Sound Devices MixPre-6 II One Year Later

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  • Опубліковано 3 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 102

  • @randyrektor
    @randyrektor  3 роки тому +2

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

    • @silversulu
      @silversulu 3 роки тому

      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
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      @@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
      @pitspeedtv 2 роки тому

      @@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
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

      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 UA-cams 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
      @pitspeedtv 2 роки тому +1

      @@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
    @hypnosecoachinghombach7517 2 роки тому +5

    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
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

      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

  • @totoroutes5389
    @totoroutes5389 8 місяців тому +2

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  8 місяців тому +1

      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!

  • @petersundkvist5374
    @petersundkvist5374 3 роки тому +2

    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
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому +1

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

  • @musar03580
    @musar03580 7 місяців тому

    (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.

  • @cuisined
    @cuisined 2 роки тому +1

    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
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

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

  • @ohio_dino
    @ohio_dino 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @rrwenzel
    @rrwenzel 2 роки тому +2

    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
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +2

      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

  • @changkeuncho8571
    @changkeuncho8571 3 роки тому

    It was helpful. Watching from South Korea

  • @ianpreece6391
    @ianpreece6391 Рік тому +1

    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
      @randyrektor  Рік тому +1

      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?

  • @ethnicalbert
    @ethnicalbert 2 роки тому +2

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

      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
      @ethnicalbert 2 роки тому +1

      ​@@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
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

      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!

  • @DerekLamoureux
    @DerekLamoureux 3 роки тому

    great video bud! also congrats on hitting 1000!

  • @mikenowacki9729
    @mikenowacki9729 2 роки тому +1

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

      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!

  • @LifeSurfingDude
    @LifeSurfingDude 3 роки тому +1

    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
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      Thanks for watching. Hope it was helpful :)

    • @redslate
      @redslate 2 роки тому +1

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

    • @donaldspaulding6973
      @donaldspaulding6973 11 місяців тому +1

      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
      @ahfimiwonawun 3 години тому

      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?

  • @852foodie
    @852foodie 2 роки тому +1

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

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

  • @DarkPa1adin
    @DarkPa1adin 2 роки тому

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

  • @neilmusician1143
    @neilmusician1143 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому +1

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

  • @dragonstone6594
    @dragonstone6594 Рік тому

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

  • @gurugamer8632
    @gurugamer8632 3 роки тому

    When was this model released?

  • @chiribimchiribim
    @chiribimchiribim 3 роки тому +1

    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
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому +2

      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!

  • @ahfimiwonawun
    @ahfimiwonawun 2 роки тому +1

    How do you record in mono on it?

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому

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

  • @Southdakotaphoto
    @Southdakotaphoto 5 місяців тому

    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
      @randyrektor  5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @gurugamer8632
    @gurugamer8632 Рік тому

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

  • @qiancharles
    @qiancharles 2 роки тому

    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
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому

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

  • @itachi__
    @itachi__ Рік тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  Рік тому +1

      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__
      @itachi__ Рік тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching :)

  • @baileypelkman
    @baileypelkman 3 роки тому +1

    Those B roll shots though 🔥🔥🔥

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      Thanks for letting me blackout the living room.

    • @wcsdiaries
      @wcsdiaries 3 роки тому +1

      @@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
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому +1

      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
      @wcsdiaries 3 роки тому +1

      @@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
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому +1

      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

  • @ianpreece6391
    @ianpreece6391 Рік тому

    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
      @randyrektor  Рік тому +1

      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
      @ianpreece6391 Рік тому

      @@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
      @randyrektor  Рік тому +1

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

    • @ianpreece6391
      @ianpreece6391 Рік тому

      @@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
      @randyrektor  Рік тому

      @@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
    @EmisiuneaLumina 3 роки тому

    Very helpful video, thank you!

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      Thank you! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

  • @MP_Soundbox
    @MP_Soundbox 2 роки тому

    Great vid, thanks!

  • @mathieumorel448
    @mathieumorel448 2 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому +1

      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
      @mathieumorel448 2 роки тому

      @@randyrektor excelente! Thanks

  • @konradins
    @konradins 7 місяців тому

    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
      @randyrektor  7 місяців тому +1

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

    • @konradins
      @konradins 7 місяців тому

      @@randyrektor ok, thanks anyways!

  • @hireality
    @hireality 3 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому +1

      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! 👌🏻

  • @gurugamer8632
    @gurugamer8632 3 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      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.

  • @angelitojusay593
    @angelitojusay593 3 роки тому

    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
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      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

  • @newlifeeveryday1821
    @newlifeeveryday1821 3 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      Hey, I literally JUST put out a video on this - ua-cam.com/video/mLxzB4TBSnU/v-deo.html
      Short answer is over 9h likely. I use a 7400mAh powerbank and I get 9h if I remember correctly :) hope this helps!

  • @stephanes.
    @stephanes. 2 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому

      They use math :)

    • @stephanes.
      @stephanes. 2 роки тому

      @@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

  • @crazyKurious
    @crazyKurious 3 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому +1

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

    • @crazyKurious
      @crazyKurious 3 роки тому

      @@randyrektor 👊

  • @stephanes.
    @stephanes. 2 роки тому

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

  • @simonkuhn1685
    @simonkuhn1685 3 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

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

  • @jakevanbuskirk1706
    @jakevanbuskirk1706 3 роки тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  3 роки тому

      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
    @ImaginationBlue Рік тому

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

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  Рік тому

      It stores one in the back of the unit :)

  • @footycheck
    @footycheck 2 роки тому

    Like like subbed subbed

    • @randyrektor
      @randyrektor  2 роки тому

      Thanks Harry! 🙌🏻🙌🏻