Thanks for this review, Curtis. I received my MixerFace R4R this week and have been putting it through the paces. Everything you said in this review is right on target. The preamps and headphone amplifier are indeed very good. I chose it because of the size and portability, and am very happy with the quality. I tried it out as a USB audio interface and was surprised at things that I can hear on the headphones that I was missing on my Scarlett USB interface. It's actually replacing my H4n, and I never liked the noise, slow startup, and user interface of that recorder. I ordered the R4R package that included the mics, and I'm on the list to get them when Centrance gets them in stock. I hope they're as impressive as the recorder itself.
@@curtisjudd I was at a VO seminar last month and the VO artist guest panel made a convincing argument that to be successful in the VO world, you don't need a silky smooth radio voice although that can help, the most important key to VO success is you need to be an actor. You must be able to read a script without sounding like you are reading. You must be able to impart the required tone or emotion, you must be able to follow and respond to direction, and it helps if you can do multiple different voices. You must be able to act. They called themselves Voice Actors and suggested anyone interested in VO take acting lessons before they buy a pile of recording gear.
@@AllenCavedo This makes so much sense. The demo reel from Australian VO actor and presenter Tabitha Halley is a great example of this. She runs through several emotions, age ranges, and presentation styles in one reading.
Really nice review as always Curtis. I think the Mixerface is proving very popular with voice-over artists as part of their travel rig. (I've shared your review on my Facebook business site and in a Facebook voice-over group.)
nice review Chris. I've got the R4 so it's good to hear some comparisons with other pre-amps and noise floor information. My only changes would be analogue input limiters and 'normal' phantom power switches ie not dip switches (as these are used quite frequently to preserve battery life). Apart from that the Mixerface R4 is perfect IMO.
Hey Michael, thanks for sharing your experience with the MixerFace. I agree, input limiters would be a great addition. Those dip switches are sure a mixed bag so totally understand that as well. Maybe buttons with a lock switch? That would also solve another thing I forgot to mention: It is possible to bump the stop button in the midst of a recording. A lock switch could prevent that.
I heard some crackling starting at 3:17 on the Zoom H4n part. Is that from the H4n? I've never heard that kind of noise from my H6. What do you think the cause might be? Thanks for a great channel and new devices I've never heard of.
Hi Robert, sharp ears! If I had to guess, yes, from the H4n as each of these samples were shot in the same space, one right after the other, just quickly swapping out recorders. The only variable that was not the same between all of them was time. So that could have been a factor, but I suspect not.
It would be good if they had a few rigging options for DSLRs or other accessories. The size is good. Probably needs a dual hot shoe, if using a shotgun mike directly mounted on a camera...thanks for the review.
Hi Curtis, the sound quality for this video exceeds your previous videos by a mile. Can you please tell us what has been changed? Probably some magic in post, or...?
Hello Curtis, great review, thank you. I do a lot of corporate video and I'm looking for a small handheld recorder, I currently have the Tascam DR-60D mkII but I need something more like the size of the DR-40 or Zoom H4n. For me two XLR inputs is enough. Can you recommend me a recorder with similar or better preamplifiers than the DR-60D mkII? I love the SD MIxPre-3 but for my needs it is a bit big. I know the CEntrance MixerFace R4 falls into the category but I do not love it the way to adjust the gain with this device. Maybe the zoom H5, H6 or Tascam DR-100 mkIII, how about the preamps? I will appreciate a lot any advice. Thank you.
Hi Luciano, My first choice would be the MixerFace R4. The H5 or H6 would be similar to the DR-60D in terms of premaps except that they cannot supply as much gain as the Tascam. The DR-100mkIII is likely better than the H5 or H6 but I have not formally tested it so I'm not sure. I hope that helps a little. Good luck!
Well you got me on this one, I never heard of this company or the R4/R4R units, but your review makes me want to get one even though I don't need it as I already have a MixPre-3 and Tascam DR-100. But I will be looking for an excuse to get one and will recommend them when I can.
Another Great review! thx! -- I see someone mentioned JuicedLink here (now out of biz unfortunately) One of the big advantage of the MixerFace and the thing I am maybe most attracted to is the internal recording... the MM-1 and Mixpre-D and Mixpre-3 don't have any onboard recording (I think)... Questions: 1) Being a remote doc filmmaker who is gearing up for a 1 man year long shoot, how big of a disadvantage would it be that the MixerFace has no limiters? 2) do you think this would be a suitable solution for light field / foley type recording as well as rigged with camera? 3) I have always had some sort of display to set the input level of the mic's if on camera or in field (again doing foley) how hard do you think it will get used to monitoring input sound levels w/o a display? This concerns me even a bit more especially w/o any internal limiters. ------ I really want for this to be the solution as it seems the right size, build quality and "analog" style that I am attracted to.
Hi Shawn, the lack of limiters could be a big deal if you aren't actively monitoring and adjusting levels on a documentary where anything can happen. Yes, can be a good option for remote and foley recording and rigged to camera. I prefer a display. Don't get me wrong, I like the Mixerface a lot, but when you're shooting solo and you HAVE to capture good sound, the MixPre-3 will probably make that easier.
Looks like the perfect device...aside from the built in battery. That kills it for me. Not just the inconvenience of being unable to swap batteries but also the planned obsolescence which in my opinion disqualifies this as a pro grade device. Perhaps a prosumer device. That's just my opinion though. I wish it used 2 AA batteries so you wouldn't have to kiss it goodbye after 6 years or so. Aside from that, it is everything I was looking for.
I see that this video is 2 yrs old and want to know if anything has changed? So if I am a one man crew working on shooting a feature film. Would you buy this to record dialogue or the Sound Devices MixPre-3 ? which I think costs more but is it worth the extra money? Or has something come out recently in 2020 that even better choice than these two? I hope I get a repley because of how old this video is? THX. A your videos are really very well done looking and sounding great!
Hi Nadege, if I had the choice, I'd definitely go with the MixPre which is more flexible and has analogue limiters. But at this price, the MixerFace R4 is quite good if you like a more analogue type of experience.
Awesome review Curtis! CEntrance has been in the hifi game for a long time now so it's cool to see them putting their knowledge to work in the pro audio space (I wish more companies would improve their headphone circuits on pro audio gear). On my headphones, the H4n had this high pitched whine through most of the recording. I wonder how the CEntrance compares to something like the H6 (or even H4n Pro) which (I believe) had better preamps? Anyway, awesome review as always. Really appreciate the content!
Thanks James, totally agree. Great to see another company coming into the space to provide some more quality options. This one hits a really nice intersection between quality and price.
@@curtisjudd Hey Curtis, one quick question (sorry if you already mentioned this in the video). Does the 'monitor' volume control affect both the headphone and balanced outputs together? And do you know if it's one of those circuits where the balanced outs are muted when headphones are connected. Thanks in advance!
@@kurczaba Hi again, the monitor knob simultaneously controls both the headphone and balance output levels. The outputs work even when headphones are connected.
@@kurczaba The outputs work as follows: When you rotate the Monitor level knob, the balanced outputs and the headphone outputs' levels are adjusted, but the unbalanced 3.5mm Aux output (line output) is not adjusted. That output is independent of the volume control knob, specifically, so you could route its signal into another recorder (like the mic inputs on the camera).
Thank you for the very informative review. It seems like centrace really pushes the idea of using this unit as an interface to really do the actual recording in a phone. I assume because the bit rate can be much higher ( from what I can tell from various reviews) I am not a pro at all, but trying to make a big audio improvement. If I am relying on the internal SD card recording capabilites, are these levels of bit rates up to modern higher end audio use? Thanks
Apparently only available from very few European dealers at this point in time, and at a somewhat higher price point. I found a Swedish dealer that sells the R4R for about $615.
