Topic: Introducing the Sound Devices 664 Field Production Mixer

[hammerhorror]

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

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

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

[DigiGal]

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

[hammerhorror]

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

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

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

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

[hammerhorror]

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

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

[leehookem]

any samples?

[ArchivalAudio]

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

Lucky!

looking forward to hearing your feedback and results!

[ArchivalAudio]

Here's a video from sweetwater:

http://youtu.be/7dTVQy_QaGY

another
http://youtu.be/SaYy4d6dfFY

http://youtu.be/55gDCZFTUuE

[jbell]

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

[hammerhorror]

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

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