Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6

[tgakidis]

(Assuming Channel 1,3 is left and 2,4 is Right)
1) Open Wave Agent>Import Files
2) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 1, Track 1 and File 2 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 1,2.
3) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 3, Track 1 and File 4 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 3,4.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when pulling up a selected MixPre-6 WAV 8 (POLY) file in Wave Agent, under "track info", I see the following:

Track 1 = Mix L
Track 2 = Mix R
Track 3 = Ch 1
Track 4 = Ch 2
Track 5 = Ch 3
Track 6 = Ch 4
Track 7 = Ch 5
Track 8 = Ch 6

So, if I want to isolate the sources into their own stereo files shouldn't the selected box combos (input tracks/output files) be:

(Trk 3&4/File 1) call it "primary mics"
(Trk 5&6/File 2) "secondary mics"
(Trk 7&8/File 3) "sbd"
(Trk 1&2/File 4) "left/right mix"

I tried tackling this late last night after returning from a gig, but was too tired to comprehend it, and have only given it some limited time today, so hoping this makes sense...

Looks right to me

[sos]

Here's a sample of my Davy Knowles recording from last night, covering Muddy Waters' "Garbage Man" (/composer: Willie Hammond). Runs ~11 mins...

AKG(ck63) Naiant actives (DINa) > Naiant PFA > MixPre-6
FOB/ROC, 25' from stage, 8' up
raw as recorded, no EQ

Download link (We Transfer): https://we.tl/fezjs2brgW

Davy's website (support the artist!): http://davyknowles.com/about/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Knowles

Off to a BBQ. Happy holiday, all!

[johnw]

(Assuming Channel 1,3 is left and 2,4 is Right)
1) Open Wave Agent>Import Files
2) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 1, Track 1 and File 2 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 1,2.
3) Split/Combine>Check the boxes for File 3, Track 1 and File 4 Track 2 for channel 1,2>Process to create a stereo file for channels 3,4.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when pulling up a selected MixPre-6 WAV 8 (POLY) file in Wave Agent, under "track info", I see the following:

Track 1 = Mix L
Track 2 = Mix R
Track 3 = Ch 1
Track 4 = Ch 2
Track 5 = Ch 3
Track 6 = Ch 4
Track 7 = Ch 5
Track 8 = Ch 6

So, if I want to isolate the sources into their own stereo files shouldn't the selected box combos (input tracks/output files) be:

(Trk 3&4/File 1) call it "primary mics"
(Trk 5&6/File 2) "secondary mics"
(Trk 7&8/File 3) "sbd"
(Trk 1&2/File 4) "left/right mix"

I tried tackling this late last night after returning from a gig, but was too tired to comprehend it, and have only given it some limited time today, so hoping this makes sense...

Sounds right. Not sure of the exact breakdown as I don't have mine in hand yet, so basing this off the process for the 744. Nonetheless, the steps should be about the same as I posted.
EDIT: Based on the file you posted, it seems you got it

[willndmb]

So as far as run times goes, it seems they are all over the place from 50 mins to 155

[Paul Isaacs]

Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...

1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )

2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.

Paul

[mitchellm]

Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...

Paul

Paul: Thanks for continuing to monitor this board. It's much appreciated.

After two days of playing around with the MixPre-3 I gotta say this is the most beautiful mobile + studio recording device I've run into. I am soon making a 5 week trip out of my country. Armed with the MixPre-3 I'll easily be able to continue doing high quality screencasts and general audio with my fav dynamic mics directly to my computer, plus capture ambient sounds, poetry readings, and live music with my favorite phantom powered stereo mic directly to the internal SD. And it's easily packable! Plus I don't even need to leave Basic mode.

[dactylus]

Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...

1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )

2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.

Paul

Paul,

Thanks for continuing to field questions on the new MixPre equipment!

