The MixPre 3 has (at least for me) a similar gain-reset-to-zero issue when recording iso and mix channels from the ext in 3.5 jack. The indicated levels look good, but the recorded iso files are at nearly zero mic level. The mix file level is fine. This is when selecting left and right channels as aux in 1 and aux in 2 with the aux in jack signal set to either mic or line. I'm trying to record a separate iso track for each stereo channel, as the ext in signal comes from a two channel wireless mic system receiver with an A mic on right channel and a B mic on the left channel. I'm missing something, as I can't seem to record normal level iso tracks from the ext in stereo jack input, with mic level inputs. I have firmware 1.11. Your video has been very helpful. Thanks a bunch.
Couple of thoughts... HDMI only one port. If you need to use a field monitor, it will have to have an in and an out HDMI. Powering, I am certain that the USB-C port 'talks' to the external battery or wall PSU to see if it can go green. USB-A has enough power, up to 2.4A, but doesn't have the protocols to say 'I have enough power, go green'. Tried to power it with a USB-A to C, off a wall PSU, orange power light (even though PSU said 4A output). Tried it with a USB-C to C, goes green. Some cameras will create a ground loop, when they are tied together by tripod screw and stereo out to camera mic input. So far a good quality 3.5mm jack cable helps, but I think I will need an isolator in the middle.
Thank you for your outstanding clip, Sir. I just got the Mixpre 6 II yesterday and am still a bit lost. Power is a problem. The Sony L-Type battery adapter costs a fortune (especially the single one). I tried my Celestron Telescope power bank with only a USB-A out ( to USB-C in on the mixpre ) and message I get is " USB-C power is low. Battery power present would you like to run on battery power?" But how low is low ; can I still power a couple of mics ? Anyway I ordered an top-of-the-ange Ansmann powerbank ( similar to yours ) with USB-C out... I believe this is the only economical way of powering in the field. I'm not worried about the strength of USB-C connector, but of bending it by accident, so I ordered a couple of 90 degree connectors, but not sure about the fit & use in practice. Anyway, thx again for you tips. ciao, ciao,
Very good observation and warning about Mixpre 6 from Sound Devices. I also have problems with the memory card reader, it is broken in less than 7 months. I have doubts that it is an American manufacturing device. Nowhere in the device does it say it's done in the United States. I suspect that it is designed, patented in the United States and manufactured in China with inputs of poor quality. The price paid for this device does not justify the price. On my channel there is a video with the fault. Hugs friends.
no i've been powering 4 mics no problem. If the mixpre is in the lower power mode it will only do 2 so i guess his battery isn't powerful enough or he's using the USB-C to USB-A cable into a non-USB-C battery. The battery i link in the description works fine.
Thanks for you this overview. I'm confused. When you say "mix track" is that always a stereo mix of however many channels you are recording? What if you want to record 4 individual (unlinked) iso's - what is the output options? Can you get a 4 channel wav file or do you get 4 individual mono wavs?
It records up to 6 ISO tracks plus a stereo mix track if you want it. There are ways to turn off the mix track and have only the ISOs or you can put it in basic recording mode and it won't record ISOs only the mix track. You can have it however you want it. The only anomaly i found with that is you can only record without the mixtrack when gain is in the advanced mode. Sure that will be fixed soon though. It only records a multi track wav file, no option to record individual mono files. I use Devinci resolve and it can handle up to a 5 track file, putting them onto individual tracks, gets confused with more than that though and puts all of the tracks onto one. Plenty of options for splitting the files in other software though not least Sound Devices free Wave Agent software www.sounddevices.com/products/accessories/software/wave-agent
Thanks for that very full answer - tells me everything I need to know. I go between Final Cut and Logic Pro for totally different usages. I understand Logic handles multichannel audio files no problem, though I've never used that facility. Final cut has some limited capability of handling of multi-track wavs, so I will probably use the Wave Agent to split the wavs when needed.
you have huge flexibility in monitoring, pick which inputs to which headphone side and either pre or post fade (that is pre-fade is iso and post-fade is the mix track in advanced mode) settings to be found in the headphone settings
Its an old bag MX-C51 also says 11/00 on the label but not sure if that's a date or something else. Can't be sure what it was made for but It fit a Mixpre-D but was too small for a 302.