@@centrance, Thank you. Thomann currently only has the R4, and they charge €399 which is about $453. Whether that's a reasonable price, is not for me to decide, as I'm not planning to buy it.
@@skakdosmer Thank you. We are working to broaden our distribution in the EU and will reach out to Thomann. Meantime, many dealers in US offer the product at $349.99 and sometimes shipping can be free.
@@centrance Thanks, but even free international shipping really won't help much. Once the parcel arrives to Denmark (my country), the post office will check it to see where it comes from. And when it's from outside the EU, they'll charge about $24 for paying the required 25% VAT for me (aren't they nice?). So it'll be approximately (350 + 24) * 1.25 = $467.
Nice review! Do you miss not having an onboard ‘soft-knee’ limiter on this unit vs the Micport Pro 2 which has one? Asking for those of us (voiceover people) comparing the MixerFace and the Micport Pro 2.
Yes, I do, but didn't get the Micport Pro 2 until well after this one. I just received the new Portcaster which is essentially a 2 channel MicPort Pro 2 with a recorder built in. Nice to have those limiters.
Hi Michael, well, it doesn't have a screen, as large a gain range, analogue limiters, or the ability to receive timecode via 3.5mm aux input or micro HDMI. The R4's in-built battery is nicer for shoots that are less than 7 hours versus the AA battery sled of the MixPre3. Though the MixPre 3 can be powered via USB-C battery bank and has an add-on battery sled for Sony NP-F batteries. The MixPre is quite a bit more expensive as well.
@@michaelcromwelliii Yes, the CEntrance MixerFace is essentially a mobile recording interface. It will connect to Macs and PCs via the USB cable and serve as an audio interface. The built-in battery also allows it to be used with phones and tablets for recording, which makes it more versatile than the traditional table-top interfaces.
@@centrance I'm very close to making a decision to purchase this, but I want to make sure that I have a good understanding of how this will operate as an audio interface, using USB 2.0 and what that means for latency. Do you have any numbers on that? The last time I purchased an interface it was using Firewire and there was a lot of information about Firewire being better for audio recording, but the industry seemed to let that die, as did my Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP. -Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Curtis I recently filmed a documentary and the biggest issues we had was consistent audio quality i.e the rode NTG 3 with the Tascam DR60d . Not sure why on some Interview we had hiss and others were perfect ( all same settings) with some of my small doc I plan to do single audio system with I was going to use the same equipment as above. However, do you think is mixerface r4 will most likely be better for single system audio and so provide more stable pro audio with my GH5. As thoughts would be appreciated. As always a great video. Thanks JF
Hi JF, it would be a smaller solution for sure but we’d need to figure out what caused the variability with the 60D. Was there more ambient sound/noise at some of the locations?
@@curtisjudd thank for getting back to me Curtis. The cause of the noise is one this that just don't know as each Interview was at different locations. Also because I had two sound guys I am not sure if it was perhaps down to individual experience. However the mixer face I most certainly a nice but of kit. I also recently saw a Asxmov scorpion camera rig for the GH5 and Sony a7 series which includes a power unit and XLR unit which according to the reviewer give great sound. Basically it makes the GH5 an all in one video/cinema rig . That also to me seems like a good alternative for my future doc as I will be able monitors both sound and video myself. If you have not seen it it look like a great but of kit and a great way to transform ones GH5/GH5s or Sony A7's
@@MyJeanf Yes, tough to tell, but the variables that changed - locations and sound mixers - are likely the cause if you used the same gear. Thanks for the tip on the ASXMOV rig. Looks interesting!
Interesting, firstly, your reviews are excellent. Top work. Secondly, I have a few questions that you may or may not like to answer. I understand that you're busy, so a response is up to you. I am planning a documentary. I am planning on using a smartphone for video, gimbal for stabilisation and two sennheiser AVX lavaleir microphones. I currently have a one AVX, Zoom f1, Zoom SSH-6 mic. So, I would like to run two lav mics and the SSH-6, for example. Would you recommend buying another Zoom f1 and using a slitter for sound into the smartphone, or buying the Zoom h5, or buying this recorder you reviewed, the CEntrance Mixer ...? Hence, I want the audio into the smartphone for ease of syncing both the audio and video in edit. Yes, it is a one man documentary. Everything needs to work.
Yes, exactly. I wanted to use Zoom's half-second tone signals (sound markers) to sync audio and video in post unless you know of an easier, but still low budget, way. @@curtisjudd
@@timmyssweet The Mixerface R4 only has 2 XLR inputs so it is out of the running. Something like a Tascam DR-60DmkII or Zoom H5 has 2 XLR inputs plus a 3.5mm input so it might work for you. Neither are perfect, but for less than $300, they can get the job done.
Just a thought, could use two Zoom F1's and use a splitter to the smartphone. I would have two sound markers and need to sync two separate files, but technically it would work, Yeah. But the technicalities is probably more worth it.@@curtisjudd
Great review, and I will probably buy one. However, before I do, I would appreciate your help with regards to a suggested microphone. Let me explain, I work on cruise ships as a trainer, and create videos for training when on the ship, and the has a constant 'hum' when the engines are going. I usually have to wait until we dock before being able to work. Unfortunately, this is also the time I am training. Is there a microphone that you would recommend that is high quality, like this device, and better able to reject the hum/vibration from the engines? Any help/suggestion you can give would be appreciated. I continue to enjoy all your audio content, and will soon, in the new year start to look at your lighting videos. I look forward to hearing from you.
@@curtisjudd Oh dear, I am sorry for not being clearer in my question! I will be in a passenger cabin creating training videos, whilst on board the cruise ship for the usual 5-7 days undertaking inspection & audit. As I am away so much, despite having a good sound system in the office, with a Panasonic GH5, I just cannot get to use them. Therefore, I am having to do this whilst travelling and away, even in hotel rooms waiting for a cruise ship to arrive. My personal thought was a hypercardioid (shotgun mic) microphone, but which one? Unless of course you have an alternative suggestion? Note: Having seen your studio, just like you, I can benefit by putting these expenses against my business, and, I even get the tax [VAT] back. Therefore, I am not necessarily seeking the cheapest option.
I would go with a dynamic broadcast mic like the Shure SM7b or Electrovoice RE20. In a noisy location like that, you’ll have a much easier time with a dynamic mic than a condenser.
Hi great video! Love your channel and the clear way you review. So so helpful! I am looking for a new sound recorder and looking at either this CEntrance MixerFace R4R or the Sound Devices MixPre-3. Have been using tascam 70d and really unhappy with the noisy preamps. One feature i love through is the ability to do a back up track at -6db on the tascam. Do you know if either of these can do that? When filming documentary on the go and solo it really help to have a backup.
Hi Mirabai, Neither the MixPre nor the Centrance Mixerface have a "safety track" feature however, the MixPre has limiters which remove the need for a safety track recording.
Hi Mirabai, i think you would be pleasantly surprised with the upgrade to a MixerFace from your tascam. The preamps are excellent on our device and you will definitely be saving a chunk of change versus the mixpre. Please feel free to reach out to us at info@centrance.com if you have any questions! Appreciate the interest.
Thanks Isle of Mull FPV! I actually covered this in my sound for video session which will be hitting my "Curtis Judd Audio" channel in a few hours. I've used two for production sound: Sony MDR-7506 and Beyerdynamic DT 770. I find myself using the Sonys in most cases. Not because they're perfectly neutral but because they're very comfortable, I know their flaws (overemphasizes bass a bit), they fold up so are easier to transport, and you can buy replacement parts if you break them. I hope that helps!
@@curtisjudd I guess, unlike microphones, people stick with one set for a long time to maintain consistency - so few have an over view. I look forward to your upcoming vid. Helpful, thanks.
