Sound Devices MixPre-6 II 6-Channel / 8-Track Multitrack 32-Bit Field Recorder Review
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Our editorial take on the Sound Devices MixPre-6 II 6-Channel / 8-Track Multitrack 32-Bit Field Recorder
The Sound Devices MixPre-6 II solidifies its position as a gold-standard audio tool for serious creators and field recordists. Its headline feature, 32-bit float recording, is nothing short of transformative. For the working professional, this technology effectively eliminates the risk of clipped audio and the stress of meticulous gain staging in unpredictable environments. Paired with the pristine, ultra-low-noise Kashmir preamps that Sound Devices is renowned for, the resulting audio quality is simply exceptional, providing a massive dynamic range that offers incredible flexibility in post-production.
This is not a device for the casual user just starting out. The MixPre-6 II is a professional instrument with a price and a learning curve to match. While its menu system is navigable, unlocking its full potential as a recorder, mixer, and USB audio interface requires a commitment to learning its workflow. Furthermore, its power consumption can be demanding, often necessitating an external battery solution for all-day shoots. These are not so much flaws as they are the realities of operating gear at this level. For those who can justify the investment, the MixPre-6 II is a compact, robust, and incredibly capable hub for nearly any audio recording scenario.
- Game-changing 32-bit float recording prevents clipped audio
- Exceptional, low-noise Kashmir preamps deliver pristine sound
- Excellent build quality in a compact, portable form factor
- Versatile as a field recorder, mixer, and USB interface
- Powerful timecode generator for professional workflows
- Premium price point is a significant investment
- Can have a steep learning curve for beginners
- High power consumption often requires external battery solutions
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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Sound Devices has announced the MixPre II series, the follow up to their highly successful MixPre audio recorders.
These small, lightweight, and powerful devices are a no-brainer for anybody needing a recorder, mixer, and USB audio interface all-in-one.
With the release of the Sound Devices MixPre II series, the already capable line of recorders is now expanded to include new functionality, increased precision, and heightened sonic performance.
The Sound Devices MixPre II are second generation audio field recorders, now sampling in 32-bit float for high dynamic range audio.
I ended up with a Sound Devices MixPre-6 II. It's a fantastic piece of kit, but it's not cheap. The 32-bit float recording is amazing and makes level setting pretty much a thing you don't have to worry about anymore.
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About this product
The Sound Devices MixPre-6 II is a multitrack field recorder designed for independent filmmakers, field recordists, and Ambisonic enthusiasts. It records up to six tracks of external sources and a stereo mix at up to 192 kHz / 32-bit, featuring 32-bit floating point recording to an internal SD card and 32-bit floating point streaming over USB. The device includes Kashmir mic preamps and a built-in timecode generator, offering robust performance for field-based audio productions.
Specs
- USB
- 1x USB-C (Host Connection) 1x USB-A (Control, Thumb Drive, Text Entry)
- Gain
- Up to 76 dB (Mic Inputs) Up to 30 dB (Line Inputs) Up to 40 dB (Mic/Aux Inputs) Up to 20 dB (Line/Aux Input, Fader)
- Weight
- 19.9 oz / 0.6 kg (without Batteries)
- Display
- Backlit LCD Touchscreen
- App Name
- Wingman
- Sync I/O
- 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm SMPTE Input 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm SMPTE Output 1x Micro-HDMI SMPTE Input
- Timecode
- In & Out
- Wireless
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Bit Depth
- 24/16-Bit, 32-Bit Float
- SNR/Noise
- -128 dBu EIN (A-Weighted)
- Analog I/O
- 1/8" (3.5 mm) / 1/8" (3.5 mm) Headphone / Combo XLR-1/4"
- Dimensions
- 6.5 x 1.4 x 4.6" / 166 x 36 x 118 mm
- Microphone
- No
- Form Factor
- Field Recorder
- Network I/O
- No
- Battery Type
- 4x AA (Included) 2x L Series (Requires Optional Equipment, Hot-Swappable, Not Included)
- Sample Rates
- 44.1 to 192 kHz
- Dynamic Range
- 142 dB (A/D Converters ) 115 dB (D/A Converters )
- Functionality
- Remote Control
- Power Options
- Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
- THD/Distortion
- ≤ 0.005% THD+N
- Built-In Speaker
- No
- Internal Storage
- No
- Mounting Options
- 1/4"-20 Male (Top) 1/4"-20 Female (Bottom)
- Number Of Tracks
- 8
- Special Features
- Pre-Record Buffer
- Digital Audio I/O
- No
- Audio File Formats
- WAV
- Frequency Response
- 10 Hz to 80 kHz ±0.5 dB (at 192 kHz)
- Number Of Channels
- 4
- AC/DC Power Adapter
- 5 VDC (Included)
- Maximum Input Level
- +14 dBu (Mic Input) +28 dBu (Line Input) -10 dBu (Mic/Aux Input) +10 dBu (Line/Aux Input)
- Operating Conditions
- -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C up to 90% Humidity
- Frame Rates Supported
- 23.976 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 29.97 DF / 30 / 30 DF
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 192 kHz / 32-Bit
- Mobile App Compatible
- Yes: Android & iOS
- Headphone Output Power
- 300 mW per Channel
- Media/Memory Card Slot
- Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC [512 GB Maximum]
- Signal Processing & FX
- Delay, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter
- Analog Audio I/O Details
- 4x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line Input 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Line Output 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Aux Input 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Headphone Output
- Number Of Input Channels
- 4
- Primary Use Applications
- Audio-for-Video
- Audio Interface Capability
- Multi-Track: /
- Number Of Microphone Inputs
- 4
- Number Of Tracks (Detailed)
- 8 (6 Inputs + Stereo Mix)
- Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
- 3 V Bias/Plug-In Power 48 V Phantom Power
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