Thanks for the quick answer. Seeing the color, I thought it is a Portabrace model... Will get the MixPre-6 next week, still searching for a suitable bag.
Hi, can you please update which bag you bought? I'm looking at K-Tek Stingray Junior and orca 28 for mixpre 6 with access. and 2 wireless lavs. K-Tek Stingray MixPro I don't like, its just too small.
Yes it's ok now, i added that it was fixed to the description but youtube no longer allow annotations unfortunately. Left the video up for the other info
I should have mentioned that's an option but its only really good for fine adjustment as it's one up or down per click, pressing and holding doesn't make the number keep changing as long as you keep pressing it.
Lovely review, thanks. My question/s: what kind of power-up time do you get with this USB power bank? And which USB-C power cable are you using with it? Thanks in advance.
@@nuancedfilms5133 Thank you so much for that information. That'll really help me find some power options for my Mixpre 6. The included 4 battery caddy is totally inadequate. I wasn't too enamoured by the 8 battery caddy or NP-1 options either.
Just got a mixpre3. If I try the custom mode with gain set to basic and turn knob up it creates a lot of self noise like white noise. The level meters start jumping even with nothing plugged in the inputs. Does yours do this? It only does it in this mode and does it on all channels.
Yes mine is the same, I think it's normal, it's amplifying itself. If you put it in advanced gain mode and turn the gain up and the faders up so you get the same full 96db amplification you'll find its about the same white noise. When a mic is plugged in you should find it's gone. In fully basic mode all the channels are armed by default so it's important to make sure any empty channels are set to "off" on the faders or you'll be recording noise to the mix track. The pre-amps are good but if you turn them right up of course there is self noise though how much is the mic and how much the pre-amps I can't tell.
Anker PowerCore 20100 works well. Some folks need to use the USB-C cable that comes with the MixPre, plug power and data ends into the Anker and the USB-C end into the MixPre. Should last 10 hours plus.
thanks! It's a Porta Brace MX-C51, I used to use it with the Mixpre-D but it was too small for a 302. It's only just fitting when the USB lead and headphone jack are on. A bag for a Sound Devices 302 might be just right. For the Mixpre-3 a bag designed for the Mixpre-D would be ideal.
Tanks a lot. I'm trying to find a bag for it. I'm not going to use it that much in the field. So i'm trying not to spend that much money on the bag. Though i have a question regarding the powerbank! Is it necessary that it has to be USB C - USB C. Or can it be USB C - 2.0 into a powerbank and still operate fine?
I just checked on the powerbank I have and it's in restricted mode when going from USB-A to USB-C even though the USB-A ports are rated 2.1A and 3A. I can't check the power output though so not 100% sure. Seems like USB-C to C is the best way and they seem better connectors anyway.
Great video, thanks for sharing the tips! Have you tested run-time using the USB battery pack you bought? How long can you get out of it with phantom power on all four inputs?
With some regular enaloops i'm not getting long. Couple of hours max without powering 4 mics. I don't think the phantom is where it will be used much anyway, its the processing and screen IMO. Short interviews or SFX gathering maybe ok with 4AA but otherwise by the time you've set up you'll need to change them. I'm not disappointed much though as can't expect miracles.
used it for about 3 hours the other day with 2 phantom powered mics plus it partly charged the batteries that were in the wireless receivers and it went down to 3 out of 4 lights on the indicator. Should last all day
Hello, I see you are using Sony wireless system with mixpre 6, how do you like them can you share your experience in detail with Sony system, I am planning to buy it next week Thanks in advance
Yes I too would like to know your experiences with your Sony wireless. I actually didn't know there was a model that can be powered via USB. What model is this?
It's the UWP-D11 set. You can choose USB power or internal AA as the preferred power supply. It will run from USB alone, it will recharge the loaded AAs from USB if they need charging (something the Mixpre doesn't do) and if the USB is disconnected or runs out it will swap seamlessly back to the AAs. The build quality and range is better than the Sennhesier G3, some reviews on youtube. eg th-cam.com/video/7jqK2qJVUIg/w-d-xo.html
Any experience powering it up via PSC Power Star Mini Triple Play hooked to an NP-1 style battery? PSC BDS mentioned has three USB outputs; each outputting 2A. There is no mention of voltage across the USB outputs, I'm assuming it's standard (5V yes?). According to manual of UWP-D11, the micro USB B connection needs a 5V supply, but no current indicated. Thanks for the links.