Fundamental question: SD 633 sound definately warmer. But based on your experience, is it that F4/8 preamps reproduce mic signal more presicely and SD's preamps adds some warmth or is it that F4/8 preamps sounds thinner and SD's preamps reproduces mic signl more precisely?
This review is good, but I feel like a comparison with the MixPre-3 would have been useful (and probably more relevant to people like me than the 633). While the MixPre-3 is more expensive, I feel like if I was back on the market for an interface I might have wanted to know if this would have fit my needs better.
Thanks Kyle. I see what you're saying. I included the 633 to show a range of devices that span from about $200 to $3300, not so much to compare everything in the same price range. The idea was to help illustrate what difference you might hear from a $450 recorder to a pro-level mulit-thousand dollar recorder. And unless one uses very, very good playback systems and has practiced ears, my sense is that it is hard to tell a difference (except at the low end of the market with the aging H4n).
I didn't really have a problem with using the 633 in the video. You usually use it, and that's not an issue. I appreciate all the comparisons, and at the very least it helps us understand what the pro level sounds like over the prosumer level. In retrospect your point about sound quality being similar is well taken, although I wonder it would be useful to compare the R4 with the digital limiters in the Zoom and the analog limiters in the MixPre-3. All that said this is a really intriguing device from a form factor/design perspective when compared to any of the other devices. Getting that quality of sound in a tiny, no-nonsense package is an appealing prospect. And I can't tell you how much you've helped me find and work with sound equipment for my projects. Thank you.
Curtis, you frequently compared the R4 the the H4n, but no mention to the F4/F8 in terms of preamp i.e. max gain, self noise and sound quality. Any comments?
The F4 and MixerFace R4 sound very, very, very similar in the samples with the DPA 4017b here. In terms of preamp noise, I didn't specifically compare the F4 and R4 with a dynamic microphone but I'd expect that they're in a very similar range, probably less than 3dB difference.
Dear Curtis, thank you very much for your thorough review! We are delighted you liked the product. You mentioned in the comments that you had emailed us, but we have not seen the email yet. You can reach us directly at info[at]centrance dot com. Cheers!
@@curtisjudd Yep, thanks. We are in sync. Feel free to reach out if you need anything. 100k is indeed a huge milestone! A giveaway is a great idea, wink wink.
Wow, very interesting device and I've read a lot of the comments. I've started recording VO auditions and my setup now at home is an old h4n with an xlr connected condenser microphone. I am looking to get a better recorder. I was looking at the h5 as it seems the best upgrade. One thing I seem to need to be able to do is record normal VO levels and sometimes perhaps shouting- making loud noises for auditions. Right now I've played with lowering the level recording - say from 65 down to 40. Seems like my loud shouting at 40 level doesn't sound great. But, I can see on the screen where I'm hitting and try to stay under -12. How would I use this device to monitor something like that? I also have a gh5s and I'm seeing that this would give me a great line out for that particular camera. Is that going to be much better than the quality from an h5? I think you touched on the shared output and wanted to clarify. Thank you and great videos. I am hoping to be able to find my best option since I have not upgraded recorder since I first bought the h4n an now I see how outdated I am.
Thanks for your reply and suggestion. I'll look at that F4 over the H5 again. I haven't worked with that form factor in the past and with more than two XLR mics to connect.
Hi Omar, although the MixerFace doesnt have a "screen" there are a couple LEDs which allow you to monitor your levels and make sure you are not peaking. The monitoring was designed as such that the peaking light (red) is generous enough so that a few blinks of it (ie. a shouting situation) wont distort your recording. Of course you dont want to be fully in the red while recording but we have not encountered complaints in this department, in fact many customers enjoy the experience of setting a proper level and focusing on the recording itself. VO people love MixerFace! Please feel free to reach out to us at info@centrance.com if you have any more questions! Thanks.
Curtis, you think this might be a good substitute for a SD MM-1? It sounds like this has all the same functions (even more, considering the extra input), although the pots don't have the same protection from accidental movement. I didn't hear any comments about if these preamps have good limiters or not.
Hi Stefan, I haven't personally used the MM-1 but in general terms, yes, seems like it could substitute in some situations. The MM1 is probably better suited for situations where you want to stick with full-size XLR inputs and outputs and a 1/4" headphone jack. Arguably those are more "professional." But then the MixerFace does things the MM-1 doesn't do like record via USB to computer, iOS, or Android and has an in-built Li polymer battery which powers it for nearly 7 hours with phantom power.
@@curtisjudd I do use an MM-1 and can tell you I agree with your items above, but for the intended purpose, the MM-1 provides every pro feature needed to record dialog from a boom mic on set. Great preamp and monitoring, but most important is the analog limiter of the MM-1 where the R4 has none. This alone keeps the R4 from substituting for the MM-1.
@@AllenCavedo yes and MM1 has P12 and 12V T-Power and has a Slot for 2 AA batteries lasting 25 (dyn) or 10 hours (P48), MM1 has a good sounding SD made transformer and gain enough to run ribbons (66 db). and is easy to handle professional tool in heavy outdoors rain and snow -- not so for smartphone fiddling.
Thanks for the useful review! If we are talking only about preamp quality how does it compares with mixpre 3? I would like to upgrade my zoom h5 because I find it has not so good preamps...
Hi Curtis! I have an NTG3 that I’ll mostly be recording straight into camera and for voice overs going into my computer. Trying to decide between the CEntrance and a Zoom H5 or H6. Which way would you lean having used both recorders? The NTG3 noise is quite low, so not sure how much the better preamps in the CEntrance will help? Thanks!!!
Hi Peter, any of the three are about the same in terms of preamp quality, but I'd probably opt for the Mixerface. The said, there are plenty of other people perfectly happy with the H5 and H6s.
Thanks for this great review! I just "upgraded" from a Zoom H4 to a Zoom H6 and I am really not very satisfied with the preamps. They are better but not good enough. Paired with a Rode NTG2 I have so much hiss and the level is so low. I wish I had this additional 6dB you mentioned between the Zoom H4 and the MixerFace R4. Did you make this comparison as well with a Zoom H6 or F4? What can I expect if I dump the H6 and use the MixerFace R4?
Hi Peter, I haven't formally compared the H6 to the CEntrance as I don't have an H6 on hand. So I'm not sure what you would realize in terms of self-noise performance relative to the H6.
We would be happy to discuss your specific conditions and demonstrate how the preamps in the R4 are superior. Please contact us at info at centrance dot com.
Hi Angelo, the MixPre series are quite a bit more expensive which is why I didn't include them here, but the preamps on the MixPre produce quite a lot more gain (20dB more) and have a few other features which the MixerFace R4 does not have including analogue limiters, a touch screen interface, the ability to accept timecode via 3.5mm and micro HDMI inputs among other things. On the other hand, the MixerFace R4 has an in-built battery which can power the mixer/recorder and phantom power 2 mics for almost 7 hours which cannot be said for the MixPre series. In terms of audio quality, I'd be willing to bet that they sound very similar with high quality condenser microphones and the MixPre probably has better self-noise performance with dynamic microphones. I hope that helps!
Yes, your feedback is very helpful (as is all of your insights), but you compared the SD-633. Is the SD-MixPre not a closer to that market segment? @@curtisjudd
No, it is not user replaceable. Fortunately it is rather long lasting, but you'd have to bring along a USB battery bank to power it for a longer recording session.
