 out in front of the MixPre-3 for two channel recording:

System:  Mode Basic

Line IN XLR

CH1 knob: Pan L, Input Line, Gain 10 (turn knob to the right)
CH2 knob: Pan R, Input Line, Gain 10 (turn knob to the right)
CH3 knob: Gain 0 (turn knob all the way to the left, for Off)

This will leave you with one 2 channel file, 24-48

Major EDIT:  Previous setup, whether in Advanced or Custom mode, leaves you with multi channels in a single Poly file.  This new setup avoids that.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on January 04, 2018, 06:01:11 PM
My 'System' setup for using my Shure FP24 out in front of the MixPre-3 for two channel recording:

Channel: Basic (CH1 - L pan, CH2 - R pan), Line IN
Gain:   Advanced (knobs are faders)
Record:   Advanced (I unarmed the 3rd channel)

Why would you be using the FP24 in front of your MixPre?  As good as the FP24 is, the preamps in the MixPre are going to be better.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: ts on January 05, 2018, 10:04:01 AM
Besides being Spider-Man he’s also transformer man.  :D
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on January 05, 2018, 11:00:21 AM
Besides being Spider-Man he’s also transformer man.  :D

why not save your back and introduce some transformer style saturation in post with something like this in "desk" mode:

https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/SDRR/SDRR.php
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: spyder9 on January 05, 2018, 12:09:12 PM
My 'System' setup for using my Shure FP24 out in front of the MixPre-3 for two channel recording:

Channel: Basic (CH1 - L pan, CH2 - R pan), Line IN
Gain:   Advanced (knobs are faders)
Record:   Advanced (I unarmed the 3rd channel)

Why would you be using the FP24 in front of your MixPre?  As good as the FP24 is, the preamps in the MixPre are going to be better.


That's not a true statement.   
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: spyder9 on January 05, 2018, 12:10:05 PM
Besides being Spider-Man he’s also transformer man.  :D

Ding, ding, ding!   We got a winner!   :cheers:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: spyder9 on January 05, 2018, 12:11:24 PM
Besides being Spider-Man he’s also transformer man.  :D

why not save your back and introduce some transformer style saturation in post with something like this in "desk" mode:

https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/SDRR/SDRR.php

The Buck was actually earned a 100 shows ago, but thanks for the tip.  :) 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: yug du nord on January 05, 2018, 12:17:39 PM
Besides being Spider-Man he’s also transformer man.  :D

why not save your back and introduce some transformer style saturation in post with something like this in "desk" mode:

https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/SDRR/SDRR.php

I know that in post processing you can manipulate things to fit what you are wanting to hear............

..............but....  if you know what you like your recordings to sound like, and can achieve that with certain gear...  then why not go for it with the hardware that's in your gear bag??

I understand that you can make your recording sound like it might have transformers in the chain with some post processing...  but if you actually have transformers that you can use, why not??

There is nothing wrong with EQ...  but if you know what you want, and can do it live....  do it!  If you can't do it live, then go for it with software.
Just my 2cents..  to each their own!   :coolguy:
.............and by the way Noah...  your PH pulls have been fantastic!!  Thank you!!!   8)

Signed,
<Strong Believer in Heavy Gear Bags>
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on January 05, 2018, 02:43:53 PM
My 'System' setup for using my Shure FP24 out in front of the MixPre-3 for two channel recording:

Channel: Basic (CH1 - L pan, CH2 - R pan), Line IN
Gain:   Advanced (knobs are faders)
Record:   Advanced (I unarmed the 3rd channel)

Why would you be using the FP24 in front of your MixPre?  As good as the FP24 is, the preamps in the MixPre are going to be better.


That's not a true statement.

So you would rather have transformer coloration than higher absolute quality?

Not only that, the FP24 has to have the least transformer coloration of any preamp with transformers I've ever used.  I have cranked the hell out of it, and cannot get saturation (not like I'd want any).  So I don't even think it's a good preamp to use if that's the sound you're going for.

I know, to each his own.  But I have never and will never understand the idea of purposely baking in distortion or coloration into a recording of live music.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: spyder9 on January 05, 2018, 03:12:20 PM
My 'System' setup for using my Shure FP24 out in front of the MixPre-3 for two channel recording:

Channel: Basic (CH1 - L pan, CH2 - R pan), Line IN
Gain:   Advanced (knobs are faders)
Record:   Advanced (I unarmed the 3rd channel)

Why would you be using the FP24 in front of your MixPre?  As good as the FP24 is, the preamps in the MixPre are going to be better.


That's not a true statement.

So you would rather have transformer coloration than higher absolute quality?

Not only that, the FP24 has to have the least transformer coloration of any preamp with transformers I've ever used.  I have cranked the hell out of it, and cannot get saturation (not like I'd want any).  So I don't even think it's a good preamp to use if that's the sound you're going for.

I know, to each his own.  But I have never and will never understand the idea of purposely baking in distortion or coloration into a recording of live music.

Yes.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on January 06, 2018, 12:00:50 AM
But I have never and will never understand the idea of purposely baking in distortion or coloration into a recording of live music.

Sonosax SX-M2
EAA PSP2
Neve 'silk' mode
Various versions of Oade 'warm' and 'concert' mods
Any number of high end studio rack mount transformer based preamps...

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on January 06, 2018, 08:50:25 AM
But I have never and will never understand the idea of purposely baking in distortion or coloration into a recording of live music.

Sonosax SX-M2
EAA PSP2
Neve 'silk' mode
Various versions of Oade 'warm' and 'concert' mods
Any number of high end studio rack mount transformer based preamps...

I know about all of those.  I still don't get why anyone would want to do that for a concert recording (as opposed to manipulating the tone color of a solo instrument / voice in a studio), but obviously many people like it.  It seems to me that if your recording sounds thin or lifeless without the transformer saturation, then your first thing to look at correcting would be your technique / placement or your mics themselves.

This should really be its own thread; sorry for cluttering this one.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on January 06, 2018, 07:35:47 PM
But I have never and will never understand the idea of purposely baking in distortion or coloration into a recording of live music.

Sonosax SX-M2
EAA PSP2
Neve 'silk' mode
Various versions of Oade 'warm' and 'concert' mods
Any number of high end studio rack mount transformer based preamps...

I know about all of those.  I still don't get why anyone would want to do that for a concert recording (as opposed to manipulating the tone color of a solo instrument / voice in a studio), but obviously many people like it.  It seems to me that if your recording sounds thin or lifeless without the transformer saturation, then your first thing to look at correcting would be your technique / placement or your mics themselves.

This should really be its own thread; sorry for cluttering this one.

Is obviously all personal preference.  You can buy a half gallon of hot fudge ice cream or you can buy vanilla and add hot fudge later.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Duncan on January 16, 2018, 06:19:40 PM
Hi All,
Just joined the MixPre team and was wondering about the line option as I've not seen any mention of it in the thread
I've got a 722 and use the line input almost all the time as I record mainly heavy rock show.

Is the line in on the MP the same as the 722?
I'm pretty sure the limiters in the 722 (I don't use them) only work on the mic in. Is that the same with the MP

I still haven't managed to understand what the Faders on the MP do. Do they control the LR mix levels?
If yes would I be able to run the separate channels low and the mix high (controlled by the fader)? or the other way round so I've got a kind of safety track going on
hope that makes sense



Duncan
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on January 17, 2018, 11:41:51 AM
Hi All,
Just joined the MixPre team and was wondering about the line option as I've not seen any mention of it in the thread
I've got a 722 and use the line input almost all the time as I record mainly heavy rock show.

Is the line in on the MP the same as the 722?
I'm pretty sure the limiters in the 722 (I don't use them) only work on the mic in. Is that the same with the MP

I still haven't managed to understand what the Faders on the MP do. Do they control the LR mix levels?
If yes would I be able to run the separate channels low and the mix high (controlled by the fader)? or the other way round so I've got a kind of safety track going on
hope that makes sense



Duncan

I do not own a 722, but can answer most of your questions.
First off, when you mention going line in to your 722, is that with an external preamp? It would seem to me that you would not have enough power to get a detailed signal using mics with the line in and no preamp, but I have not really looked at this closely so I may be totally off base with that assumption.
As for the MP6 which is what I am familiar with (and this likely holds true for the MP3 and MP10), I would think you could go mic in even at a heavy rock show, as it seems you have a Gain range from very quiet and low for loud signals, to very high and strong for quiet signals, so that is something you might want to try out. The limiters do work with line in as well as mic in. They are analog limiters, and while I never use the limiters on any of my other decks, I do keep them active on the MP as I can only see it helping in a major screw-up, which generally is just at the very start of a show. They are not artificial sounding at all when they kick in.

As for faders, to give a very non technical idea, the easiest explanation is this:
Think of "Gain" as the incoming volume for your recording. Any adjustments up or down (stronger or weaker hence louder or softer) will be captured on the recording.
Think of the "Faders" as the volume you would output when playing a recording. You can raise and lower the faders all you want and it will in no way affect the recording. If you remember that the MP series are mixers as well as recorders, you might be sending a mix of your tracks to another storage device or editor, and the volume or loudness of each track is what the faders control.

So your idea of making a lower volume track would not work in this case unless you only were recording 2 channels. The MixTrack can be designated in a number of ways, but if you have multiple channels in on left and right, you cannot block their going to the mix. However you may want to play with those limiters, because you may be surprised at their effectiveness.

I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Duncan on January 17, 2018, 02:40:46 PM
Hi All,
Just joined the MixPre team ...[snip]

I do not own a 722, but can answer most of your questions.
First off, when you mention going line in to your 722, is that with an external preamp? It would seem to me that you would not have enough power to get a detailed signal using mics with the line in and no preamp, but I have not really looked at this closely so I may be totally off base with that assumption.
As for the MP6 which is what I am familiar with (and this likely holds true for the MP3 and MP10), I would think you could go mic in even at a heavy rock show, as it seems you have a Gain range from very quiet and low for loud signals, to very high and strong for quiet signals, so that is something you might want to try out. The limiters do work with line in as well as mic in. They are analog limiters, and while I never use the limiters on any of my other decks, I do keep them active on the MP as I can only see it helping in a major screw-up, which generally is just at the very start of a show. They are not artificial sounding at all when they kick in.

As for faders, to give a very non technical idea, the easiest explanation is this:
Think of "Gain" as the incoming volume for your recording. Any adjustments up or down (stronger or weaker hence louder or softer) will be captured on the recording.
Think of the "Faders" as the volume you would output when playing a recording. You can raise and lower the faders all you want and it will in no way affect the recording. If you remember that the MP series are mixers as well as recorders, you might be sending a mix of your tracks to another storage device or editor, and the volume or loudness of each track is what the faders control.

So your idea of making a lower volume track would not work in this case unless you only were recording 2 channels. The MixTrack can be designated in a number of ways, but if you have multiple channels in on left and right, you cannot block their going to the mix. However you may want to play with those limiters, because you may be surprised at their effectiveness.

I hope this helps.

