Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I expect this so much, but I have a little disappointed. I found out this mic preamp's performance is almost same to DR-680(unmodded). I did several comparison with dr-680 and dr-40. But limiter performance I like. It does not give LINE OUT level control, and not give stereo output level control. SD only sale expensive cables and connectors. This product is too expensive compared with it's performance. But I admit this is an interesting toy, and I will use this in my film production. I believe if you use high quality and high output mic (eg. mkh-60, mkh-50) with dr-100 mkII will win this product plus mid-range mic.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

Use this as a preamp/mixer for an AT shotgun, this preamp far exceeds the one I was previously using built into the Tascam DR-40, I now use this MixPre in line before the Tascam and send line level audio out to it.

The case is well built, durable, I love that phantom voltage is selectable and changeable.

Great product!

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

As a young person preparing to get into the sound game as well as working on my own video productions I needed a cheap but quality mixer, Sound Devices has delivered. This thing is simple, rugged, and works like a charm every time. Preamps are silent! I was on a 6 shoot on a WWI trench movie in rural Michigan, it was incredibly cold and the shoot days were 12 hours minimum. The MixPre never failed once, even in extreme temperatures.The faders are little looser than I think they should be, so be gentle. The headphone input is in a strange spot and the batteries are real pain to change well in an audio bag, so consider an external power solution. The build quality is outstanding and the LEDs are super bright. Although the features are limited, everything on this device was incredibly well done. Sound Devices obviously put a lot of thought into each feature.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I use this preamp to record live music. I was a fan of the old MixPre and got this one for the digital output, better meters, and ability to link the inputs so you only have to adjust one pot. The ability to run this with only 2 AA batteries is a huge plus for mobility and a compact rig. I hear this will work with a Marantz PMD661 with an AES > spdif adapter cable which I am eager to try.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

Excellent quality, great performance, battery may drain too fast some times. Many functions makes it a professional tool.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

My audio appetite's undiminished after more than four decades of live or "as live" mixing and recording worldwide, so (like most who work in sound) I do enjoy being well-fed.

Now, when it comes to the "main course", THIS little bash-resistant box costs about the same as a high quality stereo mic pre-amp or analog to AES converter.

The MixPre-D includes both of those ...and outperforms many highly fancied "audiophile" units, most of which will only work from mains power.

Sound Devices then serve up a whole feast of "side dishes", at no extra charge...

1) A pair of truly universal inputs that are instantly configurable (for dual mono, or gain and "width" mid/side, or gain and pan stereo) and controlled via silky rotary faders. They're also individually routable to left, right or centre with the option of individual 80Hz or 160Hz "rumble" filters insertable before any amplification takes place,

2) A level-adjustable stereo "return" input that can not only be used for "confidence" monitoring, but can also be re-tasked as a stereo source mixed under or over those being controlled on its front panel,

3) The ability to accept external DC powering, with a voltage range wide enough to run directly from a standard automotive "cigarette lighter" fused plug as well as from an external mains adapter,

4) Metering that's brilliant in every sense of that word,

5) Switchgear that, although compact, seems genuinely "industrial strength" and

6) Really well researched graphical display and ergonomics, from the standard tripod thread socket on its underside, to the placement of every slot, switch, control and button.

In summary, the MixPre-D delivers heavyweight performance while being a truly "low fat" delight for the audio gourmet.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

don't waste your time with other brands or equipment. if you arrived to this page, this is what you want.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

don't waste your time with other products. remember to buy a 20db attenuator if you plug in a h4n.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I love the mixpre. I've worked with the SD 302 mixer and 744T recorder as well, but needed something smaller and lighter for a few projects. It's easy to use after you familiarize yourself with the weird button combo shortcuts. Luckily they are printed on the bottom of the mixer. Clean recordings, versatile and lightweight.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I bought this mixer to improve the on camera audio with my Canon 60D. Though the Canon 60D added manual audio to their DSLR video lineup, there is no visual metering, which means you have to set the level according to some reference and hope you don't get any louder than you anticipate. Additionally, going directly into the camera with a mic relies on some shoddy in camera signal boosting.

The mixpre-d, with the xl-cam mount (sold separately), mounts directly under my 60D, provides very easy to see metering, a limiter for those unanticipated change in levels, and goes directly into the camera in of the 60D (with the xl-3 accessory) eliminating the need to sync audio later. The high quality preamps allow your mics to shine, and if you prefer to record to a laptop or iPad (with camera kit for usb connection) it can do that too. My only complaint is that as an audio interface for a laptop it's functionality is not great. (The Sound Devices USBPre2 is much better.) I would love for it to have optional on board SD card or CF card recording, but it would be treading on the territory of Sound Devices products twice as expensive then.

All in all a great buy for DSLR users!

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I chose the MixPre-D after a lot of research and consideration. I was initially intrigued by the approach of recording to an external device because of the possibility of multi-channel recording. It's very easy to quickly get to 3 or more inputs (two people with mics plus ambient), but I finally determined that external audio recorders add significant complexity both in actual use and in post for only modest gains and a lot of pain for one-person operation (more devices with external recorders; you have to manually match up the sound files with the video in post or embed an SMPTE signal in one of the sound tracks for cameras and recorders that can't slave to external sources; SMPTE equipment is great but expensive). External recorders also tend to be subpar as mixers, and less expensive units (like the Zoom H4N and Tascam DR-40) have push-button controls instead of per-channel rotary knobs, plus a number of user complaints about their quality and usability.

