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Re: MixPre-D

Subject: Re: MixPre-D
From: "natureguyusa" natureguyusa
Date: Thu Apr 28, 2011 7:05 am ((PDT))
Yes, I caught that about the mixer switches after my post. I guess I look f=
or fader pan controls when I think of mixing. I also noticed that it has tw=
o more channel inputs via the aux input which is good. What I was saying ab=
out the DSLR feature was the relatively uncommon connector in use. Oh, abou=
t those transformers, they may have some use in isolation at the cost of mu=
ch increased distortion, and much decreased common mode rejection compared =
to modern integrated circuits. I am not a fan of transformers.

I am designing a similar unit, that has all the same features as the MixPre=
-D, plus some very needed additional features. No USB connectivity for now.=
 Our unit will have much better specs using the latest parts available, be =
much lower cost, at least 2-3 times the battery life, and more. It may not =
be built quite like a tank, but more in-line with normally built equipment.=
 The design is still on-going as we try to add more features and fit everyt=
hing in a smaller enclosure.

If anyone has some features you always wanted to see in field mixer/preamp,=
 let me know and I will see if we can add it in. Our units will be availabl=
e before the end of the year.

Bruce Rutkoski
Owner
www.natureguystudio.com


--- In  Jeremiah Moore <> wrote:
>
> A few quick points in response:
>
>  - the "mixer" aspect is in the pan switch at the bottom of each channel.
>  Each input channel can be assigned to outputs L, R, or center.
>
>  - the DSLR features are a fact-of-life for interfacing with certain came=
ras
> which are in widespread use (Canon 5D for instance.)  It's a compromised
> recording situation.  Unfortunately, in the video world, compromised
> recording situations are quite common.  This is a "make the best you can =
of
> it" feature.  If quality matters, and you're shooting a 5D, you record
> double system.  (i.e. a separate sound recorder.)
>
>  - What you're paying for is not just the mic pres, but the metering, the
> I/O, the field-ready robustness, phantom power, M-S matrix, tone and slat=
e
> features, headphone returns (these are used to monitor audio coming back
> from a video camera in a production sound scenario.)  This is a piece of
> gear people are going to stake their careers on, so it needs to be built =
to
> handle the real world of production.
>
> I, for one, am rather excited about the MixPre-D.  One way I see it is as=
 a
> replacement for the Pro Tools M-Box, with some field-mixer and
> swiss-army-knife features thrown in.  If it's too many features and you
> don't want to pay for them, don't buy it.
>
> -jeremiah
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 25, 2011 at 4:44 AM, Patricio <> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Excuse me, but the MixPre has transformers on the inputs as well as the
> > MixPre-D.
> >
> > I really like the design of the MixPre, it is unclear whether the MixPr=
e-D
> > keeps the same quality.
> >
> > --- In  "natureguyusa" <Natureguy@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > The MixPre-D doesn't look like anything to be excited about judging f=
rom
> > the specs. It appears to be their old design with a couple of new featu=
res,
> > and is more expensive. Transformer inputs are a joke in comparison to m=
odern
> > integrated circuits. The input noise and dynamic range of the digital o=
ut is
> > comparable to a $200 Sony PCM-M10, which has an integrated recorder. Th=
e
> > 103dB digital output is a very inexpensive add-on and is closer to 16-b=
it
> > quality than being 24-bit. There is no spec given for input noise with =
the
> > phantom power turned on nor when at lower gains. It is certainly a batt=
ery
> > hog. The connectors for the dedicated output for DSLR use are uncommon,=
 so
> > their idea is to sell an expensive cable to you that you will have trou=
ble
> > finding if you needed one in a pinch. I am still trying to figure out w=
hat
> > are the "mixer" features of this microphone preamp? It does give XLR,
> > phantom power and novel AES and USB output, which are very useful featu=
res.
> > The AES out can not be used at the same time as the XLR outputs. As a D=
SLR
> > mic amp, the signals are amplified then attenuated which just injects n=
oise
> > from from the circuitry. All the current DSLR mic amps do this, and my =
guess
> > would be that at least the MixPre-D might be better than DSLR mic amps =
from
> > BeachTek or JuiceLink, who don't even really give specifications for th=
eir
> > products, but at almost twice the price.
> > >
> > > Just my thoughts from looking over the information,
> > > Bruce Rutkoski
> > > www.natureguystudio.com
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In  Paul Jacobson <pj@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi All,
> >
> > > >
> > > > Looks like Sound Devices have released a new version of the MixPre =
with
> > usb interface.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mixpre-d.htm
> > > >
> > > > Judging by the preview video it's a pretty neat bit of kit.
> > > >
> > > > cheers
> > > > Paul
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> jeremiah moore | SOUND | 
> http://www.jeremiahmoore.com/
>
>
>








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