Hi Dallman
Thanks for the reply
Yes it does help

I'll have to say I don't bother going under the hood too much with my recording gear, so I'm not sure what the 722 does other than it give phantom power and I don't need to have any preamp.
with this set up I have the level at about 3/4 and it doesn't get near 0db

So with my nice new MP6 the faders are of no use for what I do as I'm not outputting to anything
At the moment I'm just going with 2 mics but I have 6 mics so I might add a pair if the mood takes me, but as I always stealth it makes it a bit of a pain
So is there a way to have a 'safety track' recorded in case I'm peaking a bit?

I have to say I like the suggestion by todd (I think) about just using advance mode and keeping the gain down and not having to ride the levels
It's the way I've worked with 95% of my 722 recording and I'm happy with those. The added safety net of the limiters is more encouragement to go that way. I'm thing that if I was going with more mics I'd not do a mix track.

One other thing that I'd be interested in hearing is views on archiving the masters. I've always kept an untouched copy of the master recording from right back but I'll have to say I sometimes wonder why and now these files have ballooned in size I'm more inclined to just keep the mix or the individual tracks, dependent what I end up using for the final version.
What are others doing?

I"ve only recorded with it once so far and managed to get away with it even though I had it set up badly and got a little clipping. A visit to Dr. iZotope's declipping clinic sorted that out. That's a fine bit of kit!

Cheers
Duncan


Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on January 17, 2018, 03:38:07 PM
Since you're a long time taper, I'd just set in up in advance mode and operate the knobs like you always have.  If preferred, you have the nice option that you had on your 722 of having one of the knobs control gain and the other control balance.  I've set up my presets so that one preset puts the unit in the traditional configuration where one knob controls left and the other controls right.  The other configuration is where one knob controls level of both channels and the other controls balance.  I usually use the traditional mode because that's just what I'm used to.

I have absolutely no use for writing the LR mixdown track to my SD card, so I save the ISO tracks and don't record the LR tracks.

As far as your question about raw masters, I had also been saving a separate raw master for many years.  About 4 or 5 years ago, I took stock of my recordings and, after giving it some thought, realized that in all of the years I'd been saving my raw masters, I never once went back and did anything with the raw master after I'd finished up mastering a recording.  After that I stopped saving masters and haven't regretted it because even now, I can't say I've ever wanted to go back to my raw master after the fact.

That said, I back up all of my final masters on multiple hard drives...I've got at least ten drives probably closer to fifteen that I've collected over the years.  I have hard drive failures all the time, so having backed up drives saves my ass at least once every other year because that's about how often I have a hard drive die on me. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on January 17, 2018, 04:17:25 PM

Hi Dallman
Thanks for the reply
Yes it does help

I'll have to say I don't bother going under the hood too much with my recording gear, so I'm not sure what the 722 does other than it give phantom power and I don't need to have any preamp.
with this set up I have the level at about 3/4 and it doesn't get near 0db

So with my nice new MP6 the faders are of no use for what I do as I'm not outputting to anything
At the moment I'm just going with 2 mics but I have 6 mics so I might add a pair if the mood takes me, but as I always stealth it makes it a bit of a pain
So is there a way to have a 'safety track' recorded in case I'm peaking a bit?

I have to say I like the suggestion by todd (I think) about just using advance mode and keeping the gain down and not having to ride the levels
It's the way I've worked with 95% of my 722 recording and I'm happy with those. The added safety net of the limiters is more encouragement to go that way. I'm thing that if I was going with more mics I'd not do a mix track.

One other thing that I'd be interested in hearing is views on archiving the masters. I've always kept an untouched copy of the master recording from right back but I'll have to say I sometimes wonder why and now these files have ballooned in size I'm more inclined to just keep the mix or the individual tracks, dependent what I end up using for the final version.
What are others doing?

I"ve only recorded with it once so far and managed to get away with it even though I had it set up badly and got a little clipping. A visit to Dr. iZotope's declipping clinic sorted that out. That's a fine bit of kit!

Cheers
Duncan

Because it sounds like when you record your MP is likely somewhere on your body, I would keep things the way they are. It would seem to me that if you changed the settings so the fron knobs controlled your gain, it'd be really easy to accidentally adjust, as there is no way currently to lock the buttons.

Regarding making a second lower track. It seems to me if you only use 2 mics, and set the deck to record the 2 ISO tracks and also the Mix track, you will be recording the same thing twice. So...(I think)...if you go into the advanced mode "Record Menu", sub menu "Rec L,R Mix" (not linked), then you can set go sub menu "Left Gain", Sub Menu "Right Gain", and set those lower than ISO track 1 and ISO track 2. That would give you 2 identical recordings at different levels.

Regarding masters, I wish I had the answer. For me Cloud storage whenever possible and I hope the price keeps dropping. Archive.org wherever possible too. Having started recording on a cassette in 1971, I have seen many recordings go bad. Some on tape, but much more on hard drive and older burned CD's. My 45 year old cassettes have held up better in many cases than my 15 year old CD's. Now I only buy Taiyo Yuden, but CD's are kinda going away and I just keep moving forward and not worrying too much about my masters. Also once upon a time, I figured the technology would be there for editing and fixing some of my old early (crappy) recordings and that has happened, but there is just not enough hours in the day for me to tackle all I have recorded and saved over the years.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on January 18, 2018, 11:16:33 AM
Firmware v1.53 available.
https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware

Last update Jan 18, 2018

Changes introduced in 1.53 include:

Changed
The MixPre-10T transport control's orange LED brightness is dimmed in stop mode to make it clearer when the unit is recording.
The Take List indicates which file is playing back by displaying it in green text.

Fixed
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on January 18, 2018, 02:05:25 PM
Is there a HOLD...?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Duncan on January 18, 2018, 02:53:43 PM

Hi Dallman
Thanks for the reply...[snip]

Duncan

Because it sounds like when you record your MP is likely somewhere on your body, I would keep things the way they are. It would seem to me that if you changed the settings so the fron knobs controlled your gain, it'd be really easy to accidentally adjust, as there is no way currently to lock the buttons.

Regarding making a second lower track. It seems to me if you only use 2 mics, and set the deck to record the 2 ISO tracks and also the Mix track, you will be recording the same thing twice. So...(I think)...if you go into the advanced mode "Record Menu", sub menu "Rec L,R Mix" (not linked), then you can set go sub menu "Left Gain", Sub Menu "Right Gain", and set those lower than ISO track 1 and ISO track 2. That would give you 2 identical recordings at different levels.

Regarding masters, I wish I had the answer. For me Cloud storage whenever possible and I hope the price keeps dropping. Archive.org wherever possible too. Having started recording on a cassette in 1971, I have seen many recordings go bad. Some on tape, but much more on hard drive and older burned CD's. My 45 year old cassettes have held up better in many cases than my 15 year old CD's. Now I only buy Taiyo Yuden, but CD's are kinda going away and I just keep moving forward and not worrying too much about my masters. Also once upon a time, I figured the technology would be there for editing and fixing some of my old early (crappy) recordings and that has happened, but there is just not enough hours in the day for me to tackle all I have recorded and saved over the years.

Shit 71!! I thought I was an old timer with a 79 debut, fortunately most of my first recording have held up well. My Joy Division tapes were still good and retransferred within the last 5 years.
I lost a good Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees (my first recording in fact)
I think I've got all of my recorders still apart from the ghetto blaster I used at the start!!

Yes you are indeed right I have it in a bag round at the front so best to have less things to risk pressing or twisting. Holding out for a Hold option

I'll have a mess with the advance level suggestion for getting the safety, it sound ideal for what I'm after

I think with the masters I'll be keeping whatever stereo tracks I end up using and bin the rest unless I got 4-6 mic then I don't know, the mix I guess.

Well that was well off topic, sorry

Duncan

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on January 19, 2018, 03:56:32 PM
Has anyone used the linear timecode feature as a timecode trigger with the MixPre-6?

My camera is the Canon XA-10 and I do not think that it has a timecode generator or records timecode.  I'm guessing I should bypass trying to use the trigger and just clap?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on January 19, 2018, 06:09:24 PM
Has anyone used the linear timecode feature as a timecode trigger with the MixPre-6?

My camera is the Canon XA-10 and I do not think that it has a timecode generator or records timecode.  I'm guessing I should bypass trying to use the trigger and just clap?

The Mixpre-6 (or in my case the Mixpre-3) doesn't generate timecode.  It's timecode capable, so if you don't have a device that generates timecode, you can't timecode sync with the mixpre6. 

I've been looking into the potential uses of the Tentacle Sync or Nano Technologies Lockit.  You said your camera doesn't have timecode...what you do is connect one of the Tentacle Sync units to the audio input of your camera and it writes timecode to one of the audio tracks on the camera audio (the other track records scratch audio although you probably wouldn't ever need to use it).  You'd then jam sync the same timecode stamp from the same Tentacle sync unit into your Mixpre-6, which is of course recording the high quality audio tracks.  The Tentacle Sync's have software that is used in post to synchronize the timecode stamps of the audio and video files.  From the demo videos I've seen on YouTube, looks like it's a snap. 

It's a pretty dang cool concept and I've been dying to try it out, but I haven't put up the $$ yet for the Tentacle Sync units...and I'm also not sure if I need to buy one or two of them to do what I want to do.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on January 19, 2018, 07:23:24 PM
Has anyone used the linear timecode feature as a timecode trigger with the MixPre-6?

My camera is the Canon XA-10 and I do not think that it has a timecode generator or records timecode.  I'm guessing I should bypass trying to use the trigger and just clap?

The Mixpre-6 (or in my case the Mixpre-3) doesn't generate timecode.  It's timecode capable, so if you don't have a device that generates timecode, you can't timecode sync with the mixpre6. 

I've been looking into the potential uses of the Tentacle Sync or Nano Technologies Lockit.  You said your camera doesn't have timecode...what you do is connect one of the Tentacle Sync units to the audio input of your camera and it writes timecode to one of the audio tracks on the camera audio (the other track records scratch audio although you probably wouldn't ever need to use it).  You'd then jam sync the same timecode stamp from the same Tentacle sync unit into your Mixpre-6, which is of course recording the high quality audio tracks.  The Tentacle Sync's have software that is used in post to synchronize the timecode stamps of the audio and video files.  From the demo videos I've seen on YouTube, looks like it's a snap. 

It's a pretty dang cool concept and I've been dying to try it out, but I haven't put up the $$ yet for the Tentacle Sync units...and I'm also not sure if I need to buy one or two of them to do what I want to do.

That looks like a cool TC generator.  I dont want to buy something unless I am actually gonna put all the pieces together to start doing video.  I still need SD Cards, to hack my AC cable to make it a DC cable, and I need something to mount it to.  What I would like to do it mount it on my mic stand somehow.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: celticrogues on January 19, 2018, 07:43:21 PM
Has anyone used the linear timecode feature as a timecode trigger with the MixPre-6?

My camera is the Canon XA-10 and I do not think that it has a timecode generator or records timecode.  I'm guessing I should bypass trying to use the trigger and just clap?

The Mixpre-6 (or in my case the Mixpre-3) doesn't generate timecode.  It's timecode capable, so if you don't have a device that generates timecode, you can't timecode sync with the mixpre6. 

