Topic: Can you recommend a portable 32bit-recorder??

[voltronic]

The Zoom F6 got to be the most attractive value/quality proposition that fits your requirements. The Mixpre will be a little more luxurious in feel and interface but unlikely in sound quality.

+1
While I obviously own an F6, I have used an MixPre-II 6 and find no difference in sound quality at all.

One advantage the Zoom F6 has over the MixPre-II is in compact external powering. Both can use NP-F style camera batteries, but the MixPre-II requires an separate adapter sled which puts the batteries at an odd angle. Most people here seem to prefer USB-C packs, but the MPII can be rather finicky about USB-C powering, as indicated by the long thread here about it. The F6 can run off NP-F style batteries without an adapter, and I use these which run the F6 powering 6 mics with phantom for a LONG time.

This isn't true if you use the newer L mount sled!  Also, you can buy a Hirose sled for the Mixpre 6.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1552857-REG/sound_devices_mx_lm1_l_mount_battery_sled_f_mizpre.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0vfyodjG-QIVJxTUAR3Aog5OEAQYAyABEgIDs_D_BwE

https://www.adorama.com/ctmxps.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0vfyodjG-QIVJxTUAR3Aog5OEAQYAiABEgKFJ_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=adl-gbase-p

I'm glad to see they improved the original design. It's a shame it costs so much. I can't understand why SD didn't just have the L-mount built into the back of the recorder itself like the 6, 7, and 8-series.

I also can't understand why Zoom didn't make the newer version of the F8 have an L-mount like the F6 does. They could have put the TC BNCs on one of the side panels.

[checht]

[snip]
I can't understand why SD didn't just have the L-mount built into the back of the recorder itself like the 6, 7, and 8-series.
[/snip]

To accommodate diverse use cases? I've happily used usbc power banks w 4AA sled backup since I first got a mp-3 I, no inclination/need to do anything else. Anker and Mophie batts work 100% of the time and are inexpensive. Once one understands the power requirements, it's not difficult to select a bank that works. Also use a $14 Anker 20W charger (Nano Pro) with AA backup when I have ac.

For me, usbc powering has been dependable, fast, small/light, easy.

Different strokes...

[ol' dirty taper]

I really enjoy using my MP6 II, the power options have never been a hinderance and I have the L mount adapter, but I prefer using usb c with the 4 or 8 battery adapter as backup, I just loop a right angle cable through the front post a couple times so it wont budge.

That said, recently I picked up a Zoom F3 and the sound quality to my ears is nearly identical to the MixPre. SD units tend to be smoother, but for a run and gun recorder, the f3 is great. I'd imagine other newer Zoom products operate similarly.