No experience but if each socket is outputting 2A there shouldn't be a problem. These receivers are operating on 2x AAs normally and run for 6 hours (roughly) so it can't be as much draw as the mixpre which burns through 4x AAs in under 2 hours and that will run from 1.5A. Yes all USB is 5v.
Urbo, must be a new one. Seemed better spec'd and cheaper than the Anker version and got good reviews www.amazon.co.uk/Urbo-UR-P4X1-Power-Bank-Silver/dp/B01LXCRPI3
Nice video. Have you contacted SD to see if they may make an update to the firmware regarding the gain issue? Other owners have tried the Hawk Woods LR05 and LR06 adapters to get DTap and Hirose off the SD Lmount adapters.
Thanks. Not yet. Will do that though. You can probably use a DTap to USB adapter as well and just run it from the included USB-A to C cable. $10 solution.
with so many different sizes and capacities of power banks available to suit run times and bag space, they're cheap and can be used for many other things, it seems by far the best solution. With the 4 AAs in the caddy in case of failure there is no worry that the USB cable isn't captive though USB-C is a much tighter fit than USB-A is anyway.
So, just one other question (I'm planning on getting one of these, whatever). I'm only interested in iso tracks, for the most part, so I would probably turn the 2 chan. mix OFF. Can you record iso tracks and have it record each level as the combined gain and pot trim in advanced mode? It would be a total pain in the arse in the field not to be able to tweak those physical pots to get the levels just right but not have exactly THAT recorded, as opposed to having to dive into the menu to set gain each time. If not, it would effectively make the pots redundant except for adjusting what you monitor in cans. Thanks again.
Because I really don't want to say there is a problem if there isn't I just now triple checked this. Currently, on my device anyway, there is a problem with recording ISOs in custom mode with basic mode for gain (ie where the faders change the ISO levels) if you are not also recording the mix track. It looks like everything is fine on the meters, on the headphones it seems fine, but then when you play it back there's almost no volume. The gain trim minimum in advanced mode is 6db and I think it reverts to that for some reason. It's clearly a fault in the software so no doubt will be fixed with firmware. Until then you can adjust the gain on the ISOs using the faders as long as you have not switched off the mix track. Then all tracks are with correct volume.
I really appreciate you checking this out. There's no way to know this from reading through the manual. Let's hope for a FW update. I might badger SD a bit myself about these issues. No more questions. Good luck with your work.
no worries. I think they have deliberatly tried to keep the manual simple as they are aiming it at the sub pro market and wouldn't want to put people off. Bit of a balancing act to get that right.
The MixPre 3 has (at least for me) a similar gain-reset-to-zero issue when recording iso and mix channels from the ext in 3.5 jack. The indicated levels look good, but the recorded iso files are at nearly zero mic level. The mix file level is fine. This is when selecting left and right channels as aux in 1 and aux in 2 with the aux in jack signal set to either mic or line. I'm trying to record a separate iso track for each stereo channel, as the ext in signal comes from a two channel wireless mic system receiver with an A mic on right channel and a B mic on the left channel. I'm missing something, as I can't seem to record normal level iso tracks from the ext in stereo jack input, with mic level inputs. I have firmware 1.11.
Your video has been very helpful. Thanks a bunch.
Try emailing Sound Devices, i don't have a 3 so can't check it
Couple of thoughts...
HDMI only one port. If you need to use a field monitor, it will have to have an in and an out HDMI.
Powering, I am certain that the USB-C port 'talks' to the external battery or wall PSU to see if it can go green. USB-A has enough power, up to 2.4A, but doesn't have the protocols to say 'I have enough power, go green'. Tried to power it with a USB-A to C, off a wall PSU, orange power light (even though PSU said 4A output). Tried it with a USB-C to C, goes green.
Some cameras will create a ground loop, when they are tied together by tripod screw and stereo out to camera mic input. So far a good quality 3.5mm jack cable helps, but I think I will need an isolator in the middle.