I've been looking into the potential uses of the Tentacle Sync or Nano Technologies Lockit.  You said your camera doesn't have timecode...what you do is connect one of the Tentacle Sync units to the audio input of your camera and it writes timecode to one of the audio tracks on the camera audio (the other track records scratch audio although you probably wouldn't ever need to use it).  You'd then jam sync the same timecode stamp from the same Tentacle sync unit into your Mixpre-6, which is of course recording the high quality audio tracks.  The Tentacle Sync's have software that is used in post to synchronize the timecode stamps of the audio and video files.  From the demo videos I've seen on YouTube, looks like it's a snap. 

It's a pretty dang cool concept and I've been dying to try it out, but I haven't put up the $$ yet for the Tentacle Sync units...and I'm also not sure if I need to buy one or two of them to do what I want to do.

You would need two - one for the camera and one for the MixPre-6.

I use this same setup and it works well.

-Mike
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on January 19, 2018, 09:48:10 PM
Has anyone used the linear timecode feature as a timecode trigger with the MixPre-6?

My camera is the Canon XA-10 and I do not think that it has a timecode generator or records timecode.  I'm guessing I should bypass trying to use the trigger and just clap?

The Mixpre-6 (or in my case the Mixpre-3) doesn't generate timecode.  It's timecode capable, so if you don't have a device that generates timecode, you can't timecode sync with the mixpre6. 

I've been looking into the potential uses of the Tentacle Sync or Nano Technologies Lockit.  You said your camera doesn't have timecode...what you do is connect one of the Tentacle Sync units to the audio input of your camera and it writes timecode to one of the audio tracks on the camera audio (the other track records scratch audio although you probably wouldn't ever need to use it).  You'd then jam sync the same timecode stamp from the same Tentacle sync unit into your Mixpre-6, which is of course recording the high quality audio tracks.  The Tentacle Sync's have software that is used in post to synchronize the timecode stamps of the audio and video files.  From the demo videos I've seen on YouTube, looks like it's a snap. 

It's a pretty dang cool concept and I've been dying to try it out, but I haven't put up the $$ yet for the Tentacle Sync units...and I'm also not sure if I need to buy one or two of them to do what I want to do.

You would need two - one for the camera and one for the MixPre-6.

I use this same setup and it works well.

-Mike

Thanks Mike.  I've been trying to find someone that has some experience using the Sync's...I wonder if you might have some feedback for a couple of more questions I've got...

1) My interest in the Tentacle Sync's is actually sync'ing two audio sources together...like say one that is located at the SBD of a venue and a second one located in the sweet spot on a mic stand in the audience.  All of the examples I see on YouTube are syncing multiple video angles and a single audio track.  To your knowledge, would the Tentacle Timecode Tool work for sync'ing more than one audio source and no video?  It seems like the output file format choices don't include audio format, such as xxx.wav, but only video file formats.

2) I don't have a Mac.  The Tentacle Timecode Tool is Mac compatible software.  Are there any options you're aware of for PC users? 

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on January 21, 2018, 08:56:00 AM
If you are buying stuff to form a video rig, I would buy a camcorder with mic in over a time code device.
Imo it's just easier. Run a cable out of the mp_ > into the camcorder, done.
Then edit the footage if you want or need and if you want to be real picky you can very easily dubb the higher quality mp_ audio over the video file.

The only downside is if you have an issue, there isn't a "backup".
I run two camcorders so that's not a concern for me though
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on January 21, 2018, 01:28:58 PM
If you are buying stuff to form a video rig, I would buy a camcorder with mic in over a time code device.
Imo it's just easier. Run a cable out of the mp_ > into the camcorder, done.
Then edit the footage if you want or need and if you want to be real picky you can very easily dubb the higher quality mp_ audio over the video file.

The only downside is if you have an issue, there isn't a "backup".
I run two camcorders so that's not a concern for me though

I had two but sold one to pay some bills.  The one I have has XLR in so I can do that from my MP6.  At first that is what I am considering since I'll probably just poke the camera out of the side of my Petrol to start.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: celticrogues on January 21, 2018, 09:18:30 PM
Has anyone used the linear timecode feature as a timecode trigger with the MixPre-6?

My camera is the Canon XA-10 and I do not think that it has a timecode generator or records timecode.  I'm guessing I should bypass trying to use the trigger and just clap?

The Mixpre-6 (or in my case the Mixpre-3) doesn't generate timecode.  It's timecode capable, so if you don't have a device that generates timecode, you can't timecode sync with the mixpre6. 

I've been looking into the potential uses of the Tentacle Sync or Nano Technologies Lockit.  You said your camera doesn't have timecode...what you do is connect one of the Tentacle Sync units to the audio input of your camera and it writes timecode to one of the audio tracks on the camera audio (the other track records scratch audio although you probably wouldn't ever need to use it).  You'd then jam sync the same timecode stamp from the same Tentacle sync unit into your Mixpre-6, which is of course recording the high quality audio tracks.  The Tentacle Sync's have software that is used in post to synchronize the timecode stamps of the audio and video files.  From the demo videos I've seen on YouTube, looks like it's a snap. 

It's a pretty dang cool concept and I've been dying to try it out, but I haven't put up the $$ yet for the Tentacle Sync units...and I'm also not sure if I need to buy one or two of them to do what I want to do.

You would need two - one for the camera and one for the MixPre-6.

I use this same setup and it works well.

-Mike

Thanks Mike.  I've been trying to find someone that has some experience using the Sync's...I wonder if you might have some feedback for a couple of more questions I've got...

1) My interest in the Tentacle Sync's is actually sync'ing two audio sources together...like say one that is located at the SBD of a venue and a second one located in the sweet spot on a mic stand in the audience.  All of the examples I see on YouTube are syncing multiple video angles and a single audio track.  To your knowledge, would the Tentacle Timecode Tool work for sync'ing more than one audio source and no video?  It seems like the output file format choices don't include audio format, such as xxx.wav, but only video file formats.

2) I don't have a Mac.  The Tentacle Timecode Tool is Mac compatible software.  Are there any options you're aware of for PC users? 

Thanks.

Most of my work is working with timecode capable cameras, so I've actually never had a chance to use the Tentacle Sync software. However, Tentacle Sync does now have a PC-compatible version. It says it supports WAVE files as both input and output formats, so it should work fine to sync up multiple audio files.

https://tentaclesync.com/timecode-tool

That said, just keep in mind that this tool only works to convert audio timecode (timecode that has been recorded to an audio track) into metadata timecode that a DAW can read. It will not sync your files automatically; you will still need to plug the files into a DAW like Pro Tools, Reaper, Nuendo to sync the files.

Keep in mind too that timecode is not the same as sync. Timecode (even when recorded as an audio track), just lines up the start of each file. Everything else is still dependent on the recorder's internal clock. This isn't an issue if your takes are only a minute or two long, but over the time of a show (an hour or more), it is likely that the internal clocks in two or more different recorders will drift apart. That will mean that although your files start off in sync, they gradually get out of sync as the show goes on.

-Mike
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on January 22, 2018, 01:35:01 PM
Thanks for the responses Mike.  Some comments below.

That said, just keep in mind that this tool only works to convert audio timecode (timecode that has been recorded to an audio track) into metadata timecode that a DAW can read. It will not sync your files automatically; you will still need to plug the files into a DAW like Pro Tools, Reaper, Nuendo to sync the files.

Keep in mind too that timecode is not the same as sync. Timecode (even when recorded as an audio track), just lines up the start of each file. Everything else is still dependent on the recorder's internal clock. This isn't an issue if your takes are only a minute or two long, but over the time of a show (an hour or more), it is likely that the internal clocks in two or more different recorders will drift apart. That will mean that although your files start off in sync, they gradually get out of sync as the show goes on.


I do understand about device drift and timecode, thanks for taking the time to provide that.

However, please take note that the function of the Tentacle devices is for device SYNC, not simply timecode input.  For this reason, I don't think your response acknowledges the function of the Tentacle Sync devices/software combination, which is to automatically (via the software application) compensate for device drift and actually sync the sources up in post. 

YouTube video's demonstrate how the software automatically compensates for device drift to align all of the input sources so that they're synced regardless of the fact that each device is operating from its own internal clock.  (In other words, the Tentacle software indexes off of the Tentacle units for alignment, not the device clocks.)

OK, so the typical application has multiple video cameras (with multiple Tentacle Sync devices)  and a single audio source (also with its own Tentacle Sync unit).  In post, all of the aud/vid sources are input into Tentacle Sync Studio for automatic syncing.

However, my question is a twist on this same theme...could I use this same technique, using multiple Sync units and TSStudio software to sync multiple AUDIO sources.  In my case, there's no video source.  (For instance, one recorder located in the audience and the other at the SBD.)



Most of my work is working with timecode capable cameras, so I've actually never had a chance to use the Tentacle Sync software. However, Tentacle Sync does now have a PC-compatible version. It says it supports WAVE files as both input and output formats, so it should work fine to sync up multiple audio files.

https://tentaclesync.com/timecode-tool

Actually, the software you provided a link to is not the PC-analogy of the Tentacle Sync Studio described above.  It's called the Tentacle Timecode Tool and is basically just a rudimentary PC-based WAVE file converter that converts waves into broadcast waves.  I'm not sure why, but so far Tentacle hasn't offered a PC-based version of their Sync tool.  This software doesn't do me much good, at least in terms of file syncing.

So yeah, I'm still trying to determine there is a PC-based analogy of the Tentacle Sync Studio out there yet.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on January 23, 2018, 04:39:18 PM
Firmware v1.53 available.
https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware

Last update Jan 18, 2018

Changes introduced in 1.53 include:

Changed
The MixPre-10T transport control's orange LED brightness is dimmed in stop mode to make it clearer when the unit is recording.
The Take List indicates which file is playing back by displaying it in green text.

Fixed
  • Limiters were not always enabled when switching from Advanced to Basic Mode
  • Pans were not always correct after switching to Basic Mode from Advanced Mode with Inputs Linked.
  • If timecode backup time expired when the MixPre-10T was powered off, TOD timecode was incorrect when next powered on.
  • Rare stuttering of audio during playback of some files
  • Audio crackling noise in headphones when turning HP encoder
  • Incorrect gain values when channels are MS linked
  • Sound Reports were not automatically copied to the USB thumbdrive (MixPre-10T only)
  • New Project Name was not retained after a power cycle if no files were recorded in that project
  • Long file names were not being displaying fully


Anyone running this in the field yet?  I went back to 1.20 after all the issues I had with 1.51
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jbell on January 23, 2018, 04:44:10 PM
I updated mine to 1.53!!  Seems the only bugs are in play back.  At least that I've seen reported.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on January 24, 2018, 11:01:40 AM


Anyone running this in the field yet?  I went back to 1.20 after all the issues I had with 1.51

I skipped 1.51 because of your experiences with it. I ran 1.52 on 10 different occasions without any issues. I have run 1.53 once and it seems fine too.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on January 24, 2018, 11:14:37 AM
I'm running for Chris Robinson on Saturday.  I will update to 1.53 if I can remember to do it between now and then. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on January 24, 2018, 01:25:43 PM
Thanks for the responses Mike.  Some comments below.

