Sound Devices MixPre-6 II One Year Later

[@randyrektor]

So much yet to cover! What do you want to know?

[@silversulu]

It would actually be useful to show how you gain stage & setup all the way into the camera. I keep clipping the heck out of my Sony A7S III (I'm in 24-bit on the mIxPre) and it requires cranking the MIxPre gain way way down...bit frustrating

[@randyrektor]

@@silversulu interesting! The 24-bit thing was the first question I had, but you should be good there. Have you tried turning down the preamps in the camera? Also curious to see if you have the same issue coming out of the headphone port or just the main. In the meantime, check out Curtis Judd’s channel. He has some great videos on setting up his MixPre with a GH5. Might help you out :)

[@pitspeedtv]

@@silversulu why are you taking a semi-pro audio recording device and outputting to a camera (Terrible audio handling)? The reason you are having the problems is because the MixPre II is outputting a line level signal…. and you are (For reasons that are completely foreign to me) putting them back in to (What I must assume) a microphone level input on the camera (which is garbage on the absolute best of days)…. so the input on your camera is 1 unit…. the output on your Mix Pre is 2 units….. that is why your camera audio is all screwed. Solution…. stop sending the Mix Pre II signal to your camera…... Route it, record it, and keep it away from your camera. You just spent how much on the Mix Pre II? Why are you sending it back to a camera?

[@randyrektor]

There are many reasons for wanting a copy of the signal inside the camera. I’ve done this many times as my camera accepts line level signals. Mainly for sync and easy editing. In my case the difference between audio recorded on the device and audio sent to my camera is negligible at best once it’s compressed by KZbins codecs and uploaded. It’s one less thing to do in post. Also, for any type of doc style shooting, it’s common practice to send a line to a camera and use the device as a mixer, only recording the iso tracks as backups. You’re right that it’s likely an issue with line vs mic, but some cameras will allow you to bypass the preamps.

[@pitspeedtv]

@@randyrektor If your camera accepts line in… it is generally a cinema camera. Since SilverSulu is having the line-mic level problem, I assumed it was a DSLR. But my confusion remains, now for both of you. If you are shooting a doc style, and using it (I assume) predominantly for post syncing… why interconnect the devices? Dating back to the 1920’s we used video cues (clapper board) to sync the audio that was recorded separately. On higher end audio recording devices. The two never met, until editing (post). Nowadays, we run what is called “scratch audio” on the camera, and Production Audio on the recording device. Still separate… for good reason(s). Scratch is recorded inline with the video. But done so independently on the camera. The audio is recorded on a separate device, and kept separate. The scratch is almost always inline with the video (exceptions happen), but the quality is generally poor. We do it for syncing the Production Audio (enter the clap board). Now lets enter the problem Video Gear fails - The take is over (obviously) Audio Gear Fails - The take is not over, and we have a backup (redundant) recording that *maybe* the audio wizards in post can salvage. This only happens when the scratch audio is separate from the audio gear. Also… the audio and video on the scratch are happening at same time with no latency… so for all of it’s quality shortcomings…. it is in sync. Because it was processed at the same time, on the same device. When you plug in your “mixer” to your line in, and tell the camera to record the scratch audio from the line in… you better hope and pray that audio recorder works…. because you just eliminated your redundancy, never mind opened yourself up to potential latency… rendering your sync unreliable at the same time… on the best of days. The reasons you keep your audio and video separate, have nothing to do with codecs, youtube, or quality. It’s frame accurate sync, and redundancy. So I stand behind my initial response. I have no idea why you would want to interconnect your audio recorder to your video recorder. The two should only ever meet in Post. Enjoying the dialogue. Some important lessons for the inexperienced to read. @SilverSulu If you are hell bent on this signal path… an Attenuator Cable will solve the problem of high input levels. You are sending a 200% signal to the camera…. turning down the MixPre is turning it from 200% -> 110%. It’s called “Sending a Hot Signal” Hope this helps.

[@hypnosecoachinghombach7517]

I've been using my MixPre 3II to make hypnosis recordings for my clients in the session. Depending on the topic, I sometimes scream into the mike. Although I record in 24bit, I haven't been able to clip. Even without 32bit the limiters are fantastic.

[@randyrektor]

Yea this is a great point. I don’t think people really get how massive 32-bit is. You could record a gunshot and whispering without changing levels. You’re totally right, the limiters are fantastic

[@petersundkvist5374]

Nice review! Good to know that the 3.5 mm input does not override the xlr inputs (As it affortnetly does on my mixpre 3mk2. Some times I use Y split cable to get "several" inputs).

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for watching! That's interesting to know that you've found a workaround!

