Sound Devices MixPre 6 II Testing With Different Microphones!

[@Gallanitte]

I love how excited you get when a sound nugget is captured. Some people plan so much beforehand (all the way to checking plane flights) and try to control so many things that they don’t allow for chance, or don’t welcome it. Being open to surprises and happy accidents is a lot more relaxed and fun.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

That’s true :) I just record what’s around me at that time and date.

[@VOByRobbins]

fantastic video!!! Mix Pre is amazing, I have the 3II and their preamps are just unreal. even something like the cyclists passing by sounds incredible!! a true step up from the F6.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Michael, thank you so much for checking in. It is definitely a great recorder and I'm excited to use it more.

[@gurugamer8632]

How about zoom H6?

[@hireality]

Brilliant. Those passing by bikes at 20:00 sounds fantastically immersive, well done 👍

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ah thank you :) Yeah that was fun.

[@felipeeufrazio1044]

Greatest video about of the MIXP06 , Really help me decide to buy that's incredible recorder.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!!

[@dalemettee1147]

OK Marcel, I'll give you the story of a recordist worst might mare. At one time, I used to record weddings on the weekends. A few extra dollars didn't hurt. So this particular weekend, a wedding on Saturday about 11:00 A.M. So all was going well until the bride and groom had to say their "I do's". a lot of people when very nervous, start to whisper. Well both of them were whispering and here I am trying to capture all this on audio tape. I'm straining to hear with the volume controls all the way up. all of a sudden a fire engine drives by. It's siren starts to sound off. Both VU meters pin out, my headphones come off real fast. Home after everything is put away, I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to save this event. I finally decided to splice another wedding tape into this one to get the correct effect of the bride and groom saying their vowels. no one every suspected my corrections.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ahh I guess you might the one who started the "we fix it in post" line? :) Wow what a story.

[@thevoyagerstory]

thank you for that, loved it, I think it preserves sound better comparing to F6 from what I heard before, once again thank you :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Johnny. I make sure to create a new video with the comparison.

[@thevoyagerstory]

@@FreeToUseSounds I would very much appreciate that as I am about to buy one of these two, thank you and wishing you a wonderful time

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@thevoyagerstory We start filming next week :)

[@AlexanDer2007]

Nice Video! I own the Mixpre 3 II and the Zoom F6. I like both devices, but the Mixpre ist a little bit more...Pro 😎 Beste Grüße aus Deutschland 👍

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Alexander. Ich werde sicherlich alle meine stereo und mono Aufnahmen mit dem MixPre aufnehmen. Ambisonic mit dem F6.

[@AntonPickard]

Wow - this is amazing - I just bought a Zoom F6 after debating forever about getting a SD MixPre6 - so I'm looking forward to your objective and unbiased assessment of the 2 recorders. Love the work you do - thanks so much.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Anton, thank you so much and yes I will do an honest review but I can already tell you is that the F6 has already the ambisonic function. For the MixPre you need to pay $50 more and it only allows you to record in 24 bit. It is still possible to record the raw A format with the MixPre but it needs to be converted. Also if it comes to power options, the F6 is the winner. I can't use my Watson Battery without paying another $160 for the adapter. This is just too much in my opinion. The F6 has that also included.

[@felipeeufrazio1044]

@@FreeToUseSounds so how to do record in 32 bits floating? Would I need to buy a plugin?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@felipeeufrazio1044 Oh no this is for the Ambisonic Plugin.. 32 bit is working.

[@felipeeufrazio1044]

@@FreeToUseSounds I see, thanks for the update

[@Ed-davies]

Oh man this was a wonderfil video. Mixpre6 aside (i am an owner) the sounds were amazing, i really really want to get the Mkh8040’s the abience of the cows and bugs was amazing! Cant wait to see you’re thoughts on the bags, i have an Orca bag but the larger one and im looking at getting a more compact one in addition. Keep up the great work, loving your content recently :-)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Edward. That means a lot and yes the MKH 8040 are brilliant microphones and I'm very interested in the omnis too. Maybe someday down the road. Yeah I already have the Ktek bag here and I make a video about them in the upcoming week.