Thank you for your outstanding clip, Sir. I just got the Mixpre 6 II yesterday and am still a bit lost. Power is a problem. The Sony L-Type battery adapter costs a fortune (especially the single one). I tried my Celestron Telescope power bank with only a USB-A out ( to USB-C in on the mixpre ) and message I get is " USB-C power is low. Battery power present would you like to run on battery power?" But how low is low ; can I still power a couple of mics ? Anyway I ordered an top-of-the-ange Ansmann powerbank ( similar to yours ) with USB-C out... I believe this is the only economical way of powering in the field. I'm not worried about the strength of USB-C connector, but of bending it by accident, so I ordered a couple of 90 degree connectors, but not sure about the fit & use in practice. Anyway, thx again for you tips. ciao, ciao,
Good finds, I'm sure Sound Design will fix these issues in a firmware update soon.
yes me too
Your content is great! Thx for the vídeo.
You're welcome, glad you liked it!
Can I use the tentacle sync boxes in custom mode for my mic pre 3 ?? I did not see "Timecode" in custom menu.
Very good observation and warning about Mixpre 6 from Sound Devices. I also have problems with the memory card reader, it is broken in less than 7 months. I have doubts that it is an American manufacturing device. Nowhere in the device does it say it's done in the United States. I suspect that it is designed, patented in the United States and manufactured in China with inputs of poor quality. The price paid for this device does not justify the price. On my channel there is a video with the fault. Hugs friends.
Recently discovered that the MixPre6 won't power 3+ mics with phantom power of the USB-C :(. Max is 2 simultaneously. Have you encountered this?
no i've been powering 4 mics no problem. If the mixpre is in the lower power mode it will only do 2 so i guess his battery isn't powerful enough or he's using the USB-C to USB-A cable into a non-USB-C battery. The battery i link in the description works fine.
Hmm, yeah, the battery pack I'm using is USB-A, and I'm using a USB-A to USB-C cable. Nice catch though, I'll get myself a USB-C battery pack!
Thanks for you this overview. I'm confused. When you say "mix track" is that always a stereo mix of however many channels you are recording? What if you want to record 4 individual (unlinked) iso's - what is the output options? Can you get a 4 channel wav file or do you get 4 individual mono wavs?
It records up to 6 ISO tracks plus a stereo mix track if you want it. There are ways to turn off the mix track and have only the ISOs or you can put it in basic recording mode and it won't record ISOs only the mix track. You can have it however you want it. The only anomaly i found with that is you can only record without the mixtrack when gain is in the advanced mode. Sure that will be fixed soon though.
It only records a multi track wav file, no option to record individual mono files. I use Devinci resolve and it can handle up to a 5 track file, putting them onto individual tracks, gets confused with more than that though and puts all of the tracks onto one. Plenty of options for splitting the files in other software though not least Sound Devices free Wave Agent software www.sounddevices.com/products/accessories/software/wave-agent
Thanks for that very full answer - tells me everything I need to know. I go between Final Cut and Logic Pro for totally different usages. I understand Logic handles multichannel audio files no problem, though I've never used that facility. Final cut has some limited capability of handling of multi-track wavs, so I will probably use the Wave Agent to split the wavs when needed.
@@nuancedfilms5133 Wave Agent Software link (Jul 2021)
www.sounddevices.com/product/wave-agent-software/
for monitoring iso tracks i need to setup in CUSTOM MODE, with gain in "basic mode"and the others in "advance"??
you have huge flexibility in monitoring, pick which inputs to which headphone side and either pre or post fade (that is pre-fade is iso and post-fade is the mix track in advanced mode) settings to be found in the headphone settings
Hi, thanks for the review! What bag do you use for your MixPre-6, the battery pack and the Sony Wireless Receivers? Seems to fit this combo very well.
Its an old bag MX-C51 also says 11/00 on the label but not sure if that's a date or something else. Can't be sure what it was made for but It fit a Mixpre-D but was too small for a 302.
Thanks for the quick answer. Seeing the color, I thought it is a Portabrace model... Will get the MixPre-6 next week, still searching for a suitable bag.
Hi, can you please update which bag you bought? I'm looking at K-Tek Stingray Junior and orca 28 for mixpre 6 with access. and 2 wireless lavs. K-Tek Stingray MixPro I don't like, its just too small.
