I would call it a “Missing manual for MixPre series”. Seriously, it made everything so clear for me on how to use my MixPre-6 device. I can’t thank you enough for this video!
I received my first professional tape sync job today for a national podcast. I was so excited earlier, and while I purchased a mixpre3 a couple months ago, the recording requirements for this job were set to 44.1/16 bit and that had me so incredibly upset when the audio was completely messed up in playback for about an hour. I thought my heart would fly out out of my chest, and I would drown in my own tears, but after following you step-by-step I learned exactly what to fix, and how to fix it. This video just saved the biggest break of my young career. Thank you!! Also, I loved the laugh - keep doing it.
**NOTE** This walkthrough was NOT recorded with the MixPre so please do not use this to assess the sound quality of the MixPre. Since I only have one MixPre, I could not show all of the settings and record with it at the same time. Also, the "hiss" that you hear is the fan in my camera - for practical purposes, the microphone was approximately 8 inches from the camera's fan. If you'd like to hear some clips recorded with the MixPre, please have a listen to these previous episodes: th-cam.com/video/7tr37w9isic/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/ZRc0tOTBWuw/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Mx5JeUuVX1o/w-d-xo.html
That was outstanding. Just got a mixpre3 ii and this really helped. Still so much to learn and fiddle with, but your videos are a life saver. Funny how the community does an even better job than the manufacturers. Keep up the amazing work
Fantastic tutorial Curtis. This is one of the best videos on YT I've come across. You mix a good explanation of the kit with a basic lesson on sound mixing, all perfectly paced. I just got given a MixPre 6 to learn in one day, with no sound experience, and this is a life saver. Great job!
So appreciate this as a beginner to audio who acquired a MixPre-6 II. Curtis, I could actually follow this, most grateful. Totally agree with Vadim Makeev, this is the missing manual for the 6 II as well. Thank you.
I find all of your videos to be very helpful, and educational. I am new to sound recording and the use of these devices. There is one thing I thought I would mention, however, just for you to think about and take into consideration when you make future videos. I've noticed in more than one video, when demonstrating assorted menu options, that (while you usually clearly explain the function of each feature and why someone might use it) you occasionally will avoid explanation in an oddly dismissive way. "If you don't know what that is, well... (laughing) you probably don't need it." I'm sure a lot of other people are like me and come to your videos to learn. I know you don't intend to mock the lack of knowledge of the viewers, but in a way it comes off as laughing at them that they wouldn't know what one of these advanced features is for, and then you don't take the time to explain what it is at all. I realize you can't cover everything in every video, but I just thought I would mention it's something I have noticed that you may want to refrain from doing in the future.
Curtis Judd i watched your review on the dslr audio recorder H4n pro and Tascam 60D mkll. Just ordered the Tascam since to make it work with my Seinnhiser Wireless Mic
i start to understand the MODEs: There are two Mode-Setups: Basic-Mode and Advanced-Mode in Custom-"Mode" you can mix these setups in these Points: • Channel • Gain • Headphone • Record • Metadata • Output most of these points in the Basic-Mode is a simple or limited function, but the "Gain" is change from "Gain/Trim" of the PreAmp in basic-Mode to "Fader" of the Stereomix in "Advanced-Mode" . In very intuitive on this point.
Thanks for your time ! having my first recording in 3 days where i'll be using a Sound Device Mixpre 6 for the first time, this really makes me feel more confident before going in !
Great walkthrough. I'm using it to setup a MixPre 3 that I don't have lol. I have a host at work that I ordered one for because it will work best for her in a podcast setup and now I'm going to train her on a device I've never used and we're doing it over Skype. Oh, not to mention she has never recorded audio;) Yeah, I guess I like challenges lol.
Wow, you do like a challenge! If you get stuck, I've got a course on getting the most from your MixPre over at school.learnlightandsound.com. :) Good luck!
Big fan of your videos, thanks for the extensive knowledge. Although I thoroughly read through manuals, it's great to have someone show you each process step-by-step visually. Thanks again!
Thanks again, bought mine (ii) a month ago and doing first serious recordings now, recording a poet. Still abit confused about the menu's, but surviving, thanks fot this info! The device is more able to more purposes than I ever imagined...
The gain/fade in advanced mode will be excellent for me when shooting live presentations. I record room audio in case the sound booth cable has issues during recording. Now I can record the room audio but fade it to near zero, so it doesn't go to camera and live stream.
Thank you Curtis Judd for all the videos! I watched so many and finally upgraded to the mix-pre6. The analog limiter thing is astounding. Coming from the tascam dr60-d this is a dream to work with. I never realized before the importance of headphone amplifiers and track settings etc. before watching your videos!
Nice job as usual Curtis. You just sold me on this one because this tutorial allows me to hit the ground running. I've had the Sound Devices 702 and 633, but need something else to Podcast . No one explains things in as simple, yet detailed terms. I'm subscribing to your channel, which actually makes you my second TH-cam subscription.
Thanks for the walkthrough. What I really hope for is Sound Devices using this as a test bed for a more pro level recorder, as the pro community is much less patient with experiments. With that in mind, I think the MixPre looks really interesting.
You're welcome! Yes, I get that impression with the Kashmir preamps and the touchscreen. First time they've used these two technologies in an audio recorder/mixer as far as I'm aware)
We need a 633 vs mixpre(3-6) because most enthusiast prosumers think to make a big leap and spent so much for the 633 and want to see if the mixpre is a dealbraker Thanks for your magnificent videos Big fan from Kuwait 👍🏻
+qallaf313 will do. Don't expect a big audio quality difference. The difference is largely in the RF shielding, more flexible routing, timecode generator, locking hirose power input, inbuilt NP-F battery sled, balanced XLR outputs and lots of other things like that.
Hey Curtis. I have the Sound Devices Pre Mix 3 and love it. The pre-amps are among the cleanest I've found at this price range. I just wish the designers would put the on-off switch in a more accesible place.
