Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 3

[fobstl]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. With kcy nbobs I can run PFAs into the mic inputs. But if I want to avoid that bulk and power the Schoeps by IPA or Nbox, I run the risk of clipping the 1/8 line input due to the low max input. So I'd need to get a 1/8 to dual xlr or xlr to dual xlr cable?

For stealth, if it were me, I would run KCY NBobs > PFA > Sort right angle Stubby XLR interconnects > the deck. That way you are solidly locked in XLR all the way. And you don't have to mess with the IPA. I have some 6" right angle stubby XLR interconnects that Ted made that I love. Keeps the XLRs going into the deck flush and not sticking out for stealth situations. Little if any extra bulk this way since you are eliminating the IPA and potentially an in line attenuator if that 1/8 input is indeed prone to brickwalling.

[edtyre]

For stealth, if it were me, I would run KCY NBobs > PFA > Sort right angle Stubby XLR interconnects > the deck.

That's exactly how i run mine, keep the pfa's in a separate compartment in my pack, keeps it smaller lengthwise.

[dallman]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. With kcy nbobs I can run PFAs into the mic inputs. But if I want to avoid that bulk and power the Schoeps by IPA or Nbox, I run the risk of clipping the 1/8 line input due to the low max input. So I'd need to get a 1/8 to dual xlr or xlr to dual xlr cable?

MM,
Maybe I am misunderstanding this comment ^, but unless there are 2 other sets of mics in the mix, to run the mics into 5/6 (1/8 trs) is to not use the kashmir preamps which are only on inputs 1,2,3 and 4, which of course is the big reason for using the mixpre 3 or 6 to begin with. 

[MakersMarc]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. With kcy nbobs I can run PFAs into the mic inputs. But if I want to avoid that bulk and power the Schoeps by IPA or Nbox, I run the risk of clipping the 1/8 line input due to the low max input. So I'd need to get a 1/8 to dual xlr or xlr to dual xlr cable?

MM,
Maybe I am misunderstanding this comment ^, but unless there are 2 other sets of mics in the mix, to run the mics into 5/6 (1/8 trs) is to not use the kashmir preamps which are only on inputs 1,2,3 and 4, which of course is the big reason for using the mixpre 3 or 6 to begin with.

You're right, I'd want to run the IPA just to power the mics and run mic in. Can't do that with the nbox I don't think.

[johnw]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. With kcy nbobs I can run PFAs into the mic inputs. But if I want to avoid that bulk and power the Schoeps by IPA or Nbox, I run the risk of clipping the 1/8 line input due to the low max input. So I'd need to get a 1/8 to dual xlr or xlr to dual xlr cable?

MM,
Maybe I am misunderstanding this comment ^, but unless there are 2 other sets of mics in the mix, to run the mics into 5/6 (1/8 trs) is to not use the kashmir preamps which are only on inputs 1,2,3 and 4, which of course is the big reason for using the mixpre 3 or 6 to begin with.

You're right, I'd want to run the IPA just to power the mics and run mic in. Can't do that with the nbox I don't think.

Do you have RCA to XLR cables? If so just run RCA out of the Nbox into the XLR on the MP6 channels 1-4. Just turn phantom off. Works fine for me

[hi and lo]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. With kcy nbobs I can run PFAs into the mic inputs. But if I want to avoid that bulk and power the Schoeps by IPA or Nbox, I run the risk of clipping the 1/8 line input due to the low max input. So I'd need to get a 1/8 to dual xlr or xlr to dual xlr cable?

Correct. Running an nbox with fixed +20dB gain into the 5/6 aux input is a recipe for disaster. You will need to run into the XLR/TRS combo inputs and be absolutely sure not to engage phantom power on the recorder. Unless design changes have been made, the Nbox output is not DC protected.

[MakersMarc]

Thanks all.

[willndmb]

Does anyone know why, or think what the answer is as to why, the 5/6 is so low on its max input?
It just seems odd to me that it would be from a high end company/product

[dogmusic]

Does anyone know why, or think what the answer is as to why, the 5/6 is so low on its max input?
It just seems odd to me that it would be from a high end company/product

Could it be because the input does double duty as time code input?

[noahbickart]

Does anyone know why, or think what the answer is as to why, the 5/6 is so low on its max input?
It just seems odd to me that it would be from a high end company/product

I had a problem once for brick walling with it. I'm still not sure why. Comparisons have been made to the specs of the R-09, which could brick wall with a hot sbd patch or a loud show.

Those of us with mp6 units should continue to experiment and report back with findings.

For me, I'm going to try to run the mixpre6 on 0db for 5/6, control gain with the littlebox and see what happens.

[hipporu]

Those of us with mp6 units should continue to experiment and report back with findings.

For me, I'm going to try to run the mixpre6 on 0db for 5/6, control gain with the littlebox and see what happens.

In mp-6 you can adjust the signal strength to aux input:
In line mode -40 - +40 dB
In the microphone mode -20 - +60 db
This should suffice in most situations, without need external attenuator.
I applied -10 dBu from the mp-d to the 5 and 6 aux input of the mp-6, mode line
5 channel level 14 db set
6 channel level 20 db set
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-M9vh-K8KZmSGF0R2NsRUp1aVE/view?usp=sharing
The same is in the microphone mode.

[justink]

Does anyone know why, or think what the answer is as to why, the 5/6 is so low on its max input?
It just seems odd to me that it would be from a high end company/product

they built a four channel box and threw in 5/6 as an afterthought because they had the room?

[hipporu]

Does anyone know why, or think what the answer is as to why, the 5/6 is so low on its max input?
It just seems odd to me that it would be from a high end company/product

5/6 is aimed at connecting consumer products
There is an interview Paul where it says for whom these mixes are intended
YouTuber, Musician, Podcaster, Sound Designer, Videographer, Production Sound Mixer, Educator, or audio hobbyist ...
http://soundrolling.com/i-chat-to-paul-isaacs-about-the-new-sound-devices-mix-pre-series/

[F.O.Bean]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. With kcy nbobs I can run PFAs into the mic inputs. But if I want to avoid that bulk and power the Schoeps by IPA or Nbox, I run the risk of clipping the 1/8 line input due to the low max input. So I'd need to get a 1/8 to dual xlr or xlr to dual xlr cable?

You could just very easily run IPA/NBox directly into the XLR INs on Channels 1-4 as well, eliminating the need to use the 1/8" input at all

I plan on using my Channels 5/6 1/8" Input for SBD Patches, and I can EASILY attenuate the XLR signal with my Naiant MPD's

And thanks for the link for that 1/8" Attenuator, Noah! MUCH Appreciated! I'll DEF be grabbing one of those for my MP6 here soon

[F.O.Bean]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. With kcy nbobs I can run PFAs into the mic inputs. But if I want to avoid that bulk and power the Schoeps by IPA or Nbox, I run the risk of clipping the 1/8 line input due to the low max input. So I'd need to get a 1/8 to dual xlr or xlr to dual xlr cable?

For stealth, if it were me, I would run KCY NBobs > PFA > Sort right angle Stubby XLR interconnects > the deck. That way you are solidly locked in XLR all the way. And you don't have to mess with the IPA. I have some 6" right angle stubby XLR interconnects that Ted made that I love. Keeps the XLRs going into the deck flush and not sticking out for stealth situations. Little if any extra bulk this way since you are eliminating the IPA and potentially an in line attenuator if that 1/8 input is indeed prone to brickwalling.

BINGO! Here's a couple of pics of my DarkTrain Rt Angle Stubby XLR Breakout Cables! Makes running 4 channels of 60v PFA's extremely compact and fool proof