Sound Devices MixPre-3 User Manual
®
MixPre-3
Audio Recorder | Mixer | USB Audio Interface
User Guide
Legal Notices
Product specications and features are subject to
change without prior notication.
Revision History
This table provides the revision history for this guide.
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Rev# Date Firmware
Version
1-A April 2017 v1.00 Initial release
1-B April 2017 v1.00 Fixed some doc
1-C April 2017 v1.00 Specs updated
1-D May 2017 v1.00 Fixed some doc errors
1-E May 2017 v1.00 Made edits to Inputs
Description
errors & added File
Transfer information
& USB chapters,
Specs and Appendix
WEEE Statement
If you wish to discard a Sound Devices
product in Europe, contact Sound Devices
(Germany) for further information.
MixPre-3 User Guide • May 30, 2017
This document is distributed by Sound Devices, LLC
in online electronic (PDF) format only. E-published
in the USA.
www.sounddevices.com
support@sounddevices.com
Sound Devices, LLC
E7556 Road 23 and 33
Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA
Direct: +1 (608) 524-0625
Toll Free: (800) 505-0625
Fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
Table of Contents
Intro
Powering
Flexible Powering Options ..............7
Panels
Front Panel ........................9
Left Side Panel ......................9
Touch Screen
Home Screen ......................11
Main Menu Screen ..................12
Modes and Presets
Setting the Mode ...................15
Basic Mode .......................15
Advanced Mode ....................16
Right Side Panel .....................9
Back Panel ........................10
Channel Screen ....................13
Custom Mode ......................16
User Presets .......................17
Inputs
Channel Inputs .....................19 Inputs Menu ......................20
Outputs
Stereo Outs .......................23 Headphone Out ....................23
Metering
LEDs and Meter Views ................25
Recording and Playback
Formatting SD Cards ................27
Transport Controls ..................28
Record Menu ......................29
USB
USB Audio Interface .................31
Low-latency Monitoring ...............32
USB File Transfer ...................32
USB Keyboard .....................33
USB-C Mode ......................33
Timecode
Timecode Modes ...................35
HDMI TC In ......................36
Aux In 1, Aux In 2 .................36
Time of Day (TOD) ................36
Timecode Frame Rate Auto-Detection ....36
Timecode Stamp ...................37
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User Guide
Files, Projects
File Name Format ...................39
Naming a Recording .................39
Track Names and Notes ..............40
Undo, Trash File ....................40
Projects ..........................40
Remote Control
Wingman Application ................43
Connecting to a MixPre Recorder ......44
HDMI Record Trigger .................45
Linear Timecode (LTC) Record Trigger ....45
Keyboard .........................46
USB Keyboard Shortcuts ............46
Appendix A
Basic/Advanced Mode Dierences .......47 System Settings ....................48
Specifications
Audio Inputs ......................49
Audio Outputs .....................50
Recorder .........................50
USB ............................50
Touch Screen ......................50
Timecode .........................51
Remote Control ....................51
Power ...........................51
Environmental .....................51
Dimensions and Weight ..............52
Glossary of Terms
Notes ...........................54
Software License
FCC Compliance Statement
4
Intro
Hello and thank you for buying the MixPre-3! At Sound Devices, we are freaks
about audio. We’ve unleashed our design and engineering team (most of
whom are musicians) and let them create a device that we want to own ourselves. We think that you’ll nd the unique mix of performance, ease-of-use,
design and build quality to be an invaluable part of your life and creative passion for many years to come.
The MixPre-3 has been meticulously-engineered to oer extreme exibility and
sound quality, operating in three basic ways:
• 3 mic/line input, 2 channel output mixer with our exclusive Kashmir™ discrete mic preampliers with user-selectable analog limiters and low-cut
lters.
• SD card recording and playback of individual channels and the main mix
simultaneously at 44.1, 48, 96 kHz, 16, 24-bit les.
• 5-in, 2-out USB computer audio interface
The possible uses for the MixPre-3 are virtually unlimited, but a few common
ones might be:
• Paired with a DSLR camera recording high-quality audio for video, complete
with timecode and HDMI record triggering.
• Podcast or music recording using up to three high-quality voice-over microphones (or other sources) interfacing via USB to a computer.
• Stand-alone audio recorder for House-of-Worship, mixing a direct feed from
the PA system with a stereo feed of ambient congregational response, singing and music from a stereo microphone.
The MixPre-3’s application exibility is augmented by the various powering
options. Whether you wish to power the MixPre-3 from a USB connection, AA
batteries, L-mount batteries or an optional AC wall plug adapter, it’s ready, willing and able to go anywhere, anytime - always handling your audio needs with
grace.