Given all those constraints, I finally realized that 2 channels was enough for DSLR shots, and that having the camera record the sound along with the video was the most realistic solution when one person is operating the equipment.

Enter the MixPre-D. The gain controls are dead simple and are much easier to use than products that require that you fumble with push buttons. The form factor is perfect for a DSLR and the mixer has an output designed specifically for DSLRs (separate cable required). The slate feature allows you to fix your camera's audio input levels to the optimal level (you did turn off AGC, right?), and the built-in input limiters are great for unexpected spikes on the input side. I especially like the ability to map each of the 2 mic inputs separately to each of the output channels (left, right, or both), and the variety of outputs (two different types of digital plus various analog output options)--all in a small form factor. The ability to connect the MixPre-D to a computer via USB makes the mixer even more flexible, and the MixPre-D actually has 2 additional input channels, although they are line-level only, for a total of 4 possible input channels (no dedicated input knobs for channels 3/4, but they are adjustable).

Sound Devices has a reputation for building quality gear, and details that are both thoughtful and practical abound: the battery compartment is sealed against battery leaks; the internal-off-external power selector switch continues supplying power for several seconds as you switch through the "off" position so that you don't have any interruption in your sound; and the power light starts flashing well in advance as the internal batteries start to reach their end, giving you plenty of advance notice. Best of all, it's powered by just two AA batteries (or an external power source via a cable that is sold separately).

The only thing lacking to make this absolutely perfect has nothing to do with Sound Devices: DSLR manufacturers need to get their act together and start including multi-channel digital audio inputs (S/PDIF, anyone?). The camera mount bracket also seems extraordinarily expensive and it's pretty much required if you're going to attach the MixPre-D to the bottom of your camera, but it works as expected.

This is a high-quality, solid piece of equipment that I expect will last for years. It's the perfect front end to a DSLR.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

First of all it's to little and lightweight that I feel like I'm not wearing any rig at all. It's got everything I need for a simple shoot where I only need a boom or to do interviews with. I do wish it had the ability to record and I'd be all set. One negative I've noticed is when running off internal batteries it only last about 2-3 hours. And I'm using lithium AAs. Other than that no other negatives. Nice machine!

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

This is a very nice box that does everything it promises to do. The mic pres are quiet. The transformer inputs work fine with an Earthworks M30. (There has been some concern about this on Internet forums.) On 12V power it uses 80mA at idle, no phantom, 120mA w/ 1 Earthworks M30, and 105 mA with 2 Shure SM-81s. The AES-3 output does not appear to be compatible with some S/PDIF inputs at fs > 44.1 kHz, specifically Tascam DR-100mkII, in my case. Not the fault of this box, I think, but a heads-up for those anticipating such use.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I do not want to use a "dual audio system", so this is the best solution for bringing pro audio into a DSLR. I am using a Nikon D7000, waiting for my D4. Works as advertised, clean preamp, built like a tank! Typical high quality Sound Device product.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

Sony EX1 & Canon 5D MK II are my two cameras. I'm a one man shooter and I was never happy with my audio until I got the MixPre-D. I like it so much that don't shot anything without it.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

This thing is expensive, but if you're capturing high-end audio into a dSLR camera, it's far better than using an external recorder and makes your external mic really shine.

I'm just starting out with hifi audio, but the external recorder option left me with much to be desired. The MixPre-D is easy to use and cranks out clean pre-amp power to my Sennheiser 416. It's got built-in adjustable limiters that are very useful when working outside of a controlled environment. The built-in tone oscillator tells you exactly where to set your in-camera mic level before recording- an imperative feature for determining sound level in camera. Incredibly bright LED interface that you could literally use to light your way at night, or it's adjustable to lower intensity.

Coupled with the TA-3 cord, it plugs right into the camera's mic-level input. XLR's are adjustable for Phantom power or not, and for mic or line level out depending on your recorder. The linked audio switch takes your mono single channel and puts it on both channels for output, which saves time in post.

I still haven't figured out the best mounting for it on my rig. Under camera mount is nice but gets in the way of my follow focus. Time to get creative!

Overall, excellent product. Does what it says.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I am using this unit with a Canon 5DMII and a T3i for local commercial production, interviews and documentary video. I had previously used a wireless lav, which was ok for one person, but now I can mike one person with the lav and use a shotgun on a boom for a group or for ambient sound. Mounting the unit under the camera makes a convenient and professional looking rig. Expensive, but well worth the price.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

If you're a minimalist and like to travel light, this is the unit for you. Sound Devices built upon their successful predecessor the Mixpre, and added A/D converters for digital recording up to 96K, a TA3 to 1/8" stereo mic level output for DSLR enthusiasts needing top notch audio - and other enhancements to make this unit a no-brainer.

As with all Sound Devices equipment, the specs will most likely exceed that of your ears. You will be thrilled with this unit's performance long after you forgot what you had to pay for it. You'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

Got this to use on some simple doc shoots. The interface is simple to understand, once you learn a couple button sequences. It's compact but powerful. The sound is awesome. Would recommend to someone doing small shoots.

Comments about Sound Devices MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer:

I can't believe how quiet the mic pre's are on this mixer. Navigating through the various options is easier than expected. It will make all your mics sound better: our sound operator was sure I'd also upgraded our inexpensive Azden shotgun mic. Fits nicely in our Petrol Deca Mixer bag. Pricey but completely worth it when you hear it.