That said, just keep in mind that this tool only works to convert audio timecode (timecode that has been recorded to an audio track) into metadata timecode that a DAW can read. It will not sync your files automatically; you will still need to plug the files into a DAW like Pro Tools, Reaper, Nuendo to sync the files.

Keep in mind too that timecode is not the same as sync. Timecode (even when recorded as an audio track), just lines up the start of each file. Everything else is still dependent on the recorder's internal clock. This isn't an issue if your takes are only a minute or two long, but over the time of a show (an hour or more), it is likely that the internal clocks in two or more different recorders will drift apart. That will mean that although your files start off in sync, they gradually get out of sync as the show goes on.


I do understand about device drift and timecode, thanks for taking the time to provide that.

However, please take note that the function of the Tentacle devices is for device SYNC, not simply timecode input.  For this reason, I don't think your response acknowledges the function of the Tentacle Sync devices/software combination, which is to automatically (via the software application) compensate for device drift and actually sync the sources up in post. 

YouTube video's demonstrate how the software automatically compensates for device drift to align all of the input sources so that they're synced regardless of the fact that each device is operating from its own internal clock.  (In other words, the Tentacle software indexes off of the Tentacle units for alignment, not the device clocks.)

OK, so the typical application has multiple video cameras (with multiple Tentacle Sync devices)  and a single audio source (also with its own Tentacle Sync unit).  In post, all of the aud/vid sources are input into Tentacle Sync Studio for automatic syncing.

However, my question is a twist on this same theme...could I use this same technique, using multiple Sync units and TSStudio software to sync multiple AUDIO sources.  In my case, there's no video source.  (For instance, one recorder located in the audience and the other at the SBD.)



Interested also by having two audio recorders synced on long recordings, if someone has experience about it I'd be glad to read!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on January 24, 2018, 01:28:41 PM
I updated today but likely won't be taping for a while.  Worth mentioning it reset my sample rate to 44.1 when connected to computer via usb c.  It would not let me change back to 48.  The screen was greyed out.  When disconnected from computer it remained 44.1.  Once connected to battery it let me pick sample rate again.

Did a bit of testing and on 1.53 everytime I connect it to the computer (how I transfer files) it resets the sample rate to 44.1.  This does not happen on 1.20 (I rolled back to test).

edit:  same thing happens on 1.52 but I figured it out.  When connected via usb it gets set as a recording device in windows.  I had to go into the recording devices settings in windows and change it to 48k.

edit again:   seems the setting doesn't stick as I just disconnected and the same rate stayed at 44.1.  Not sure if this a windows issue or w firmware issue but it's never happened to me until today.

edit yet again:  I'm a dumbass!  Seems on the mixpre the usb c setting was set to audio causing the issue.  On "power only" it does not happen.


Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Duncan on January 27, 2018, 06:29:36 AM

Regarding making a second lower track. It seems to me if you only use 2 mics, and set the deck to record the 2 ISO tracks and also the Mix track, you will be recording the same thing twice. So...(I think)...if you go into the advanced mode "Record Menu", sub menu "Rec L,R Mix" (not linked), then you can set go sub menu "Left Gain", Sub Menu "Right Gain", and set those lower than ISO track 1 and ISO track 2. That would give you 2 identical recordings at different levels.


Did my first proper recording with my MP6 last night, Fatso Jetson in London
Did what you suggested above and it worked out just right, set the gain to about 15 which turned out to be pretty close to the top of the limit but had the mix track lower so nice and safe and came out great. Ended up using the iso tracks as they had higher levels. also saving these two tracks as my master and binning the big poly file.

Found the whole set up pretty stress free, running it from a small size bag with an Anker Powercore USB C pack and my Schopes CCM5s on my body somewhere :-)

It's really up'ed my confidence in the unit

Duncan
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on January 30, 2018, 12:01:55 PM

Regarding making a second lower track. It seems to me if you only use 2 mics, and set the deck to record the 2 ISO tracks and also the Mix track, you will be recording the same thing twice. So...(I think)...if you go into the advanced mode "Record Menu", sub menu "Rec L,R Mix" (not linked), then you can set go sub menu "Left Gain", Sub Menu "Right Gain", and set those lower than ISO track 1 and ISO track 2. That would give you 2 identical recordings at different levels.


Did my first proper recording with my MP6 last night, Fatso Jetson in London
Did what you suggested above and it worked out just right, set the gain to about 15 which turned out to be pretty close to the top of the limit but had the mix track lower so nice and safe and came out great. Ended up using the iso tracks as they had higher levels. also saving these two tracks as my master and binning the big poly file.

Found the whole set up pretty stress free, running it from a small size bag with an Anker Powercore USB C pack and my Schopes CCM5s on my body somewhere :-)

It's really up'ed my confidence in the unit

Duncan

That is useful news. I thought it would work. Thanks for making me look smart.  8)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on February 06, 2018, 01:46:42 PM
Just finished reading all 4 parts of this thread; thanks for all the info!
mp3 on its way from B&H, to replace my FR-2w. If y'all would be so kind, a few questions:
1. I'm up for setting gain low and normalizing in post. I run Shoeps MSTC64 w cardiod caps. What might be a good amount of gain for the usual loud rock show?
2. I'll disarm the mixdown tracks, and record 2 iso's. Which mode is best for this? Advanced? Custom? Seems like custom might have issues retaining settings...
3. Who makes the RT Angle stubbies? Contact info?
4. Any other tips for starting out with the mp3?

Much appreciated, this'll be my 6th recorder since the D-6 in '81.  :)

Chris

edited to fix typo
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on February 06, 2018, 02:47:34 PM
1. I usually run my Mk41s/22s at 20-30 dbs
2. Here are my setting to record ISO tracks only using the front knobs to control gain: Set mode to custom, then set channel to advance, gain to basic, headphone to advance, record to advance, metadata basic, and outputs advance. Then I link my channels to get gain and balance feature. No issues retaining my settings as of yet.
3. GAK and DarkTrain here make cables or send me a PM for a buddy who makes them out of ATL.
4. I think the MP3/6 are very intuitive and once you go through the menus a couple times you will have it all figured out. Two features that would be nice is pre-record and lock.

I like my MP6 so much I am considering getting a MP3 as a backup or second stage or low pro recorder.

 :cheers:

Just finished reading all 4 parts of this thread; thanks for all the info!
mp3 on its way from B&H, to replace my FR-2w. If y'all would be so kind, a few questions:
1. I'm up for setting gain low and normalizing in post. I run Shoeps MSTC64 w cardiod caps. What might be a good amount of gain for the usual loud rock show?
2. I'll disarm the mixdown tracks, and record 2 iso's. Which mode is best for this? Advanced? Custom? Seems like custom might have issues retaining settings...
3. Who makes the RT Angle stubbies? Contact info?
4. Any other tips for starting out with the mp3?

Much appreciated, this'll be my 6th recorder since the D-6 in '81.  :)

Chris

edited to fix typo
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on February 06, 2018, 03:10:11 PM
Great info, folks here are the best!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Duncan on February 10, 2018, 12:37:56 PM
Last gig I did with my MP6 was a very loud Fatso Jetson gig right at the stack and I had the gain set to 16db which was safe but not super low
Duncan
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on February 10, 2018, 12:58:09 PM
Last gig I did with my MP6 was a very loud Fatso Jetson gig right at the stack and I had the gain set to 16db which was safe but not super low
Duncan

That was using the front controls, with menu gain at 0, yes?

Got my MP3 yesterday, played for hours, made a couple presets. Thanks to all on this thread, it seemed straight forward, though I did spend a minute trying to tap the teeeny keyboard to name a project  ;D.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Duncan on February 10, 2018, 07:58:48 PM
Last gig I did with my MP6 was a very loud Fatso Jetson gig right at the stack and I had the gain set to 16db which was safe but not super low
Duncan

That was using the front controls, with menu gain at 0, yes?

Got my MP3 yesterday, played for hours, made a couple presets. Thanks to all on this thread, it seemed straight forward, though I did spend a minute trying to tap the teeeny keyboard to name a project  ;D.

No I have it on advanced and set it to 16 in the menus and then have the mix track recording at a lower db as safety track
I have the channels linked so I control the mix track db with the 1st knob and the balance with the 2nd but I tend to set this before the band come on and then leave it all alone and just check every now and then that it's still recording
Duncan
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on February 11, 2018, 08:26:22 AM
I don't own a MP_ so correct me if I am wrong but this "mix track/safety track" only works if you are doing 2 channels?
If you were doing 3 plus tracks then The mix would be a true mix of them all right?

Basically though it is a way to "dual record" as Tascam calls it on the Dr-60/70
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on February 11, 2018, 10:03:59 AM
Correct

I don't own a MP_ so correct me if I am wrong but this "mix track/safety track" only works if you are doing 2 channels?
If you were doing 3 plus tracks then The mix would be a true mix of them all right?

Basically though it is a way to "dual record" as Tascam calls it on the Dr-60/70
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on February 12, 2018, 01:56:13 PM
Interesting info from Danny at SD, regarding recording levels, via email:

Me: With the Kashmir’s low noise floor and high dynamic range, it seems to me that I ought to record at quite low levels, then normalize in post.
Danny:  I would recommend the opposite.  Record at the levels that don't engage the limiter, but are otherwise as high as possible.  When these levels are brought down in post, noise floor, if any, is also reduced.

He suggested running a safety on the iso's at about 10db down.

Chris
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: justink on February 12, 2018, 04:43:05 PM
Interesting info from Danny at SD, regarding recording levels, via email:

Me: With the Kashmir’s low noise floor and high dynamic range, it seems to me that I ought to record at quite low levels, then normalize in post.
Danny:  I would recommend the opposite.  Record at the levels that don't engage the limiter, but are otherwise as high as possible.  When these levels are brought down in post, noise floor, if any, is also reduced.

He suggested running a safety on the iso's at about 10db down.

Chris

Exactly what I’ve been telling people.

You lose bits/depth when you don’t push the levels hot.

If you’re recording an interview or dialog, set the levels wherever and normalize in post. But for music, you’re losing fidelity.

I wouldn’t even mind going over (softly). Audible brickwalling doesn’t happen with gear these days unless you’re just jack hammering that wall.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: voltronic on February 12, 2018, 06:11:19 PM
Interesting info from Danny at SD, regarding recording levels, via email:

Me: With the Kashmir’s low noise floor and high dynamic range, it seems to me that I ought to record at quite low levels, then normalize in post.
Danny:  I would recommend the opposite.  Record at the levels that don't engage the limiter, but are otherwise as high as possible.  When these levels are brought down in post, noise floor, if any, is also reduced.

He suggested running a safety on the iso's at about 10db down.

Chris

Exactly what I’ve been telling people.

You lose bits/depth when you don’t push the levels hot.

If you’re recording an interview or dialog, set the levels wherever and normalize in post. But for music, you’re losing fidelity.

I wouldn’t even mind going over (softly). Audible brickwalling doesn’t happen with gear these days unless you’re just jack hammering that wall.

