Topic: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 4

[datbrad]

My buddy who already owned a 722 got the NP battery adapter and he's not had one single blip of a power issue. Sure its a little bulky, but it sits higher in his bag, and sits firm because of the base created by the perpendicular position of the NP battery.

[dactylus]

Now who is willing to try the new firmware?

dallman has run the new firmware for 3 shows this week and I think that everything was good for him but I'll let him comment on that since I wasn't at any of the 3 shows with him...

[aaronji]

^ I installed 1.52 when it was released, but, unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to record a show yet (there are a couple coming up on the agenda, though).  I have run several lengthy (2 to 2.5 hour) tests at home and haven't had anything strange happen...

[dallman]

Now who is willing to try the new firmware?

dallman has run the new firmware for 3 shows this week and I think that everything was good for him but I'll let him comment on that since I wasn't at any of the 3 shows with him...

I have run 1.52 with no issues at all. Monday I recorded using 4 mics at a fundraiser, and I recorded 4 sets totaling about 4 hours. Tuesday I recorded Orphan, Common Kings and Matisyahu using 6 mics. All the recordings were flawless. Based on the experience of others, I never ran 1.51, I had installed it but backed up to 1.20. I will run again tonight for the 38th Annual John Lennon Tribute at First Ave and I expect no issues.

[Gordon]

Glad to hear!  Still holding out for a bit.

I made the change because I was fed up with the automatic folder of the day creation, even if I was recording nothing.

That is annoying! 

[Ronmac]

I just viewed this recent thread over on SOS Magazine Forum, and it holds some interesting news from SD, as well as Hugh's positive nod for the product engineering.

https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=58616&p=534967#p534967

I've recently reviewed the MixPre3 and 6 models and I was really REALLY impressed with them. I think the review is scheduled for the coming issue...

I've always been a fan of Sound Devices gear which is almost ubiquitous in professional location TV sound work these days. The Mix Pre 3 and 6 have all the compactness of the Zoom recorders, but better ergonomics, and professional design details throughout without too hefty a price. Genuinely stunningly good mic preamps too. A real joy to use (although the AA battery pack is a bit optimistic, and I'd have preferred dual memory card slots!)

The MixPre 10 was an inevitable next step and it looks fabulous... although I'm not convinced about the transport joystick (I have fears of it being easily knocked) Sound Devices is such an experienced company with location recording equipment that I'm sure it works perfectly in practice.


Hugh Robjohns
Moderator
Posts: 19714Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2003 7:00 pmLocation: Worcestershire, UK
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound

Some news....

Pre-record is a useful feature, of course, but perhaps not as critically important as it once was when memory cards were small and expensive. Memory cards are now so big and so cheap that it's really no hardship to start recording once set up, and just leave it running until the end of the day, using markers to identify takes as and when, as an aid to find relevant sections in the DAW afterwards. I often do exactly that if I'm concerned that I might miss the start of a good take.

However, I had a conversation with the nice folk at SD when I reviewed the mixpre-3 and -6, raising the lack of a pre-record mode amongst a few other wish-list items. Rest assured, a pre-record mode is on the update list and will apparently be introduced in a (near) future firmware update.

H
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Hugh Robjohns
Moderator
Posts: 19714Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2003 7:00 pmLocation: Worcestershire, UK
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound

[justink]

Mentions hold function.

[JM Charcot]

Regarding markers it's not implemented yet, pressing Rec creates new takes,
Having that in future updates would be a great feature.

[dactylus]

Mentions hold function.

Most of us here are still interested in "front panel control lock" options in a future firmware update.

Lock All – All front panel keys are locked except the Record key. The Record key is kept active so the user can initiate recording after entering this mode and enter cue markers. To stop recording in this mode, you must disengage the panel lock and hit the stop key.

[groundhog2]

Just picked up a pre6 as a gift but been using it the last couple weeks.  Seems easy enough to use without reading the manual.  Then I read and was bummed about there not being a hold button.  Also not sure I like the lack of a spidf in.  Maybe I'll pick one up at some point for myself.  Definitely like the size.  Thanks for all the useful powering posts.

[JM Charcot]

Hello,
I wanted to share an easy setup I use for interviews with a small Samsonite bag.
Kind regards,
JM.

[lerond]

Spotted Sandisk 64 GB microSD + adaptor 2-pack for $40 at my local Costco.  U1 speed, fwiw. Seems slightly less expensive than what I noticed the last time I was card shopping.

Does anyone care to comment on using microSD in an adaptor with their MixPre?

[fanofjam]

Does anyone care to comment on using microSD in an adaptor with their MixPre?

No problems using one here.  128gb Sandisc microSD is all I've used in it so far and no problems encountered.

[ts]

Mentions hold function.

Most of us here are still interested in "front panel control lock" options in a future firmware update.

Lock All – All front panel keys are locked except the Record key. The Record key is kept active so the user can initiate recording after entering this mode and enter cue markers. To stop recording in this mode, you must disengage the panel lock and hit the stop key.

I’ll do an update if the hold or lock all function comes out. That’s a big feature for tapers. However, normally I never do firmware updates. Like Doug Oade always said, too much shit can go wrong and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[soundsvisual]

For those worried about the USB-C connection, I've had very good success with this right angled cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMOMAR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Z1MgZ7CViFhFs

The cable exits "down" in the bag, and then "up" to the battery, and is very secure.

Is that USB-C on both ends? My Poweradd battery is normal USB out. Can't see one of that configuration. Thanks for link though.