We’ve designed the MixPre-3 to be easy to use for the novice without taking
away truly professional-level features for the seasoned pro user. With that in
mind, the MixPre-3 ships from the factory in Basic mode - this is ideal for less
experienced users and will satisfy the majority of audio applications. If you
want to dive straight into the full array of professional features, we recommend
setting to Advanced mode. See Modes and Presets for more information.
We sincerely hope that you enjoy working with the MixPre-3 as much as we’ve
enjoyed creating it! Please drop us an email at support@sounddevices.com and
share your experiences as we’d love to see how the MixPre-3 is furthering your
passion!
5
User Guide
6
Powering
Power Switch
Flexible Powering Options
In designing the MixPre-3, we felt that it was important for it to be able to
operate in a wide array of applications and environments. To support that goal,
power can be supplied from several possible sources. Some possible powering
scenarios are:
• Four AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries installed in the provided
4-AA battery sled.
• Eight AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries installed in the optional
8-AA battery sled accessory.
• One or two Sony-type L-mount batteries installed in the optional L-mount
battery sled accessory.
• USB-C to USB-C cable connected to a USB-C host computer or AC wall
adapter.
• USB-A to USB-C cable connected to a USB-A host computer or AC wall
adapter.
• Dual USB-A to USB-C cable (included) connected to a USB-A host computer.
Use this cable option if your computer is unable to provide adequate power
for the MixPre-3 with only one USB-A port.
• Optional MX-CHARGE AC wall adapter to USB-C power supply.
The master power switch for the MixPre-3 is located in the upper right corner of
the left side panel.
To preserve battery power, USB-C power sources take priority over batteries if
both are connected with one exception - if the USB-C power source does not
meet the full power requirements of the MixPre-3, you can choose to power
from battery or continue to power from USB-C. We have designed the MixPre-3
so that even with an under powered USB-C source, you will still be able to use
7
User Guide
two of the three channels with 48V phantom mics. The third channel can still
be used with dynamic mics and line, aux, or USB sources. To achieve this we
automatically do the following:
• Dim LCD and LED Brightness
• Disable USB-A port
• Disable HDMI TC port
For protection against accidental loss of power (not something you particularly
want to happen during recording), the MixPre-3 incorporates circuitry to
automatically switch over from USB-C to batteries if the USB-C power source
accidentally gets pulled.
8
Panels
Recorder Transport Controls
Channel Knobs
Channel Knob Ring LEDs
Power Light
LCD
Power Switch
USB-A Port
XLR Inputs
3.5 mm Stereo Output
USB-C Port
Front Panel
Power light, Recorder transport controls, Channel knobs, Channel knob ring
LEDs, Touch screen
Left Side Panel
USB connections, XLR inputs 1-2, 3.5mm stereo output, Power switch
Right Side Panel
3.5mm headphone output, 3.5mm Mic/Aux input, XLR input 3,
Headphone volume encoder, micro HDMI TC input
9
User Guide
HP Encoder
XLR Input
3.5 mm Headphone Output
3.5 mm Aux/Mic Input
SD Memory Card Slot
Battery Mounts
Allen wrench
Back Panel
Battery mounts, SD memory card slot, Allen wrench (for ¼-inch-20-thread
captive screw), anti-rotational pin
micro HDMI TC Input
10
Touch Screen
Current File Name
Power Status Icon
Menu Icon
SD Card Remaining Record Time
Current Headphone Preset
Time Counter
File List Icon
Meter View
The MixPre-3 has a sunlight-viewable, high-resolution, touch-screen-based user
interface, which consists of the Home screen, Main Menu screen, and Channel
screen views. As you will notice, there are several touch zones on the touch
screen for controls. As you become familiar with the user interface, changing
settings for inputs, outputs, recording and metering will become fast and
intuitive.
Home Screen
The Home screen view is the default view that appears on the touch screen
when the device is powered up. On it, you will nd items such as:
• File list icon and current le name
• File elapsed time counter (timecode if LTC or HDMI timecode is enabled)
• Power status icon
• Menu icon
• Meter view (cycle views by touching)
Power Status Icon Description
(Green USB)
(Orange USB)
(Green Battery)
(Flashing Red Battery)
USB power source is ideal.
USB power source low. Brightness dimmed, HDMI & USB-A
ports disabled, 48v phantom on 2 channels only.
Healthy battery. Plan to change batteries when green level
drops to about ¼ full.
Battery power is critically low. Change batteries.
◦ Two channel mix track meters
◦ Two channel mix track meters, three individual track view
◦ Two channel mix track meters, two USB input meters, two aux input
meters
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User Guide
• Status bar
◦ SD card available recording time
◦ Headphone preset
◦ Sample rate and bit depth
◦ Date and time
Main Menu Screen
The Menu screen is where most of the features and functions are selected and
set up.