This is the common advice from analog recording practice, and I agree you don't want the levels to be too low.  I would be a bit more conservative with the levels though, to avoid any possibility of overs.  Consider that digital brickwalling (audible or not) means you're chopping off part of the waveform, and it's not ever coming back.  That's worse than a slightly higher noisefloor in my opinion.  Those of us who record high dynamic range music also cannot push the levels as hot without risking those overs.

My preferred way is to always have safety tracks as the SD rep suggests, and never any limiter.  Set the main tracks so you have 6-12 dB headroom depending on the type of music you're recording.  Do a max level check in post.  If the main tracks peak anywhere below 0 dB, keep them and dump the safeties.  If there are overs on the mains, do the opposite.

The tricky bit is when you are running so many channels that you don't have room for safety tracks.  Then you have to be even more conservative with levels.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on February 13, 2018, 09:00:50 AM
^ Agreed and this is the method that almost all tapers use since we also want to enjoy a show and not hawk over levels.  However, Sound Device's larger market is the pro community.  If you're a pro sound guy and you're at a shoot and your only job is getting sound, then you should be monitoring levels fairly often.  I'd say follow Danny's advice in that case.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: johnw on February 13, 2018, 03:45:12 PM
Could someone explain to me how to run "safety tracks" on the MP6? Or does this just mean record a mix hot with individual tracks (ISOs?) 10dB below the mix? Can I have the mix be just 1,2 and not all the channels? That would allow me to have the mix be hotter and 1,2 be safety tracks. But then there isn't a safety track for 3,4 or 5,6..
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on February 13, 2018, 04:13:40 PM
Could someone explain to me how to run "safety tracks" on the MP6? Or does this just mean record a mix hot with individual tracks (ISOs?) 10dB below the mix? Can I have the mix be just 1,2 and not all the channels? That would allow me to have the mix be hotter and 1,2 be safety tracks. But then there isn't a safety track for 3,4 or 5,6..

If you are only recording two channels,, this - "just mean record a mix hot with individual tracks (ISOs?) 10dB below the mix". The mix track includes all armed channels so if you have more than two channels, you can't use it for a safety track.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on February 14, 2018, 01:38:23 AM
OPERATOR ERROR!!

So I figured I'd share my trouble so hopefully others don't fuck up like I did.

So I run the MixPre-6. 9 times out of 10 I only record 2 channels. Because of this I usually only keep channels 1 & 2 armed (w/o the mixdown track too) in order to reduce my file size.

Well tonight that burned me. Here is what happened and what I plan to do to eliminate that issue in the future:

I ran tonight stealth (couldn't find the artist in advance to ask permission). I ran my stealth mics (Nevaton's) into CH 3 & 4 because it just worked out better. Unfortunately those weren't armed (see above). About 3 or 4 songs in I though...oh shit! Stopped my recording, armed those channels and fired it up again.

From now on I plan on keeping at least CH 1-4 armed all the time (maybe even 5&6). Yes I will have that larger Polywave file with 2 (or 4) blank channels, but I figure it's better to have those when I get home. Once I strip the channels apart I can always delete the polywave file and I'll still have all of my audio.

So...hopefully that helps someone. Be safe...if you're forgetful like me then just leave all of the channels armed.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: wforwumbo on February 26, 2018, 02:10:35 AM
Finally got around to setting up my Mixpre-6 today for the first time, upgraded to the latest firmware and will be testing it out with my USB-C battery (a RavPower 26800 mAh battery) and my mics tomorrow. Should have everything set up just in time for MGB at the Egg, super stoked to break this thing in.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on March 10, 2018, 07:04:13 PM
Wondering if I can use CA14's via PIP with MP-3? Would I need batt box and/or pre...

`Cheers
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on March 11, 2018, 01:27:46 PM
Wondering if I can use CA14's via PIP with MP-3? Would I need batt box and/or pre...

`Cheers
the MP3 supplies 3v on the mini in. Although it might work, I would feed it 9v from a bb
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: OkieFromRigel4 on March 28, 2018, 11:40:20 AM
For those worried about the USB-C connection, I've had very good success with this right angled cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMOMAR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Z1MgZ7CViFhFs

The cable exits "down" in the bag, and then "up" to the battery, and is very secure.

I have noticed that the Y cable that came with my Mixpre 3 does not click into place like other USB C cables. There is not enough of the metal connector extending from the plastic if that makes sense.  I am thinking about taking a dremel tool to it and zing off a millimeter of the plastic all the way around the metal C connector.  :banging head:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rigpimp on March 29, 2018, 10:56:30 AM
Could someone explain to me how to run "safety tracks" on the MP6? Or does this just mean record a mix hot with individual tracks (ISOs?) 10dB below the mix? Can I have the mix be just 1,2 and not all the channels? That would allow me to have the mix be hotter and 1,2 be safety tracks. But then there isn't a safety track for 3,4 or 5,6..

If you are only recording two channels,, this - "just mean record a mix hot with individual tracks (ISOs?) 10dB below the mix". The mix track includes all armed channels so if you have more than two channels, you can't use it for a safety track.

The idea of a safety pair intrigues me but if I have a 6-track recorder why am I only going to run a single pair.  I just don't ever see that happening unless I am trying to pull off some  >:D with a giant rig instead of my smaller one. 

I presume this principle is directed primarily at Mixpre-3 owners?  I NEVER record the mix.  NEVER.  However, it is mostly because part of my four channels is a MS pair.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on March 29, 2018, 03:43:01 PM
while I don't do the safety track I only have one set of mics and I have a mp6.  I get sbd a lot so I wanted more than 3 channels.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jmitchell on March 31, 2018, 05:00:25 PM
Would this be a failure on the SD card that has been discussed here?  I have had 2 dropouts so far from last nights recording and 1 from Thursday night.  I am using a Sandisk Extreme 90mb/s 128gb SDXC

(https://i.imgur.com/gQs0RoG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/op9MYCC.jpg)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on April 01, 2018, 11:55:57 PM
^ Six channels at 24/96 or 24/48?  If 24/96 it's possible that your card just couldn't keep up with write speeds needed and you experienced buffer overruns.  That's what happened with us early Tascam DR70D schmo's before Tascam 'fixed' the issue by publishing an 'approved card list' AFTER we'd already exposed the weakness in the unit.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on April 09, 2018, 11:09:01 AM
SD is adding support for the Sennheiser AMBEO.  I know some here are interested in this type of recording...

Quote from: Sound Devices
ATTN MixPre-6 & MixPre-10T Users: Sound Devices is collaborating with Sennheiser to offer the full spatial audio experience for virtual reality (VR) video within Sennheiser’s AMBEO for VR partnership program. With the Sound Devices MixPre-6 & MixPre-10T portable recorders and Sennheiser’s AMBEO VR Mic, VR professionals can record and monitor premium 360° spatial audio for VR video.

As an exclusive new feature to the VR partnership program, the MixPre-6 and MixPre-10T will be the first portable recorders to offer onboard AMBEO to binaural decoding. This allows VR creators to assess and make creative decisions about spatial audio content at time of capture, without needing a post-production workstation.

Sound Devices will be releasing a free firmware update for the MixPre-6 and MixPre-10T—anticipated spring 2018—that offers:

    - Record AMBEO VR mic in Ambisonics A-format or B-format with support for any mic orientation (Up, Down, Endfire)
    - Stereo or Binaural headphone monitoring of AMBEO VR mic
    - Support for both AmbiX and FuMa B-format standards
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: heathen on April 09, 2018, 11:22:56 AM
Sound Devices trailing behind Zoom yet again...

 ;)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: sos on April 12, 2018, 12:13:15 PM
Firmware v. 2.10 now out...

https://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware

Changes introduced in 2.10 include:

New

    Remix (-3, -6, -10T only). Ability to playback any existing file and create a new LR mix by adjusting its ISO tracks' fader levels and pans. Remix is enabled in the Record menu and is only available in Advanced Mode or Custom Mode with Gain set to Advanced. Remixing requires that the source file include at least one ISO track.
    Re-record LR (-3, -6, -10T only). Ability to record the LR mix during remixing. All metadata from the source file is transferred to the re-recorded 2-ch LR mix poly wav file. A re-recorded file's name is the same as the original source file name but prefixed with the characters 'R_'. Re-recording requires Remix to be enabled and the source file to have at least one ISO track.
    Cue Marks. Support for cue marks to allow jumping directly to points of interest within a wav file. Cue marks can be added during recording or playback and can be deleted, named and moved. Jump directly to a cue mark by selecting it from a file's Cue List and then pressing play. On the 10T, skip from cue to cue using FFWD and REW joystick. Cue marks are embedded in the wav file's metadata and can be read and displayed by compatible computer applications (e.g. Adobe Audition, Reaper.)
    Option to set the USB Audio interface to output only 2 channels in order to increase compatibility with applications that do not support multichannel USB audio. Go to Menu>System>USB Audio and select Stereo Out.
    Additional channel linking options (-6, -10T only). For the MixPre-10T, additional options include 1-3, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 5-7 and for the MixPre-6, option 1-3 is added.
    Link Type menu (-6, -10T only) providing the ability to choose which parameters are linked when linking three or more channels. Selecting the 'All' option links input type, trim gains, faders, limiters, low cuts, record arms, and delays. Selecting the 'Faders Only' option only links the faders.

Changed

    Four button layout is now changed to six button layout in the Channel screens.
    Rendering start and stop points are now determined by the Play In and Stop cues if set. This is ideal for rendering out only a part of a project. (10M only)
    Cue markers are now embedded into rendered WAV files. (10M only)
    Mute now deactivates the input. Previously mute would only mute the input in the headphone monitor.
    Mute is now accessible via the Channel screen.
    10T factory default mode is now set to Advanced instead of Basic.
    Monitor button is now grayed out when Input is set to Off. (10M only)
    The track that is using 'Air' is now displayed in the greyed out button of other tracks. (10M only)

Fixed

    Headphone clip indicator was only being displayed when adjusting headphone level
    Some USB keyboard shortcuts were not working (10M only)
    Brief audio burst when soloing a channel (10M only)
    Enabling a track's input monitor would incorrectly enable other tracks' input monitors during record (10M only)
    Transport stability, media performance and UI navigation have been improved
    Timecode Menu and USB Drive Status Error Handling have been improved (10T only)
    Fast Forward and Rewind were not responsive in the Channel screens. (10T and 10M only)
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: lerond on April 12, 2018, 03:56:18 PM
Can anyone say how the cue marks are entered?

The change list says "10M only" for embedding the cue marks ... is that a typo? What's the point of placing cue marks that won't be saved?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: johnw on April 17, 2018, 11:24:21 AM
Any word on pre-roll or a lock feature? I tried a search and didn't find anything so I apologize if I've missed it. I haven't really been keeping up with these threads.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on April 17, 2018, 01:59:18 PM
Any word on pre-roll or a lock feature? I tried a search and didn't find anything so I apologize if I've missed it. I haven't really been keeping up with these threads.

Those features, while frequently requested, have not yet been integrated into the firmware.

FWIW, I'm much more interested in a lock feature than pre roll- with essentially infinite storage space and battery life, you can start rolling as soon as you get set up.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dactylus on April 17, 2018, 02:19:20 PM
Any word on pre-roll or a lock feature? I tried a search and didn't find anything so I apologize if I've missed it. I haven't really been keeping up with these threads.

