Sound Devices MixPre-3 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Sound Devices Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. Kashmir MIXPRE-3 II
  6. User manual

Sound Devices MixPre-3 User Manual

Kashmir audio recorder,mixer,usb audio interface
Hide thumbs Also See for MixPre-3:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: User Manual
®
MixPre-3
Audio Recorder | Mixer | USB Audio Interface

User Guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MixPre-3 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Sound Devices MixPre-3

Summary of Contents for Sound Devices MixPre-3

  • Page 1: User Guide

    ® MixPre-3 Audio Recorder | Mixer | USB Audio Interface User Guide...

  • Page 2: Revision History

    Trademarks The “wave” logo is a registered trademark and Kashmir is a trademark of Sound Devices, LLC. iPad, iPhone, Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Intro Powering Flexible Powering Options ....7 Panels Front Panel ......9 Right Side Panel .
  • Page 4 User Guide Files, Projects File Name Format ....39 Undo, Trash File ....40 Naming a Recording .

  • Page 5: Intro

    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.
  • Page 6 User Guide...

  • Page 7: Powering

    Powering 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: •...
  • Page 8 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.

  • Page 9: Panels

    Panels Front Panel Power light, Recorder transport controls, Channel knobs, Channel knob ring LEDs, Touch screen Recorder Transport Controls Power Light Channel Knobs Channel Knob Ring LEDs Left Side Panel USB connections, XLR inputs 1-2, 3.5mm stereo output, Power switch USB-A Port USB-C Port Power Switch...

  • Page 10: Back Panel

    User Guide 3.5 mm Headphone Output 3.5 mm Aux/Mic Input XLR Input HP Encoder HDMI TC Input Back Panel Battery mounts, SD memory card slot, Allen wrench (for ¼-inch-20-thread captive screw), anti-rotational pin Battery Mounts Allen wrench SD Memory Card Slot...

  • Page 11: Touch Screen

    Touch Screen 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.

  • Page 12: Main Menu Screen

    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.

  • Page 13: Channel Screen

    TOUCH SCREEN Page Sub-menu Description 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. Project Provides the ability to create new, open and trash existing projects. Inputs Provides settings for the Aux/Plug-in-power Mic/Timecode input/ Camera.
  • Page 14 User Guide Page Sub-menu Description Solo 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 flash orange.

  • Page 15: Modes And Presets

    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.

  • Page 16: Advanced Mode

    User Guide Screen Sub-menu Description Channel Pan the channel’s signal Left, Center or Right in the stereo LR mix and Stereo Out. Channel Input Select one of the available Mic, Line, Aux (only available if Aux In Mode is Mic or Line) or USB inputs to route to the selected channel.

  • Page 17: User Presets

    Provides routing and gain settings for the Stereo Out. 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.
  • Page 18 User Guide To recall a Preset 1. Tap Tap Presets > Load Preset. Select preset with encoder. Tap OK.

  • Page 19: Inputs

    The MixPre-3’s flexibility is enhanced by its ability to select various input types to its mixer channels. Each of the MixPre-3’s channels can be sourced from an XLR mic/line input, 3.5mm Aux or PiP (Plug in Power) Mic input or from either of the two USB audio paths from a computer.

  • Page 20: A Little Bit About Gain

    (lack of hiss) nature of their design. This allows you to use the MixPre-3 with the confidence that even if optimal Gain levels haven’t been set, your audio will still be handled and recorded with grace. The extraordinarily low noise floor of the Kashmir mic preamplifiers allow recorded tracks to be “normalized”...
  • Page 21 MixPre-3’s headphones and C1/C2 meters located on meter view 3. This is particularly useful when you want to use the MixPre-3 to drastically improve the sound quality recorded on the DSLR camera. It is common knowledge that DSLR mic inputs are of poor quality so by connecting your mics to the MixPre-3 instead, then connecting the MixPre-3’s stereo output...
  • Page 22 User Guide...

  • Page 23: Outputs

    Outputs sub-menu also provides gain adjustment of the Stereo Outs. Headphone Out The MixPre-3’s audiophile-grade headphone amplifier provides high power and very low noise performance so that you can accurately hear the audio being handled, regardless of headphones or environment. Connect headphones via 3.5mm jack to the headphone jack (located on the right side panel).
  • Page 24 Since the headphone amplifier is capable of very high output levels, please use caution when wearing headphones as hearing damage could result with inappropriate volume levels. Combining the input/output flexibility and the User Presets feature, you’ll find endless uses for the MixPre-3!

