Sound for Video Session: Sound Devices MixPre Setup & Q&A

[@RolandDobbins]

I just subscribed. You’re the type of subject-matter expert KZbin should emphasize, & I’m grateful for the time & effort you invest in sharing your knowledge & experience.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks @RolandDobbins.

[@alvaromorello]

Thanks for answering my question Curtis and Co.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@onsiterecording]

Hi Curtis. Zach Schwartz here. You're so right, as usual. My Zoom H6 is a recorder and not at all a real mixer. I don't own a MixPre (yet) but I think of it as primarily a mixer and no less importantly also a recorder. So I like to call the MixPre a Field Mixer/Recorder.

[@curtisjudd]

Spot on, friend. 👍

[@konradins]

thanks for the video! such a great resource of useful information! i just got myself a uses Mixpre 6-II after having used a Mixpre-10 on some occasions. But I ran into the following problem and wondered, whether someone has a solution to that: I prefer having my knobs as gain-trim rather than fade. (I basically work on a lot of "run-and-gun"-documentary stuff and in post-production I just work with the individual ISO tracks and not the L/R-mix. So thats why I operate the Mixpre in custom mode. BUT: then the limiters are not available - as they are only available in advanced mode. So my question would be: is there are way to both have the knobs as gain-trim AND make use of the limiters? Would be very happy, if anyone here has any thoughts on that. Best, K

[@juliusherth]

Hello Curtis, thank you for the amazing content. I just got a mixpre 3 ii and i am courious what battery life i would get with the dual np-f adapter and 2x np-f550 batteries while recording with 2xSM7B.

[@curtisjudd]

This is a guess, but probably 4 or 5 hours.

[@valentinacamachodominguez8977]

Hi Curtis. I love your Channel. I have a big question, hope you can answer asap. I had set my MixPre3 in Custom Mode, with Channel in Advanced, Gain Basic and Record Advanced. I follow everything you say to record in ISO, but my channels still record in my SD card all together in one file, i don't know what to so, hope you can help me.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

They will still be in the same, single file but on separate tracks. Then you use your post app to split the tracks as you please.

[@haroldmorganTulsa]

Hi. Thanks for this walkthrough. I recently burned myself by not knowing the limitation of Basic mode. For MixPre 6 II, setup, I have an Anker battery plugged into my USB port and Lithium batteries in my bank. I have recorded 24 hours with this setup without a problem. One question: When I power up the MixPre, it defaults to the Lithium, not the Anker. If I then plug in the Anker after power up, I get the choice to use it or the Lithium. Is there a default setting to make it use one or the other on power-up? Thanks for all you do.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

I'm not aware of a way to tell the MixPre the battery priority, though it was my understanding that external battery is the first priority. You'll want to contact Sound Devices support to confirm.

[@haroldmorganTulsa]

Hello again. Thank you for answering my previous question. I am still learning and am very frustrated at the moment. Can you explain this for me - I did some test recordings on channels 1, 2 and 3. When I go to playback, I see my mix channel (L+R) was not armed, apparently. I see the VU meters moving on tracks 1 2 and 3, so I know I have audio recorded, but can't hear it. I copy the file to Resolve Fairlight and see only the 2 blank stereo channels. I haven't found a way to listen to the other channels. Can you tell me what I did wrong and how can I listen to tracks 1, 2 and 3? I don't know where else to turn and would sincerely appreciate your input. Thanks. I'll buy you a coffee.

[@curtisjudd]

I'd have to see the file you recorded, but it sounds like the MixPre is in basic mode and the faders for channels 1, 2, & 3 were set all the way down. Just a guess. But I'd start by going to advanced mode. Then set the gain for each channel. Make sure each channel is armed. Then record again and check the file in Resolve.

[@ToddWhirley]

I’m curious how much run time you get using the NP battery sled you held up with those two batteries? On a MixPre 6 with 4 mics using phantom? As always, thanks for your content, Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Todd, I don't have the 6 any longer, but with the 3 and one mic with phantom power, I get around 3 or 4 hours-ish, if I remember correctly.

[@michaelj.4187]

sending love and peace to everyone...

[@curtisjudd]

♥

[@landrygideon4251]

Trying to find answers for a mixpre3 mk2. My ISOs are all panned center but the recorded files are coming out with input 1 and 2 only in the left ear left and input three panned right. Any ideas.

[@curtisjudd]

On a computer or via the headphones when playing back from the MixPre?

[@landrygideon4251]

Discovered the issue. If only recording two ISO tracks the computer interprets it as a stereo file and makes them left and right. The solution is to arm the third iso track or record the stereo mix.@@curtisjudd

[@curtisjudd]

@@landrygideon4251 Thanks for the update and glad you figured it out!

[@klausjunk9062]

i did not attend the livestream, therfore my late advive to AI M. i would go for blackmagic pocket cameras with walimex lenses. This will be affordable with great quality.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@alvaromorello]

Thanks for the tip Klause!

[@smallbrownfox594]

Hawk Woods make a hirose sled for the mix pre 3. A lifesaver using D-Tap battery.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

❤️

[@timothyflick2551]

Is there a way to setup a mute or cough button for the MixPre?

[@curtisjudd]

There is a channel mute button in each channel - not perfect, but might work for your workflow?

[@KlausKusserow-ClassicalGuitar]

05:20 mobile Audio Inteface