Couldn't agree more about the location of the menu knob- that and the SD card location id horrible.
If you have rechargeable batteries in the sled, can you recharge them in the device by connecting it to the USB C adapter?
No.
Apparently they fixed the Gain in basic mode causing the low level problem.
Yes it's ok now, i added that it was fixed to the description but youtube no longer allow annotations unfortunately. Left the video up for the other info
Np Thanks for the video! Ended up getting a 6 :D
good decision. with the latest firmware update its delivered just about everything people have been asking for. Great company to buy from
Can't you press the up/down arrows on the touchscreen to adjust the gain?
N Shea you can, but I would prefer using the headphone encoder since you can change levels faster
I should have mentioned that's an option but its only really good for fine adjustment as it's one up or down per click, pressing and holding doesn't make the number keep changing as long as you keep pressing it.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO RECORD AS BACK UP THROUGH THE USB PORT?
USB A
Lovely review, thanks. My question/s: what kind of power-up time do you get with this USB power bank? And which USB-C power cable are you using with it? Thanks in advance.
any USB-C to USB-C cable should work. I get all day out of it. At least 8 - 10 hours with a couple of phantom powered mics
@@nuancedfilms5133 Thank you so much for that information. That'll really help me find some power options for my Mixpre 6. The included 4 battery caddy is totally inadequate. I wasn't too enamoured by the 8 battery caddy or NP-1 options either.
Just got a mixpre3. If I try the custom mode with gain set to basic and turn knob up it creates a lot of self noise like white noise. The level meters start jumping even with nothing plugged in the inputs. Does yours do this? It only does it in this mode and does it on all channels.
Yes mine is the same, I think it's normal, it's amplifying itself. If you put it in advanced gain mode and turn the gain up and the faders up so you get the same full 96db amplification you'll find its about the same white noise. When a mic is plugged in you should find it's gone. In fully basic mode all the channels are armed by default so it's important to make sure any empty channels are set to "off" on the faders or you'll be recording noise to the mix track. The pre-amps are good but if you turn them right up of course there is self noise though how much is the mic and how much the pre-amps I can't tell.
It needs a Load. My older MP2 (no longer made) does the same thing.
whats the best powerbank for mixpre 3 or 6? i dont understand.. whatever external charger for cellphone gonna work? what did you use in the video?
Anker PowerCore 20100 works well. Some folks need to use the USB-C cable that comes with the MixPre, plug power and data ends into the Anker and the USB-C end into the MixPre. Should last 10 hours plus.
Hey. Nice video! What is the name of the bag you have?
thanks! It's a Porta Brace MX-C51, I used to use it with the Mixpre-D but it was too small for a 302. It's only just fitting when the USB lead and headphone jack are on. A bag for a Sound Devices 302 might be just right. For the Mixpre-3 a bag designed for the Mixpre-D would be ideal.
Tanks a lot. I'm trying to find a bag for it. I'm not going to use it that much in the field. So i'm trying not to spend that much money on the bag. Though i have a question regarding the powerbank! Is it necessary that it has to be USB C - USB C. Or can it be USB C - 2.0 into a powerbank and still operate fine?
I just checked on the powerbank I have and it's in restricted mode when going from USB-A to USB-C even though the USB-A ports are rated 2.1A and 3A. I can't check the power output though so not 100% sure. Seems like USB-C to C is the best way and they seem better connectors anyway.
What Sony model wireless system do you own? Thanks for this review.
Hi, its the sony uwp d11 set
Thank you
Great video, thanks for sharing the tips! Have you tested run-time using the USB battery pack you bought? How long can you get out of it with phantom power on all four inputs?
With some regular enaloops i'm not getting long. Couple of hours max without powering 4 mics. I don't think the phantom is where it will be used much anyway, its the processing and screen IMO. Short interviews or SFX gathering maybe ok with 4AA but otherwise by the time you've set up you'll need to change them. I'm not disappointed much though as can't expect miracles.
And have you tested with the Portable Power Bank you featured? Better than 4AAs I imagine?
used it for about 3 hours the other day with 2 phantom powered mics plus it partly charged the batteries that were in the wireless receivers and it went down to 3 out of 4 lights on the indicator. Should last all day
Nuanced Films Nice, thanks for sharing this. It's very helpful!