[@totoroutes5389]

When will version 3 be released, with safety track and additional sd card slot and ios app gain control? All usb-C ports.

[@randyrektor]

I wonder if they’ll ever do that, or if they want to keep some distinct levels between their higher tier products. Safety tracks would be an easy firmware update I believe, but I’d love backup SD for sure!

[@cuisined]

Hi,. about the screw on top the mixpre that you need to dismount the whole system to get to it... Use a magnet...it works and it will come right up :) from experience.

[@randyrektor]

Ooooooooo this is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing :)

[@LifeSurfingDude]

Randy, those are interesting cons: 1. no safety channel for 24-bit recordings 2. No extra sd card slot for backup recording and 3. inconvenience of popping up the screw to mount the camera. thank you for the review!

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for watching. Hope it was helpful :)

[@redslate]

I think the understanding is that if you record in 32 bit, you don't need a 'safety channel.'

[@donaldspaulding6973]

No digital I/O, no hirose connector and the sound is fine for speech but lousy for music. It sounds muddy compared to 7 and 8 series recorders.

[@ahfimiwonawun]

1. What are safety tracks for? 2. You can record to an sd card and to a usb drive via that usb-a port on the left side of the device. 3. Taking out the screw prior to recording doesn’t solve that issue?

[@rrwenzel]

Very nice review !! Thank you! but I would miss information regarding the time code and how to set the time code with an external time code devices such as tentacle sync E?

[@randyrektor]

Ahhh yes, great point. I have no experience with that, but I would check out Curtis Judd. He has a great deal of useful information on sync

[@ohio_dino]

What i would love these products to do is record each input to its own file . Dimensionality given to the video using the sound.

[@musar03580]

(6:45) Although constantly improving technology is making features once exclusively professional available in consumer goods, Sound Devices' MixPre units are standard equipment among industry professionals. These are not really consumer, or even prosumer, products. They are professional gear, now (thankfully) at a prosumer price point.

[@DerekLamoureux]

great video bud! also congrats on hitting 1000!

[@randyrektor]

Thanks man! Appreciate it :DD

[@changkeuncho8571]

It was helpful. Watching from South Korea

[@randyrektor]

Thank you!!

[@neilmusician1143]

Great review. I like to know how this field compare to Panasonic Professional XLR Audio Video Microphone Adaptor XLR1

[@randyrektor]

Thanks Neil! I'd love to get my hands on one of those for testing!

[@ianpreece6391]

Hi great videos thanks! I want to use the Mixpre in a very basic way, knob controlling gain, only recording a single ISO track (stereo mix track not needed). All working fine apart from I can't listen back to the recording I've just made on CH1 through the headphones on playback? Am I missing something not selecting the right HP preset?

[@randyrektor]

Ooo solid question. I’m not totally sure of the answer, but I believe there’s a way to make sure the iso tracks are sent to headphones. Sounds like your playback may be looking for the LR track?

[@Southdakotaphoto]

You mention the unit has 1528 dB of dynamic range. In the specs, it shows A/D Converters:142 dB, D/A Converters: 115 of dynamic range. Where are you getting 1528 dB?

[@randyrektor]

I got this data from a video on their website. It’s essentially 1500 available on a floating scale. The beauty of 32bit floating point.

[@mikenowacki9729]

is there a new edition of this on the horizon? is now a good time to buy etc?

[@randyrektor]

Interesting question. I know they updated their top of the line products last year or the year before. I don't see them updating it too soon, but you never know. I can't imagine how they could improve it, but I guess thats why I don't design products lol!

[@ethnicalbert]

why you need limiters with 32bit float...? Just for a camera mix?

[@randyrektor]

It’s a solid question. So two part answer, you’re totally right about the camera mix. It still has to be mixed properly for your camera outputs. Secondly, nobody in the professional film/TV industry uses 32-bit. I understand this device isn’t geared for that industry, but not only does it create a second step to normalize in post, there is also arguably no need for 32-bit to record dialogue -literally ever. The human voice can’t possibly exceed the headroom of 24-bit. So to me, using 24 with limiters in case of extremely unforeseen circumstances (really loud laughter to clapping or something), this makes more sense. Especially because the MixPre has analog limiters which is unheard of at this price point. This means the limiting happens before conversion which is free of nasty digital clipping. Using 24 is one less step in post and already way more headroom than I’ll ever need. Hope this answers your question! You’re certainly right though, if you’re sending to camera, you really need to be carefully mixing

[@ethnicalbert]

​@@randyrektor Hey, dialogue regularly exceeds the headroom at 24 bit. If the level is set for normal talking and then someone shouts/screams unexpectedly it will frequently clip even at 24bit. I am in the TV and Film sound industry and I record FX at 32bit when possible, but then pulling it into protools converts it to the project audio settings (48/24). But I take your workflow point for dialogues!

