Making a 32 Bit Handheld Recorder (Sound Devices Mix Pre 6ii & Zoom F6)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you all for your support! Our All In One Bundle 2.0 is finally out. Get $5 off and receive over 1.6TB of sounds from all across the world recorded by us! ►ftus.gumroad.com/l/allinonebundle/FTUS5

[@richardweddle3408]

1:40 what do you mean "take off a little bit of the inside" ? Please explain.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@richardweddle3408 Hi Richard, Absolutely. Sometimes there can be metal burrs left over if these things aren’t treated perfectly. Take a look first, and if you notice any, use a file to flatten them. If you don’t, it could get stuck and be difficult to remove.

[@schalkdb4533]

Thanks!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Wow thank you!! Our first super thanks!!! It means a lot! :)

[@Oblium]

Hi Marcel, with the Zoom F6 you can directly record a stereo file by setting ch3 to left and ch6 to right in the PFL menu, then record the master LR

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I tried that, but it won't let me use the function in 32 bit mode. Let me double-check one more time.

[@Oblium]

@@FreeToUseSounds if you are recording at 192kHz you can use 32bit by selecting "only LR" in the LR menu, you cant record both separate channels and LR at 192khz 32bit

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@Oblium Perfect! I try this out.

[@Brrrbrrrr]

tambien los hay rectos, como para ponerle una pareja a la F3

[@christoffergreiss]

Great idea. I added per side one xlr-female-femal and one xlr-male-male adapter between the Zoom F6 and the 90-degree-adapter, that way i have an AB-setup (using two basic uchos) with a mic-distance of 37 cm which results in a wider stereo image.

[@VOByRobbins]

Just ordered these, will use them with some Lewitt 040 to use on my F3 and X8! -- and see what else I can dig up to play around with, just what I need, more toys!!!!! Thanks Marcel and Libby!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Yes!! Also could be fun to turn the capsule from the X8 to the outside and turn the adapter the other way. Fun surround:)

[@richardweddle3408]

Thanks for this clever idea. Just what I need.

[@tedted2138]

Was really great how you showed the screen up close as your programming it, thanks!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Pleasure Ted! :)

[@GregAllen2]

Cool Idea.... Have you considered using omni mics and adding a barrier in between them similar to a Jecklin disk? It could be something as simple as a piece of dense foam with a slot to fit over the recorder.... Cheers, Greg

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Greg, that is definitely something I would try out but I don’t have the right omnis yet.

[@PhilipLuckey]

Also keep in mind that the Zoom F6 & F8, etc, have the Zoom module connector, allowing for the attachment of the Zoom X/Y module (and mid-side, and shotgun, etc) which turns them into handheld recorder, too.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I know that about the F8 and F8n but not for the F6. Where should that be on the F6?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

and F4

[@PhilipLuckey]

@@FreeToUseSounds My bad - I thought I saw a module connector on the F6 pictures, but it was the SD card cover instead. I enjoy your videos! :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@PhilipLuckey Not a problem :)

[@hectorarroyoburgos848]

MixPre 6, F6 or F8pro?

[@cryptotrader2779]

Fun idea. I actually saw these already on another channel and wondered what they were. A guy in Japan was using them on an F3. Super handy to have if it works well. Anyway, I FINALLY got some Usi's last week in the product release, so I'm happy for now. I feel like I won the lotto ! ;o) Thanks for the video.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh wow! You got them. Thats great news :) I hope they work well for you.

[@cryptotrader2779]

@@FreeToUseSounds Thanks. Looking forward to recording some stealth ambiances. Need to figure out a way to secure them to my backpack without using a mile of sticky tape.

[@rolandberendonck3900]

You promised us a comparison between the Mixpre-6 and the Zoom F6. And we are still very interested, especially because you preferred the Zoom F6 and we still wonder why. Can you please enlighten us with that video and your experience with these two recorders and your verdict. It would be very much appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

Can you make a video comparing the Zoom F3 and the MixPre 3/6 recorder?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

We just made one with the TASCAM vs F3. Maybe we make another Zoom F6 vs Sound Devices MixPre 6ii but not F3 vs MixPre.

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

​@@FreeToUseSounds I can't wait for this episode.

[@_Chris390]

Does this setup not result in handling noise, as there is no cradle for the mic?

[@Abedi_mohamed_jumping3]

between the series sound devices mixpre and sounddevice 633 which has a very good preamp!? for a choice of professional sound engineer

[@mohamedadel-w1i]

hi, i am new in this stuff, how can use them with 2 camera setup

[@evontheboards]

Cool video guys! I would try out gooseneck XLR connectors to give you more options in terms of mic positions. love the experimenting much love from NYC

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh nice! I take a look.

