Topic: 3 channel recording with mix 3-pre

[dogmusic]

The 744 four channel analog input recorder included only 2 preamp input channels, the 788 eight channel analog input recorder only 4.

The 788t does provide preamps on all 8 primary input channels.

Thanks for correcting me on this! (I've edited my post above)

Knowing that, I'd love to pickup a 788.

^
Agreed!  There are a few 788's available now on eBay, JW Sound, Reverb.

Do you folks consider the 788 to have superior preamps to the MixPre-10 (which also has 8 preamps)?

[morst]

MixPre6 has six preamps, but only 4 are the higher quality and power hungry Kashmirs, which supply 48v phantom power.
Likewise, the 10s have 8 Kashmirs and two more non-phantom-powered preamps channels.

[dogmusic]

MixPre6 has six preamps, but only 4 are the higher quality and power hungry Kashmirs, which supply 48v phantom power.
Likewise, the 10s have 8 Kashmirs and two more non-phantom-powered preamps channels.

Right. We’re not in disagreement. My question is why would those who are looking to buy a used 788 for $2000 not get a MixPre-10 for $1800 brand new when they both have the same number of 8 preamps. Do you consider the 788 preamps superior?

[aaronji]

^ I don't know how the pre-amps compare with each other, but the 788 has a bunch of extra features, a more solid build, and a longer track record. Lots of reasons someone might prefer one or the other, depending on their specific needs...

[ButchAlmberg]

What program do you all prefer for 3 channel post-processing. I ask because I just did my first 3 channel recording and sound forge pro wouldn't cooperate. I ended up using logic pro x but I'm at the bottom of the learning curve using it.

[Gutbucket]

Sound Forge is limited to 2-ch stereo editing as far as I'm aware.  You need a multitrack editor.  Lots of options there, both free or paid, and choice of which is mostly a personal choice pivoting on familiarity and work flow more than program capability.  Any of them will be able to mix 3 channels to 2.  Audacity is free and works for many folks here.

[jb63]

MixPre6 has six preamps, but only 4 are the higher quality and power hungry Kashmirs, which supply 48v phantom power.

Probably covered somewhere else, but since we're here:
So the 5 & 6 channels provide phantom power but only through a 3.5mm stereo jack?
But with noisier preamps? And no digital in...

Man, I was hoping for a LITTLE bit better.
The noise floor on the Oade-modded R44 is mighty low, and I can't believe the bargain prices those fetch now. But they are heavier and bulkier than the Mixpre6.

[DavidPuddy]

MixPre6 has six preamps, but only 4 are the higher quality and power hungry Kashmirs, which supply 48v phantom power.

Probably covered somewhere else, but since we're here:
So the 5 & 6 channels provide phantom power but only through a 3.5mm stereo jack?
But with noisier preamps? And no digital in...

Man, I was hoping for a LITTLE bit better.
The noise floor on the Oade-modded R44 is mighty low, and I can't believe the bargain prices those fetch now. But they are heavier and bulkier than the Mixpre6.

No phantom on 5&6, just gain from non-Kashmir preamps.

[noahbickart]

No phantom on 5&6, just gain from non-Kashmir preamps,

I think the confusion here is the definition of "preamp." I think there is a ~60db gain range on these inputs, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if you could run a phantom box into these inputs for loud rock concerts without a "preamp."

Kashmir is simply a marketing term for these particular kind of combo jacks which take 1/4 inch or xlr, "line" or "mic" and provide 12v or 48v phantom power.

Channels 5 & 6, on the mini jack are designed for "line" and not "microphone" level inputs. Hence no phantom. Makes running 2 pairs of microphones and a SBD feed (might need attenuator cables coming from XLR "pro" outputs on the SBD to prevent "brickwalling"), or an outboard stereo preamp easy. (Though input volume control is via the [tiny] headphone knob).

I'm happy that SD didn't add two more preamps to the mixpre6- it would have raised the cost to over a grand- an $899 box is going to have compromises. But with the (relatively inexpensive) addition of a 1/8 inch input, they gave me two more channels. It's also fun to use a single stereo preamp for fun and "flavor" in those "extra" channels.