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Gear / Technical Help => Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors => Topic started by: Chimney Top on August 10, 2013, 12:38:35 AM

Title: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: Chimney Top on August 10, 2013, 12:38:35 AM
http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3441/~/difference-between-a-shure-fp24-and-a-sound-devices-mixpre


This article says the Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre were identical until 2002, then Sound Devices changed the LED meters and changed the output configuration from impedance balanced to active balanced.  This is due to some devices (specifically Sony) that would not accept the impedance balanced output.  This explains why the Shure FP24 does not interact well with the Roland R26 as I stated in previous Mixpre threads. (I shouldn't have sold the Fostex FR2LE, I used it a few times with the FP24 and it worked well.)

So, the Mixpre (post-2002 and probably Mixpre-D) has active balanced outputs which was changed to address the issues with some products not accepting the impedance balanced signal.



"The single issue that prompted this change is that certain specific Sony camcorders,like the PD150, "do not properly accept any audio signals from impedance-balanced outputs". For these cameras, Sound Devices supplied an accessory cable (XL-55) that padded down the line-level signal from the MixPre to mic-level and then unbalanced the signal in a suitable manner, due to the fact that the "impedance balanced" output only has signal on Pin 2."
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: spyder9 on August 10, 2013, 01:15:14 AM

http://www.sounddevices.com/tech/mixpre_changes.htm

It appears they dropped the hot signal (line) down to mic level.  I always thought the MP-2 sounded vastly different from the Mixpre/FP-24.  Here is the proof.
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: TSNéa on August 10, 2013, 02:01:22 AM
Any idea on the Superlux FMX22D? OEM or cheap copy of the above?
See : http://www.superlux.com.tw/
You can switch to English in the upper right corner, then search in Pro Audio / Electronics / Microphones Preamplifiers.

I could not find a retailer.

Same question, but off topic, about the headphone amplifier Superlux HA3D (Pro Audio / Electronics / Headphones Amplifiers)... This one is easily available (Thomann, etc.), much cheaper than the "other", with good reviews:
http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-ha3d-amplifier/

FWIW.
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: DigiGal on August 10, 2013, 01:10:04 PM
Superlux is not OEM, definitely a cheap copy!!!  In the case of HA3D according to Sound Devices they cloned the circuit board including the errors...  Superlux physical build quality is not as good if you examine them closely you'll notice; they use lower quality cases, knobs and jacks they even cheap out attempts to copy packaging and their documentation is atrocious so it would be reasonable to assume that the electronic component's they utilize are also below spec; cheap capacitors, noisy OP Amps, etc. 

It is definitely better not to support the Superlux endeavor, buy genuine Sound Devices gear designed and built with quality components in the USA.  You get what you pay for regarding quality here so don't be fooled by appearances and remember that Sound Devices offers excellent technical support.

Jon Tatooles and Matt Mayer of Sound Devices, LLC made specific comments on the HA3D, read full discussions LINKED HERE (http://jwsoundgroup.net/index.php?/topic/13198-sound-devices-hx-3-or-superlux-ha3d/)



Any idea on the Superlux FMX22D? OEM or cheap copy of the above?
See : http://www.superlux.com.tw/
You can switch to English in the upper right corner, then search in Pro Audio / Electronics / Microphones Preamplifiers.

I could not find a retailer.

Same question, but off topic, about the headphone amplifier Superlux HA3D (Pro Audio / Electronics / Headphones Amplifiers)... This one is easily available (Thomann, etc.), much cheaper than the "other", with good reviews:
http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-ha3d-amplifier/

FWIW.
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: Chimney Top on August 10, 2013, 03:33:17 PM
"Absolutely not. Every Sound Devices product is designed in Reedsburg, WI.

The only time(s) a Sound Device product has appeared without the Sound Devices name on it is when we OEM'd some products for our friends at Shure.

Luckily, since a good majority of our products are now software driven, the chances that something major like a recorder or mixer will be copied are nil.
---Matt
Sound Mixer
Sound Devices Guru
Chicago, IL
FCC License WQQR280"

-Matt Mayer
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: TSNéa on August 11, 2013, 12:26:21 AM
Superlux is not OEM, definitely a cheap copy!!!
Jon Tatooles and Matt Mayer of Sound Devices, LLC made specific comments on the HA3D, read full discussions LINKED HERE (http://jwsoundgroup.net/index.php?/topic/13198-sound-devices-hx-3-or-superlux-ha3d/)

"Absolutely not. Every Sound Devices product is designed in Reedsburg, WI.

The only time(s) a Sound Device product has appeared without the Sound Devices name on it is when we OEM'd some products for our friends at Shure.


Thanks to both of you DigiGal and Chimney Top for your very clear answers!
And thanks for the link, DigiGal: I missed it on JWSound...
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: pdxdanmusic on August 15, 2013, 09:04:36 AM
I am looking at a FP24 to use with my OCM PMD661 would there be any hassles using the two together?
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: Chimney Top on August 15, 2013, 03:39:32 PM
I am looking at a FP24 to use with my OCM PMD661 would there be any hassles using the two together?

I don't know about the Marantz PMD 661/671, but i've used these:

Fostex FR2LE - Yes

Tascam DR100 - No
Roland R26 - No

However, they all should work ok using the tape out (mini jack) > recorder.
Title: Re: Shure FP24 and Sound Devices Mixpre (different product since 2002)
Post by: pdxdanmusic on August 15, 2013, 04:25:35 PM
I am looking at a FP24 to use with my OCM PMD661 would there be any hassles using the two together?

I don't know about the Marantz PMD 661/671, but i've used these:

Fostex FR2LE - Yes

Tascam DR100 - No
Roland R26 - No

However, they all should work ok using the tape out (mini jack) > recorder.

I am hoping to use the xlr line in function so it makes use of the oade mod on my unit.