Sound Devices MixPre series of audio recording mixers have been designed with the flexibility of both mixing and recording at broadcast quality on location or in the studio. Compact and lightweight structure along with power efficiency and durability are features Sound Devices incorporate into their designs.
MixPre 3 II is a portable multitrack recorder, mixer and USB interface with internal LTC timecode generator with output, designed for field recordists, podcasters and filmmakers, and offers 32-bit float recording to removable SD, SDHC, or SDXC media cards. 32-bit float recording over USB to DAW is available when using version 6.00 firmware or newer. Up to five audio tracks can be recorded at 44.1, 48, 96, or 192kHz to broadcast quality stereo WAV file, mono WAV, or AAC render. SD cards up to 512GB are compatible with cards below 32GB are formatted with the FAT32 file system, whereas cards greater than 32GB use the exFAT file system. USB thumb drives can be connected for copy use only. The operator has the ability to adjust ratio, release and threshold parameters of the internal limiters when using in 16 or 24-bit mode, however limiters aren’t required in 32-bit float mode due to the dynamic range captured. Other software features include a 10 seconds pre-roll buffer and auto-copy to USB drive function. Powered via USB connection, L-mount lithium-ion batteries, 8x AA alkaline batteries via the included sled, or included XL-WPH3 AC power adapter, the MixPre-3 can be positioned on a desktop, or on a stand via the quarter-inch, 20 thread screw hole.
The front facing panel has a 1.6inch colour and touch IPS LCD screen, along with play, stop and record transport controls, and rotary controllers for input channels 1-3. Along with menu options, the touch screen display shows important information including input level metering, L/R output metering, track position (time), remaining SD card capacity and EQ. Around each of the rotary controllers is a channel knob ring that illuminates green to signify signal present, orange when signal is limiting, and red when input signal is clipping. The same ring will flash orange when the corresponding channel is in solo mode.
The left side panel has two active-balanced 3-pin XLR inputs for channels one and two, an unbalanced 3.5mm TRS jack DAC feeding stereo output, USB-A and USB-C ports, and main on/off power switch. An LED on the front panel illuminates when power is on. The right side panel has a single active-balanced 3-pin XLR input connection for channel three, HDMI timecode input, an unbalanced 3.5mm TRS jack headphone output at 300mW + 300mW, 3.5mm auxiliary/microphone input, and HP (headphone) encoder with removable ‘headphone knob tire’ to allow more convenient adjustment. All XLR inputs can be powered with 48V phantom power. The SD memory card slot and battery mounts are positioned on the rear of the unit.
Touch screen: 320x256px, 1.6-inch sunlight viewable. Audio input frequency response: 10Hz to 80kHz, +/-0.5dB, re 1kHz at 192kHz sample rate. Harmonic distortion: 0.005% max. ADC: 32 bit precision, 142dB dynamic range minimum. Input gain: +6dB to +76dB, mic; -20dB to +30dB, line; -infinity to +20dB, fader; -infinity to +20dB, headphone; +10dB to +40dB, aux in mic; -10dB to +20dB, aux in line. Low cut filters: 40 to 160Hz adjustable, 18dB/oct. Dimensions: 36 x 144 x 110mm (H x W x D). Weight: 0.48kg, without batteries.
Included accessories: MX-4AA battery sled (excluding batteries), MX-PSU AC power supply, USB-C to USB-C cable.
The MixPre-6 II is similar in design to the MixPre-3 II however has six channels, four preamplifiers, and is capable of 8 tracks audio recording at 44.1kHz to 192kHz. Recording file type is broadcast WAV file format at 16/24-bit or 32-bit floating depth. 32-bit float recording over USB to DAW is available when using version 6.00 firmware or newer. Battery power can be via the included 4x AA battery sled, or optional 8x AA battery sled.
Touch screen: 320x256px, 1.6-inch sunlight viewable. Audio input frequency response: 10Hz to 80kHz, +/-0.5dB, re 1kHz at 192kHz sample rate. Harmonic distortion: 0.005% max. ADC: 32 bit precision, 142dB dynamic range minimum. Input gain: +6dB to +76dB, mic; -20dB to +30dB, line; -infinity to +20dB, fader; -infinity to +20dB, headphone; +10dB to +40dB, aux in mic; -10dB to +20dB, aux in line. Low cut filters: 40Hz to 160Hz adjustable, 18dB/oct. Dimensions: 36 x 166 x 118mm (H x W x D). Weight: 0.56kg, without batteries.
Included accessories: MX-4AA battery sled (excluding batteries), MX-PSU AC power supply, USB-C to USB-C cable.
MixPre-10 II
The MixPre-10 II is again similar in design to the MixPre-3 II however has ten channels, eight preamplifiers, and is capable of 12 tracks audio recording at 44.1kHz to 192kHz. Recording file type is broadcast WAV file format at 16/24-bit or 32-bit floating depth with sampling frequencies of 44.1, 47.952, 48, 48.048, 96, or 192kHz. 32-bit float recording over USB to DAW is available when using version 6.00 firmware or newer. TA3 output connectors on the MixPre-10 II are +18dBu balanced. Battery power can be via the included 8x AA battery sled.
Touch screen: 320x256px, 1.6-inch sunlight viewable. Audio input frequency response: 10Hz to 80kHz, +/-0.5dB, re 1kHz at 192kHz sample rate. Harmonic distortion: 0.005% max. ADC: 32 bit precision, 142dB dynamic range minimum. Input gain: +6dB to +76dB, mic; -20dB to +30dB, line; -infinity to +20dB, fader; -infinity to +20dB, headphone; +10dB to +40dB, aux in mic; -10dB to +20dB, aux in line. Low cut filters: 40-160Hz adjustable, 18dB/oct. Dimensions: 36 x 206 x 175mm (H x W x D). Weight: 0.91kg, without batteries.
Included accessories: MX-8AA battery sled (excluding batteries), XL-WPH3 AC power supply, and USB-C to USB-C cable.