Thanks for the highly in depth review of the machine. I am about to make a purchase for my kit as a production sound mixer and the analog limiters in the Mixpre are making me lean heavily toward it over the F4. Glad to see you really knock into the specifics here. Love your videos.
I'll buy once they are in stock. Interested in the USB power bank powering option. Noted here how in the duration of monitoring the audio, the batteries lost about 50% of their charge...
+Martin Prothero we powered here with eneloop AA batteries which are 4 years old. Before editing, the clip was about an hour long and I had probably 30 minutes of use on this charge. I would expect 2 - 2.5 hours on a charge with 4 freshly charged eneloops, tiny bit more with eneloop pros.
Hi Swapnil, correct, it saves each channel to a poly wav file. I haven't found that to be an issue as it can be broken apart in post and I find working with one file easier to manage than multiple files.
Hi Swapnil, Right click on the waveform and click Extract Channels to Mono Files. Or in multitrack mode, click and drag the audio clip to the tracks while holding down the option key. This will split each of the channels out onto a separate track.
Thanks very much for this, Mr Judd !! So very helpful. Although the device itself seems brilliantly designed, the Sound Devices manual is surprisingly poor & has some embarrassing typos. FYI: On the MixPre-3, Basic Mode limits you to 48k recording, according to the manual, an inexplicable choice by Sound Devices. This is annoying because you have to set the gain through the menus when in Advanced Mode - but it's great the way you can adopt basic mode through the custom function! Though it might sound unprofessional, I'd also urge SD to include an option for mp3 recording in these units. Sony did that on the D100 (which also has very nice preamps) and it comes in very handy. If you're travelling & need to record an informational interview not intended for broadcast, or take notes, why use up all the space on your SD card with a wav file? And if you need to do a very long recording where you have to leave the recorder unattended the whole time mp3 would let you record for days (with a USB battery connected). They could also implement recording in both wav and mp3 as a backup or for quick transfer to a client for review. Speaking of unattended recording, I've always wished digital recorders would include an ***on/off timer record function*** that would let you set up your recorder in the woods for a nature recording starting at 4am the next day. (This function would be easy to add to these devices) Then you could sleep late! FBI folks would also appreciate that, for surveillance use. (They never sleep late.)
Thanks for your detailed explanation about the sound mixer. I have a Mixer 3 which I have used for years. I used with Q8 camcorder to make performance recordings. Recently , I found some electrical noise in my recording which I did not have before. I had added an audio isolator between the output of the Mixer and the input of my camcorder. However, the noise even louder. Do you know what may be the problem?
@@curtisjudd I have a question and I hope that I am able to make it clear what I would like to know. I would be very happy if you were able to help me: Using the MixPre-6 II as an USB-interface. Is there some sort of setting for my headphone-output so that I can hear what I am feeding live into my MixPre and right away (without switching the output from the L&R-mix to USB) listen to what it sounds like in my DAW (using the same headphones which are plugged in the Stereo-Out in the MixPre)? (I know I can split it up and hear let's say on the left the L&R-mix and on the right the USB-out of my DAW.) Thanks in advance!
@@theacousticjourney I don't know of way without changing headphone presets, unfortunately. And sadly, the * button cannot be set to jump to the headphone preset menu.
Yes, you can scrub through audio clips by pressing and holding the headphone encoder knob during playback. See page 27 of the MixPre-3 manual for details.
Hi nice walk-through, really looking forward for your other reviews on it. i would like to know if it can be use a live mixer? like a on stage production
Hi Rodney, thanks. Technically I suppose it could but it definitely was not made for that. In most cases, you'll probably need some adapter cables and DI boxes to make that work.
Very detailed and easy to understand explanation. Why is there 3 Tracks(L,R and Ch1) when I record one boom on Ch1? What is the meaning of L, R additionally with Ch1? My setup is just one MKH416 connected to CH1 on MixPre3 and I am trying to record talking head.. Is there any additional benefit in quality of audio output or editing workflow if I use all 3 (L,R and Ch1) in final Video? Is it OK to record on Ch1 without the L and R? Should I just get rid of L and R? Is L and R really required for single Mic setup? What is the purpose of L and R?
In advanced mode, the MixPre operates like a true mixer and records the left and right stereo mix, plus the individual input channels. In your case, the three channels are left mix, right mix, and input one microphone - all the same thing unless you have moved the fader to a setting other than 0 or panned input one to anything other than center. If you just need the isolated microphone input channel and NOT the stereo mix, you can disarm the stereo mix in the Record->Rec L,R menu. Set it to off.
Hello Curtis, when I synch with the HDMI cable my GH5 to the SOUND DEVICE Mix-Pre3 in Adobe Première I have 5 frame of difference between sound and picture. Any idea of the problem? Thanks to Reply, F..
Hi Francois, I'm not sure. It may be the latency of the HDMI from the camera to MixPre. Is there a way to apply an offset in Premiere when syncing timecode? If it is always 5 frames off, you could use the offset to correct for the latency.
hi with the MixPre-3 II is that possible to record a stereo input with 3.5mm stereo input (L and R channels) in the same time that using the three XLR inputs ?
Love your vids Curtis follow them religiously, I record piano recitals with my C-200 ...with a sd302 feed to the camera, but I like the 32bit float that helps avoid clipping with the SD premix 6. I wonder if purchasing this device would be an upgrade.
Hi Robert, thanks! The output of the MixPre II series converts the signal back to analogue at the output so if your incoming audio exceeds 0dBFS, it will either be limited or clipped on the output. So if the goal is to come away with audio from the camera, I'm not sure the 32-bit float is the best approach. If, on the other hand, you plan to record on the MixPre as well and mix that audio in post, then it could be a nice step up. But there is something about just getting it right with a 302 straight to camera which is really satisfying. Happy playing and recording!
No, power is not one of the options for the assignable button. Sound Devices intentionally put the switch on the side and made it very unlikely to accidentally turn off.
