Sound for Video Session: Setting up the Sound Devices MixPre-10T as an Audio Interface
If you're interested in the full Sound Devices MixPre course, you can find it at our school.
The Sound Devices MixPre-10T has the added benefit of balanced XLR outputs which make it more convenient to connect powered monitors/speakers with balanced inputs. On the flip side, the MixPre-10T cannot be powered via USB. My preferred method to power the 10T when using it as an audio interface is to use an AC to hirose adapter (linked below).
TA3-F to XLR-M Adapter Cable
Balanced XLR Cable (if your monitors have balanced XLR inputs)
Balanced XLR to 1/4" TRS Cable (if your monitors have balanced 1/4" inputs)
AC to Hirose adapter to power the MixPre-10T (does not work with MP3 or 6)
ASIO Drivers for Windows (so that you can use all of the MixPre-10T's inputs)
Drivers are NOT needed for MacOS as the MixPres are CoreAudio compatible.
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Sound for Video Session: 2017 Audio Gear Highlights
In this week's sound for video session, I talk through some of the highlights in sound gear for film and video in 2017.
This episode shot/recorded with:
RODELink Filmmaker kit (I did NOT use the included lavalier microphone)
Voice Technologies VT500 Lavalier Microphone
Sound Devices MixPre-10T Audio Recorder/Mixer
Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro Cinema Camera
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 ART Lens
Music licensed from Artlist: Midday Moon by Vikings in Tibet. Artlist provides high quality music tracks for your film and video projects. You can receive two months off an Artlist account by using our link.
Previous Episodes covering the gear in more detail:
Tentacle Sync E:
Ambient Recording NanoLockit:
Zoom F-Control:
Mixing Sound for 2 People:
Sound Devices MixPre-6:
MixPre vs Zoom Series:
Sound Devices MixPre-10T:
5 Shotgun Microphones:
RODE VideoMic Pro+:
Tascam DR-10L:
Izotope RX6:
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
MixPre 10T: My Impressions After 2 Months (Final Review)
Sound Devices added some nice options to the prosumer audio recorder market earlier this year with the introduction of their MixPre-3 and MixPre-6. And now, they’ve added the MixPre-10T which takes the MixPre line legitimately into the professional recorder realm for $1800 USD. After working with the MixPre-10T for a couple of months, these are my impressions and thoughts.
Links to gear discussed and used to record this session:
Sound Devices MixPre-10T Audio Recorder/Mixer
Samsung USB Thumbdrive - This was tested by Sound Devices and I find it works great for the file copy function on the 10T
Sandisk Extreme Pro SD Card I use in my MixPre-10T and 633
Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Boom Microphone
Adapter Cable for Mini XLR outputs (TA3F to XLRM)
AC to Hirose Adapter (useful if you plan to use this as an audio interface)
Sound Devices MixPre Battery Sled for Sony NP-F Style Batteries
NP-1 Style Battery - Higher capacity, often used for powering everything in your sound bag
NP-1 Battery to Hirose Adapter - You'll need this if you use NP-1 batteries
Anton Bauer Digital 90 Battery - I keep this on hand as a backup - its big but can save the day
V-mount IDX 95 Battery (Same as above but with a different mounting mechanism for cameras)
I also created a course on how to get the most from your MixPre recorder:
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Sound Devices: Should I Get the MixPre-10T, 633, 664, or 688?
This is a question some people will ask themselves. And it is a fair question. Gotham Sound was kind enough to put together a nice comparison table to help answer that. Can't wait to get my hands on the MixPre-10T for review.
Sound for Video Session: Sound Devices 633 Setup Basics
In this week's Sound for Video Session we walk through the basics of setting up your Sound Devices 633 for recording.
Links to gear we discussed or used to record this session:
Sound Devices 633 Audio Mixer/Recorder - my main pro-level recorder
Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone - I wanted to record this session with a dynamic microphone because there was a lot of wind outdoors and some gremlins watching TV upstairs. I don’t love the sound of this mic for recordings like this, especially on my voice, but it is a reliable mic and good to have one in the kit.
Panasonic GH5 Camera - This session shot on the GH5
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 Lens - This session shot with this lens
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Sound Devices MixPre-6 Audio Field Recorder Review
Sound Devices has disrupted the sound recording game for enthusiast and semi-pro filmmakers with their new MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 recorders. I pre-ordered the MixPre-6 and have been working with it for about 5 weeks now. This is my in-depth review after having used it on several jobs and projects.
The MixPre-6 or MixPre-3 are also potentially a very good fit for mobile musicians, podcasters, YouTube creators and videographers. Simple workflow if you want that, But many of the advanced features if you prefer that as well.
Supported Cameras (for HDMI timecode and start/stop triggering)
Powering Options for the MixPre-3 and MixPre-6
Approved Media Cards (this list is actually for the 6xx series mixers/recorders, but I've had good luck with the SD cards listed here) I use this SD card.
