Sound Devices MixPre vs ZOOM F3 | 32-bit Float Recording
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 เม.ย. 2024
- No one can deny the quality of a Sound Devices field recorder. And their indie film priced MixPre II series doesn't disappoint. But at the end of the day, we're after one thing on set and that's clean dialogue. And if you're a one-man band at times, you need a field recorder that supports 32-bit float and captures good sound.
The MixPre II does this, but it also costs a thousand bucks. Is there an alternative?
Today we look at the ZOOM F3 compared to the MixPre II when capturing dialogue in 32-bit float mode. The ZOOM F3 costs $300. So if it can do the job, that's a lot of money saved.
#mixprevszoomf3
#zoomf3
#mixpreii
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Bought the F3 when it first came out. I'm a one person team, so it really works well for me that I don't have to keep an eye on the levels. In the past I've used the H4, H6, and F1. Glad the F3 can keep up with the MixPre-3 II in sound quality.
Yeah, I’m really impressed with this little thing. Sure there can be more analysis done, but with good headphones and studio monitors, the dialogue sounds almost identical.
I tested them and I just like the F3 because of its compact size. The Mix Pre does have warmer preamps but the F3 preamps are still very good and more than fine for everything needed for a job. But yeah the F3's compact size and price (relative to the Mix Pre) won me over.
Yeah, it’s interesting. If there was more of a distinct difference, the MixPre would be a slam dunk. I’m guessing the MixPre will be more durable. But then again, I can buy two F3‘s and still spend less money.
Have and love both of them. In terms of sound quality, for my purpose (recording birds) there is no audible difference. The price, compact size, and ease-of-use with the F3 are truly amazing for the sound quality it offers. However, I do enjoy the MixPre’s ergonomics a bit more in the field, as well as the metering. At the end of the day, I think if you only need a few inputs and want great sound quality, you can’t look past the F3. It is about three times cheaper than the MixPre and offers sound that is at the same level.
Yes, spot on! I love Sound Devices. But it is such a large price gap.
Bought the SD because of the analog limiters. It allways works, sounds great and the power options are endless. It just works!
Wireless Lavalier sets with compressors to transmit 24 bit and recording on 32 bit float is a kind of overkill without a cause. The editor doesn’t eat 32bit float so conversion is needed.
Once you arrange the levels of your SD you can dump your soundbag in a corner. It just works!
Yeah, analog limiters was one of the big reasons I bought the MixPre II back in 2020. And of course...it's Sound Devices. Haha. Last film I was 24-bit but also had a sound mixer most of the time. If I can't control gain I'm def in 32-bit float. And if someone doesn't have a lot of money, I'd have them throw more at the shotgun mic and go with the ZOOM F3.
Thank you for this comparison. I own the MixPre-3 II.
The MixPre II is solid and I love it. Have used mine quite a bit--I'd only evaluate again if buying new. Because the ZOOM F3 holds up IMO. So I can have one and a backup and still come out ahead.
My backup is a SD Mixpre-D (AES- out) mixer with a Tascam DR100 mark iii (AES-in) . Both work for hours on 2AA penlights each. Same analog limiters and preamps as the Mixpre3-II. 24-bits 48kHz AD-conversion.
It is allways my old setup which forms my new backup
I had no idea what 32 bit float meant, other than it's good, until the first 2 minutes of this video.
🍻 thank you!
Edit: I use a Zoom H4N Pro, any reason to upgrade?
i bought a Zoom F3 to try and do field recording (birds and other environment sound recordings) my novice tests tends to put the Zoom 3 at a better noice floor than the Mixpre II, i don't know if my brain is playing tricks on me, but i find it better than all the other recorders i have on noice floor, MixpreII(32), , Tentacle Sync E(32) , edirol R-44, Zoom F4, Tascam 10L, Zoom H1, my take, im not a sound expert
Interesting. Great info, thank you! I'm really impressed with this thing. I've primarily used Sound Devices...but after getting my hands on the ZOOM F3 it's hard to justify the extra expense for what I'm doing specifically.
@@writedirect only slight downside is missing the 3,5 trs, but i found a Rode VXLR Pro 3.5mm TRS adapter which does not introduce noise at all, the other normal adapters introduce noise, but Rode VXLR Pro does the magic with that wonder thing
@@asili2tv767 yeah, again back to features: the MixPre wins. But for single mic XLR based recording? The zoom F3 is awesome for this price.
The selfnoise of the microphones you use is the main cause of the noise. The whole setup has to be on the same level. Use what you got and produce some film. Do what you like most.
It is the man on the wheel and not the machine.
@@mijnheertenhave what are you talking about, did you read what i wrote? the mics are tested in all those recorders and i have good mics dpa 6060 and 4061, mhk416 and AT4053
Hey, I’m shooting a short film this summer.
I want to ask you which aspect ratio is the best when shooting with the BMPCC4K and uploading it on TH-cam.. so far I’ve only went with the normal.
Thank you
Either one is totally fine. 4K UHD or 4K DCI. DCI mode will use the full sensor in the pocket 4K. You’ll get black on the top and bottom but not much.
@@writedirect Then it's the one I've been automatically been using. Thank you.
Btw I have watched plenty of videos about filmmaking and about the BMPCC.. Your channel is, for me, the best one out there.
You're very pedagogical and straight to the point. And the videos are not long either. I've actually learned a lot.
Well done, I hope your channel will grow!