@@curtisjudd A big step in past, in the first decade of small recorder constructions was to get rid of the pain of inbuilt batteries. The Centrance guys shall do a small 1 or 2 channel really professional recorder/mixer. They will not reach Sonosax century sound tradition, but in a respectable todays chain they started for, I hope Sound Devices will not hang after. There's need for some fine and reliable and payable 2 channels. Or maybe one channel like the MM1, or better with a second entrance for prof.s 6V lavaliers. Yes dear Paul Isaacs. Yes, I know. Curtis, You wouldn't deny it. If we're doing with a DPA, Schoeps, Neumann some voice real work we're not needing rubbish around.
HI Curtis! Great review as usual. Did you test the recharging time? I saw in centrance website it takes 5hours to 6hours to recharge is that right? Thanks again for the review.
You seem to know a lot about mics. I want to record 2 people sitting next 2 each other at a desk. Maybe 2’ in between the people. Ntg4 or nt5? On a boom pole just out of frame. Can only be one mic. Or another suggestion. Just don’t know if the shotgun will pick up both people good enough.
I am a beginner in this game and my current kit consists of an old school Shure Fp33 mixer and a Zoom H4n. I plan to switch to a Zoom F6 very soon. Is it a good idea ?
Sounds impressive, though I am still not clear how I would connect it to my camera which has an XLR input (actually two XLR inputs). Is there a way to do connect those balanced outputs to XLR inputs, and would it be the same quality as if the device had actual XLR outputs?
@@curtisjudd Interesting that the two TRS Outputs are balanced, pretty unusual for a device in this class of product. Looking at the specs for the R4 and R4R they easily produce real line output levels: "Nominal: 3.5 Vrms / +13.1 dBu". So there should be no problems driving signal to pro camera XLR inputs.
Thanks for the review of the mixer But please tell me can we replace the yahama mixer with this mixer Please give me two more faver 1 give us the review of cannon c700. 2 give us the review of ninja flame showgun.
Hi Tarun, potentially, it depends on exactly how many mics you’re using. I probably won’t be able to get my hands on a Canon C700 but we did cover the ATOMOS Shogun here: th-cam.com/video/jrUPDQCYZEU/w-d-xo.html
As far as I could tell, my Nikon does not have the switch for line/microphone input. Do you know if this would work with a Nikon, i.e., to get better sound than the onboard preamp? Also, do you think this unit sounds as good as the old JuicedLink?
Hi Steady Rolling, no, Nikons don't have an option for line level, only microphone level. Yes, this is very much in the same league as the old JuicedLink audio adapters. Best wishes!
Hii... What affordable sound recorder I can use with NTG3 ( phantom power ) with very good battery backup ? My options are Zoom h4n pro , Zoom h5 , Zoom h6 , tascam Dr 60 mk ii etc.... What will u suggest keeping in mind the phantom power ???????
@@alonejourney9299 all the ones you listed provide phantom power, if that's what you mean by battery backup. The prices greatly vary in the ones you listed (i.e. the H4N pro is ~$199.99, whereas the H6 is ~$319.99) so that should play a factor in your decision. As far as preamps go, the H4N is probably the worst of them, with the h5/h6 both having nearly identical but slightly better/cleaner preamps. The DR-60DmkII probably has the best/cleanest preamps of the ones you listed. The Tascam has the worst in-built battery of the ones you listed, although you can use an external battery for all of them if you need.
Hi Ricky, great question. I don’t have a passive ribbon on hand to test but my intuition tells me that it might be a stretch with the 55dB of gain these preamps supply.
If you are doing ADR with the R4, I wonder how much delay is in the USB playback? If you were using, for example Audition, you would have the combined delay of the USB output to the R4 plus the delay of the audio going back into Audition via some analog-to-digital interface. I've never done ADR. In your experience, could this be a problem? It sounds like the R4 might be the perfect addition the the Arri Mini for adding audio to their line level input.
The great news is the MixerFace R4 has the zero latency monitor built in, per each channel. So you can vary how much mic you hear vs. the signal coming back form the computer. Having said that, the latency on Macs is very small and for Windows, we have low-latency ASIO drivers as well.
I like a company that comments/clarifies on reviews of their products. To me it means they will likely have good customer support. So thanks for the additional info.
You are holding the Sure SM58 too far away from your mouth. Those mics need to be within a couple of inches from your mouth to be within the best pickup distance range.
Thanks Shane. For live performance, perhaps, yes. But also results in a LOT of plosives without really diligent microphone technique. For podcasts, I generally work about 4 inches from the grill with good results and far less proximity effect and fewer plosives.
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Thanks for this review, Curtis. I received my MixerFace R4R this week and have been putting it through the paces. Everything you said in this review is right on target. The preamps and headphone amplifier are indeed very good. I chose it because of the size and portability, and am very happy with the quality. I tried it out as a USB audio interface and was surprised at things that I can hear on the headphones that I was missing on my Scarlett USB interface. It's actually replacing my H4n, and I never liked the noise, slow startup, and user interface of that recorder. I ordered the R4R package that included the mics, and I'm on the list to get them when Centrance gets them in stock. I hope they're as impressive as the recorder itself.
Thanks Barry - really glad the R4R is working out so well for you! Happy Recording!
Love your new lighting setup with the textured light shaft across the concrete wall! Very pleasing
Thanks TORCHY!
Loving the concrete background!
Thanks Caleb!
@@curtisjudd Yeah, me too. When I saw this, I thought it was one of the strongest a cam looks I've seen on your channel :)
Nice review sir. Off topic...Ever thought about doing audiobook narrations? I think you’d kill it with that smooth voice. 👍
Oh you know it! I'm trying to break into the voice over world, man. Thanks for your voice over tips video today, great stuff!
Curtis Judd 👍
@@curtisjudd I was at a VO seminar last month and the VO artist guest panel made a convincing argument that to be successful in the VO world, you don't need a silky smooth radio voice although that can help, the most important key to VO success is you need to be an actor. You must be able to read a script without sounding like you are reading. You must be able to impart the required tone or emotion, you must be able to follow and respond to direction, and it helps if you can do multiple different voices. You must be able to act. They called themselves Voice Actors and suggested anyone interested in VO take acting lessons before they buy a pile of recording gear.
@@AllenCavedo Seems like good advice, thanks!
@@AllenCavedo This makes so much sense. The demo reel from Australian VO actor and presenter Tabitha Halley is a great example of this. She runs through several emotions, age ranges, and presentation styles in one reading.
Really nice review as always Curtis. I think the Mixerface is proving very popular with voice-over artists as part of their travel rig. (I've shared your review on my Facebook business site and in a Facebook voice-over group.)
Hi Mike, thanks! Makes sense. I'll definitely be using mine for future voice over travel jobs.
Curtis Judd - Hi Curtis. The Mixerface and a shotgun muc and you're good to go!
@@MikeBroderick33 I agree!
nice review Chris. I've got the R4 so it's good to hear some comparisons with other pre-amps and noise floor information. My only changes would be analogue input limiters and 'normal' phantom power switches ie not dip switches (as these are used quite frequently to preserve battery life). Apart from that the Mixerface R4 is perfect IMO.
Hey Michael, thanks for sharing your experience with the MixerFace. I agree, input limiters would be a great addition. Those dip switches are sure a mixed bag so totally understand that as well. Maybe buttons with a lock switch? That would also solve another thing I forgot to mention: It is possible to bump the stop button in the midst of a recording. A lock switch could prevent that.
I heard some crackling starting at 3:17 on the Zoom H4n part. Is that from the H4n? I've never heard that kind of noise from my H6. What do you think the cause might be?
Thanks for a great channel and new devices I've never heard of.
Hi Robert, sharp ears! If I had to guess, yes, from the H4n as each of these samples were shot in the same space, one right after the other, just quickly swapping out recorders. The only variable that was not the same between all of them was time. So that could have been a factor, but I suspect not.
Man, the pro level stuff makes the Zoom h4n sound almost compressed. Also, love the new backgrounds.