[@randyrektor]

Ahhh yes I totally see that use case for FX. Also, I think 32-bit will be useful for reality tv because of the unexpected nature, but my point about headroom is that if they’re setting levels and have a sound mixer on set, there should be no need for 32-bit for dialogue, they just have to set the gain appropriately and there will be no clipping. Great device for fx though, for sure!

[@qiancharles]

you seemed to have mentioned that you would talk about the power options but you didn't. Power options seem to be a big issue for many. Thank you.

[@randyrektor]

I have several videos covering power options for the mix pre series 🙌🏻

[@852foodie]

Hi Randy, I am curious did you get the Noise Assist plugin for your Mixpre-6 ii?

[@randyrektor]

I didn’t get it. I am almost always recording in quiet spaces, so I haven’t had a need :p

[@ianpreece6391]

can you program the assignable button to power up/down the device? The main power switch looks awkward to get to when it's in the bag. A 'press and hold' to avoid accidentally switching it off would be perfect

[@randyrektor]

Ahhhhhh that would be really cool! I don't think that you can, but I totally get your point. It is a little awkward. I've always looked at it as a good thing that it's hard to accidentally bump. Maybe a firmware update would allow this though!

[@ianpreece6391]

@@randyrektor yes better to be safe! Although I'm such a miser when it comes to using battery power unless just about to roll so I'm always switching on/off throughout the day :)

[@randyrektor]

Totally get that! People are claiming to get 14+ hours with Anker power banks, which is nuts! Some nice peace of mind though :)

[@ianpreece6391]

@@randyrektor I'm looking into powerbanks for when my MixPre arrives but need to work out how I'm going to secure the USB cable and connector safely. It looks like a standard consumer connector with no locking ability so not sure how long it will last with constant abuse/ unplugging etc in the bag but good to know the AA+'s will kick in as back up if the USB gets accidentally pulled out

[@randyrektor]

@@ianpreece6391 Yes, I was just going to say that the AAs will jump in. Still, I totally agree, the standard USB seems lacklustre for a connection. I wonder if a chunky 90º would feel more stable?

[@EmisiuneaLumina]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@randyrektor]

Thank you! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@mathieumorel448]

Hey! a comparison with the tascam X8 would be great, espacialy the preamps... If that's your thing... Thanks

[@randyrektor]

I’ve actually been trying to see if I can get my hands on one to rent! :) hopefully soon :))) thanks for the suggestion my dude 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mathieumorel448]

@@randyrektor excelente! Thanks

[@hireality]

Perhaps an upcoming comparison with the ZOOM F6? I assume you have used it since you mentioned it.

[@randyrektor]

I don’t have one on hand anymore, but I think that would be a really great video! Maybe I’ll have to hit up the rental shop :) thanks for the idea! 👌🏻

[@baileypelkman]

Those B roll shots though 🔥🔥🔥

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for letting me blackout the living room.

[@wcsdiaries]

@@randyrektor Would you recommend this for run and gun filmmaking or is it too big/bulky? I need a good recorder for weddings/wildlife shooting that can fit in my backpack.

[@randyrektor]

I’d pick either this or the Zoom F6. Both have 32-bit float recording which is a game changer for solo-shooters. Pros of the F6, 6 XLR/combo connectors, pros of the MixPre, better headphone amp (less fatiguing to listen to for long shoots), slightly better sounding preamps in my opinion. Both are packed with features! Also if you’re doing wildlife, 32-bit will be great because you’ll never set your gain wrong and miss a perfect moment 👌🏻👌🏻

[@wcsdiaries]

@@randyrektor for traveling what's the best battery solution would you say? Just getting a fat power bank and using that? or do double aas last long enough?

[@randyrektor]

I’ve got a video where I go through all of the powering options. I prefer two Lmount batteries in a sled, but it’s expensive. An external power brick can last well over a full day. Make sure it’s the right cable so you can get full functionality

[@chiribimchiribim]

Hi Randy, thanks for your video. I am a bit confused regarding how many microphones can I connect and record on this device. It should be 6 right? but theres only 4 xlr and 1 aux/mic in. So if im not mistaken, only 5 microphones at once?

[@randyrektor]

Hey Chris, you can connect 4 XLR combo jacks and you could rig the stereo return to record another two microphones from an external mixer (one left and one right). It’s definitely more of a 4-channel plus 2 USB returns. Hope this helps!

[@itachi__]

Hello from France ! Thanks for the video. Is there a solution to see if we are out of phase when recording?