[@AllenCavedo]

I subscribed today. Very nice video productions you are making. I’m a production sound mixer but like most of us I have always had a interest in field recording. I like how you buy first rate gear so you can grow into it as you learn more about using it all. I have a MixPre-6 II and a BP4025, BP4029, 8050, and 8040 mics for field use. I really enjoy how you mix the tracks in the videos, sounds like I am there listening with you .

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Allen! Thank you so much for stopping by and also subscribing. We love to create videos that way to get a feel for the microphones. Tomorrow we have a new real world test video coming up about the Tascam X8. So come along with us around Bangkok :)

[@AllenCavedo]

@@FreeToUseSounds Thx. I have a Tascam DR-100 mkIII that serves me well as a hand held but I also have a X8 on order with B&H and that is how I found your channel.

[@andrewgreening3202]

Fantastic video as always. You’re like the Avantgarde Vegan of field recording (if you’ve ever seen his videos)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ha Ha Ha oh yes we know him (not personally). We bought his cook book and gave it to our friend Tomislav from Bedroom Producer Blog for his birthday. Now that you say that, I will ask him if he ever made any dish from the book. :)

[@andrewj10]

Great timing...I'm currently looking to upgrading from my Zoom H4N Pro to a Sound Devices MixPre 3 or 6.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ah nice! We hope you enjoy the video then :)

[@СергейЖарков-т6к]

Why not zoom f6?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@СергейЖарков-т6к I have the F6

[@СергейЖарков-т6к]

@@FreeToUseSounds why do you use MixPre 6 if you have zoom f6? It's the same thing, isn't it?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@СергейЖарков-т6к I use both with different microphones. Are you a beginner looking for a recorder?

[@dag221]

Wow a video covering Sound Device recorders ( I have a MP3 II), Colorado ( lived in Boulder briefly), cycling ( why I went to Boulder) and trains ( what I record a lot of). I've never used a 'real' audio recorder before so I have nothing to compare it to but I love my Mix-Pre 3. Great video and can't wait to see the followup videos.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much!! Yeah Boulder is a cool place for sure.

[@sidvicious3129]

So here is my question for you, I’m in the market now, moving up from the Zoom H6 and I’m looking at the Zooom F6, Tascam Portacapture x6 and this Sound Devices model, which one should I choose and why? I’m doing videography. I think I saw you with the Tascam last time. Thanks in advance.

[@1MinWarEpic]

I was wondering what camera did you use to shoot your videos? Great job!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ohh I think we filmed this on the A7iii.

[@thomaskerrigan3244]

Gosh I wished we got to listen to the geophone on the outside of the track as the train passed by. Although it would technically have been trespassing it would have sounded awesome! But great video as always!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Thomas, Oh yeah, this is the nearest I would go to a railroad track. Also, the Geofon would not be the best choice to attach to the train tracks. It's more for sensitive sounds, but now I realize I should have used the pick to stick it in the ground. I will go back and record this sound again in Ambisonic and do it then. Thanks for the reminder.

[@Neuron8000]

i love my Mixpre 6II with 8040 ortf

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Dream team!

[@Neuron8000]

@@FreeToUseSounds please,i want videos with ms recordings,i want buy Sennheiser MKH 30 for ms with 8040,salut!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@Neuron8000 that’s sounds like a great set. Let me see what I can do in the future.

[@Gallanitte]

This is very interesting as I am shopping for a recorder. I feel that Zooms are a lot more affordable and easy to find, but I am curious about the noise floor. That the sound devices is able to crank the gain so high and hear not noise at all is impressive. I would be curious to see a comparison at the same gain, especially for the noise.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I make a video and do exactly this :)

[@AllenCavedo]

In field recording it is virtually impossible for recorder self noise to be heard above the ambient sound.

[@craig4297]

From the manufacturer specs the Equivalent Input Noise is -128 dBu for the Mix Pre 6ii vs -127 dBu for the Zoom F6. Interesting, Tascam does not provide this data for the X8, and customer service cannot locate it either. I expect it’s also very good from the reviewer comments so far about low noise from the XLR inputs. If anyone has found the Equivalent Input Noise spec for the Tascam X8, please share it with us.

[@qwiklok]

I've done a lot of research by professionals who make a living in thus. They have unanimously chosen Mixpre 6 or 10. Zoom didn't make it. Tascam was inexpensive but roo many flags. The others were also rans. Pros know,what they need and are fussy. I trust them.