Thanks Tommy
Thanks for this review, waiting for the R4B review, really curious about their pivotMic.
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Impressive Review. It reminds me of a portable version of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen). This too has no segmented scale but is very popular.
Thanks Romeo, yes, good comparison.
It would be good if they had a few rigging options for DSLRs or other accessories. The size is good. Probably needs a dual hot shoe, if using a shotgun mike directly mounted on a camera...thanks for the review.
You're welcome.
Hi Curtis, the sound quality for this video exceeds your previous videos by a mile. Can you please tell us what has been changed? Probably some magic in post, or...?
Hi The Hollerman. I suppose it is the MixerFace and DPA 4017b shotgun microphone: bhpho.to/2m0N3HA
Hello Curtis, great review, thank you. I do a lot of corporate video and I'm looking for a small handheld recorder, I currently have the Tascam DR-60D mkII but I need something more like the size of the DR-40 or Zoom H4n. For me two XLR inputs is enough. Can you recommend me a recorder with similar or better preamplifiers than the DR-60D mkII? I love the SD MIxPre-3 but for my needs it is a bit big. I know the CEntrance MixerFace R4 falls into the category but I do not love it the way to adjust the gain with this device. Maybe the zoom H5, H6 or Tascam DR-100 mkIII, how about the preamps? I will appreciate a lot any advice. Thank you.
Hi Luciano, My first choice would be the MixerFace R4. The H5 or H6 would be similar to the DR-60D in terms of premaps except that they cannot supply as much gain as the Tascam. The DR-100mkIII is likely better than the H5 or H6 but I have not formally tested it so I'm not sure. I hope that helps a little. Good luck!
@@curtisjudd Thanks a lot for your reply.
Well you got me on this one, I never heard of this company or the R4/R4R units, but your review makes me want to get one even though I don't need it as I already have a MixPre-3 and Tascam DR-100. But I will be looking for an excuse to get one and will recommend them when I can.
Come on by, you can borrow mine for evaluation. 👍
Curtis Judd Careful what you ask for. I’ll take you up on that as I plan to get out to UT this year. I try to swing by.
@@RallenMan Do 👍🏻
Hi Allen, Thanks for your interest! Message us and we will see what we can do to accommodate!
Super review, Great device.
👍
Another Great review! thx! -- I see someone mentioned JuicedLink here (now out of biz unfortunately) One of the big advantage of the MixerFace and the thing I am maybe most attracted to is the internal recording... the MM-1 and Mixpre-D and Mixpre-3 don't have any onboard recording (I think)... Questions: 1) Being a remote doc filmmaker who is gearing up for a 1 man year long shoot, how big of a disadvantage would it be that the MixerFace has no limiters? 2) do you think this would be a suitable solution for light field / foley type recording as well as rigged with camera? 3) I have always had some sort of display to set the input level of the mic's if on camera or in field (again doing foley) how hard do you think it will get used to monitoring input sound levels w/o a display? This concerns me even a bit more especially w/o any internal limiters. ------ I really want for this to be the solution as it seems the right size, build quality and "analog" style that I am attracted to.
Hi Shawn, the lack of limiters could be a big deal if you aren't actively monitoring and adjusting levels on a documentary where anything can happen. Yes, can be a good option for remote and foley recording and rigged to camera. I prefer a display. Don't get me wrong, I like the Mixerface a lot, but when you're shooting solo and you HAVE to capture good sound, the MixPre-3 will probably make that easier.
Looks like the perfect device...aside from the built in battery. That kills it for me. Not just the inconvenience of being unable to swap batteries but also the planned obsolescence which in my opinion disqualifies this as a pro grade device. Perhaps a prosumer device. That's just my opinion though. I wish it used 2 AA batteries so you wouldn't have to kiss it goodbye after 6 years or so. Aside from that, it is everything I was looking for.
Yes, or a user replaceable Li-po battery would be nice.
I see that this video is 2 yrs old and want to know if anything has changed? So if I am a one man crew working on shooting a feature film. Would you buy this to record dialogue or the Sound Devices MixPre-3 ? which I think costs more but is it worth the extra money? Or has something come out recently in 2020 that even better choice than these two? I hope I get a repley because of how old this video is? THX. A your videos are really very well done looking and sounding great!
Hi Nadege, if I had the choice, I'd definitely go with the MixPre which is more flexible and has analogue limiters. But at this price, the MixerFace R4 is quite good if you like a more analogue type of experience.
This was quite informative, looking for a mobile solution for music production. This brand or device doesn't come up often in a search.
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Awesome review Curtis! CEntrance has been in the hifi game for a long time now so it's cool to see them putting their knowledge to work in the pro audio space (I wish more companies would improve their headphone circuits on pro audio gear). On my headphones, the H4n had this high pitched whine through most of the recording. I wonder how the CEntrance compares to something like the H6 (or even H4n Pro) which (I believe) had better preamps? Anyway, awesome review as always. Really appreciate the content!
Thanks James, totally agree. Great to see another company coming into the space to provide some more quality options. This one hits a really nice intersection between quality and price.
@@curtisjudd Hey Curtis, one quick question (sorry if you already mentioned this in the video). Does the 'monitor' volume control affect both the headphone and balanced outputs together? And do you know if it's one of those circuits where the balanced outs are muted when headphones are connected. Thanks in advance!
@@kurczaba Hi again, the monitor knob simultaneously controls both the headphone and balance output levels. The outputs work even when headphones are connected.
@@curtisjudd Thanks, really appreciate the info!
@@kurczaba The outputs work as follows: When you rotate the Monitor level knob, the balanced outputs and the headphone outputs' levels are adjusted, but the unbalanced 3.5mm Aux output (line output) is not adjusted. That output is independent of the volume control knob, specifically, so you could route its signal into another recorder (like the mic inputs on the camera).
Thank you for the very informative review.
It seems like centrace really pushes the idea of using this unit as an interface to really do the actual recording in a phone. I assume because the bit rate can be much higher ( from what I can tell from various reviews)
I am not a pro at all, but trying to make a big audio improvement. If I am relying on the internal SD card recording capabilites, are these levels of bit rates up to modern higher end audio use?
Thanks
Yes, 48kHz is absolutely sufficient from my point of view for spoken word audio.
@@curtisjudd Thank you
Apparently only available from very few European dealers at this point in time, and at a somewhat higher price point. I found a Swedish dealer that sells the R4R for about $615.
Thanks Lau. Good to know for the European audience. Always appreciate your input.
Hi Lau, Please check Thomann. They should have both models at a reasonable price. If not, please contract info @ centrance dot com and we will help.
@@centrance, Thank you. Thomann currently only has the R4, and they charge €399 which is about $453. Whether that's a reasonable price, is not for me to decide, as I'm not planning to buy it.
@@skakdosmer Thank you. We are working to broaden our distribution in the EU and will reach out to Thomann. Meantime, many dealers in US offer the product at $349.99 and sometimes shipping can be free.
@@centrance Thanks, but even free international shipping really won't help much. Once the parcel arrives to Denmark (my country), the post office will check it to see where it comes from. And when it's from outside the EU, they'll charge about $24 for paying the required 25% VAT for me (aren't they nice?). So it'll be approximately (350 + 24) * 1.25 = $467.
Nice review! Do you miss not having an onboard ‘soft-knee’ limiter on this unit vs the Micport Pro 2 which has one? Asking for those of us (voiceover people) comparing the MixerFace and the Micport Pro 2.
Yes, I do, but didn't get the Micport Pro 2 until well after this one. I just received the new Portcaster which is essentially a 2 channel MicPort Pro 2 with a recorder built in. Nice to have those limiters.
Outstanding review, love the friction arm, what brand are they?
