T-power, also known as Parallel, A-B, or Tonaderspeisung powering, was one of the original techniques used to power condenser microphones remotely from mixing consoles. It uses the microphone cable as the power conductor, eliminating the need for batteries or external power supplies. Phantom powering has effectively displaced T-powering as the standard microphone powering technique. (more…)
The 302 has three full-featured inputs, selectable between mic and line level. When additional inputs are needed, such as for additional wireless receivers or for stereo playback, the 3.5 mm Return connector can be reassigned as an input connector for channels 4 and 5. This feature is selected in the Setup Menu. (more…)
The chart below describes the inputs and output panels of the Sound Devices 302 Compact Field Mixer, including functionality and pin configurations. (more…)
Most Sound Devices mixers, amplifiers, and recorders have external DC inputs. These inputs can be used with AC transformers (and switching power supplies) to provide power for their operation. The 302, 442, HX-3, MixPre, and MM-1 can be powered from external DC sources with voltages ranging from 5 to 18 volts. The 702, 702T, 722, and 744T can run on external voltages from 10 to 18 VDC. (more…)
The polarity of the 442 and 442N mixers tone oscillator is inverted between the main outputs and the direct outputs. This polarity “flip” only affects the tone oscillator and not audio signals. (more…)
The chart below highlights many of the key features of Sound Devices field mixers. (more…)
The 442 Field Mixer has been shipping since January 2002. Some of the questions we received early in the product’s development are still useful to look at today. Questions have been edited for content and appropriateness. (more…)
Follow the link (image) below for a single page .pdf document of 442 User Setups. This reference covers version 5 firmware only. This handy reference can be used in the field to quickly set 442 user-adjustable parameters. (more…)
The 302 and 442 mixer’s tone oscillators have several modes of operation. From the Setup Menu, the tone frequency and level can be set. (more…)
Q: What does the polarity switch on a 302 do? Sometimes when I switch it I lose signal on channel 2. What is going on? (more…)
If you are a 302 mixer user and can’t spend the 30 seconds to enter the Setup Menu to change the default line-level output to mic-level, there is a simple, quick alternative, our XL-40 attenuator cable. (more…)
Both the 442 and 302 field mixers can decode MS stereo microphone signals. Depending on your workflow you can decide to decode the MS stereo signal in one of two ways: (more…)
Q: Why does the T-powering on my 302 take so long to start up? Is there something wrong with my mixer? (more…)
The power supply in all Sound Devices mixers and recorders use efficient switching power supplies–they will run at full performance until power is exhausted, then they shut down. (more…)
Of the dizzying array of questions that the expansive and all-knowing Sound Devices Technical Support Department fields, the one which has the most people confused, bamboozled, and flummoxed is: “What is this ‘impedance’ balanced output stage that you use on on early MixPre’s and the TA3 outputs of the 442?” Here is the answer: (more…)
The 302, like all Sound Devices mixers, including the 442 and MixPre, can exhibit a static, or crackling sound when gain controls are manipulated when the unit is first powered. This noise goes away as the power supply and filter capacitors become fully charged. (more…)
The addition of a mono mic-level output to the 302 is a useful addition for feeding transcription recorders, “Comtek” transmitters, and other inputs. The diagram below illustrates the proper wiring to add a mono mic-level output from the tape level output. (more…)
Depending on several conditions, chiefly the microphone, the transformer-balanced inputs, such as those on the 302, 442, MixPre, MM-1, MP-1, and MP2, can get into an oscillating condition with a microphone that renders the audio unusable. This oscillation is often described as a “motorboating” condition since this low frequency oscillation sounds like a motor boat. (more…)
There are many excellent articles (see links below) covering the basics of audio level metering — this is not that kind of article. This article moves beyond the basics to specifically discuss metering with Sound Devices 442, MixPre, and MP-2 portable products. A good general understanding of audio level metering is helpful before understanding the nuances of Sound Devices meters. (more…)