[@totoroutes5389]

👍🏼 In your next video in nature using the MixPre + mic-pair, could you include the Cloud-lifter (or a similar booster)? And also, compare the sensitivity and noise floor of its auto-limited 32bit float to the noise floor of manual 24bit? - In a similar nature environment as in this video insects and herbivores chewing, no moving water and in still-air.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I will look into it.

[@YahirVergara]

Can you share how you have the rode wireless lavs connected? They sound really really good. I think it’s the best I’ve heard in all of KZbin. Thanks!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Sure, we use a lav and a transmitter. This one connects directly to the transmitter that’s connected to the camera on the hot shoe.

[@YahirVergara]

Hi! Sorry, I should of reworded my question. I was wondering if you were going directly into the camera, or using it with an external recorder. To which you answered directly to camera. Thank you very much. I’m a big fan of the work you both do! I’m a sound engineer so I truly appreciate what you do!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@YahirVergara Thank you so much! We are out right now recording and filming a new video :)

[@alan.macrae]

Have you tried the Geophone on the train rails?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I did that but I won't do it again. Its too sensitive. Further away into the ground is perfect.

[@kengoodwin459]

Did you look at the Ktek waist strap? I use the full harness but the Ktek waist strap might be perfect for you!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Ken, Oh yes Tino showed it to me but It still looks too bulky for me. I wish it could be similar to the F6 bag. Edit: I do have to say these are great for working as a sound mixer but for field recording only ,maybe there is something better coming up in the future.

[@GiancarloBiondi]

Hi Marcel. Great video as usual. I would like to have the Sound Devices too, they speak very well about it. Without using suspension systems with Audio Technica to record the passage of the train, did you have any problems with the vibrations produced on the ground by the train? I await your direct comparison between the Zoom F6 and the Sound Devices MixPre 6 II

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Giancarlo. Did you hear any vibrations? :) This is the original and unprocessed audio. The only suspension rig that could work is from Rycote and cost over $600. Or the Cinela but that another $1000. I don't want to spend that much money for this mic.

[@GiancarloBiondi]

@@FreeToUseSounds I don't seem to have heard them. I agree with you anyway

[@elineev]

Such a fan of your channel! :) i was just wondering… is see you often use the zoom f6 when you have this baby lying around. Is there a reason for that? I’m deciding between the two… thanks so much! Keep up the amazing work. Grt from the netherlands :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Eline! Oh yes, with the Sound Devices I record with the DMS kit but whenever I do VR, I use the F6 because it does 32 bit and comes with the plugin.

[@elineev]

@@FreeToUseSounds thanks so much for you quick reply :)

[@edjefferson9175]

Too late! They are hard to find now. Got mine just in time..

[@pasquir]

Fantástico, me ha encantado.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Antonio! :)

[@totoroutes5389]

🌞 Is there a Cinela(or similar) that can fit a jecklindisc inside it that is large enough to prevent cross-recording when the cinela is holding a pair of mics ?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

You should refer this question to Philippe itself. The founder of Cinela. He can give you the answer you're looking for.

[@riverwalktalesofterror8045]

Who here has an opinion on the absolute best sounding recorder. Whether in production or not in production? I was planning to get a cantar X3 but the company decided to close its doors permanently. Price is not a factor whether in production or not I need the absolute best sounding field recorder

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ohhh you want to look into Sonosax! Or Sound Devices top tier model. However, I saw in one of the post production groups on Facebook that somebody sells the cantar X3. Want me to look if its still available?

[@dalemettee1147]

Currently Marcel, I'm the sound guy at the local senior center. They have a small drama group, not only do I work the PA system for them but I also do the sound effects. I've always wanted to control the ringing of a telephone. In the US, the current is 120 volts @ 60 Hz. The ringer circuit uses 90 volts @ 20 Hz. Now you can ring a phone with a small box that is solid state and delivers that specific current. $100.00 that's all. I can ring two phones at once. You and Lilly have a great day and a great weekend. BTW, when traveling, do you have any trouble getting flights to where you want to go what with all of the virus going on?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

You mean Libby :)..No trouble at all. We follow all rules and travel only to the countries that allow tourism.