  • Page 25: Metering

    Metering LEDs and Meter Views There are five basic methods for observing input and output meters on the MixPre-3. • Channel knob ring LEDs - Each LED ring is capable of displaying green, orange and red colors. The brightness of the light ring tracks the level of the input.
  • Page 26 User Guide • LR, 1-3 multi-track meter view • LR, Returns (via Aux In) and USB 1,2 meter view Switching between the three main meter views is easy—just touch the meters and cycle through the different views. The meters will show not only signal levels, but also the current arm status of each track for the recorder and limiting activity for L,R and each channel.

  • Page 27: Recording And Playback

    Pro Tools, Reaper, Cubase, Garageband, Audacity, and many, many more. You can mix and record to the SD card even when using the MixPre-3 as a USB audio interface. This opens up cool opportunities for recording the computer’s...

  • Page 28: Transport Controls

    User Guide To format an SD card: 1. Insert an SD card in the slot located on the rear panel. Tap SD Card > Edit > Format. When asked to confirm the command to format the card, tap OK. Cards with a capacity of 32 GB or less will be formatted with the FAT32 file system.

  • Page 29: Record Menu

    In Basic mode, the Rec Trigger function is used to automatically start and stop recording from a compatible HDMI source, such as a DSLR. This cool feature lets you simultaneously start recording on a DSLR and the MixPre-3 just by pressing the Record button on the camera, thus eliminating the possibility of forgetting to record audio on the MixPre-3—not something that a producer will...
  • Page 30 User Guide...

  • Page 31: Usb

    The MixPre-3 has an integrated 5-in, 2-out core audio-compatible interface for use with a Mac or PC computer. For PC users, the MixPre-3 will appear as a 2x2 audio interface unless a specific ASIO driver is installed. The latest ASIO driver can be downloaded at www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads.

  • Page 32: Usb File Transfer

    Additionally, some keyboards must be connected only after the recorder is turned on. USB-C Mode When connected to a computer via USB-C, the MixPre-3 may be setup to be powered from the host without the computer identifying it as an audio interface.
  • Page 33 To toggle between the USB-C audio/power modes: 1. Tap Tap System > USB-C. Options include: Audio and Power Only.
  • Page 34 User Guide...

  • Page 35: Timecode

    (computers are good at matching up numbers) and “Hey Presto,” you have lip-synced video and audio. The MixPre-3 has three timecode modes, HDMI TC In, Aux In 1 or 2, and Time of Day.

  • Page 36: Hdmi Tc In

    A few examples of cameras that do this are the Sony a7s and Panasonic GH4. Connect their HDMI output to the HDMI TC In port on the MixPre-3’s right hand panel and set Menu>Timecode>TC Mode to HDMI TC In. Refer to the camera’s user guide to determine how to output HDMI timecode from the camera since all cameras do it in a slightly different way.

  • Page 37: Timecode Stamp

    Timecode Stamp Regardless of which timecode mode you use, each time you press record, the timecode value at that moment is embedded within the MixPre-3’s WAV file. Most popular video editing applications will be able to read this timecode value and sync the audio with the camera video.
  • Page 38 User Guide...

  • Page 39: Files, Projects

    Each time you press record, the MixPre-3 creates a WAV audio file which can subsequently be played back on the MixPre or almost any computer audio application. The MixPre-3 is able to record up to 5 tracks (the stereo mix LR tracks plus three isolated tracks) into a single polyphonic WAV file. Polyphonic simply refers to the fact that the file contains multiple tracks.

  • Page 40: Track Names And Notes

    To help organize this large number of files, they may be stored in separate folders which, in the MixPre-3, are known as Projects. For instance, you may want to organize your recordings based on their type, such as PODCASTS, SONGS, INTERVIEWS,...
  • Page 41 FILES, PROJECTS represented by a folder located at the root of the SD card. To create a new Project: 1. Tap Tap Project > New and choose to create a custom project name or project name based on the current date. To access files or record new files in a previously created project: 1.
  • Page 42 User Guide...