I'm thinking of mounting a Manfrotto 323 quick release plate on top of the MixPre-6, to get small cameras off and on the MixPre quickly. If I understand correctly the 323 is intended for similar applications.
hi, I want to use the Mixpre without recording a stereo mix and just record ISO tracks with the knobs controlling gain (no faders). I've put it into Custom mode for the direct gain knob control but when I want to listen back to the 'ISO track ' etc to check my recording via headphone I can't hear it. Is there a Headphone setting that I need to change?
How do you turn on phantom power for the individual tracks if needed? i would have assumed that any mic or mic receiver plugged in would take phantom power from the mix pre but is that not the case? i will be using mine with two sennheiser avx's and one sennheiser 416 so when i plug in the 416, will i need to turn on phantom power on that particular xlr input on the mix pre?
Press in the channel knob for the channel on which you want to enable phantom power then press the Phantom Power option on the touchscreen. You do not need phantom for the wireless systems, just for condenser mics which need phantom.
Question about the noise floor. Just for test I connected my Shure SM58 to the MixPre 6 II. Recorded in 32 floating point mode. The gain is set to 30db. I've recorded in 2 input modes - Line and Mic with the same gain - 30db. In Line mode I've ged much more noise. In Mic mode there was no noise at all. Help me please understand why? According to the noise level It looks like in the Line input mode it records in 24 bit (not in 32). Or I've get much more noise because the mic has not correct impedance for the line input? Can you do this test with yours mixpre?
Microphones need amplification so should always be used in mic mode, not line mode. Using line mode measures the microphone signal with zero amplification so it will always be noisy.
@@curtisjudd The level of signal in both recordings was more or less the same. So, the amplification in both modes was the same to. Why the noise level was different?
I’m having a problem connecting my comica wireless mic system. I have the two transmitters and one receiver and I’m trying to use them both with my mix pre 3 but I can’t get it to work.
@@curtisjudd I was trying to have a system like the comics wireless two transmitter and one receiver work with the mix pre 3. But I think I figured it out by linking the 1 and 2 channel as left and right.
Really great tutorial. I’m using our mix pre 3 for location foley tomorrow. Which mode is best when capturing two discreet mic channels? i.e I’m not hugely interested in the L/R mix but instead two separate mono channels, one from each mix we use. Will the poly wav nature of this recorder always output the L/R mix then each channels discrete output? (1-3) Thanks again
Yes thank you. Worked that out today before our session. Also by setting the L/R to off we can output a poly wav which is just our isolated tracks. Perfect!
@@tomspotley5733 I did the same thing for three mono tracks where I don't need a mix. I have a question tho, I made my front knobs gain instead of faders. Is there any loss, or reason I shouldn't do that? Is there any sound benefit (at 32bit floating) for having gain on the side knob and faders on the front? You address this at 11:30 - and I understand the reasoning behind more the fader for extra nuance and control. But is there any sound variation when riding gain instead of fader?
Great info! Thank you! I didn't know about the faders vs gain in Advanced mode since I've used a 702 for years and the setup is simpler. I'm getting quite confused as to the number of files that the Mix Pre generates. I typically record in linked stereo and get 4 files and are all mono? Just found a solution to this : when I drag and drop into Logic - it turns all into mono files. But when I use the import function I get a surround file which easily is put into stereo. The other confusion I have is with the headphone output. I also often record in linked stereo with an MS mic setup and monitor the decoded version in my headphones. I'm not quite sure if my preset is right : ch1 prefade to L postfade and ch2 prefade to R postfade with MS on. On my 702 it's very easy to switch headphone monitor settings and listen to separate left and right and MS decode.
Hi Margaret, Thanks. Good work finding a solution with Logic. I don't know how to set the monitoring for your M/S setup. Probably best to check in with Sound Devices support. Best wishes and keep making fun percussion videos!
In advanced mode, no, only the ring LED. You have to jump out of the gain setting to see the meter. I've submitted a feature request to add a meter to the gain setting screen. :)
I had no idea I could not use regular batteries for this....most youtube video's do not even say about using re chargeable batteries...I was on several shoots and could not figure out why they were dying so fast! Would be very helpful if this could be mentioned in future video's, but maybe you have mentioned it?
I just learned about it from Paul Isaacs from SD a couple of months ago. I have used eneloop rechargeable batteries for all of my tests. I will mention it in future videos. Unfortunately, TH-cam does not allow adding annotations to existing videos any longer.
Can you assign microphones into three different mono channels to have three separate shotgun microphones for a left/center/right setup for a zoom effect at the racetrack?
Curtis, I am a GH5 user looking to setup my rig for a run and gun project. One option is to buy the XLR extension that you reviewed as well. To me that is a decent and reliable option. The other option is to mount a mixpre3 under my camera cage. This would give me a 3 channel setup (2 AVX lavs and a shotgun) which is very appealing to me. What worries me about this route is the timecode setup via the HDMI cable. The HDMI connection on the recorder side looks really flimsy, especially in a run and gun context. Do you concur? Or would you feel comfortable in recommending the GH5-mixpre3 setup for rund and gun work? Thx so much and keep them coming. Your reviews/tutoriials have proven instrumental to me in many occasions.
Hi frankostyn, yes, the HDMI micro cable is a bit dodgy for run-n-gun situations. But the Panasonic XLR1 is also a bit dodgy in terms of its plastic build when XLR cables are attached unless you secure them very well to something more stable (e.g., rig rails, tripod legs). Some people have had what sound like ground issues when mounting the GH5 on top of the MixPre but it can be addressed by placing a quick release plate and receiver between the MixPre and GH5. Good luck!
Yes, for the original MixPre 3 and 6, you can use this: bhpho.to/2nDzp1s Note that alkaline batteries are strongly discouraged for the MixPre recorders. Best to use rechargeable NiMh or lithium AA batteries.
