Overview
The Sound Devices MixPre-6 is a lightweight, high-resolution audio recorder with integrated USB audio streaming that offers world-class sound quality combined with extreme durability – perfect for musicians, sound designers, podcasters, videographers, YouTubers and field recordists.
The MixPre-6 differs from the MixPre-3 in several ways:
- Offers a higher sampling rate (192kHz vs. 96kHz)
- 3x sets of Input Pair Linking options in the mixer component vs. 2 in the MixPre-3
- Both include 2x USB Ports, but the difference is in USB Audio Streaming capabilities:
- MixPre-6 - 8 in / 4 out to Mac &/or Windows with ASIO driver; 2 in / 2 out to Windows without an ASIO driver
- MixPre-3 - 5 in / 2 out to Mac &/or Windows with ASIO driver; 2 in / 2 out to Windows without an ASIO driver
- Includes both Delay and Polarity Reverse
- Features a multi-functional button not included on the MixPre-3 on the control interface
- Slightly larger and only about 3oz heavier
Includes multiple power options:
- AA Batteries (with included, detachable sled)
- Via computer using USB-C or USB-A
- Up to Hot Swappable Li-Ion (with optional sled)
- AC adapter (sold separately)
Sublime Audio Quality
The MixPre-6 features Sound Devices' new Kashmir™ microphone preamps. These high-performance, ultra-low-noise, discrete, Class-A mic preamps were hand-crafted by Sound Devices. The Kashmir mic preamps feature a -130dBV noise floor, analog limiters, and new 32-bit A-to-D converters to ensure the highest quality audio recordings which far surpass those of other recorders using simple off-the-shelf IC-based mic preamps.
Streaming / USB Audio / Recording
The versatile MixPre-6 makes an excellent USB audio interface. It offers the ability to record audio to an SD card while simultaneously streaming multiple channels of audio via USB. Handy for interviews, podcasts, or simply as a backup recorder to your computer, the MixPre can be used for Skype or Facetime interviews and to record audio for podcasts or video blogs.
As a musician's tool, the MixPre is indispensable. Whether it's serving as a top-shelf USB interface with premium mic pres for use with a DAW, getting a quick song idea recorded without AC power handy, recording rehearsals or just adding a few more inputs to your PA system, the MixPre will become an invaluable part of a musician's life.
Ultra-Compact & Unintimidating Design
The small stature and design of the MixPre-6 will suit any production environment. It features a responsive capacitive touchscreen for incredibly simple and intuitive operation. Plus, a bright, IPS technology, sunlight-readable color LCD for the ultimate in convenient navigation.
Like all Sound Devices products, the MixPre-6 is extremely durable. Constructed with a die-cast aluminum chassis, it is both lightweight and incredibly robust. The MixPre-6 is compact and ideal for jobs on the run.
Intuitive Operation / Interface
The MixPre-6 bridges the gap between sound engineers, musicians and YouTubers with user-friendly navigation featuring Basic and Advanced modes. It's designed to allow a user to start recording right out of the box. Basic Mode takes the guesswork out of audio recording. Use Basic Mode for stereo recording applications, such as interviews, video blogs, music or podcasts.
Advanced Mode offers more experienced audio users access to multi-channel recording and advanced settings. These include:
- Metering
- Routing
- Timecode
- Mic pre gain
- Stereo & Mid/Side channel linking
- Channel phase invert
- Delay
- Headphone presets
- and more!
Also, the MixPre-6 includes integrated Bluetooth Smart for easy connection, control, and metering via iOS devices.
Advanced Mixing Capabilities
The MixPre-6 is a full-featured mixer which offers ergonomic gain control knobs for fast and accurate mixing. Other key features include pan and soloing, plus easy-to-see ring LED metering per channel.
The MixPre-6 also includes a 3.5mm jack for headphone monitoring with user-programmable presets from a custom-designed powerful, wide-bandwidth headphone amp.
A Videographer's Dream
As an added benefit to DSLR users, the MixPre-6 has a retractable ¼-20 mounting capacity making it a perfect pairing for a wide variety of cameras. This design allows for solid, low-profile tripod/camera mounting. Because the male and female ¼-20 screws are captive, they cannot be lost and are always available to you.
Capable cameras can feed Timecode to the device over the MixPre’s HDMI input, which provides perfect synchronization of sound and video. Timecode can also be fed into the MixPre's 3.5mm input from an external TC generator. The MixPre-6's HDMI input can also receive "record triggers" from popular cameras, which automatically starts and stops the MixPre's recording via the camera’s record button.
Flexible Powering Options
For your convenience, the portable MixPre-6 provides multiple powering options. It can be powered from AA batteries in a convenient detachable sled of either four or eight cells. Also available, is a sled that offers powering from up to two hot-swappable Sony L-Mount Li-Ion batteries. The Li-lon batteries offer the ultimate in battery life.
Additionally, the entire recorder can also be powered from your laptop's USB-C or USB-A connectors offering convenient connection and powering with just one cable. For applications where AC is available, Sound Devices offers an optional AC adapter.
Wireless Remote Control
If you are seeking wireless remote control over your MixPre-6, please checkout Wingman which is also from Sound Devices.
Specifications
Key Highlights
- 6 inputs / 8 tracks
- Records to SD, SDHC, or SDXC
- Max sampling rate 192kHz
- USB audio streaming capabilities
- Kasmir mic preamps