[@johanvanhuyssteen9217]

Gooseneck is not exactly portable though.

[@Hindsight101]

Great idea

[@randyking3691]

Those 90 degree adapters will work for me. I have wanted to put compact mics on my MixPre-6II since I bought it.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad to hear that Randy!

[@TomKaszuba]

Genius idea. Thank you very much for this.

[@leepritchard]

Brilliant tip 👏

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad you liked it

[@benjaminbong]

Interesting. How does this differ from a XY configuration? I thought the capsules need to be as close as possible. Or shouldn't they be at least be perpendicular to each other?

[@besisikaphotography3061]

Would use only one angled combined with one straight on port 1 and 2. Doesn't look pretty, but will do the job. I haven't tried yet, but you can go ahead. Besides, on the zoom F6, you can individually rotate each channel left and right to get the stereo image you need. A zoom F3 would be more portable.

[@ProjectPurity]

There's a lot of discussion around XY and AB mic configurations (distance, angle, etc.), and there are also handheld units like older Tascam devices that use 2 mics straight forward like in your video. Curious if it would be audibly any better or worse between this config and the same mics on a sound bar in a established XY/AB configuration.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

That’s correct John. Also Sony has the direct facing microphone capsules.

[@Zyvenhaal]

Some things are so simple that you don't see it. I've been waiting for a 32bit Zoom H6 version for so long that it never occurred to me to turn the F8n or F6 into a mobile recorder with just this adapter.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Yeah it works :)

[@vitaminb4869]

This is actually also a great solution to carry Zoom F6 in a bag with the screen facing up and mics connected at all times.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Well, you might get a lot of rumbling and handling noise.

[@ShachafPolakow]

Hi SO my lyxpro git stuck in the mixpre and hopefully will get it out soon. When you said to file the inside, which part exactly are you talking about?

[@nicolasfieldsoundservices]

dope idea! what do you do for wind protection?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Nicolas.I ordered the XS Windkiller from Bubblebees.

[@christiannikodemus]

Thank you!! I wonder what two contact microphones set up to be stereo would sound like?!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Depending on the sound, it can be pretty cool.

[@TomKaszuba]

Marcel, how would a Lewitt LCT 040 Match Pair or a Rode NT5 matched pair work with a MixPre 3ii for this?

[@johanvanhuyssteen9217]

Hi there. Awesome video as always. Just curious which tool you used to scrape off the insides?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! Thank you!!! Oh, you can use any smaller metal file that you can find in a hardware store. But get one that is half round on one side.

[@johanvanhuyssteen9217]

@@FreeToUseSounds Awesome. I really appreciate your advice. Last one I promise: you file about 1mm or less of thickness? Just scared it might be too loose.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@johanvanhuyssteen9217 Make it even. So that you don't have any kind of resistance.

[@johanvanhuyssteen9217]

​@@FreeToUseSoundsIt worked! Thanks again.

[@CoryShubert]

Amazing, I did this same thing in March with my F3 and my Lewitt LCT 040 and got slammed on FB as a poor idea, not correct for phase.... whatever. Will be curious what your results are.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Cory, we're sorry to hear that! One of the reasons we don't contribute to any Facebook groups besides our own. Remember, you do you, and you record the way you want to record. If it works for you, keep recording :)

[@CoryShubert]

@@FreeToUseSounds Thanks, agree. my setup on the F3 is a hybred binaural, one mic pointing left and one right. Very compact, no messy cords. And with a simple bar/mic mounts and xlr cables, you can do a proper ORTF as well, all in a simple bag. Happy recording.

[@circuitboredd]

This seems really neat but feel like it works best with cardioid and you'd potentially pick up more self-noise with an omni-directional pair? Guess it depends on the environment.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! The MKH 8040 are cardiods and the 8020 would probably work better.

[@circuitboredd]

@@FreeToUseSounds Cool! I forgot to mention that I have Basic Uchos and I was thinking about using this method to save money on stands/mounts! Thanks for the reply and as always for the content!

[@matoflynn]

Was just thinking about this, subscribed :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!

[@grassrunner7983]

Weird is good!!!

[@keinpodcast4053]

Der beste 32bit-Handheld-Recorder, der nie gebaut wurde :) Vielleicht bringt Sound Devices als nächstes einen Handheld-Recorder mit Wechselkapseln von Sennheiser oder Schoeps raus. Inspired by freetousesounds. Wenn du bei deinem Setup noch einen Griff mit Moosgummibezug unter den Recorder schraubst, hast du auch noch einen gewissen Schutz vor Griffgeräuschen. Selbst ein Kugelkopf zwischen Griff und Recorder wäre möglich, um den Griff etwas abwinkeln zu können.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Na das wäre ja ein super Rekorder. Ich glaube wenn SD einen portable handheld recorder entwickeln würde, dann hätte der mit Sicherheit Erfolg.