Those features, while frequently requested, have not yet been integrated into the firmware.

FWIW, I'm much more interested in a lock feature than pre roll- with essentially infinite storage space and battery life, you can start rolling as soon as you get set up.

^
I think that we should all request the lock feature, again!!  If they can do it great, if they can't then please let us know and we'll stop asking for it.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: heathen on April 17, 2018, 02:46:06 PM
with essentially infinite storage space and battery life, you can start rolling as soon as you get set up.
This is basically what I do, and I'm using an F8 that does have the pre-record feature.  I've never found the pre-record feature necessary (though to be fair I think people recording concerts aren't who it's meant for).
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: wlp on April 17, 2018, 03:45:43 PM
Cue marks are entered by tapping the Q in the top middle section of the screen (on the Mixpre 6) and are saved to the file.  I had to read the instruction manual included with the firmware update to figure this out (along with the Remix function) after spending several days trying to figure out why nothing happened when I tapped the big Q on the screen. 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: johnw on April 17, 2018, 09:27:36 PM
with essentially infinite storage space and battery life, you can start rolling as soon as you get set up.
This is basically what I do, and I'm using an F8 that does have the pre-record feature.  I've never found the pre-record feature necessary (though to be fair I think people recording concerts aren't who it's meant for).

I personally don't like having to trim down files or put together 2 files to recreate a song. I'd much rather just hit record as the house lights go down or the band walks on stage. There have been times when I cut it close but that feature saved me on the 744t.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on April 18, 2018, 03:18:47 PM
As long as we're talking about things we'd like to see, I'd prefer that the ISO tracks were given priority in the menu scheme over the LR mixdown tracks.  Maybe I could fix this with my pre-sets, but it seems like I'm constantly going back into the menu to disable the LR tracks, which I personally have absolutely no use for, and enabling my ISO tracks. 

I owned a Zoom F8 before the MixPre and although I love the sound of the Mixpre, the menu's on the F8 were a million times better than the screwball interface on the Mixpre series.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on April 18, 2018, 03:50:46 PM
As long as we're talking about things we'd like to see, I'd prefer that the ISO tracks were given priority in the menu scheme over the LR mixdown tracks.  Maybe I could fix this with my pre-sets, but it seems like I'm constantly going back into the menu to disable the LR tracks, which I personally have absolutely no use for, and enabling my ISO tracks. 

I owned a Zoom F8 before the MixPre and although I love the sound of the Mixpre, the menu's on the F8 were a million times better than the screwball interface on the Mixpre series.

I set my presets, but never use them. The MixPre holds my settings and I have it set to disable the L/R mix and use the front ISO knobs for gain not faders. You should not have to make changes each time.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 18, 2018, 03:52:33 PM
As long as we're talking about things we'd like to see, I'd prefer that the ISO tracks were given priority in the menu scheme over the LR mixdown tracks.  Maybe I could fix this with my pre-sets, but it seems like I'm constantly going back into the menu to disable the LR tracks, which I personally have absolutely no use for, and enabling my ISO tracks. 

I owned a Zoom F8 before the MixPre and although I love the sound of the Mixpre, the menu's on the F8 were a million times better than the screwball interface on the Mixpre series.

I have no problem with settings like having L/R off changing on me but I agree completely about focusing on ISOs. They made some really strange design choices with the Mixpre's. Despite advertising it as a recorder, it's really a mixer in my opinion.  The Zooms are much more straight forward for a recorder interface wise...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on April 18, 2018, 04:20:41 PM
As long as we're talking about things we'd like to see, I'd prefer that the ISO tracks were given priority in the menu scheme over the LR mixdown tracks.  Maybe I could fix this with my pre-sets, but it seems like I'm constantly going back into the menu to disable the LR tracks, which I personally have absolutely no use for, and enabling my ISO tracks. 

I owned a Zoom F8 before the MixPre and although I love the sound of the Mixpre, the menu's on the F8 were a million times better than the screwball interface on the Mixpre series.

I set my presets, but never use them. The MixPre holds my settings and I have it set to disable the L/R mix and use the front ISO knobs for gain not faders. You should not have to make changes each time.

this.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on April 18, 2018, 07:19:33 PM
As long as we're talking about things we'd like to see, I'd prefer that the ISO tracks were given priority in the menu scheme over the LR mixdown tracks.  Maybe I could fix this with my pre-sets, but it seems like I'm constantly going back into the menu to disable the LR tracks, which I personally have absolutely no use for, and enabling my ISO tracks. 

I owned a Zoom F8 before the MixPre and although I love the sound of the Mixpre, the menu's on the F8 were a million times better than the screwball interface on the Mixpre series.

I have no problem with settings like having L/R off changing on me but I agree completely about focusing on ISOs. They made some really strange design choices with the Mixpre's. Despite advertising it as a recorder, it's really a mixer in my opinion.  The Zooms are much more straight forward for a recorder interface wise...

FWIW, I'm not sure I see the interface any differently when I think of the mixpre series as a mixer.  It's still clunky and non-intuitive and the Zoom F8 menu still wins hands-down as a mixer menu.  That said, I'm not saying that the interface sucks or that it's awful.  It's just...I don't know...goofy.  It's the type of interface that, if you don't use it for six months, you've got to go back to the instruction manual to learn all over again because there's nothing intuitive about it.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 18, 2018, 07:51:03 PM
As long as we're talking about things we'd like to see, I'd prefer that the ISO tracks were given priority in the menu scheme over the LR mixdown tracks.  Maybe I could fix this with my pre-sets, but it seems like I'm constantly going back into the menu to disable the LR tracks, which I personally have absolutely no use for, and enabling my ISO tracks. 

I owned a Zoom F8 before the MixPre and although I love the sound of the Mixpre, the menu's on the F8 were a million times better than the screwball interface on the Mixpre series.

I have no problem with settings like having L/R off changing on me but I agree completely about focusing on ISOs. They made some really strange design choices with the Mixpre's. Despite advertising it as a recorder, it's really a mixer in my opinion.  The Zooms are much more straight forward for a recorder interface wise...

FWIW, I'm not sure I see the interface any differently when I think of the mixpre series as a mixer.  It's still clunky and non-intuitive and the Zoom F8 menu still wins hands-down as a mixer menu.  That said, I'm not saying that the interface sucks or that it's awful.  It's just...I don't know...goofy.  It's the type of interface that, if you don't use it for six months, you've got to go back to the instruction manual to learn all over again because there's nothing intuitive about it.

I  don't have a problem with the interface per se, its the fact that the big channel knobs control the mix not trim (levels at the pre), at least for the 6 and 10. With the Zooms the knobs control the trim (the recording) and you use menu items to control the faders. With the Mixpre-6 and 10, the knobs control the faders (the mix) and you go into secondary menus to control the trim. To me the former represents a recorder ands the later represents a mixer. I do realize you can use custom or simple mode but then the device is setting the incoming trim level.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Cheesecadet on April 18, 2018, 09:13:49 PM
Is it true you can run 4 channels on the MixPre 3?  Someone told me you have dedicated gain on channels 1/2 and then one ganged gain for channels 3/4 but there ar eonly three knobs on the unit so not sure I believe this.  Anyone with insight I would love to know if this is true.

Thanks!

Ryan
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: willndmb on April 18, 2018, 09:18:09 PM
Is it true you can run 4 channels on the MixPre 3?  Someone told me you have dedicated gain on channels 1/2 and then one ganged gain for channels 3/4 but there ar eonly three knobs on the unit so not sure I believe this.  Anyone with insight I would love to know if this is true.

Thanks!

Ryan
i think what they might be referring too is the channel mix down.
It has three individual channels it can record plus another two in the mix down, so tech it will record five channels if you want to look at it that way.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on April 18, 2018, 10:22:32 PM
Wow, some of you folks should read the instructions for your recorders.

They aren't making these things for concert taping.

All the settings you want for concert taping are involve a simple one time setup procedure.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on April 19, 2018, 08:06:09 AM
Wow, some of you folks should read the instructions for your recorders.

They aren't making these things for concert taping.

All the settings you want for concert taping are involve a simple one time setup procedure.

I know.  It's not a major issue. 

But about your comment 'reading the instructions' and the interface being a 'simple' set up...don't you remember how in the beginning we needed Paul Issacs and a tech support guy to translate the instructions for us?  But sure, once you understand it you can set it and forget it. 

This conversation veered a bit bc of a comment I made on desired firmware changes...wasnt meaning for it to turn into another overall critique of the interface.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 19, 2018, 09:14:54 AM
Wow, some of you folks should read the instructions for your recorders.

They aren't making these things for concert taping.

All the settings you want for concert taping are involve a simple one time setup procedure.

I'm not sure who your comment was meant for but in my case I understand how the device works and recognize you can use custom mode - in the case of mixpre-6 - to use the channel knobs for controlling gain for the ISOs. But it's a second stage gain. This is a taper forum and it doesn't seem unreasonable to make comments on the mixpre's usability for our purposes..


"The groundbreaking new MixPre-6 is a lightweight, high-resolution audio recorder with integrated USB audio streaming that offers world-class sound quality combined with extreme durability – perfect for musicians, sound designers, podcasters, videographers, YouTubers and field recordists."

This is the statement from their web site. It's marketed as a recorder and from what I can tell to an audience that includes us...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on April 19, 2018, 09:30:10 AM
^^^ second stage gain

Please elaborate, not sure I understand.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 19, 2018, 10:13:10 AM
^^^ second stage gain

Please elaborate, not sure I understand.

I use the mixpre-6 in advanced mode. I set recording levels by going to the gain menu for an individual channel and use the knob on the side to set the gain. This is setting the level of gain at the pre level (ie trim). I don't normally record the L/R mix, but the channel knobs control the gain going into the mix. This is a secondary gain (ie fader).

When you use custom mode (gain at simple), the trim level is set by the recorder and you are altering the second stage gain (or at least that's what appears to be the way it works) . It's not the end of the world, but I prefer to work with gain at the first stage.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on April 19, 2018, 01:02:24 PM
^^^ second stage gain

Please elaborate, not sure I understand.

I use the mixpre-6 in advanced mode. I set recording levels by going to the gain menu for an individual channel and use the knob on the side to set the gain. This is setting the level of gain at the pre level (ie trim). I don't normally record the L/R mix, but the channel knobs control the gain going into the mix. This is a secondary gain (ie fader).

When you use custom mode (gain at simple), the trim level is set by the recorder and you are altering the second stage gain (or at least that's what appears to be the way it works) . It's not the end of the world, but I prefer to work with gain at the first stage.

The above is not totally correct. You have a choice on what you want the front knobs to do:

Gain Staging with Linking

In Custom setups, the Linking feature is found in Custom Setup > Channel >
Advanced, which lets you link inputs while still having the option of one or two
gain stages.

Users wanting to link inputs, but control all levels from the front-panel Channel
1 knob should set System > Mode to Custom and then in Custom Setup, set
Gain to Basic and Channel to Advanced.