  • Page 43: Remote Control

    Remote Control Wingman Application Sound Devices Wingman is a free app that allows wireless remote control of the Bluetooth Smart-enabled MixPre Series from iOS devices. To enable Bluetooth on the MixPre recorder: 1. Tap Tap System > Bluetooth. This toggles Bluetooth On and Off.

  • Page 44: Connecting To A Mixpre Recorder

    User Guide with three main areas of interest: • Status - Shows device-specific status information. • Viewing area - Displays different screen views, such as the Transport view with its transport control buttons, metadata fields, and meters. Swiping vertically in this area can toggle to other meters. Swiping horizontally, toggles between Transport and Track views, handy when using Wingman app on devices with smaller screens.

  • Page 45: Hdmi Record Trigger

    Connected and authenticated HDMI Record Trigger The MixPre-3 may be configured to begin recording when it is triggered to do so from an HDMI record flag from compatible DSLR cameras with HDMI output. By default, record triggering is turned off. Setting the Record Trigger to HDMI flag will initiate record when a compatible device issues the record flag via the HDMI input.

  • Page 46: Keyboard

    User Guide Keyboard A connected USB keyboard may be used as a wired remote control for certain functions of the MixPre-3. See the table below for available USB keyboard shortcuts. USB Keyboard Shortcuts When a USB keyboard is attached, the following key-combinations or shortcuts are available.

  • Page 47: System Settings

    Bluetooth Switches Bluetooth Smart on/off. Wingman Password Lets you set a password that would be required when connecting to the MixPre-3 with the Wingman app. Brightness Lets you independently adjust the brightness of the touch screen and the ring LEDs.
  • Page 48 User Guide...

  • Page 49: Basic/Advanced Mode Differences

    Appendix B Basic/Advanced Mode Differences Screen Sub-Menu Basic Mode Advanced Mode Channel Solo  Channel  Channel Gain  Channel L, C, R Continuously Variable Channel Input  Channel Phantom   Channel Low Cut Fixed 100 Hz 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, 240 Hz Channel Linking Stereo, MidSide...
  • Page 50 User Guide...

  • Page 51: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information available on all Sound Devices products, visit our website at: www.sounddevices.com. Audio Inputs Name Description Frequency Response 10Hz to 40kHz +/- 0.5dB re 1kHz @ 96kHz sample rate Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% max (@1kHz, 22-22kHz BW, gain=20dB, -10dBu in)

  • Page 52: Recorder

    User Guide Recorder Name Description Maximum Record Tracks 5 tracks (stereo mix + 3 ISOs) Sampling Frequency • 44.1 kHz • 96 kHz • 48 kHz Bit Depth 16, 24 Media Type • Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) • Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) •...

  • Page 53: Remote Control

    SPECIFICATIONS Remote Control Name Description Bluetooth Smart Wireless control using Wingman app HDMI Auto-record start/stop trigger from cameras that output record flag over HDMI Timecode Auto-record start/stop trigger via Aux In timecode Power Name Description AA Batteries • 4x AA sled •...
  • Page 54 User Guide...
  • Page 55 Glossary of Terms Enables a track for recording Gain The ratio of output to input level. Gain is relevant at any point in the audio signal path where there is a stage of amplification, such as preamplifier, mixer, output, headphones. The pan controls the spread of a monaural signal in a stereo or multi-channel sound field - it is critical to the makeup of the stereo image.
  • Page 56 User Guide...

  • Page 57: Limited Warranty

    SOFTWARE PRODUCT remains with you. No liability for damages. In no event shall Sound Devices, LLC or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss...
  • Page 58 User Guide Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In any case, Sound Devices, LLC’s entire liability under any provision of this evaluation license shall be limited to the greater of the amount actually paid by you for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or U.S. $5.00. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damag- es, the above limitation may not apply to you.
  • Page 59 ® Sound Devices, LLC Customer Support Product Information E7556 Road 23 and 33 For more information about products Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 Toll Free: (800) 505-0625 and accessories, visit us on the web at www.sounddevices.com. Email: support@sounddevices.com Phone: +1 (608) 524-0625 http://www.sounddevices.com/support...

This manual is also suitable for:

Mixpre-6

Table of Contents

Save PDF