@@curtisjudd And that would be setting the gain through the trim gain or the fader gain? It would be setting it through the trim gain right, if I'm going through CH 1? Also, would it be easier for me at weddings to just keep the recorder in Basic mode rather than having more to tend to in Advanced mode since I do shoot solo most of the time and want to just hit record and walk away knowing it's recording.
@@imageryweddingfilms2134 It sounds like it would be easier in basic mode for you, yes. And in that case, the knob is trim and fader gain combined into one.
Thanks, this was informative enough for my first intro to this item. Does it still record isolated tracks when using Basic mode then? Or must I be in advanced mode to get that?
Hi Jimmy, no, in basic mode it only records a stereo mix, no isolated channels. Must change to advanced or custom mode to record isolated mic channels.
I recorded in advanced and got only a stereo mix, seems that I have sthg to learn still 🤣. The menu is not very clear to my brains. Have to do some push ups...
I'm torn between getting a Zoom F4 or a MixPre-6. I know Curtis has talked about the benefits of analogue limiters, but here in the UK there is a pretty big price difference between the two units (£600 vs £1100). My techlust side wants the MixPre, but my sensible side says save the money. Gah!
I'm torn as well. The main feature that is making me consider the F4 or F8 is the dual SD card capability because I like the peace of mind of immediately having a backup of the audio.
Chris Fuchs My advice based on your comment, the MixPre's are not intended for on-set production sound work. Get the F4/8 if that is the job you are doing.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I've just picked up a MixPre6 ii, and it seems like a lot of this applies to the new model as well. Really like the MixPre and will be recommending this video along with the device. I'm wondering, when using the MixPre as an audio interface, what's the simplest way to monitor playback from a DAW along with direct monitoring of any inputs (rather than monitoring inputs through the DAW, which has too much latency for me)? It seems I need to mix the USB outputs with the direct input signal, but I'm not sure the smoothest way to do that. Any suggestions?
Hi Curtis, great video! Unfortunately I didn't get the difference between L&R linked and only L&R in the record menu. What can be controlled together? How does this affect the output file? Thank you very much and best wishes, Gert!
Hi Gert, L&R linked means you can control both the left and right channels with a single control. With the L&R setting, you can adjust the two channels independently.
I would call it a “Missing manual for MixPre series”. Seriously, it made everything so clear for me on how to use my MixPre-6 device. I can’t thank you enough for this video!
Thanks Vadim!
seriously... I've only finally realized I need custom mode.
Sound Devices should be paying YOU for making these kinds of videos.
I prefer to stay independent. Better for the audience and better for me. And if they keep making good products, also good for Sound Devices.
Yes...or pay him to write a decent manual!
They don’t a setting to set the video camera frame rate like they do in the Zoom F4?
After 4 years, #2021 I feel like I need to tell ya that you're the reason why I got my MixPre6 MkII !!! Thank you ^^
Glad to hear it is working well for you!
I received my first professional tape sync job today for a national podcast. I was so excited earlier, and while I purchased a mixpre3 a couple months ago, the recording requirements for this job were set to 44.1/16 bit and that had me so incredibly upset when the audio was completely messed up in playback for about an hour. I thought my heart would fly out out of my chest, and I would drown in my own tears, but after following you step-by-step I learned exactly what to fix, and how to fix it. This video just saved the biggest break of my young career. Thank you!! Also, I loved the laugh - keep doing it.
Thanks Gregory, so glad it helped!
**NOTE** This walkthrough was NOT recorded with the MixPre so please do not use this to assess the sound quality of the MixPre. Since I only have one MixPre, I could not show all of the settings and record with it at the same time. Also, the "hiss" that you hear is the fan in my camera - for practical purposes, the microphone was approximately 8 inches from the camera's fan. If you'd like to hear some clips recorded with the MixPre, please have a listen to these previous episodes:
th-cam.com/video/7tr37w9isic/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/ZRc0tOTBWuw/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/Mx5JeUuVX1o/w-d-xo.html
This is probably the best MixPre 6 setting up Video on TH-cam !
That was outstanding. Just got a mixpre3 ii and this really helped. Still so much to learn and fiddle with, but your videos are a life saver. Funny how the community does an even better job than the manufacturers. Keep up the amazing work
Congrats on the new MixPre and happy recording!
Wow, this guide is 1000% better than the manual!
Thanks Terry!
Fantastic tutorial Curtis. This is one of the best videos on YT I've come across. You mix a good explanation of the kit with a basic lesson on sound mixing, all perfectly paced. I just got given a MixPre 6 to learn in one day, with no sound experience, and this is a life saver. Great job!
Thanks Richard and good luck on your recording!
So appreciate this as a beginner to audio who acquired a MixPre-6 II. Curtis, I could actually follow this, most grateful. Totally agree with Vadim Makeev, this is the missing manual for the 6 II as well. Thank you.
This is a better shot, better explained video tutorial than the one’s sound devices have. Bravo Sir!
Thanks Alexander.
Just ordered a mixpre-3 ii, can't thank you enough for this!
I find all of your videos to be very helpful, and educational. I am new to sound recording and the use of these devices. There is one thing I thought I would mention, however, just for you to think about and take into consideration when you make future videos. I've noticed in more than one video, when demonstrating assorted menu options, that (while you usually clearly explain the function of each feature and why someone might use it) you occasionally will avoid explanation in an oddly dismissive way. "If you don't know what that is, well... (laughing) you probably don't need it." I'm sure a lot of other people are like me and come to your videos to learn. I know you don't intend to mock the lack of knowledge of the viewers, but in a way it comes off as laughing at them that they wouldn't know what one of these advanced features is for, and then you don't take the time to explain what it is at all. I realize you can't cover everything in every video, but I just thought I would mention it's something I have noticed that you may want to refrain from doing in the future.
Thanks David, no disrespect intended. You are correct that for practical purposes, simply cannot cover everything.
Your audio quality by far is the best on youtube, better than my self! Impressed
Thanks Sam!