That’s a Kamerar.
Besides being less expensive, how does this compare to the Sound Device MixPre 3?
Hi Michael, well, it doesn't have a screen, as large a gain range, analogue limiters, or the ability to receive timecode via 3.5mm aux input or micro HDMI. The R4's in-built battery is nicer for shoots that are less than 7 hours versus the AA battery sled of the MixPre3. Though the MixPre 3 can be powered via USB-C battery bank and has an add-on battery sled for Sony NP-F batteries. The MixPre is quite a bit more expensive as well.
Can the Centrance be used as an audio interface and does the MixPre 3 power with alkaline batteries last long enough to be useful?
@@michaelcromwelliii Yes, the CEntrance MixerFace is essentially a mobile recording interface. It will connect to Macs and PCs via the USB cable and serve as an audio interface. The built-in battery also allows it to be used with phones and tablets for recording, which makes it more versatile than the traditional table-top interfaces.
Am looking for non-vendor validation of power duration of Sound Devices Mix Pre 3 with different batteries
@@centrance I'm very close to making a decision to purchase this, but I want to make sure that I have a good understanding of how this will operate as an audio interface, using USB 2.0 and what that means for latency. Do you have any numbers on that? The last time I purchased an interface it was using Firewire and there was a lot of information about Firewire being better for audio recording, but the industry seemed to let that die, as did my Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP. -Thanks so much for your help!
The better comparison for this is the Zoom H5 and H6 . They have similar features plus a screen. The Zoom H5 has newer preamps equivalent to the H6.
Thanks Romeo, the MixerFace seems to have cleaner preamps than the H5 or H6 in my testing.
Hi Curtis I recently filmed a documentary and the biggest issues we had was consistent audio quality i.e the rode NTG 3 with the Tascam DR60d . Not sure why on some Interview we had hiss and others were perfect ( all same settings) with some of my small doc I plan to do single audio system with I was going to use the same equipment as above. However, do you think is mixerface r4 will most likely be better for single system audio and so provide more stable pro audio with my GH5. As thoughts would be appreciated. As always a great video. Thanks JF
Hi JF, it would be a smaller solution for sure but we’d need to figure out what caused the variability with the 60D. Was there more ambient sound/noise at some of the locations?
@@curtisjudd thank for getting back to me Curtis. The cause of the noise is one this that just don't know as each Interview was at different locations. Also because I had two sound guys I am not sure if it was perhaps down to individual experience. However the mixer face I most certainly a nice but of kit. I also recently saw a Asxmov scorpion camera rig for the GH5 and Sony a7 series which includes a power unit and XLR unit which according to the reviewer give great sound. Basically it makes the GH5 an all in one video/cinema rig . That also to me seems like a good alternative for my future doc as I will be able monitors both sound and video myself. If you have not seen it it look like a great but of kit and a great way to transform ones GH5/GH5s or Sony A7's
@@MyJeanf Yes, tough to tell, but the variables that changed - locations and sound mixers - are likely the cause if you used the same gear.
Thanks for the tip on the ASXMOV rig. Looks interesting!
Interesting, firstly, your reviews are excellent. Top work. Secondly, I have a few questions that you may or may not like to answer. I understand that you're busy, so a response is up to you. I am planning a documentary. I am planning on using a smartphone for video, gimbal for stabilisation and two sennheiser AVX lavaleir microphones. I currently have a one AVX, Zoom f1, Zoom SSH-6 mic. So, I would like to run two lav mics and the SSH-6, for example. Would you recommend buying another Zoom f1 and using a slitter for sound into the smartphone, or buying the Zoom h5, or buying this recorder you reviewed, the CEntrance Mixer ...?
Hence, I want the audio into the smartphone for ease of syncing both the audio and video in edit. Yes, it is a one man documentary. Everything needs to work.
Ok, so you need three mics all connected to the mobile phone which will be acting as the camera?
Yes, exactly. I wanted to use Zoom's half-second tone signals (sound markers) to sync audio and video in post unless you know of an easier, but still low budget, way.
@@curtisjudd
@@timmyssweet The Mixerface R4 only has 2 XLR inputs so it is out of the running. Something like a Tascam DR-60DmkII or Zoom H5 has 2 XLR inputs plus a 3.5mm input so it might work for you. Neither are perfect, but for less than $300, they can get the job done.
Just a thought, could use two Zoom F1's and use a splitter to the smartphone. I would have two sound markers and need to sync two separate files, but technically it would work, Yeah. But the technicalities is probably more worth it.@@curtisjudd
Great review, and I will probably buy one. However, before I do, I would appreciate your help with regards to a suggested microphone. Let me explain, I work on cruise ships as a trainer, and create videos for training when on the ship, and the has a constant 'hum' when the engines are going. I usually have to wait until we dock before being able to work. Unfortunately, this is also the time I am training. Is there a microphone that you would recommend that is high quality, like this device, and better able to reject the hum/vibration from the engines? Any help/suggestion you can give would be appreciated.
I continue to enjoy all your audio content, and will soon, in the new year start to look at your lighting videos.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Graham, for your training, are you looking for a boom, handheld, lavalier, or headset mic? Wired or wireless?
@@curtisjudd Oh dear, I am sorry for not being clearer in my question! I will be in a passenger cabin creating training videos, whilst on board the cruise ship for the usual 5-7 days undertaking inspection & audit. As I am away so much, despite having a good sound system in the office, with a Panasonic GH5, I just cannot get to use them. Therefore, I am having to do this whilst travelling and away, even in hotel rooms waiting for a cruise ship to arrive. My personal thought was a hypercardioid (shotgun mic) microphone, but which one? Unless of course you have an alternative suggestion? Note: Having seen your studio, just like you, I can benefit by putting these expenses against my business, and, I even get the tax [VAT] back. Therefore, I am not necessarily seeking the cheapest option.
I would go with a dynamic broadcast mic like the Shure SM7b or Electrovoice RE20. In a noisy location like that, you’ll have a much easier time with a dynamic mic than a condenser.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for your prompt response, and advice; it is appreciated. Good luck with your channel!
Hi great video! Love your channel and the clear way you review. So so helpful! I am looking for a new sound recorder and looking at either this CEntrance MixerFace R4R or the Sound Devices MixPre-3. Have been using tascam 70d and really unhappy with the noisy preamps. One feature i love through is the ability to do a back up track at -6db on the tascam. Do you know if either of these can do that? When filming documentary on the go and solo it really help to have a backup.
Hi Mirabai, Neither the MixPre nor the Centrance Mixerface have a "safety track" feature however, the MixPre has limiters which remove the need for a safety track recording.
@@curtisjudd yes of course thank you!
Hi Mirabai, i think you would be pleasantly surprised with the upgrade to a MixerFace from your tascam. The preamps are excellent on our device and you will definitely be saving a chunk of change versus the mixpre. Please feel free to reach out to us at info@centrance.com if you have any questions! Appreciate the interest.
Always enjoy the content, super job. Any chance you can do shootout of sound cart headphone options please?
Thanks Isle of Mull FPV! I actually covered this in my sound for video session which will be hitting my "Curtis Judd Audio" channel in a few hours. I've used two for production sound: Sony MDR-7506 and Beyerdynamic DT 770. I find myself using the Sonys in most cases. Not because they're perfectly neutral but because they're very comfortable, I know their flaws (overemphasizes bass a bit), they fold up so are easier to transport, and you can buy replacement parts if you break them. I hope that helps!
@@curtisjudd I guess, unlike microphones, people stick with one set for a long time to maintain consistency - so few have an over view. I look forward to your upcoming vid. Helpful, thanks.
