Topic: Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6, Part 8

[morst]

I need some help figuring out what went wrong.

Mixpre-6 vii recording to my normal 64GB card
Mid side on 1&2 signal coming in from PSP2, SBD over 1/4" on 3&4 line in
Recorded at 32/48
Firmware 9.00

When I split my polys into 1-2 and 3-4, both pairs sound like the music is there somewhere, but loud, heavy, shortwave radio sounding—horrible-looking wave forms.

I understand messing up on the mics with mic in, line in, 48v, whatever, but the simple line in too? Something odd is going on here

You ever get to the bottom of this?
Waveforms look terrible!

[commongrounder]

I’d be willing to wager rigpimp used the Sound Devices Wave Agent app to split the polywav file into the separate stereo files. Wave Agent is *not* 32-bit float file compatible. When you process a 32-bit float file in Wave Agent the resulting audio looks and sounds exactly like what rigpimp posted. There have been many calls from Wave Agent users to update the app to support 32-bit float, but it is pretty clear Sound Devices doesn’t have the resources to have this done. Fortunately, several DAW apps will split 32-bit float polywav files. I use Wavelab Pro with no issues.

[morst]

I’d be willing to wager rigpimp used the Sound Devices Wave Agent app to split the polywav file into the separate stereo files. Wave Agent is *not* 32-bit float file compatible. When you process a 32-bit float file in Wave Agent the resulting audio looks and sounds exactly like what rigpimp posted. There have been many calls from Wave Agent users to update the app to support 32-bit float, but it is pretty clear Sound Devices doesn’t have the resources to have this done. Fortunately, several DAW apps will split 32-bit float polywav files. I use Wavelab Pro with no issues.

I drop multi channel polywav into Audacity (i use v 2.4.2 so it doesn't "phone home"), and they show up as a bunch of mono tracks, which I can sort and group to my liking.
I also drop 32-float files from my F3 into Audacity, so I bet it can handle 32 float polywav although I have not tested that.

[aaronji]

Adobe Audition opens polywav, too. I don't know about 32-bit, but I would be surprised if it doesn't work.

[fobstl]

I had a similar issue to what Rigpimp is experiencing when trying to open the 32bit Polywave files with Samplitude 11. They ended up with loud static, like all of the channels had combined and clipped heavily. Since then I have found that Reaper is the best way for me to deal with those 32/96 Poly files. Drag them in to Reaper and split non-destructively. Took some research to figure out how to do it but it is now quick and easy. On my machine splitting with Audacity was taking forever because I had to export the files. Since Reaper does it non-destructively it is pretty instant.

[C.Clark]

Adobe Audition opens polywav, too. I don't know about 32-bit, but I would be surprised if it doesn't work.

I use Audition and have been with my MP6ii and MP10ii for the past year and a half with no issues.  When combining file parts it does create an artifact at the join that needs to be removed with the automatic pop remover plugin.  I've been really happy with Audition with my multitrack stereo mixes and would recommend it to anyone looking for a paid solution for audio processing

[morst]

I had a similar issue to what Rigpimp is experiencing when trying to open the 32bit Polywave files with Samplitude 11. They ended up with loud static, like all of the channels had combined and clipped heavily. Since then I have found that Reaper is the best way for me to deal with those 32/96 Poly files. Drag them in to Reaper and split non-destructively. Took some research to figure out how to do it but it is now quick and easy. On my machine splitting with Audacity was taking forever because I had to export the files. Since Reaper does it non-destructively it is pretty instant.

Bouncing from fast SSD to a different fast SSD will give best performance for disk-heavy tasks like file conversion.
Reaper sounds like a super handy workflow though.
 (I need to learn it I guess, in case I need modern functions, as I still roll with ancient Audacity 2.4.2 because it does not "phone home")

[fobstl]

I had a similar issue to what Rigpimp is experiencing when trying to open the 32bit Polywave files with Samplitude 11. They ended up with loud static, like all of the channels had combined and clipped heavily. Since then I have found that Reaper is the best way for me to deal with those 32/96 Poly files. Drag them in to Reaper and split non-destructively. Took some research to figure out how to do it but it is now quick and easy. On my machine splitting with Audacity was taking forever because I had to export the files. Since Reaper does it non-destructively it is pretty instant.

Bouncing from fast SSD to a different fast SSD will give best performance for disk-heavy tasks like file conversion.
Reaper sounds like a super handy workflow though.
 (I need to learn it I guess, in case I need modern functions, as I still roll with ancient Audacity 2.4.2 because it does not "phone home")

Reaper is great and very customizable. Starts with some learning curve but once you get it down it is quick and easy. I need to map out my 32 bit poly wave workflow and share.

[Derp1]

Anyone else ever have any issues with dead pixels on there mixpre6 screen? It was a bit smaller last night when I initially noticed it. Put in a repair request with SD this morning. Looking at the chart for repair on anything mp6 was $245 I think I saw? Has anyone had a screen replaced on one of these? I'm going on 10 years and like 3000 hours on this thing so I'm not too upset with its performance. Pretty much a part of the family at this point.

[justme]

I’ve seen several posts on different forums regarding black spots on the screen.
Most common is in the middle to the right.

Can’t be without a reason.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/530032150736776/posts/1862233234183321/

[rigpimp]

I’d be willing to wager rigpimp used the Sound Devices Wave Agent app to split the polywav file into the separate stereo files. Wave Agent is *not* 32-bit float file compatible. When you process a 32-bit float file in Wave Agent the resulting audio looks and sounds exactly like what rigpimp posted. There have been many calls from Wave Agent users to update the app to support 32-bit float, but it is pretty clear Sound Devices doesn’t have the resources to have this done. Fortunately, several DAW apps will split 32-bit float polywav files. I use Wavelab Pro with no issues.

I love you.

[willndmb]

Replying a bit late to this, but this is how I often use mine. It's Baseus Magsafe 10000mAh 30W power bank (https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/dp/B0CM5MLZG3?) which I attach using a Sabrent rubber-coat magnetic mount (the 66mm version – https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/dp/B081BFQ7NN?). I originally bought this to power my camcorder for long periods of time but discovered that it works really well with the MP6II as well. I don't use any specific sound bag or such so this helps keeping things tidy in the bag.

I should add that the magsafe function isn't necessary because the magnet will attract almost every power bank. I have a tiny excellent (but sadly no longer made) Ravpower 10k mAh power bank which also works. For me this is the sweet spot in terms of power and portability. But the shape of the Baseus battery is good, I find, as it's comparably flat. The built-in and rather short cable is also really handy. Anker makes a similar, slightly slimmer 10k battery but without built-in cable.

cheers
philip

slightly looking to get a mp6ii

what are peoples using for power?
I see USB C and a camcorder style. Does anyone prefer one over the other for whatever reason(s)?

thanks
I love how small it is