Curtis Judd i watched your review on the dslr audio recorder H4n pro and Tascam 60D mkll. Just ordered the Tascam since to make it work with my Seinnhiser Wireless Mic
@@SamCarLegion I hope it works well for you. Happy recording!
i start to understand the MODEs:
There are two Mode-Setups: Basic-Mode and Advanced-Mode
in Custom-"Mode" you can mix these setups in these Points:
• Channel
• Gain
• Headphone
• Record
• Metadata
• Output
most of these points in the Basic-Mode is a simple or limited function,
but the "Gain" is change from "Gain/Trim" of the PreAmp in basic-Mode to "Fader" of the Stereomix in "Advanced-Mode" .
In very intuitive on this point.
+voodoohumb right on!
Just got a MixPre-6 and your video was a godsend. thanks Curtis!
Glad it was helpful. Happy recording!
Thank you so much for the clear and detailed explanations. No fluff just great info.
Thanks Ryan!
Thanks for your time ! having my first recording in 3 days where i'll be using a Sound Device Mixpre 6 for the first time, this really makes me feel more confident before going in !
Thanks and best wishes on your recording session!
Great walkthrough. I'm using it to setup a MixPre 3 that I don't have lol. I have a host at work that I ordered one for because it will work best for her in a podcast setup and now I'm going to train her on a device I've never used and we're doing it over Skype. Oh, not to mention she has never recorded audio;) Yeah, I guess I like challenges lol.
Wow, you do like a challenge! If you get stuck, I've got a course on getting the most from your MixPre over at school.learnlightandsound.com. :) Good luck!
Wonderful course, thank you, Curtis. Good training is a blessing. I'm up and running now.
Big fan of your videos, thanks for the extensive knowledge. Although I thoroughly read through manuals, it's great to have someone show you each process step-by-step visually. Thanks again!
Thanks Z!
Thanks again, bought mine (ii) a month ago and doing first serious recordings now, recording a poet. Still abit confused about the menu's,
but surviving, thanks fot this info! The device is more able to more purposes than I ever imagined...
👍
The gain/fade in advanced mode will be excellent for me when shooting live presentations. I record room audio in case the sound booth cable has issues during recording. Now I can record the room audio but fade it to near zero, so it doesn't go to camera and live stream.
Yes! That's the flexibility of a true mixer!
Thank you Curtis Judd for all the videos! I watched so many and finally upgraded to the mix-pre6. The analog limiter thing is astounding. Coming from the tascam dr60-d this is a dream to work with. I never realized before the importance of headphone amplifiers and track settings etc. before watching your videos!
Thanks and congrats on your new MixPre!
Thank you!!
An essential video if you have one of these MixPre units. Very impressed indeed.
Thanks. Happy recording!
Super helpful video! Still trying to figure out my MixPre 3 II. Will look over some of your other videos too.
Nice job as usual Curtis. You just sold me on this one because this tutorial allows me to hit the ground running. I've had the Sound Devices 702 and 633, but need something else to Podcast . No one explains things in as simple, yet detailed terms. I'm subscribing to your channel, which actually makes you my second TH-cam subscription.
Hi, thanks, so glad it helped! Happy recording!
Great guide. Very helpful at explaining the features of the MixPre.
Thanks Christian.
Thanks for the walkthrough. What I really hope for is Sound Devices using this as a test bed for a more pro level recorder, as the pro community is much less patient with experiments.
With that in mind, I think the MixPre looks really interesting.
You're welcome! Yes, I get that impression with the Kashmir preamps and the touchscreen. First time they've used these two technologies in an audio recorder/mixer as far as I'm aware)
You are great. Just got 3. Thank you for posting
I've watched a few Mixpre-3 videos in this is the best!!
Thanks Craig!
Great video as well, it would be great to hear your thoughts on the best mobile power and how you are setting it up on location.
I use an old Anker USB battery bank, a model they don’t make anymore. But that seems to work nicely.
We need a 633 vs mixpre(3-6) because most enthusiast prosumers think to make a big leap and spent so much for the 633 and want to see if the mixpre is a dealbraker
Thanks for your magnificent videos
Big fan from Kuwait 👍🏻
+qallaf313 will do. Don't expect a big audio quality difference. The difference is largely in the RF shielding, more flexible routing, timecode generator, locking hirose power input, inbuilt NP-F battery sled, balanced XLR outputs and lots of other things like that.
Hey Curtis. I have the Sound Devices Pre Mix 3 and love it. The pre-amps are among the cleanest I've found at this price range. I just wish the designers would put the on-off switch in a more accesible place.
👍
Outstanding explanatory video!
Awesome info mate. Thanks so much. I just got a Mix Pre 6 ii.....Sooooo good!
👍 Congrats and happy recording!
@@curtisjudd Thanks! After coming from a 744 and 442 this is sooooo light and easy!
Very professional presentation
Thanks Curtis - immensely helpful!
👍
Thank you for this easy to follow walk through!
You're welcome, glad it helped!
14:32 very helpful to me. Thank you very much Curtis.
👍
Excellent guide, greatly appreciated.
Thanks Tonewriter.
Thanks for the highly in depth review of the machine. I am about to make a purchase for my kit as a production sound mixer and the analog limiters in the Mixpre are making me lean heavily toward it over the F4.
Glad to see you really knock into the specifics here. Love your videos.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!
Thx for the presentation!
THE perfect explanation.
Thanks for this very good walkthrough!
+voodoohumb thanks!
Thank you! Great tutorial.
Thanks!
Very helpful, Curtis. Thanks
Thanks Todd
I'll buy once they are in stock. Interested in the USB power bank powering option. Noted here how in the duration of monitoring the audio, the batteries lost about 50% of their charge...
+Martin Prothero we powered here with eneloop AA batteries which are 4 years old. Before editing, the clip was about an hour long and I had probably 30 minutes of use on this charge. I would expect 2 - 2.5 hours on a charge with 4 freshly charged eneloops, tiny bit more with eneloop pros.