[@dalemettee1147]

@@FreeToUseSounds Sorry, I meant Libby. Just think of all the countries you could go to if there weren't any restrictions.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@dalemettee1147 Thats okay! We are already 7 years on the road. We have time :)

[@OdjoAdja]

maybe to get optimum sound, placing geophone 15:00 would be good in vertical/standup position since it need the gravitation involvement a bit different with contact microphone..

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes thats a goof idea for sure.

[@vividmotion66]

Thanks. Do you use 32bit float? If so how did you set your gain in all these different situations. Did you use the knobs at the front at all? Whats there function as you set gain on the right side!?

[@meck10101]

How do you power your MixPre?

[@marekhorvath3148]

The F6 has new update firmware 1.70 and now the same sound quality as the mixpre 6 II.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I will check

[@regancarver]

I'm really enjoying your videos and I'm thinking about buying the MixPre 6 II as well. Just wondering whether I can use the stereo out as a second headphone output in addition to out for speakers?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hmm I don't have speakers here to try but couldn't you not just use a headphone splitter?

[@haaake]

Great video! Would it be possible to use the Geofon on something really loud like a car engine or other loud mechanical devices? Or is it too sensitive for something that loud?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Andrew. I wouldn't do that. You probably destroy it because this is not what its made for. But you should ask Jonas from LOM just to be 100 percent sure.

[@davidhellegouarch1622]

I particularly love this video because you bring us with you and it's so pleasant. So thank you for sharing this content. Can you got similar results using Lom Usi Pro's instead of MKH's or the BP4025 just changing the position of the Usi Pro's (to switch between X/Y and ORTF) ? Do you think that's an interesting cheaper option ?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you David. Thank you so much for watching. That won’t work with USI Pros because in order to create an ORTF or XY stereo image it all depends on the microphone patterns of the microphone. USI Pro are omnidirectional meaning “all”. You record all sides. The MKH for example are cardioid meaning you record in a certain angle. It’s very important to understand that because that way you know what microphones you need for certain microphone positions.

[@davidhellegouarch1622]

@@FreeToUseSounds OK thank you, I didn't pay attention to this! Do you think that the Lewitt LCT040 can give decent results instead ? Is 20dB of self noise too loud?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@davidhellegouarch1622 I think these are the microphones that Cameron from Venus Theory is using. They are good microphones and if you are just starting out, don't bother self noise or anything. But also keep in mind that you need wind protection, probably an AB spacer, and a tripod or Nanopole and of course two XLR cables. Do you have that?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Search for Lewitt LCT 040 Match Stereo Pair Bundle on Amazon. You can find something but the issue is you can't change the space of the AB bar. I would recommend the Rode bar or the Rycote In Vision. Rycote has small "baseball" wind protection for this diameter.

[@davidhellegouarch1622]

@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you for all your advices, I really appreciate. I still need to buy all this stuff but I was aware of. I already have a H1n, do you think that with a F6, and a pair of LCT 040, the sound will be more detailed and clean ? For this kind of setup, which cable lengt do you suggest ?

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

What kind of cable is that at 6:14 which you said is the best cable with better sound ? Can it be used with most other microphones ?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thats a customized cable. 5 pin to 2x 3 pin XLR

[@christiannikodemus]

20:08 Hahahaha after they pass

[@FreeToUseSounds]

:)

[@ganeshg6625]

How to edit voice like movie dialogue pls

[@FreeToUseSounds]

A question that has nothing to do with this video.

[@jkingwhistler]

I love using my Mixpre-3 II. I agree with your initial thoughts on it. Something remarkable about how immersive it sounds and the headroom you seem to have with it. I hear Sound Devices are using some kind of Unicorn technology in their preamps ;)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ha Ha Ha :) I think thats what it is :)

[@jeanmarcsabatier7917]

Bonjour le manuel de l'enregistreur excite t'il en français ?

[@dneproak]

Hi, which camera was used to shoot this video? It looks great. All around - super-well-done! Video+sound+post. Thank you!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much! Ah for this video we used the Sony A7iii. We did sell the camera and bought the A7iv but if you can get a good deal on this one, go for it.

[@swbarnettjr]

Thank you, this video is Stella! And, I have to know the camera that was used while you were in Red Rocks amphitheater?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you! Oh I think that was the A7iii.

[@VictorMichaud]

Hi ! Good video ! Would you recommand this recorder over the Zoom F6 ? Is the preamps better on the MixPre ? Thank you !