Fundamental question: SD 633 sound definately warmer. But based on your experience, is it that F4/8 preamps reproduce mic signal more presicely and SD's preamps adds some warmth or is it that F4/8 preamps sounds thinner and SD's preamps reproduces mic signl more precisely?
Hmm, if I had to guess, a tiny bit of each, but not so much that the Zoom is not good.
This review is good, but I feel like a comparison with the MixPre-3 would have been useful (and probably more relevant to people like me than the 633). While the MixPre-3 is more expensive, I feel like if I was back on the market for an interface I might have wanted to know if this would have fit my needs better.
Thanks Kyle. I see what you're saying. I included the 633 to show a range of devices that span from about $200 to $3300, not so much to compare everything in the same price range. The idea was to help illustrate what difference you might hear from a $450 recorder to a pro-level mulit-thousand dollar recorder. And unless one uses very, very good playback systems and has practiced ears, my sense is that it is hard to tell a difference (except at the low end of the market with the aging H4n).
I didn't really have a problem with using the 633 in the video. You usually use it, and that's not an issue. I appreciate all the comparisons, and at the very least it helps us understand what the pro level sounds like over the prosumer level.
In retrospect your point about sound quality being similar is well taken, although I wonder it would be useful to compare the R4 with the digital limiters in the Zoom and the analog limiters in the MixPre-3.
All that said this is a really intriguing device from a form factor/design perspective when compared to any of the other devices. Getting that quality of sound in a tiny, no-nonsense package is an appealing prospect.
And I can't tell you how much you've helped me find and work with sound equipment for my projects. Thank you.
@@kyleolson8977 Thanks Kyle
The Zoom F4 was recently sold for $350.
Great deal!
Curtis, you frequently compared the R4 the the H4n, but no mention to the F4/F8 in terms of preamp i.e. max gain, self noise and sound quality. Any comments?
The F4 and MixerFace R4 sound very, very, very similar in the samples with the DPA 4017b here. In terms of preamp noise, I didn't specifically compare the F4 and R4 with a dynamic microphone but I'd expect that they're in a very similar range, probably less than 3dB difference.
Nice b-roll 😁
Nice editing. :-D
Dear Curtis, thank you very much for your thorough review! We are delighted you liked the product. You mentioned in the comments that you had emailed us, but we have not seen the email yet. You can reach us directly at info[at]centrance dot com. Cheers!
Paul got back with me. Thanks!
@@curtisjudd Yep, thanks. We are in sync. Feel free to reach out if you need anything. 100k is indeed a huge milestone! A giveaway is a great idea, wink wink.
Wow, very interesting device and I've read a lot of the comments. I've started recording VO auditions and my setup now at home is an old h4n with an xlr connected condenser microphone. I am looking to get a better recorder. I was looking at the h5 as it seems the best upgrade. One thing I seem to need to be able to do is record normal VO levels and sometimes perhaps shouting- making loud noises for auditions. Right now I've played with lowering the level recording - say from 65 down to 40. Seems like my loud shouting at 40 level doesn't sound great. But, I can see on the screen where I'm hitting and try to stay under -12. How would I use this device to monitor something like that? I also have a gh5s and I'm seeing that this would give me a great line out for that particular camera. Is that going to be much better than the quality from an h5? I think you touched on the shared output and wanted to clarify. Thank you and great videos. I am hoping to be able to find my best option since I have not upgraded recorder since I first bought the h4n an now I see how outdated I am.
It’ll be tough to watch your levels closely since there isn’t a proper multi-segment meter. I’d probably opt for a Zoom F4 instead.
Thanks for your reply and suggestion. I'll look at that F4 over the H5 again. I haven't worked with that form factor in the past and with more than two XLR mics to connect.
Hi Omar, although the MixerFace doesnt have a "screen" there are a couple LEDs which allow you to monitor your levels and make sure you are not peaking. The monitoring was designed as such that the peaking light (red) is generous enough so that a few blinks of it (ie. a shouting situation) wont distort your recording. Of course you dont want to be fully in the red while recording but we have not encountered complaints in this department, in fact many customers enjoy the experience of setting a proper level and focusing on the recording itself. VO people love MixerFace! Please feel free to reach out to us at info@centrance.com if you have any more questions! Thanks.
Curtis, you think this might be a good substitute for a SD MM-1?
It sounds like this has all the same functions (even more, considering the extra input), although the pots don't have the same protection from accidental movement.
I didn't hear any comments about if these preamps have good limiters or not.
Hi Stefan, I haven't personally used the MM-1 but in general terms, yes, seems like it could substitute in some situations. The MM1 is probably better suited for situations where you want to stick with full-size XLR inputs and outputs and a 1/4" headphone jack. Arguably those are more "professional." But then the MixerFace does things the MM-1 doesn't do like record via USB to computer, iOS, or Android and has an in-built Li polymer battery which powers it for nearly 7 hours with phantom power.
After speaking with centrance, this device does not have limiters. Still a useful product but will have to be careful to not clip.
@@curtisjudd I do use an MM-1 and can tell you I agree with your items above, but for the intended purpose, the MM-1 provides every pro feature needed to record dialog from a boom mic on set. Great preamp and monitoring, but most important is the analog limiter of the MM-1 where the R4 has none. This alone keeps the R4 from substituting for the MM-1.
@@AllenCavedo Good point on the limiter!
@@AllenCavedo yes and MM1 has P12 and 12V T-Power and has a Slot for 2 AA batteries lasting 25 (dyn) or 10 hours (P48), MM1 has a good sounding SD made transformer and gain enough to run ribbons (66 db). and is easy to handle professional tool in heavy outdoors rain and snow -- not so for smartphone fiddling.
Thanks for the useful review! If we are talking only about preamp quality how does it compares with mixpre 3? I would like to upgrade my zoom h5 because I find it has not so good preamps...
Hi Marco, the preamps on the CEntrance sound very good to my ears. Same with the MixPre but the MixPre preamps can supply a fair bit more gain (+76dB)
@@curtisjudd thanks for your quick and accurate reply!
Hi Curtis! I have an NTG3 that I’ll mostly be recording straight into camera and for voice overs going into my computer. Trying to decide between the CEntrance and a Zoom H5 or H6.
Which way would you lean having used both recorders? The NTG3 noise is quite low, so not sure how much the better preamps in the CEntrance will help?
Thanks!!!
Hi Peter, any of the three are about the same in terms of preamp quality, but I'd probably opt for the Mixerface. The said, there are plenty of other people perfectly happy with the H5 and H6s.
Thanks for this great review! I just "upgraded" from a Zoom H4 to a Zoom H6 and I am really not very satisfied with the preamps. They are better but not good enough. Paired with a Rode NTG2 I have so much hiss and the level is so low. I wish I had this additional 6dB you mentioned between the Zoom H4 and the MixerFace R4. Did you make this comparison as well with a Zoom H6 or F4? What can I expect if I dump the H6 and use the MixerFace R4?
Hi Peter, I haven't formally compared the H6 to the CEntrance as I don't have an H6 on hand. So I'm not sure what you would realize in terms of self-noise performance relative to the H6.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for your quick reply!
We would be happy to discuss your specific conditions and demonstrate how the preamps in the R4 are superior. Please contact us at info at centrance dot com.
How about SoundDevice MixPre-6 and/or MixPre-3 in your compare?
Hi Angelo, the MixPre series are quite a bit more expensive which is why I didn't include them here, but the preamps on the MixPre produce quite a lot more gain (20dB more) and have a few other features which the MixerFace R4 does not have including analogue limiters, a touch screen interface, the ability to accept timecode via 3.5mm and micro HDMI inputs among other things. On the other hand, the MixerFace R4 has an in-built battery which can power the mixer/recorder and phantom power 2 mics for almost 7 hours which cannot be said for the MixPre series.