Thanks for your previous tip. Just got SD MixPre-3
👍Happy recording! 🎤
Curtis Judd thanks. Only issue is that unlike zoom it doesn’t save each channel as a separate file. Or am I missing anything.
Hi Swapnil, correct, it saves each channel to a poly wav file. I haven't found that to be an issue as it can be broken apart in post and I find working with one file easier to manage than multiple files.
How to split them? Audition doesn't seem to do the trick.
Hi Swapnil, Right click on the waveform and click Extract Channels to Mono Files. Or in multitrack mode, click and drag the audio clip to the tracks while holding down the option key. This will split each of the channels out onto a separate track.
Hey there! some guy named Curtis sent me here 👍
Hey, that guy is really nice, tell him thanks for me! ;-)
Did you equalize the sound, or is it just the microphone? It sounds very muddied/bass heavy compared to a Schoeps CMC6 into a 702T.
I did not equalize, I used an Electrovoice RE20 to record this episode.
Thanks very much for this, Mr Judd !! So very helpful.
Although the device itself seems brilliantly designed, the Sound Devices manual is surprisingly poor & has some embarrassing typos.
FYI: On the MixPre-3, Basic Mode limits you to 48k recording, according to the manual, an inexplicable choice by Sound Devices. This is annoying because you have to set the gain through the menus when in Advanced Mode - but it's great the way you can adopt basic mode through the custom function!
Though it might sound unprofessional, I'd also urge SD to include an option for mp3 recording in these units. Sony did that on the D100 (which also has very nice preamps) and it comes in very handy. If you're travelling & need to record an informational interview not intended for broadcast, or take notes, why use up all the space on your SD card with a wav file? And if you need to do a very long recording where you have to leave the recorder unattended the whole time mp3 would let you record for days (with a USB battery connected). They could also implement recording in both wav and mp3 as a backup or for quick transfer to a client for review.
Speaking of unattended recording, I've always wished digital recorders would include an ***on/off timer record function*** that would let you set up your recorder in the woods for a nature recording starting at 4am the next day. (This function would be easy to add to these devices) Then you could sleep late! FBI folks would also appreciate that, for surveillance use. (They never sleep late.)
Thanks vKarl71. Some good product ideas in there - thanks!
Thanks for the information.
You're welcome!
Thank you very much Curtis! Brilliant infos. I just ordered me one ;-)
I hope it works well for you Helge!
Thanks for your detailed explanation about the sound mixer. I have a Mixer 3 which I have used for years. I used with Q8 camcorder to make performance recordings. Recently , I found some electrical noise in my recording which I did not have before. I had added an audio isolator between the output of the Mixer and the input of my camcorder. However, the noise even louder. Do you know what may be the problem?
Excellent video! Thank you
You're welcome!
very helpful, thank you
You're welcome
@@curtisjudd I have a question and I hope that I am able to make it clear what I would like to know. I would be very happy if you were able to help me: Using the MixPre-6 II as an USB-interface. Is there some sort of setting for my headphone-output so that I can hear what I am feeding live into my MixPre and right away (without switching the output from the L&R-mix to USB) listen to what it sounds like in my DAW (using the same headphones which are plugged in the Stereo-Out in the MixPre)? (I know I can split it up and hear let's say on the left the L&R-mix and on the right the USB-out of my DAW.) Thanks in advance!
@@theacousticjourney I don't know of way without changing headphone presets, unfortunately. And sadly, the * button cannot be set to jump to the headphone preset menu.
Really helpful, thanks man
Thanks Patrick.
Thank you for this Curtis!
You’re welcome 👍
This was so helpful!!!!!! Liked, saved, subbed, Happy dance 🤟💕🤟💜🙌🤩. Thank you Curtis Judd Audio!!!👍
Thanks! 👍
Thanks Curtis!!
Very Helpful. Thank you.
Thanks Ty.
When will you do an update for the MixPre-3/6/10 version 2?
Soon as I have time. Updating the paid course first.
is there a rewind fast forward function on this? I have never seen one on the mic pre 3
Yes, you can scrub through audio clips by pressing and holding the headphone encoder knob during playback. See page 27 of the MixPre-3 manual for details.
Hi nice walk-through, really looking forward for your other reviews on it.
i would like to know if it can be use a live mixer? like a on stage production
Hi Rodney, thanks. Technically I suppose it could but it definitely was not made for that. In most cases, you'll probably need some adapter cables and DI boxes to make that work.
Total sidebar question: what camera are you using that has a fan in it?
That's the Ursa Mini Pro.
u just saved me for my exam
👍
Very detailed and easy to understand explanation. Why is there 3 Tracks(L,R and Ch1) when I record one boom on Ch1? What is the meaning of L, R additionally with Ch1? My setup is just one MKH416 connected to CH1 on MixPre3 and I am trying to record talking head.. Is there any additional benefit in quality of audio output or editing workflow if I use all 3 (L,R and Ch1) in final Video? Is it OK to record on Ch1 without the L and R? Should I just get rid of L and R? Is L and R really required for single Mic setup? What is the purpose of L and R?
In advanced mode, the MixPre operates like a true mixer and records the left and right stereo mix, plus the individual input channels. In your case, the three channels are left mix, right mix, and input one microphone - all the same thing unless you have moved the fader to a setting other than 0 or panned input one to anything other than center. If you just need the isolated microphone input channel and NOT the stereo mix, you can disarm the stereo mix in the Record->Rec L,R menu. Set it to off.
Hello Curtis, when I synch with the HDMI cable my GH5 to the SOUND DEVICE Mix-Pre3 in Adobe Première I have 5 frame of difference between sound and picture. Any idea of the problem? Thanks to Reply, F..
Hi Francois, I'm not sure. It may be the latency of the HDMI from the camera to MixPre. Is there a way to apply an offset in Premiere when syncing timecode? If it is always 5 frames off, you could use the offset to correct for the latency.
hi
with the MixPre-3 II
is that possible to record a stereo input with 3.5mm stereo input (L and R channels) in the same time that using the three XLR inputs ?