[@randyrektor]

There are a couple of things you can do to test phase. First collapse your mix to mono, then toggle the phase on one of your inputs. Whichever way sounds 'better' is likely more in phase. Another thing you can do is check to see if your LR mix is acting as anticipated. If you have 2 signals coming in, but they are out of phase, when they are summed on the LR channel, the levels will be slightly lower. This may indicate phase issues, but the best bet is trusting your ears.

[@itachi__]

@@randyrektor Thank you for this valuable advice my friend!

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for watching :)

[@gurugamer8632]

Please could post link of the anker power bank to buy today for mixpre 6 ii

[@randyrektor]

Replied to your other comment :)

[@MP_Soundbox]

Great vid, thanks!

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for watching :)

[@dragonstone6594]

What's the latency like in a DAW when you're using this as an audio interface on Windows with the ASIO drivers?

[@DarkPa1adin]

for the unbalanced stereo 3.5mm out, is it in line level signal?

[@konradins]

Hey, thanks for the great video! Part of why I just got the Mixpre 6 ii :) But now I have a question and was hoping someone can help me out with that: I want to operate in custom mode and keep gain in the "basic" setting. In that way I can use the knobs as ISO-Gains. But the problem is: I can not activate the limiters, when gain is set to "basic"-mode ... Anyone have an idea how to solve that? How can I use the limiters AND make use of the knobs as ISO-Gains? If I recall correctly, the mixpre 10 let me do that.

[@randyrektor]

Ahhhhhh interesting question. Hopefully someone has an answer. I’m not sure of a way to do that

[@konradins]

@@randyrektor ok, thanks anyways!

[@ahfimiwonawun]

How do you record in mono on it?

[@randyrektor]

You can record each isolated (iso) channel in mono. You can also choose to record the stereo LR but you don’t need to

[@gurugamer8632]

When was this model released?

[@angelitojusay593]

I can't seem to figure out how to link channels for stereo output. It only has ch 4 linked but I can't select other channels to link to stereo output. Any idea how I can do that?

[@randyrektor]

I believe you can link 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6. Visit all of the channels menus, on the second page, click “link”. I think you can only access that button on channels 2 4 and 6. Hope this helps

[@stephanes.]

How did they measure 1528dB if the loudest sound is less ?

[@randyrektor]

They use math :)

[@stephanes.]

@@randyrektor yes so it’s theorical. But, well, these MixPre are so good, I wanna buy one absolutely! The MixPre 3 II, because I don’t need more

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

Do you have any idea how long the MixPre 6ii lasts when powered by a 20K powerbank with two mics attached ?

[@randyrektor]

Hey, I literally JUST put out a video on this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33bq3VqiaeGpLc Short answer is over 9h likely. I use a 7400mAh powerbank and I get 9h if I remember correctly :) hope this helps!

[@crazyKurious]

how do you connect this to a mac so that we can record 32 bit inside the daw, if at all

[@randyrektor]

SoundDevices has a few videos that cover that process 👊🏻👊🏻

[@crazyKurious]

@@randyrektor 👊

[@stephanes.]

Now that Tascam will soon launch the X8 with 32 bit float, I'd rather go for it although the MixPre has timecode.

[@randyrektor]

Sounds awesome!

[@gurugamer8632]

Is this recorder better than Zoom H6 and how does it differ / compare?

[@randyrektor]

I’d like to do a full comparison some day. Here are the main differences. This device has some significant improvements over the H6. The F6 is much more of a comparison to this as they both have 6 inputs, 32-bit recording, removable media, timecode, professional power options, etc. The reason I went with Sound Devices is that their channels have analog limiters. This is a huge advantage when shooting in 24-bit. It doesn’t matter if you use 32-bit, but most production audio is shot in 24. Sound devices also has a history of making some of the best preamps for film and tv. Zoom is a budget consumer company trying to step up the latter. Sound devices also has much more flattering headphone amplifiers that are less fatiguing to listen to all day. There are a lot of differences but I’d look at the F6 if you want a better comparison.

[@simonkuhn1685]

Did someone else noticed the wires behind the Mic 4 Input? This kinda freaks me out...

[@randyrektor]

Totally! this is actually pretty common on Neutrik connectors. It can probably handle some splashes, but I wouldn’t take it paddle boarding 😂

[@jakevanbuskirk1706]

I didn’t plan on watching this whole video but that’s what happened next

[@randyrektor]

There are two types of people in this world. People who need to know everything about the Sound Devices MixPre6 II and my mom.

[@ImaginationBlue]

Wouldn't you just buy a hex wrench of that size and keep it with you?

[@randyrektor]

It stores one in the back of the unit :)

[@footycheck]

Like like subbed subbed

[@randyrektor]

Thanks Harry! 🙌🏻🙌🏻