In terms of audio quality, I'd be willing to bet that they sound very similar with high quality condenser microphones and the MixPre probably has better self-noise performance with dynamic microphones. I hope that helps!
Yes, your feedback is very helpful (as is all of your insights), but you compared the SD-633. Is the SD-MixPre not a closer to that market segment? @@curtisjudd
Oh, I see what you're saying. Yeah, good point.
@@curtisjudd Also MixPreX has Tone to do proper device signal line ups, and can handle a Return signal for camera monitoring.
@@AllenCavedo Another good point, thanks Allen.
Did you use the Rode NTG 2 with pantom power from the R4 mixer or powered by AA cells?
I phantom powered from the MixerFace R4. The characteristics of the NTG2 actually change when you power with an AA battery.
Hi Curtis, thanks for the nice review, how features can it compare with the "zoom U 44"? Thanks ^__^
Hi Luca, unfortunately I haven't used the ZOOM U44 so I'm no certain. But I think the U44 is all plastic while the Mixerface is mostly metal.
@@curtisjudd 👍
does it have batteries or must you charge it? And can you change batteries?
As noted, you can power it 2 ways: 1) via its in-built Li-Ion battery or 2) via micro USB input.
Ok. Thank you. Can you change that Li battery to another 100% one. Does the battery have like a model name?
No, it is not user replaceable. Fortunately it is rather long lasting, but you'd have to bring along a USB battery bank to power it for a longer recording session.
@@curtisjudd A big step in past, in the first decade of small recorder constructions was to get rid of the pain of inbuilt batteries.
The Centrance guys shall do a small 1 or 2 channel really professional recorder/mixer. They will not reach Sonosax century sound tradition, but in a respectable todays chain they started for, I hope Sound Devices will not hang after. There's need for some fine and reliable and payable 2 channels. Or maybe one channel like the MM1, or better with a second entrance for prof.s 6V lavaliers. Yes dear Paul Isaacs. Yes, I know. Curtis, You wouldn't deny it. If we're doing with a DPA, Schoeps, Neumann some voice real work we're not needing rubbish around.
Cool device... would this be comparable to say a beachtek audio adapter?
Hi Peter, yes, but the MixerFace is in the next league up.
HI Curtis! Great review as usual. Did you test the recharging time? I saw in centrance website it takes 5hours to 6hours to recharge is that right? Thanks again for the review.
Hi Tiago, I didn't specifically time the recharge, but it seemed to take less time than that for me, probably more in the 3-4 hours range.
You seem to know a lot about mics. I want to record 2 people sitting next 2 each other at a desk. Maybe 2’ in between the people. Ntg4 or nt5? On a boom pole just out of frame. Can only be one mic. Or another suggestion. Just don’t know if the shotgun will pick up both people good enough.
NT5 if you need to pick up both with one mic.
Curtis Judd thank you for answering my question. That’s what I was thinking also. Thanks for confirming.
I am a beginner in this game and my current kit consists of an old school Shure Fp33 mixer and a Zoom H4n. I plan to switch to a Zoom F6 very soon. Is it a good idea ?
I think so.
Sounds impressive, though I am still not clear how I would connect it to my camera which has an XLR input (actually two XLR inputs). Is there a way to do connect those balanced outputs to XLR inputs, and would it be the same quality as if the device had actual XLR outputs?
Yes, you can use 3.5mm to XLR balanced cables and as long as they are well-made cables, the quality should be the same as full-size XLR cables.
@@curtisjudd Thanks.
@@curtisjudd Interesting that the two TRS Outputs are balanced, pretty unusual for a device in this class of product. Looking at the specs for the R4 and R4R they easily produce real line output levels: "Nominal: 3.5 Vrms / +13.1 dBu". So there should be no problems driving signal to pro camera XLR inputs.
Thanks for the review of the mixer
But please tell me can we replace the yahama mixer with this mixer
Please give me two more faver
1 give us the review of cannon c700.
2 give us the review of ninja flame showgun.
Hi Tarun, potentially, it depends on exactly how many mics you’re using. I probably won’t be able to get my hands on a Canon C700 but we did cover the ATOMOS Shogun here: th-cam.com/video/jrUPDQCYZEU/w-d-xo.html
Can I use the Mixerface R4R with a dj controller.
Depends on the controller and whether it has a line in. I would think most do.
@@curtisjudd Thank you
So which one would u buy chris, mixerface r4r or mixpre3?
MixPre-3 for sure.
As far as I could tell, my Nikon does not have the switch for line/microphone input. Do you know if this would work with a Nikon, i.e., to get better sound than the onboard preamp? Also, do you think this unit sounds as good as the old JuicedLink?
Hi Steady Rolling, no, Nikons don't have an option for line level, only microphone level. Yes, this is very much in the same league as the old JuicedLink audio adapters. Best wishes!
Does this mean that it won't work with a Nikon as a better preamp?
@@SteadyRolling Hello, it will, you'll just need to adjust the output level to low on the MixerFace and then adjust the input level on your Nikon.
Thank you.
I am using gh5 right now. What is your suggestion for my next upgrade?
GH6. :-)
I want your review of bmpcc 4k camera. Please.
Ok 😀🎥
Hii... What affordable sound recorder I can use with NTG3 ( phantom power ) with very good battery backup ? My options are Zoom h4n pro , Zoom h5 , Zoom h6 , tascam Dr 60 mk ii etc.... What will u suggest keeping in mind the phantom power ???????
It really depends on what you need. They all have advantages and disadvantages.
@@a3171-c9z I need one that can give good battery backup with ntg3 , I need it for dialogue recording for film .....
@@alonejourney9299 all the ones you listed provide phantom power, if that's what you mean by battery backup. The prices greatly vary in the ones you listed (i.e. the H4N pro is ~$199.99, whereas the H6 is ~$319.99) so that should play a factor in your decision.
As far as preamps go, the H4N is probably the worst of them, with the h5/h6 both having nearly identical but slightly better/cleaner preamps. The DR-60DmkII probably has the best/cleanest preamps of the ones you listed.
The Tascam has the worst in-built battery of the ones you listed, although you can use an external battery for all of them if you need.
@@a3171-c9z Completely agree on all points. Thanks!
how is this with a passive ribbon mic?
Hi Ricky, great question. I don’t have a passive ribbon on hand to test but my intuition tells me that it might be a stretch with the 55dB of gain these preamps supply.
Hey Curtis any giveaway for 100 K ? This would be awesome, a R4 Mixer would be more than perfect hahaha ;-)
Yes, will be doing a giveaway. Stay tuned for details.
If you are doing ADR with the R4, I wonder how much delay is in the USB playback? If you were using, for example Audition, you would have the combined delay of the USB output to the R4 plus the delay of the audio going back into Audition via some analog-to-digital interface. I've never done ADR. In your experience, could this be a problem?
It sounds like the R4 might be the perfect addition the the Arri Mini for adding audio to their line level input.
Hi Robert, there is definitely some latency though admittedly I did not specifically measure that here. I'll add that to the to-do list. Thanks!
The great news is the MixerFace R4 has the zero latency monitor built in, per each channel. So you can vary how much mic you hear vs. the signal coming back form the computer. Having said that, the latency on Macs is very small and for Windows, we have low-latency ASIO drivers as well.
I like a company that comments/clarifies on reviews of their products. To me it means they will likely have good customer support. So thanks for the additional info.
You are holding the Sure SM58 too far away from your mouth. Those mics need to be within a couple of inches from your mouth to be within the best pickup distance range.
Thanks Shane. For live performance, perhaps, yes. But also results in a LOT of plosives without really diligent microphone technique. For podcasts, I generally work about 4 inches from the grill with good results and far less proximity effect and fewer plosives.