Great overview..does this create a audio file that combines all input channels? As a single track..as well as recording each individual track file
Yes, it records a stereo mix plus the isolated microphone channels each to their own track when you have the MixPre set to advanced mode.
Love your vids Curtis follow them religiously, I record piano recitals with my C-200 ...with a sd302 feed to the camera, but I like the 32bit float that helps avoid clipping with the SD premix 6. I wonder if purchasing this device would be an upgrade.
Hi Robert, thanks! The output of the MixPre II series converts the signal back to analogue at the output so if your incoming audio exceeds 0dBFS, it will either be limited or clipped on the output. So if the goal is to come away with audio from the camera, I'm not sure the 32-bit float is the best approach. If, on the other hand, you plan to record on the MixPre as well and mix that audio in post, then it could be a nice step up. But there is something about just getting it right with a 302 straight to camera which is really satisfying. Happy playing and recording!
helpful video! Is it possible to program the 'assign button' to power the unit on/ off? The power switch is a pain to access when in a mixer bag
No, power is not one of the options for the assignable button. Sound Devices intentionally put the switch on the side and made it very unlikely to accidentally turn off.
Very long, watch at 1.5x to 2x w SHIFT + > Great info thanks!
👍
Hi. Im new to the audio feild. I'm working as a boom op for a mixer using the pre6. What is the best way to get audio for both of our headphones?
I'm thinking of mounting a Manfrotto 323 quick release plate on top of the MixPre-6, to get small cameras off and on the MixPre quickly. If I understand correctly the 323 is intended for similar applications.
That's a clever idea.
hi, I want to use the Mixpre without recording a stereo mix and just record ISO tracks with the knobs controlling gain (no faders). I've put it into Custom mode for the direct gain knob control but when I want to listen back to the 'ISO track ' etc to check my recording via headphone I can't hear it. Is there a Headphone setting that I need to change?
Great video!
Is there a way to Name tracks before I record? Or can I just to this after I stopped recording and add notes to the file
Yes, easiest way is with the Wingman app.
How do you turn on phantom power for the individual tracks if needed? i would have assumed that any mic or mic receiver plugged in would take phantom power from the mix pre but is that not the case? i will be using mine with two sennheiser avx's and one sennheiser 416 so when i plug in the 416, will i need to turn on phantom power on that particular xlr input on the mix pre?
Press in the channel knob for the channel on which you want to enable phantom power then press the Phantom Power option on the touchscreen. You do not need phantom for the wireless systems, just for condenser mics which need phantom.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions thank you!
Question about the noise floor. Just for test I connected my Shure SM58 to the MixPre 6 II. Recorded in 32 floating point mode.
The gain is set to 30db.
I've recorded in 2 input modes - Line and Mic with the same gain - 30db.
In Line mode I've ged much more noise.
In Mic mode there was no noise at all.
Help me please understand why? According to the noise level It looks like in the Line input mode it records in 24 bit (not in 32). Or I've get much more noise because the mic has not correct impedance for the line input? Can you do this test with yours mixpre?
Microphones need amplification so should always be used in mic mode, not line mode. Using line mode measures the microphone signal with zero amplification so it will always be noisy.
@@curtisjudd The level of signal in both recordings was more or less the same. So, the amplification in both modes was the same to. Why the noise level was different?
@@ZhurbaV I don't know. Best to contact Sound Devices support. Best wishes.
Thank you!
👍
I’m having a problem connecting my comica wireless mic system. I have the two transmitters and one receiver and I’m trying to use them both with my mix pre 3 but I can’t get it to work.
What seems to be the problem?
@@curtisjudd I was trying to have a system like the comics wireless two transmitter and one receiver work with the mix pre 3. But I think I figured it out by linking the 1 and 2 channel as left and right.
Really great tutorial. I’m using our mix pre 3 for location foley tomorrow. Which mode is best when capturing two discreet mic channels? i.e I’m not hugely interested in the L/R mix but instead two separate mono channels, one from each mix we use. Will the poly wav nature of this recorder always output the L/R mix then each channels discrete output? (1-3)
Thanks again
Sounds like advanced mode is what you need. Basic mode only has a stereo mix.
Yes thank you. Worked that out today before our session. Also by setting the L/R to off we can output a poly wav which is just our isolated tracks. Perfect!
@@tomspotley5733 I did the same thing for three mono tracks where I don't need a mix. I have a question tho, I made my front knobs gain instead of faders. Is there any loss, or reason I shouldn't do that? Is there any sound benefit (at 32bit floating) for having gain on the side knob and faders on the front? You address this at 11:30 - and I understand the reasoning behind more the fader for extra nuance and control. But is there any sound variation when riding gain instead of fader?
Great info! Thank you! I didn't know about the faders vs gain in Advanced mode since I've used a 702 for years and the setup is simpler. I'm getting quite confused as to the number of files that the Mix Pre generates. I typically record in linked stereo and get 4 files and are all mono? Just found a solution to this : when I drag and drop into Logic - it turns all into mono files. But when I use the import function I get a surround file which easily is put into stereo.
The other confusion I have is with the headphone output. I also often record in linked stereo with an MS mic setup and monitor the decoded version in my headphones. I'm not quite sure if my preset is right : ch1 prefade to L postfade and ch2 prefade to R postfade with MS on. On my 702 it's very easy to switch headphone monitor settings and listen to separate left and right and MS decode.
Hi Margaret, Thanks. Good work finding a solution with Logic. I don't know how to set the monitoring for your M/S setup. Probably best to check in with Sound Devices support. Best wishes and keep making fun percussion videos!
Is it possible to record files to an external hard drive aswell as the SD card?
Hi Simon, no, but you can connect the MixPre to a computer or laptop to record to it at the same time.
in version ii there is a usb possibility, right?
Is there a way to see the metering at the same time as setting the gain while maintaining the possibility to use faders?