Links to Gear Discussed and Used to Record This Session:
Anker USB Power Bank with USB-C Output (recommended)
Sound Devices 633 Pro-level Audio Recorder
DPA 4017B Shotgun Microphone - All of the audio in this episode was recorded with this microphone
Sound devices 8 AA Battery Sled
Sound Devices NP-F Battery Sled (to use Sony L-mount batteries)
Panasonic GH5 Camera
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Sound Devices MixPre Sound Samples Comparison (MixPre, 633, Zoom F8)
In this episode, we have three sound samples to give you a sense for how the Sound Devices MixPre-6, Zoom F8, and Sound Devices 633 differ. The difference is not big in terms of timbre or self-noise. Have a listen!
If you’d like to listen to the original WAV audio files from the recorders, you can do that here.
Gear used to record this episode:
Sound Devices MixPre-6 Audio Recorder & Mixer
Zoom F8 Audio Recorder/Mixer
Sound Devices 633 Audio Recorder/Mixer
DPA 4017b Shotgun Microphone (my pro-level outdoor mic)
Sound Devices MixPre-3 The "Little Brother" of the MixPre-6
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Sound for Video Session: Set Up Sound Devices MixPre-3 & MixPre-6
In this week's Sound for Video Session we walk through set up of the Sound Devices MixPre-6 (99% of this also applies also to the MixPre-3).
For details on powering your MixPre-3 or 6, please see the tech notes over at Sound Devices:
Links to Gear Discussed and Used to Record This Session:
Sound Devices MixPre-6 - my new favorite sub $1000 audio recorder/mixer.
Sound Devices MixPre-3 - even smaller with 3 XLR inputs
Sound Devices 633 - my pro level recorder/mixer used to record my voice for this session
Electrovoice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone (this is the mic I used for this session)
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Sound Devices MixPre-6 Audio Recorder/Mixer: Initial Impressions
The Sound Devices MixPre-6 (and MixPre-3) are the newest recorder/mixer series from Sound Devices. These are targeted at enthusiast filmmakers, Vloggers, podcasters, mobile musicians, and even as backup recorders for professional sound mixers.
In this episode I share my initial impressions after having the MixPre-6 for about 48 hours and having used it for a voice-over job.
If I had to sum it all up: Amazing value, great preamps with analogue limiters and low-cut filters, good ergonomics, tough build quality. Does not replace pro-level recorders but a great feature set for the price and a good option for enthusiast filmmakers, video makers, mobile musicians, and podcasters.
Gear used to record this episode (or mentioned):
Sound Devices MixPre-6 Audio Recorder & Mixer
Sound Devices MixPre-3 Audio Recorder & Mixer
DPA 4017b Shotgun Microphone (my pro-level outdoor mic)
Audio Technica AT4053b Microphone (my pro-level indoor mic)
RODE NTG2 Shotgun Microphone (good prosumer outdoor mic)
ElectroVoice RE50L Dynamic Reporter’s Microphone
Panasonic GH5 Camera
Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 Lens (1st Generation)
Lifecharge USB Battery (for powering the MixPre-6)
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Sound Devices MixPre-3 and MixPre-6: A New Standard for Sub $1000 Mixers/Recorders
Sound Devices have just announced a new series of audio recorders/computer interface for filmmaking enthusiasts, podcasters, and YouTubers called the MixPre-3 and MixPre-6. I didn't see this coming and - WOW - on paper they look impressive. They're shaking up the category that has been owned by Zoom for the last couple of years with their F8 and F4 recorders.
What makes the MixPre's unique?
- New Kashmir preamplifier design by Sound Devices - Class A preamps with discrete components rather than off-the-shelf integrated circuit preamps
- Analogue limiters
- Analogue to Digital Converter - new 32-bit design
- Touchscreen LCD Screen
- USB audio interface for computers - Via USB-A and C
- Basic and Advanced menu modes
- Stream audio to computer and record to SD card simultaneously
- Large, ergonomic potentiometers (knobs)
- Several powering options including AA, USB, and Sony NP-F style batteries
- Bluetooth app for iPhone/iPad to control the MixPre wirelessly
- 1/4"-20 tap and screw to mount the recorder under your camera
Fortunately, I have an appointment to meet with the guys at Sound Devices next week at NAB so I'm planning to get a good look at the MixPre's and will have more info for you soon.
Oh, and pricing: The MixPre-3 is priced at $650 USD, the MixPre-6 at $900 USD.
Did Sound devices just kill their 6xx and 7xx series mixers and recorders with these new devices? No, not even close for a lot of reasons we can cover another time. But this is a great option for those who cannot spend $3300 for a high quality mixer/recorder and an audio interface to boot!
My friend Jonathan Morrison, for whom I've done a little bit of audio post work, was lucky enough to get an early look at the MixPre. He's coming from the perspective of a YouTuber and does a nice job outlining the benefits from a mobile creator point of view.
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