Users wanting to link inputs with two gain stages while in Custom mode, ensure
that Gain and Channel are both set to Advanced. Then, you can adjust gain
levels for linked channels from the Channel 1 screen and adjust fader levels for
linked channels with the Channel 1 knob.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 19, 2018, 01:27:48 PM
^^^ second stage gain

Please elaborate, not sure I understand.

I use the mixpre-6 in advanced mode. I set recording levels by going to the gain menu for an individual channel and use the knob on the side to set the gain. This is setting the level of gain at the pre level (ie trim). I don't normally record the L/R mix, but the channel knobs control the gain going into the mix. This is a secondary gain (ie fader).

When you use custom mode (gain at simple), the trim level is set by the recorder and you are altering the second stage gain (or at least that's what appears to be the way it works) . It's not the end of the world, but I prefer to work with gain at the first stage.

The above is not totally correct. You have a choice on what you want the front knobs to do:

Gain Staging with Linking

In Custom setups, the Linking feature is found in Custom Setup > Channel >
Advanced, which lets you link inputs while still having the option of one or two
gain stages.

Users wanting to link inputs, but control all levels from the front-panel Channel
1 knob should set System > Mode to Custom and then in Custom Setup, set
Gain to Basic and Channel to Advanced.

Users wanting to link inputs with two gain stages while in Custom mode, ensure
that Gain and Channel are both set to Advanced. Then, you can adjust gain
levels for linked channels from the Channel 1 screen and adjust fader levels for
linked channels with the Channel 1 knob.

It's saying the exact  same thing I am as far as I can see, in a slightly different way.


There are two gain stages, what I defined as trim and fader above.

Users wanting to link inputs with two gain stages while in Custom mode, ensure
that Gain and Channel are both set to Advanced. Then, you can adjust gain
levels
for linked channels from the Channel 1 screen and adjust fader levels for
linked channels with the Channel 1 knob.

Regardless of the linking aspect, this is what I do. I can set the trim (first stage) using the channel main menu item and the side knob and I could, if I cared about the mix, set the second level gain using the big knobs
 

but control all levels from the front-panel Channel
1 knob should set System > Mode to Custom and then in Custom Setup, set
Gain to Basic and Channel to Advanced.

This allows you to use the big knobs for controlling gain at the ISO level but what you are controlling is the second stage gain


The custom (advanced/simple) route  simply triggers ISOs to be recorded post fader in addition tothe L/R track.  They explain in their own video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=36&v=vL_dmV8n43c

 
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: nolamule on April 19, 2018, 03:22:55 PM
Thanks gents! I figured y’all were taking about trim and fade as the two gain modes but wanted to make sure. I don’t ever record the L/R mix so I never use the fade function.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on April 19, 2018, 05:51:29 PM
I don't understand what difference "first stage" or "second stage" gain makes. It's the same preamp/input stage and all analog gain before the AD stage. How the computer thinks about it is sonically irrelevant.

To repeat, to use the mixpre6 the way tapers are used to using "recorders," do the following:

In "System" set the mode to Custom.
In "Custom Setup" set "Gain" to "Basic" and "Channel" to "Advanced."

Link 1-2, 3-4, & 5-6, or 1-4 and 5-6 or not at all.

Then leave it that way and don't worry about it any more.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on April 19, 2018, 09:05:34 PM

This allows you to use the big knobs for controlling gain at the ISO level but what you are controlling is the second stage gain


The custom (advanced/simple) route  simply triggers ISOs to be recorded post fader in addition tothe L/R track.  They explain in their own video


Neither of the above is fully correct when you use the menu path of: In System > Set Mode to Custom and then in Custom Setup, set
Gain to Basic and Channel to Advanced. (As Noah also correctly states above)  I checked with Sound Devices because I was sure I had full gain control and they clarified as such.
This is from my second email as the first one was really informative but not as crystal clear. (and to be brief that is because at the ISO setting above, the mix is also controlled, but if you do not use the mix it does not matter) Again to be clear the answer is for the path stated above.

Hello Clifford,

When linked, one fader will control gain for both inputs.  Yes, this is full gain range from OFF to maximum gain.

Best regards,
Danny

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on April 20, 2018, 07:35:34 AM
I don't understand what difference "first stage" or "second stage" gain makes. It's the same preamp/input stage and all analog gain before the AD stage. How the computer thinks about it is sonically irrelevant.

I thought that First Stage refers to trim and is the amount of signal that the preamp sees from the input.

And that Second Stage refers to fader and is post-AD and is the amount of signal the track sees.

I thought it had been established that you cannot attenuate the analog signal going into the preamps on the MP6 except with the limiters. So all gain control is post preamp.

EDIT added last paragraph
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 20, 2018, 09:01:36 AM

This allows you to use the big knobs for controlling gain at the ISO level but what you are controlling is the second stage gain


The custom (advanced/simple) route  simply triggers ISOs to be recorded post fader in addition tothe L/R track.  They explain in their own video


Neither of the above is fully correct when you use the menu path of: In System > Set Mode to Custom and then in Custom Setup, set
Gain to Basic and Channel to Advanced. (As Noah also correctly states above)  I checked with Sound Devices because I was sure I had full gain control and they clarified as such.
This is from my second email as the first one was really informative but not as crystal clear. (and to be brief that is because at the ISO setting above, the mix is also controlled, but if you do not use the mix it does not matter) Again to be clear the answer is for the path stated above.

Hello Clifford,

When linked, one fader will control gain for both inputs.  Yes, this is full gain range from OFF to maximum gain.

Best regards,
Danny


I understand how to  set the mixpre so you are controlling ISO gain with the big knobs!!! Everyone re-iterating this is not responding to my point. My point is more what is happening within the deck wehn you do this. There are very long threads about the Mixrpre-3/6/10 because there are many subtleties that have not been explained well. In some cases, we have been given conflicting information. If I am misunderstanding the mechanics of how the gain stages work, I am more than happy to hear a clear explanation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=36&v=vL_dmV8n43c

This is a video FROM Sound Devices and the implication is that my statement from above IS correct

The video explains how to use custom mode and then concludes "And there you have it, now post fade signal, controlled specifically by the channel knob, is being sent to all your ISOs."


https://www.dvestore.com/blog/video-sound-devices-mixpre3-and-mixpre6-modes-and-signal-routing/


"If you want discrete, isolated tracks, then you need to be in Advanced or Custom Mode. When you record ISO tracks, the tracks will record the audio signal that is post-gain but pre-fader to the isolated track. This is what we call pre-fader or pre-fade recording. However, you can have the ISO tracks be post-fader. You need to be in Custom Mode and enable advanced settings for both "Channel" and "Record." This makes the ISO tracks post-fader. In Advanced Mode, the MixPres are configured as either five or eight-channel recorders depending on which one you have. ... You also have separate control over the trim control which is the gain, as well as fader control."

I am assuming  trim is one gain stage (one amplifier) and the fader is a second gain stage (another amplifier). Both of the above imply that the custom mode node thing is recording ISOs post fader. While I recognize they are both analog stages, my preference is to control gain at the first amplifier. That's all I have been implying since the beginning of my points. It was never a question of how to set the deck use Channel Knobs to Adjust ISO Levels.

So, are there two amplifiers? If gain under the custom scenario is post fader, what is happening at the trim level?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on April 20, 2018, 09:20:45 AM

So, are there two amplifiers? If gain under the custom scenario is post fader, what is happening at the trim level?

My understanding is that there is NO trim level.  Other than engaging the limiters, you can only affect gain post preamp.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 20, 2018, 09:37:21 AM

So, are there two amplifiers? If gain under the custom scenario is post fader, what is happening at the trim level?

My understanding is that there is NO trim level.  Other than engaging the limiters, you can only affect gain post preamp.


 
I record in advanced mode. You set the ISO gain by going to the gain menu item for the individual channel and using the knob on the side to adjust gain. In addition, I can change the gain for the L/R recording using the channel knobs. There are clearly two stages of gain, and I would assume two amplifiers, at least in advanced mode..


In custom mode, you believe that the first stage is eliminated/bypassed and even though they are referring to it as post fader, only one amplification is occuring? You are not trying to suggest there is no trim period - regardless of mode - are you?



Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on April 20, 2018, 09:50:54 AM
I'm so confused!   :cheers:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on April 20, 2018, 10:08:34 AM
You are not trying to suggest there is no trim period - regardless of mode - are you?

Yes, that's what I'm saying. I thought it had been previously stated (somewhere) that only the limiters can affect analog input and that the input signal can only be attenuated post preamp.

It may be that all we can affect is the level of the digital signal post-AD going to the tracks or the Mix.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on April 20, 2018, 10:17:07 AM
It may be that all we can affect is the level of the digital signal post-AD going to the tracks or the Mix.

The analog pre-amps have a gain range of +6 to + 76 dB...
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on April 20, 2018, 11:57:36 AM
Has Sound Devices published the routing schematic for the MixPre3, 6 and 10?  That would eliminate alot of confusion about trim and fade, first and second stage gain...etc. 

The manual for Zoom F8 included a schematic of the routing of the ins and outs and showed exactly what each of the controls were doing.  Really made operation much simpler to understand.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on April 20, 2018, 12:39:56 PM
In trying to keep it simple:
Hello Clifford,

Thank you for contacting Sound Devices.  When you set GAIN to BASIC and CHANNEL to ADVANCED, one fader knob controls both the ISO level and the L/R level at the same time.  The comment is worded a little oddly.  This setting allows the user to control both the ISO gain and the L/R mix gain with a single control.  You are controlling both ISO at full gain and L/R Mix with secondary gain with one fader knob.  Hopefully that makes a little more sense!

Best regards,
Danny Greenwald
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: rippleish20 on April 20, 2018, 12:44:21 PM
Has Sound Devices published the routing schematic for the MixPre3, 6 and 10?  That would eliminate alot of confusion about trim and fade, first and second stage gain...etc. 

The manual for Zoom F8 included a schematic of the routing of the ins and outs and showed exactly what each of the controls were doing.  Really made operation much simpler to understand.

I concur 100%. The F8 diagram is why  I am questioning what is happening on the Mixpre-6 when you use custom mode with gain set to simple.  Trim and fader on the F8 appear to be two different amplifiers. ISOs recorded post fader on the F8 would presumably go through two gain stages.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on April 20, 2018, 02:47:06 PM
I don't pretend to know anything about any of this but just saw this on facebook......


Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jazzgtrl4 on April 28, 2018, 02:06:28 PM
I'm so confused!   :cheers:

lol,  Hi i just got a mix pre6. Have been reading through this thread a little..So whats the best way in a nutshell to get up and running?,  I know RTFM,  Im just looking to get started using two channels, setup like my 722 was with gain knob adjustment on the front.  I need to update to the newest firmware.   I know you guys have gone through these units and whats best for our purposes.  thanks
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: Gordon on April 29, 2018, 09:28:45 AM
Quote
to use the mixpre6 the way tapers are used to using "recorders," do the following:

In "System" set the mode to Custom.
In "Custom Setup" set "Gain" to "Basic" and "Channel" to "Advanced."

Link 1-2, 3-4, & 5-6, or 1-4 and 5-6 or not at all.

Then leave it that way and don't worry about it any more.