In advanced mode, no, only the ring LED. You have to jump out of the gain setting to see the meter. I've submitted a feature request to add a meter to the gain setting screen. :)
Thank you for clarifying! If anyone from Sound Devices is reading this comment I am seconding this request.
I had no idea I could not use regular batteries for this....most youtube video's do not even say about using re chargeable batteries...I was on several shoots and could not figure out why they were dying so fast! Would be very helpful if this could be mentioned in future video's, but maybe you have mentioned it?
I just learned about it from Paul Isaacs from SD a couple of months ago. I have used eneloop rechargeable batteries for all of my tests. I will mention it in future videos. Unfortunately, TH-cam does not allow adding annotations to existing videos any longer.
Can you assign microphones into three different mono channels to have three separate shotgun microphones for a left/center/right setup for a zoom effect at the racetrack?
Okay, so you just mix right/left on those two, and stereo center? Sweet.
Hi, Curtis! Do you think that it's still worthy in 2022?
Yes, I do think it is, even the first generation MixPre-3, 6, and 10T.
If someone is getting too loud, which is better for noise floor? Turning input gain down or fader gain down?
Generally when mixing I'd reach for the fader first. But if it is clear that the gain is not at the right level, then yes, drop the gain.
Curtis, I am a GH5 user looking to setup my rig for a run and gun project. One option is to buy the XLR extension that you reviewed as well. To me that is a decent and reliable option. The other option is to mount a mixpre3 under my camera cage. This would give me a 3 channel setup (2 AVX lavs and a shotgun) which is very appealing to me. What worries me about this route is the timecode setup via the HDMI cable. The HDMI connection on the recorder side looks really flimsy, especially in a run and gun context. Do you concur? Or would you feel comfortable in recommending the GH5-mixpre3 setup for rund and gun work? Thx so much and keep them coming. Your reviews/tutoriials have proven instrumental to me in many occasions.
Hi frankostyn, yes, the HDMI micro cable is a bit dodgy for run-n-gun situations. But the Panasonic XLR1 is also a bit dodgy in terms of its plastic build when XLR cables are attached unless you secure them very well to something more stable (e.g., rig rails, tripod legs). Some people have had what sound like ground issues when mounting the GH5 on top of the MixPre but it can be addressed by placing a quick release plate and receiver between the MixPre and GH5. Good luck!
Thx
would be appreciated to hear sample of this recorder
Do you know if you can use a power adapter right into the wall with this unit? my chargable batteries done seem to last very long.
Yes, for the original MixPre 3 and 6, you can use this: bhpho.to/2nDzp1s Note that alkaline batteries are strongly discouraged for the MixPre recorders. Best to use rechargeable NiMh or lithium AA batteries.
Just got this for weddings and loving it. Curious in Advanced mode, what gain would be the ideal level to set Channel 1?
I would set it to a level where the meter tops out at around -12 to -16dB so that you leave enough headroom for loud laughs and such.
@@curtisjudd And that would be setting the gain through the trim gain or the fader gain? It would be setting it through the trim gain right, if I'm going through CH 1? Also, would it be easier for me at weddings to just keep the recorder in Basic mode rather than having more to tend to in Advanced mode since I do shoot solo most of the time and want to just hit record and walk away knowing it's recording.
@@imageryweddingfilms2134 It sounds like it would be easier in basic mode for you, yes. And in that case, the knob is trim and fader gain combined into one.
Thanks, this was informative enough for my first intro to this item. Does it still record isolated tracks when using Basic mode then? Or must I be in advanced mode to get that?
Hi Jimmy, no, in basic mode it only records a stereo mix, no isolated channels. Must change to advanced or custom mode to record isolated mic channels.
I recorded in advanced and got only a stereo mix, seems that I have sthg to learn still 🤣. The menu is not very clear to my brains. Have to do some push ups...
Hi Curtis! Great video. I was wondering, how do you think the sound compares to the 633 and F4/F8?
Sound quality is very similar between all three. Hard to tell the difference.
I'm torn between getting a Zoom F4 or a MixPre-6. I know Curtis has talked about the benefits of analogue limiters, but here in the UK there is a pretty big price difference between the two units (£600 vs £1100). My techlust side wants the MixPre, but my sensible side says save the money. Gah!
I'm torn as well. The main feature that is making me consider the F4 or F8 is the dual SD card capability because I like the peace of mind of immediately having a backup of the audio.
Steve Criddle My advice based on your comment, get the F4. Better yet get a used F4.
Chris Fuchs My advice based on your comment, the MixPre's are not intended for on-set production sound work. Get the F4/8 if that is the job you are doing.
Hi Curtis, how do you transfer the audio file onto you computer using the USB-port? Thank you.
Go to Menu -> System -> File Transfer.
Hi, first all your videos are amazing thx man! now, quick question, how can I arm channel 5 on my mixpre 6? can you help me? thx
Thanks! Got to the menu -> Inputs -> Input 5.
Hi Curtis. Seat video. Which model do recommend for youtube videos?
MixPre-3 if you only need 3 XLR mic inputs. MixPre-6 if you need 4.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I've just picked up a MixPre6 ii, and it seems like a lot of this applies to the new model as well. Really like the MixPre and will be recommending this video along with the device.
I'm wondering, when using the MixPre as an audio interface, what's the simplest way to monitor playback from a DAW along with direct monitoring of any inputs (rather than monitoring inputs through the DAW, which has too much latency for me)? It seems I need to mix the USB outputs with the direct input signal, but I'm not sure the smoothest way to do that. Any suggestions?
And actually, related question: what's the recommended setup for monitoring inputs through the DAW (and not the direct monitoring mentioned above)?
Hi Curtis, great video! Unfortunately I didn't get the difference between L&R linked and only L&R in the record menu. What can be controlled together? How does this affect the output file? Thank you very much and best wishes, Gert!
Hi Gert, L&R linked means you can control both the left and right channels with a single control. With the L&R setting, you can adjust the two channels independently.