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Victor, This really depends what you're looking for. If price is important to you, the F6 is cheaper and has more to offer. No extra payment for plugins and battery adapter. You also have more plugins. Navigating through the menu is slightly more difficult on the MixPre. But thats all about learning curve. If you only want to use it for field recording plus ambisonic sounds, the F6 is perfect. If you need it for work go with the MixPre. Another factor you should look into is weight. The F6 with the Ktek bag is much lighter. The MixPre with the Ktek or Orca bag is heavier.

[@VictorMichaud]

@@FreeToUseSounds thank you !

[@СергейЖарков-т6к]

@@FreeToUseSounds what do you mean " if you need it for work"? Do you think that zoom h6 I can't use for work?

[@nixoncontreras8744]

I just got My NTG5, i hope everything goes right with it, no trouble yet. ¡great video! that sound devices looks dope.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Nice!!

[@forewarnedfilm]

Look forward to the Mix Pre / Zoom F6 comparison. I notice you’re using Audio Technica headphones now - how do they compare to the Sony pair you had?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes I have them since Croatia. I just couldn't stand the spiral cable of the Sony anymore. From the sound they are good but its also the cheaper 30x model. For the Camino I have a new in ear pair from Audio Technica.

[@SaccoBelmonte]

That device looks extremely high fidelity.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Yeah you can say that.

[@VulcanworxSG]

Mixpre 6II rocks! Glad u got this!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!

[@florianschartner2030]

MixPre 6 II or F6 or Tascam x8 or even zoom h8n pro? Marcel what's your, hands down, go-to recorder you'd take on a desert island?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Can I bring microphones, cables, headphone, wind protection too?

[@florianschartner2030]

@@FreeToUseSounds Nur weil du es bist! Of course you can

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@florianschartner2030 Dann F6 :)

[@florianschartner2030]

@@FreeToUseSounds Dann vielen lieben Dank! Und vielen Dank fuer die super Videos! Big big fan!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@florianschartner2030 Thank you! We have a new video coming up in just a few hours :)

[@JaCeeMusic]

you two are soooo good at this! whatta life! keep going!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you :)

[@qwiklok]

I have the Audio Technica 4025 stereo microphone. What this thing picks up is astonishing. I can hear crickets a half mile away, sounds I never heard before are there. The stereo separation and wide field is like 3D sound, unbelievable Try it, your ears will have an organic experience, and coupled with Mixpre 6, this is an unbeatable combination. BTW, that train will sound like it is on top of you. You ain't heard nuttin yet.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes it’s awesome. I have that microphone and we already made a video about it. Are you using a blimp?

[@qwiklok]

@@FreeToUseSounds cool, I'll have to listen to it. I actually have several Sennheiser blimps. but a,fuzzy is more convenient. all depends on wind strength, no? When I got the mic, I could hardly believe my ears, like bionic almost. For background, wide field it is without peer so far. Almost too much, but I love it.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@qwiklok Oh! I did not know Sennheiser made blimps? I will research that.

[@qwiklok]

@@FreeToUseSounds I got these through a want-ad in the paper 10 years ago. it looks identical to a Rode on Amazon.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@qwiklok oh wow!

[@tiagocamposcamarabarros8792]

awesome video

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much!

[@nathansindelar2868]

Love your channel! Have you posted a video yet explaining how you insure your equipment on the road? Do you just have basic floaters insurance? Thanks! And keep up the wonderful work!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh no because we don't have an insurance that covers that. Yeah a standard one that maybe covers up to 5000 for both of us but thats about it. In the last 6 years of traveling I only lost a couple things in Cyprus but thats it.

[@larserikertzgaardringen7426]

So. How do you like it, compared to the Zoom F6? Which will be your daily driver?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Stereo mono, dms Sound Devices, Ambisonic Zoom F6 :)

[@rendermanpro]

$970 and $650 is not very fair comparison.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

What am I comparing too?

[@rendermanpro]

@@FreeToUseSounds F6

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@rendermanpro I didn’t do a comparison and of course you can compare an F6 with a MixPre6 since there are in the same class of recording devices.

[@mikoajjaneczek]

hi I just place an order for H8, and will start my recording adventure. Hope H8 will do not f6

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thats awesome. Its a great recorder and I have the H8 as well.