The MixPre-D by Sound Devices

One box. Many uses.

We’re going to see the MixPre-D with just about everyone who works in professional field production audio because with a single, compact, affordable, high quality box, the MixPre-D combines the utility that previously required three separate devices. It’s a two-channel mic pre and analog mixer. It’s a 2-channel A-D converter. It’s a USB computer interface. Everyone in the business needs at least one of these functions, and most everyone can use them all.

The list: Two mic/line inputs with selectable low cut filters and limiters. Both inputs are assignable to output 1 or output 2 or both. Built-in tone and slate mic. Two output channels that are mic/line analog and AES, one USB in/out port, a tape return that can be monitored in the headphone jack or routed to the output channels (can be used as two additional inputs), an unbalanced mic level stereo output, and an unbalanced tape level output. I left out the firmware driven user options, of which there are several. It is powered internally by two AA batteries or externally by 10-17VDC on a standard locking 4-pin mini HRS connector.

The MixPre-D was designed to fill many needs, but a clue as to one design intention is its ¼-inch thread and optional bracket for mounting the MixPre-D between a camera and tripod, making it an awesome audio interface for DSLR cameras.

The AES outputs make it an ideal companion for recorders that have more tracks than analog inputs (the Deva 5, 5.8, Fusion 10, and Nagra VI come to mind). Owners of these recorders have often searched for a small, high quality, battery powered A-D converter to add two more analog channels by using the recorder’s AES inputs. In the case of the Deva and Fusion, the MixPre-D is an ideal answer to give these recorders the ability to record two mix tracks plus eight prefader iso tracks, using analog sources. Combine the MixPre-D with the Nagra-VI for two additional mic/line inputs for a total of 8 analog inputs.

The USB port allows a Mac or PC computer to control, monitor, and record the MixPre-D’s outputs. Bonus! Use it to turn your computer into a 2-track recorder, or use the MixPre-D with your computer for music playback scenes, with volume control, direct to  a power amp.

And, of course, you could always just use the MixPre-D as a 2-channel analog mic pre and audio mixer for whatever might come up, which always does.

I always kept in my kit what I called my “aux” mixer. It started with a little Shure FP-31 which I kept for the predictably unpredictable needs. With all the complex requirements of production these days, such a mixer makes more sense now than ever. My aux mixer was used almost daily for things like music playback volume control, VOG, stage announce, making a prop mic live through speakers, EPK feeds, etc, etc. From an investment perspective I should point out that while the MixPre-D can handle all of these chores, it can also be relied on for high quality audio for your primary recording.

So you may want to get two.