Here is a question that all of us have and I haven't seen an answer on this yet.  Will there be an option for a "front panel lock on the MixPre-3/6, similar to the 'backlight key/tone key' menu on the 7xx series"?  Locking the front panel buttons on these machines to prevent the accidental shut down of the record mode would be a feature that all of us would appreciate!!  Will this option be available via a firmware update?

thanks,

David

[Paul Isaacs]

Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...

1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )

2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.

Paul

Paul,

Thanks for continuing to field questions on the new MixPre equipment!

Here is a question that all of us have and I haven't seen an answer on this yet.  Will there be an option for a "front panel lock on the MixPre-3/6, similar to the 'backlight key/tone key' menu on the 7xx series"?  Locking the front panel buttons on these machines to prevent the accidental shut down of the record mode would be a feature that all of us would appreciate!!  Will this option be available via a firmware update?

thanks,

David

David - at Sound Devices we don't talk about future feature enhancements publicly because we don't like to keep promises that for whatever reason, we can't keep! All feature requests are noted though.

Paul

[larrysellers]

...and we really appreciate SD trying to be completely upfront and honest with their customers. This particular point is of interest to many of us because at times (most of the time for me) we wind up wearing the recorder and having a safeguard against accidentally stopping a recording, powering down the recorder, etc is essential. Again your updates and responses are greatly appreciated.

[justink]

In the mean time, I wonder if someone could 3D print up a slide over cover to protect the front buttons/knobs. Perhaps with a cutout for the screen to see levels.

Not me though. I don't know how to do that. I'm just the idea guy.

[tgakidis]

I just got 5hrs 49min off a 20,000mah USB Powerbank .  Phantom 4 channels, Akg 460 & Telefunken m60.

[dactylus]

Lots of questions here. Let me clarify a couple of them ...

1. Battery run time: Alkaline AA batteries perform poorly for a wide range of digital electronics, such as digital cameras etc. We recommend using NiMH re-chargeables. The higher the mAh spec the longer you'll get. We've been getting over 2 1/2 hours for 4x 2500mAh NiMHs. Over 5 hours when using the 8x caddy. AA primary lithium batteries also work well (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-L91BP-8-Ultimate-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B0000DC4EL )

2. We've identified an intermittent bug when working with some SD cards (especially 64GB or higher). We expect to have a fix for this very soon.

Paul

Paul,

Thanks for continuing to field questions on the new MixPre equipment!

Here is a question that all of us have and I haven't seen an answer on this yet.  Will there be an option for a "front panel lock on the MixPre-3/6, similar to the 'backlight key/tone key' menu on the 7xx series"?  Locking the front panel buttons on these machines to prevent the accidental shut down of the record mode would be a feature that all of us would appreciate!!  Will this option be available via a firmware update?

thanks,

David

David - at Sound Devices we don't talk about future feature enhancements publicly because we don't like to keep promises that for whatever reason, we can't keep! All feature requests are noted though.

Paul

Paul,

I appreciate your candor on the Sound Devices' feature requests.  As I already mentioned, the front panel lock request is one that is shared by most if not all of us here on TapersSection that have purchased or are purchasing the new MixPre's.

thanks,

David

[dactylus]

In the mean time, I wonder if someone could 3D print up a slide over cover to protect the front buttons/knobs. Perhaps with a cutout for the screen to see levels.

Not me though. I don't know how to do that. I'm just the idea guy.

I'm sure that Scott Shepherd of SRS Recording Services could do this. 

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=170480.0

The catch is that he would likely need a Mixpre3/6 sent to him so that he could evaluate the task, take measurements and test the design...  But if SD rolls out the front panel lock option that work would be for naught.

[justink]

I just got 5hrs 49min off a 20,000mah USB Powerbank .  Phantom 4 channels, Akg 460 & Telefunken m60.

Wow. This thing seems to be a power hog!

Would probably need four of those anker batteries for a multi day festival. Two each day, two charging / standby.

[justink]

Another suggestion...  Would it be possible to slave/master two units through the hdmi or aux ports?  That way you can manipulate two boxes using one and have time synced recordings?