That's about it!  I only have one set of mics and use 3 & 4 for sbd's.  So I leave 1 & 2 on mic in/phantom on.  3 & 4 are left on line in/phantom off.  I link 1 & 2, and 3 & 4 (only need one knob for both channels of gain).  To turn channels 3 & 4 on you just hit arm.  Pushing the gain knobs gets you to those settings.

I have not updated to firmware v2.10.  Still on v1.53 with zero issues.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: morst on May 06, 2018, 04:24:17 PM
Joining the thread because I am going to buy the 6 as soon as I finish reading Thread #3 all the way through.

Looks like I'm going to be spending $899.99 at either Sweetwater, B&H, or Full Compass, unless anyone would like to convince me otherwise? I've bought good gear from all three and had varying degrees of good customer service from each. Figured I would bounce it off the panel before pulling the trigger. Should I be doing business with Trew, Location Sound or Gotham, are they that much more excellent?

Thanks! :wink2:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: jbell on May 06, 2018, 04:46:38 PM
Don't think it really matters!  Pricing is the same.

Joining the thread because I am going to buy the 6 as soon as I finish reading Thread #3 all the way through.

Looks like I'm going to be spending $899.99 at either Sweetwater, B&H, or Full Compass, unless anyone would like to convince me otherwise? I've bought good gear from all three and had varying degrees of good customer service from each. Figured I would bounce it off the panel before pulling the trigger. Should I be doing business with Trew, Location Sound or Gotham, are they that much more excellent?

Thanks! :wink2:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: yug du nord on May 06, 2018, 10:39:08 PM
^^Although it probably doesn't matter....  I personally think that it makes sense to buy SD equipment from Full Compass since they are both WI based companies.   :coolguy:
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: fanofjam on May 07, 2018, 11:43:53 AM
^^Although it probably doesn't matter....  I personally think that it makes sense to buy SD equipment from Full Compass since they are both WI based companies.   :coolguy:

Full Compass knows which way is north.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on May 07, 2018, 01:57:45 PM
First field use of the MP-3 Saturday night; went very well, and made a great recording.

Many thanks to all who contributed great info that allowed me to utilize all that the recorder offers.

Love the ability to run safety tracks!

~Chris
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on May 07, 2018, 05:19:34 PM
^ How did you get safety tracks?  Is that an addition in the latest firmware update?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on May 07, 2018, 06:42:33 PM
^ How did you get safety tracks?  Is that an addition in the latest firmware update?

Here's some of my notes copied from this thread:

To use the mixpre the way tapers are used to using "recorders," do the following:

In "System" set the mode to Custom.
In "Custom Setup" set "Gain" to "Basic" and "Channel" to "Advanced."

Users wanting to link inputs, but control all levels from the front-panel Channel
1 knob should set System > Mode to Custom and then in Custom Setup, set
Gain to Basic and Channel to Advanced.

Now you can set up safeties.

Duncan’s 2 channel safety method:
Set iso’s to 16 in the menus and then have the mix track recording at a lower db as safety track, with channels linked so you can control the mix track db with the 1st knob and the balance with the 2nd.

My variation:
I set my iso’s low, and run the mix track hotter. Therefor, I set the main tracks to have 6-12 dB headroom depending on the type of music you're recording, safeties (iso’s) 10db down.

I think I've got this all correct, would be great if others could provide feedback/corrections.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: aaronji on May 09, 2018, 10:41:14 AM
^ Thanks for the explanation. I was thinking I missed something with the new firmware (I haven't updated yet, as I heard there are some bugs).

For what it's worth, neither of those methods work in advanced mode. The fader gain is digital, so, in the first case (mix lower), if you clip the ISOs, the mix will be a clipped recording at a lower level (i.e. brickwalled). In the second case (mix higher), there is no benefit (unless the digital gain on the recorder sounds better than the gain from your DAW, I suppose). I have tested this and am pretty certain about it. I think I still have the files; if you are interested, I can post pictures of the waveforms.

Like I said, that is in advanced mode. The whole gain situation in custom mode is a little murkier (in personal correspondence, they provided some details, but not enough to really figure it out; they claim some secret sauce in there), so maybe it works differently. I would hesitate to rely on it without a little testing, though.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on May 09, 2018, 11:08:29 AM
^ Great point, I guess I'll just run ISO's, and keep them lowish.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dallman on May 09, 2018, 02:40:56 PM
^ Thanks for the explanation. I was thinking I missed something with the new firmware (I haven't updated yet, as I heard there are some bugs).

For what it's worth, neither of those methods work in advanced mode. The fader gain is digital, so, in the first case (mix lower), if you clip the ISOs, the mix will be a clipped recording at a lower level (i.e. brickwalled). In the second case (mix higher), there is no benefit (unless the digital gain on the recorder sounds better than the gain from your DAW, I suppose). I have tested this and am pretty certain about it. I think I still have the files; if you are interested, I can post pictures of the waveforms.

Like I said, that is in advanced mode. The whole gain situation in custom mode is a little murkier (in personal correspondence, they provided some details, but not enough to really figure it out; they claim some secret sauce in there), so maybe it works differently. I would hesitate to rely on it without a little testing, though.

I agree, using the mix track as a safety would not work, because the mix is pulling from the ISO tracks and if they are distorting, than the mix no matter how low will have a quieter distorted track.
FWIW the new Firmware 2.10 is really good. I have run lots of shows with it and had no issues at all. Better graphics with more information, some menus also have more information with 6 windows versus 4, but they still are really easy t access so less switching between menus. There was a flaw in 1.52 that caused me to not try that version but 1.53 fixed it and no issues since, I really like 2.10.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: noahbickart on May 24, 2018, 11:55:09 AM
New firmware:

http://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: checht on May 24, 2018, 01:36:22 PM
New firmware:

http://www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads/mixpres-firmware

From the download page:
Last update May 24, 2018

Changes introduced in 2.20 include:

New

For all models:
Output gain range increased by 20dB.
Added Output Mute option.
Added Output Mute * shortcut option.
For MixPre-10M
Import of WAV audio files (native and non-native) when creating a Music Project.
For MixPre-10T
Displays a timecode reset notification in Free Run and Time of Day modes when timecode is reset after the timecode hold time of 4 hrs is exceeded.
For MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 only
Jump to cue marks by holding Play and rotating the headphone encoder.
For MixPre-3, -6, and -10T only
Plugin support: A new System > Plugins submenu for installing future licensed plugins.
New Record > Record Bells menu option to disable record bell notifications.
Added Inputs MS Decode submenu to select MS decoding to both ISOs and Mix or Mix Only.
Recordings that are split across multiple files now playback seamlessly.
Playback of non-native WAV files in Audio Projects.
Changed

For MixPre-3, -6, and -10T only
In Remix mode, re-recorded files are now placed in the same project folder as the source file.
A file's 'Name' has been increased to a maximum of 20 characters.
For all models:
Channel Screen meter remains visible and active when adjusting channel gain.
Headphone Clip Indicator is now displayed in power/battery level indicator in the top right of the screen.
Post fade channel clipping is now indicated by a channel's ring LED illuminating red.
Projects are now sorted by creation date/time in the Project > Open menu.
Menu screens now allow the user to switch from one parameter to another with a single touch.
Fixed

For MixPre-10T only:
USB Thumbdrive was prematurely shown as full.
Time of Day timecode was incorrect after power cycling within the timecode hold time (4 hours).
For MixPre-10M only:
Mute was not muting tracks with Input source set to Click.
Metronome Volume and Click track level were inconsistent.
Rendered audio files were not automatically copied to the USB Drive.
Cue marks that fell outside of the Play In / Stop region were still embedded in the rendered wav file.
Cue marks set as Play In, Record In, Record Out, Stop were not being moved correctly.
Rendered isolated wav files would occasionally contain discontinuities at crossfades.
Phantom Power setting was not carrying over to the linked input in a linked pair.
Playback would not always work after recording the first take in a music project.
44.1kHz sample rate would not carry over to new projects.
For MixPre-6 and -10T only:
MixPre-6 channels 5 & 6 and MixPre-10T channels 9 & 10 were displaying 6dB too high.
Solo and Mutes were not linked when Link Type was set to 'All'.
For MixPre-3, -6, and -10T only:
Audio bleed-through into the record start/stop bells.
MS balance control was occasionally resetting to center.
Cue marks were not copied from the original file to the re-recorded file.
Track Arm indicators would flash after playing back.
Phantom Power setting could be displayed incorrectly in the Channel screen after playback.
Re-recording was only possible when the source file contained three or more tracks.
Headphone monitoring source would change after playback.
Previous project was not loading when reinserting the SD card.
Recording would stop when recording automatic file splits to daily folders over midnight.
For all models:
Jumping between cue marks has been improved.
Media I/O Error message was incorrectly displayed for a full SD card.
In some DAWs, MixPre audio file signal clipping was occurring at -0.1dBFS.
Zero byte split files were created on some SD cards.
Pop-up dialog windows could appear one on top of the other.
Improved handling of pop up dialog boxes.
Improved audio scrubbing.
Improved transport handling.
Improved media performance.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on May 24, 2018, 01:53:18 PM
New Record > Record Bells menu option to disable record bell notifications.

Thank you, Sound Devices. Thank you Thank you Thank you

Next, please, standard tape recorder transport function buttons in Wingman App for FF, RW, Pause, etc.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: morst on May 25, 2018, 04:51:59 AM
Next, please, standard tape recorder transport function buttons in Wingman App for FF, RW, Pause, etc.
LOCK ON HOLD!??!?

I like the idea of the Wingman app, but it's just one more STOP button which could be accidentally pressed at the wrong time. Overall, that's not worth it.  :shrug:

Bought the 6 from Full Compass. Funny story, I'll tell you some time. Got the right unit in time for my two-show weekend and the machine worked as expected under 2.10.

Glad to have 2.20. The bug where files are not playable once you remove the SD card, and reinsert it was causing me to question my sanity. And the bug with channels 5-6 displaying incorrect levels by (+ or -?) 6dB??? No comment!!  :o

Glad that those are fixed in 2.20!
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: dogmusic on May 25, 2018, 08:04:13 AM
Next, please, standard tape recorder transport function buttons in Wingman App for FF, RW, Pause, etc.
LOCK ON HOLD!??!?

I like the idea of the Wingman app, but it's just one more STOP button which could be accidentally pressed at the wrong time. Overall, that's not worth it.  :shrug:


Everyone has their different needs. For my purposes a lock button is unecessary.

But I need familiar transport & search controls (not the HP encoder) and pause during PB & Record etc. The standard stuff of analog machines and most digital ones as well. The Wingman app is the only way they can be implemented given the lack of physical buttons on the unit.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: down2earthlandscaper on May 30, 2018, 02:39:17 AM
Has anyone rolled with the new firmware yet? First impressions?
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: JM Charcot on May 30, 2018, 03:05:39 AM
Has anyone rolled with the new firmware yet? First impressions?

Just did a quick test yesterday, the navigation between markers is a great improvement.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on May 30, 2018, 10:30:50 AM
2 recordings with the newest firmware and no issues.
Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4
Post by: larrysellers on May 30, 2018, 10:32:57 AM
That's 25 pages. Part 5 is here ---> https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=186597.0