To enter the Menu screen:
X Tap on the Home screen.
There are three Menu screen views. These views are indicated by the Dots icon
. Tapping it will toggle between the three Menu views.
The Menu has its own submenus that may be displayed by tapping them.
To return to the main Menu from a submenu at any time:
X Tap .
To return directly to the Home screen from the main Menu:
X Tap .
12
TOUCH SCREEN
Page Sub-menu Description
1 Presets Lets you save and recall preset user settings to and from SD cards
and internal memory. Also allows resetting all settings to factory
default.
1 Project Provides the ability to create new, open and trash existing projects.
1 Inputs Provides settings for the Aux/Plug-in-power Mic/Timecode input/
Camera.
1 Outputs
2 Timecode
2 Tone Provides test tone settings.
2 Record
2 SD Card Displays current SD card information and allows for format and
3 Date/Time Sets current date/time and format.
3 System Provides settings for Basic/Advanced/Custom mode, Custom mode
3 Power Select the type of batteries being used (Alkaline, NiMH, L-Mount) to
*
**
Provides routing and gain settings for the stereo output.
*
Lets you select timecode mode.
Provides record settings for LR mix gain, sample rate, bit depth, LR
linking, and HDMI record trigger.
empty trash card functions.
setup, limiters, USB-C, File Transfer, Bluetooth®, Wingman App
password, adjusting LCD/LED brightness, updating rmware, and
viewing version and regulatory information.
ensure that the Power Status icon on the Home screen accurately
displays remaining battery level.
** Some Record sub-menu options are only available in Advanced mode
*Sub-menu/setting appears in Advanced mode only
Channel Screen
The Channel screen is where you will nd channel-specic settings, such as
Channel name, Input selection, Pan, 48v phantom power and Low Cut ltering.
In Advanced mode, additional settings are available via a second channel page
accessed by tapping the Dots icon.
L The top left corner of the Channel screen displays an editable Channel name.
Touch this region to give the channel an easy to identify name, like Vocals or Bob.
Below the Channel name is a Channel meter to aid in setting audio levels.
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User Guide
Page Sub-menu Description
1 Solo
1 Arm
1 Gain
1 Pan Lets you position the channel’s audio in the stereo image of the LR
2 Input Lets you select one of the available Mic, Line, or USB inputs to route
2 Phantom Lets you apply full 48v phantom power to the channel’s mic or line
2 Low Cut Sometimes referred to as a high pass lter (HPF), the Low Cut lter
2 Linking
*
Lets you solo the selected channel in the headphone output. Soloing
by default is Individual (exclusive) in that only one input at a time
will be soloed. When a channel is soloed, its light ring will ash
orange. Soloing can be set to Multiple (non-exclusive) in the HP
Preset submenu.
*
Allows pre-fade recording of the channel to its own isolated (ISO)
track on the SD card.
*
Sets the sensitivity of the input. Generally, the gain should be set
so that the loudest parts of the audio signal just touch the red
segments of the meters.
mix and stereo out.
to the chosen channel.
input.
can be set up to roll o bass frequencies or reduce mic handling
noise, wind noise, and other undesirable low frequencies. The lter
has a carefully crafted 18 dB/octave slope.
*
Lets you link channels 1 and 2, either as a stereo pair or mid-side
pair.
* Sub-menu/setting appears in Advanced mode only
To enter the Channel screen:
X Press the associated Channel knob.
14
Modes and Presets
Setting the Mode
We’ve designed the MixPre-3 to be easy to use for the novice without taking
away truly professional-level features for the seasoned pro user. We want both
the newcomer and the career professional to enjoy a quick, easy setup and
foolproof results. To accommodate this, we’ve incorporated three modes of
operation into the MixPre-3: Basic, Advanced and Custom.
To set the mode:
1. Turn all channel knobs to O (at full counter-clockwise position).
2. Tap .
3. Tap System > Mode. Options include: Basic, Advanced, and Custom.
Basic Mode
Basic mode is intended for hassle-free, plug-and-play use. This mode is ideal
for the new user and amateur needing only the basic functionality of the
MixPre-3.
Screen Sub-menu Description
Menu Presets Save and load user presets to and from SD card and internal
memory. Also allows resetting all settings to factory default.
Menu Project Create new projects, or open and trash existing projects.
Menu Inputs Provides settings for the 3.5 mm Aux/Mic In.
Menu Timecode Select Time of Day or HDMI TC from a DSLR as timecode
source. O is also an option.
Menu Tone Turn the test tone on or o. By default, the test tone is a 1kHz
sine wave at -20dBFS.
Menu Record Choose to auto start/stop recording via HDMI from a DSLR.
