PRODUCT
TESTS
Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Multitrack 32-Bit
Field Recorder
By Adam Gallant
S
ound Devices has been on an amazing
run. Over the past 12 months alone, the
company has released its highly sought-
after 8-Series, including the 833, 888, and
Scorpio, and updated its popular MixPre
line with the MixPre II generation. Up for test this
month, we have the MixPre-3 II, which is a powerful
little field recorder with great features like 32-bit
float recording, a reliable internal timecode generator, and audio
resolution up to 192 kHz.
Overview
The MixPre-3 II is compact and very portable. Sound Devices has
developed the Kashmir microphone preamp for the MixPre line and
this particular model houses three of these proprietary units. With
142dB of dynamic range, these pres are just as at home recording
dialogue as they are foley and loud sound effects. As with all Sound
Devices field recorders, the limiters that prevent digital clipping are
extremely transparent and a key design feature. On this updated
version of the MixPre, these limiters are also adjustable via the
easy-to-navigate touchscreen panel. The model we are testing has
the ability to record three isolated microphone inputs as well as a
stereo mix track for a total of five tracks recording from 16 to 32-bit
float, and sampling rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. The MixPre-3 II
also doubles as a reliable audio interface for streaming audio directly
to your DAW via USB-C.
One of the most sought-after updates to the MixPre II series is its
internal LTC timecode generator. Timecode in and out are available
on the side panels via a 3.5-mm connector and mini-HDMI. Getting
reliable timecode in such a compact package and at this price range
certainly fills a longstanding void in the marketplace.
The MixPre-3 II records to an easily-mountable SD card
and also has the option to dual-record to a USB hard drive via
a standard USB port on the side panel. This kind of redundant
recording is traditional on Sound Devices’ flagship products
such as the 633 and is part of the reason why their products
are trusted for use on the biggest film sets in the industry.
In Use
I brought this recorder to a small shoot looking to capture dialogue
and stereo ambiances. It is surprisingly small and light, making it
easy to pack and carry. It can be powered via USB by a computer, a
standard wall outlet with the provided power adapter, AA batteries,
or Sony L-mount batteries with an optional adapter that sits on the
back of the unit.
Setting up the MixPre3-II is very simple and straightforward.
The touchscreen panel is bright, easy to navigate, and provides the
right amount of flexibility. Isolated microphone channels can be
mixed, input gain adjusted, panning set, low-cut engaged, phase
24 PROFESSIONAL SOUND
can be inverted, and phantom power can be set, all with very little
sub-menu navigation or fuss.
There are also Advanced and Basic modes tailored to different
types of users. Advanced mode opens up a few of the features
listed above while the simpler Basic mode displays only the most
go-to settings needed by the majority of videographers in the field.
The LED screen is full-colour and can be set to very bright, making
it readable in direct sunlight. For monitoring via headphones, the
sound was very clear and void of distortion or colouration. I was
connected with a pair of Sennheiser HD25s that were easily pow-
ered. The sound of the MixPre-3 II is transparent and comparable in
quality to the sound of the ubiquitous 633 field recorder that I have
become accustomed to using.
Worth mentioning is that Sound Devices has developed software
to enhance the MixPre’s abilities. For example, the Musician’s plug-in
bundle adds a list of features like overdubbing capabilities, click track,
and reverb options. The Ambisonics plug-in allows the MixPre-6 II
and MixPre-10 II to pair perfectly with the Sennheiser AMBEO VR mic,
making for a very cost-effective entry into the 360/immersive audio
world. Also, the MixPre units can all be controlled via Bluetooth with
the Sound Devices Wingman application.
Summary
The MixPre3-II makes a great backup option for a full-fledged pro-
fessional, is perfectly suited for a videographer in need of industry-
standard sound quality, and ultimately makes for the best entry point
into the Sound Devices family of products. Highly recommended.
Adam Gallant has worked in all facets of digital audio production, from
music composition to location and post audio for television and film. He
currently owns and operates The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown, PE.