[@DanielLearnsPiano]

I was looking into just these adapters for use on a Zoom F3. I thought I read a review that the quality was bad. I take from you making this video that they are fine. In the end, I went with 8-inch cables and some Smallrig brackets. If you think that looks funny, you should definitely see my monstrosity.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

If you publish it, I check it out for sure. :) Also the F3 has the XLR inputs not on the side like the SD of F6.

[@DanielLearnsPiano]

@@FreeToUseSounds Looks like my reply linking to an image of the recorder was blocked. Oh well.

[@larserikertzgaardringen7426]

Cool tip!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad you think so!

[@super_slo]

Will this reduce your usage of the x8, or is it just another tool option you've "added to your bag"?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I don’t think it makes any difference

[@magicdave93]

The MKH 8040s sound incredible but way over my budget, can you recommend cheaper alternatives please Marcel as I’m just starting out?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Well, if you just starting out, check out the video about the Audio Technica 4025. I love this microphone and its great for beginner.

[@magicdave93]

I will have a look Marcel, thanks 👍

[@schoepsms]

Oktava's 012 or Line Audio CM4

[@madking.studio]

I bought the same 90 degree adapter and got stuck. May I ask how did you unplug it? I’m using the same Tascam X8. Thanks!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi. Oh that is probably because of the insight of the connector. When watching after 01:40 min I mention that it's good to check the insight of the connector and use a file.

[@madking.studio]

@@FreeToUseSounds I wished I watched your video before I did that. Any suggestions how I can unplug the stucked XLR plug? Thank you so much!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@madking.studio That is a real bummer :((.. I hope you can get it work. We just had the same problem with the M4 and XLR connector and no chance of getting it out. :(

[@madking.studio]

@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you so much for your time!

[@IMDABROWN]

Very creative

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!

[@London_drives]

Any cost effective options other than the 1000 dollar pair you got there? Also, would that work with the mix pre 3 II?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

If you can find a pair of MKH 8040 for $1000 please let me know…

[@London_drives]

@@FreeToUseSounds I meant 1000 per microphone

[@schoepsms]

Oktava's 012 or Line Audio CM4

[@skynetcorp]

Great idea! Hopefully someone makes right angle xlr to lemo so I can try this with my schoeps.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Yeah something to slide them into a socket or something.

[@kyma5882]

Good Ideas! 마르셀!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

감사합니다 :)

[@StefanNitzsche]

Zack! 🙌🏼

[@FreeToUseSounds]

🥳

[@StefanNitzsche]

@@FreeToUseSounds Would you think two Sennheiser 816s would make sense/work?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@StefanNitzsche Thats a hypercardioid pattern correct? You might just have to try it out and listen for yourself. Its also very long and could bend over.

[@rouvenwildeggerbitz7759]

Great idea! Problem in Germany is the Price: 99€ for one (!) at Amazon. Insane.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

WHAT?? Thats crazy. You should contact the supplier

[@adamczerski2094]

That's a cool idea! What would be even cooler, if we could change the angle from 90° to, let's say, 135°. That way the stereo image would sound more like an ORTF or something ;)

[@adamczerski2094]

If there was a degree-changable XLR adapter, I would buy it INSTANTLY! 😍

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Its time somebody makes it :)

[@JesusMartinezCreates]

as a Cinematographer trying to learn audio theses comments are crazy! hahaha got a lot to learn I guess

[@dar2dar2]

This idea looks nice on a thumbnail but i find that the cardioïd pattern + no angles + close capsules gives a very stretched stereo image tbh. On the field you have not only to be mobile but also to adapt your miking technique to whatever you want to record. From my experience, with AB technique, 40cm is the minimum to get a faithfull stereo image. If you want great mobility and proper sounds : do yourself a favor and use a MS setup.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes we have the Schoeps DMS kit too. :)

[@ignasicambra]

Just as a suggestion, if you wanted tracks 3 and 6 on the Zoom F6 to end up as a stereo mix without having to do it in post you could simply pan them correctly from the device itself, and activate the lr track. You would then have both mono tracks, and the lr track containing the stereo recording. Fader levels would of course not be linked, but given that you're using 32 bit fp you could just set them both to 0db and call it a day.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Perfect! I make sure to try that out today. Just ordered the wind protection.

[@softbreeze941]

great experiment but doesn't sound really good unfortunately