Menu SD Card Displays SD card info and allows for formatting SD cards and
and emptying their trash folder.
Menu Date/Time Sets current date/time and format.
Menu System Provides settings for Basic/Advanced/Custom mode, Custom
mode setup, limiters, USB-C, File Transfer, Bluetooth®,
Wingman App password, adjusting LCD/LED brightness,
updating rmware, and viewing version and regulatory
information.
Menu Power Select the type of batteries being used (Alkaline, NiMH,
L-Mount) to ensure that the Power Status icon on the Home
screen accurately displays remaining battery level.
Menu HP Preset Select LR Stereo or USB 1,2 as headphone sources.
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User Guide
Screen Sub-menu Description
Channel Pan Pan the channel’s signal Left, Center or Right in the stereo LR
Channel Input Select one of the available Mic, Line, Aux (only available if Aux
Channel Phantom Turn on 48V phantom power when using a condenser
Channel Low Cut Select the frequency at which a low cut lter will be placed.
Advanced Mode
Advanced mode is intended for use by professionals and users who wish to have
every available setting and option at their disposal. All settings available to
Basic Mode apply to Advanced Mode in addition to:
Screen Sub-menu Description
Menu Outputs Provides routing and gain settings for the Stereo Out.
Menu Tone Provides additional Tone mode (Continuous and Left Identify)
Menu Record Provides additional record settings for gain, sample rate, bit
Menu HP Preset Provides additional HP presets for LR Mono, User Presets 1-4,
Menu System >
Channel Solo Lets you “solo” the selected channel in the headphone output.
Channel Arm Allows pre-fade recording of the channel to an individual track
Channel Gain Sets the sensitivity of the input. Generally, the Gain should be
Channel Pan Lets you position the audio of the channel anywhere between
Channel Linking Lets you link channels 1 and 2 either as a stereo pair, mid side
mix and Stereo Out.
In Mode is Mic or Line) or USB inputs to route to the selected
channel.
microphone in the selected channel.
The lter has a carefully-crafted 18db/octave slope. Low
options are only On/O in Basic mode.
and Tone Level settings.
depth and LR linking.
Edit HP Preset utility and HP Solo mode selection. Camera
Stereo and Camera Mono are also available when Aux In Mode
is set to Camera.
Lets you turn limiters on or o.
Limiters
Solo mode can be set to “Individual” or “Multiple” in the HP
Preset menu. When a channel is soloed, its light ring will ash
orange.
on the SD card.
set so that the loudest parts of the audio signal just touch the
red segments of the meters.
Left and Right in the stereo image of the LR mix and Stereo
Out.
pair, or turn linking o.
Custom Mode
Custom mode is intended for users who want to customize the features and
functionality available to them. This mode grants access to dierent sections of
Advanced Mode features, turning them on or o in the user interface as desired.
16
1. Tap .
2. Tap System > Custom Setup.
Custom Setup options are:
Page Sub-menu Description
1 Channel Lets you access Solo, Track Arm, extended Pan, Input Select,
Phantom and Low Cut, which is selectable by frequency.
1 Gain Lets you access to Channel Gain controls.
1 Headphone Lets you access extended headphone source select options
including factory and user headphone presets, preset editing
and Solo setup for Individual/Multiple channels.
1 Record Provides additional record settings for gain, sample rate, bit
depth and LR linking.
2 Metadata Adds ability to change track name, rename les, add notes and
undo recordings.
2 Outputs Provides routing and gain settings for the Stereo Out.
MODES AND PRESETS
User Presets
Flexibility is the MixPre-3’s M.O. To make it easy for you to use the MixPre-3 in
a wide variety of situations, we created a slick feature where you can store and
recall snapshots of all of the MixPre-3’s settings. There are four internal Preset
slots available. Also, the SD card can store virtually unlimited Presets.
Here are three common examples:
• You might want to use the MixPre-3 as recorder, mixer, and USB audio
interface in a podcasting rig with specic microphones.
• The next day, you need to have the MixPre-3 handle audio duties for you
while you’re shooting video on your DSLR camera.
• On Sunday, you might need to use your trusty MixPre-3 to record worship
services, mixing a direct line from the PA with a stereo microphone feed.
Using Presets, you can optimize settings for each of these scenarios and then
simply save each setup to one of four internal preset locations or to the SD
card. Once saved, simply load the appropriate preset and BOOM! You’re ready
to go in a jiy! We think that you’ll really appreciate this functionality.
To save a Preset:
1. Tap .
2. Tap Presets > Save to Internal 1-4 or SD Card
3. Enter a Preset Name and tap OK.
17
User Guide
To recall a Preset
1. Tap .
2. Tap Presets > Load Preset.
3. Select preset with encoder.
4. Tap OK.
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