Hello, I see you are using Sony wireless system with mixpre 6, how do you like them can you share your experience in detail with Sony system, I am planning to buy it next week
Thanks in advance
Yes I too would like to know your experiences with your Sony wireless. I actually didn't know there was a model that can be powered via USB. What model is this?
They work great. There is a review of range and there are a few other reviews on youtube th-cam.com/video/7jqK2qJVUIg/w-d-xo.html
It's the UWP-D11 set. You can choose USB power or internal AA as the preferred power supply. It will run from USB alone, it will recharge the loaded AAs from USB if they need charging (something the Mixpre doesn't do) and if the USB is disconnected or runs out it will swap seamlessly back to the AAs. The build quality and range is better than the Sennhesier G3, some reviews on youtube. eg th-cam.com/video/7jqK2qJVUIg/w-d-xo.html
Any experience powering it up via PSC Power Star Mini Triple Play hooked to an NP-1 style battery? PSC BDS mentioned has three USB outputs; each outputting 2A. There is no mention of voltage across the USB outputs, I'm assuming it's standard (5V yes?).
According to manual of UWP-D11, the micro USB B connection needs a 5V supply, but no current indicated.
Thanks for the links.
No experience but if each socket is outputting 2A there shouldn't be a problem. These receivers are operating on 2x AAs normally and run for 6 hours (roughly) so it can't be as much draw as the mixpre which burns through 4x AAs in under 2 hours and that will run from 1.5A. Yes all USB is 5v.
How's the battery (power bank) been since you got it?
it's working great, recommended still
What is the manufacturer's name of your external battery? Thanks...
Urbo, must be a new one. Seemed better spec'd and cheaper than the Anker version and got good reviews www.amazon.co.uk/Urbo-UR-P4X1-Power-Bank-Silver/dp/B01LXCRPI3
Can you record accustic guitar with this recorder?
Yes
Nice video. Have you contacted SD to see if they may make an update to the firmware regarding the gain issue?
Other owners have tried the Hawk Woods LR05 and LR06 adapters to get DTap and Hirose off the SD Lmount adapters.
Thanks. Not yet. Will do that though. You can probably use a DTap to USB adapter as well and just run it from the included USB-A to C cable. $10 solution.
Nuanced Films also was told about this www.gothamsound.com/product/hirose-usb-c-power-cable
cool! A bit $$$ though
Nuanced Films agreed. I think most will go with a USB battery pack with outputs that are strong enough.
with so many different sizes and capacities of power banks available to suit run times and bag space, they're cheap and can be used for many other things, it seems by far the best solution. With the 4 AAs in the caddy in case of failure there is no worry that the USB cable isn't captive though USB-C is a much tighter fit than USB-A is anyway.
So, just one other question (I'm planning on getting one of these, whatever). I'm only interested in iso tracks, for the most part, so I would probably turn the 2 chan. mix OFF. Can you record iso tracks and have it record each level as the combined gain and pot trim in advanced mode? It would be a total pain in the arse in the field not to be able to tweak those physical pots to get the levels just right but not have exactly THAT recorded, as opposed to having to dive into the menu to set gain each time. If not, it would effectively make the pots redundant except for adjusting what you monitor in cans. Thanks again.
Because I really don't want to say there is a problem if there isn't I just now triple checked this. Currently, on my device anyway, there is a problem with recording ISOs in custom mode with basic mode for gain (ie where the faders change the ISO levels) if you are not also recording the mix track. It looks like everything is fine on the meters, on the headphones it seems fine, but then when you play it back there's almost no volume. The gain trim minimum in advanced mode is 6db and I think it reverts to that for some reason. It's clearly a fault in the software so no doubt will be fixed with firmware. Until then you can adjust the gain on the ISOs using the faders as long as you have not switched off the mix track. Then all tracks are with correct volume.
I really appreciate you checking this out. There's no way to know this from reading through the manual. Let's hope for a FW update. I might badger SD a bit myself about these issues. No more questions. Good luck with your work.
no worries. I think they have deliberatly tried to keep the manual simple as they are aiming it at the sub pro market and wouldn't want to put people off. Bit of a balancing act to get that right.