Sound Devices, LLC - Portable, Professional Audio

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 Equal and Opposites

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…)

Condition

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…)

The Canon XL1 and XL1S cameras are popular DV acquisition tools. While photographers appreciate these cameras because of their ergonomics and image quality, audio engineers are not as happy with them because of their consumer-grade audio connectors and controls. (more…)

Sound Devices MixPre, 302, and 442 mixers are designed to link directly with each other using a single cable. The Mix In connection on the 302 and 442 is directly compatible with the Mix Out/Tape Out connections on the MixPre, 302, and 442. When linked, one mixer becomes the master and the other the “auxiliary”. (more…)

Sound Devices MixPre and the Shure FP33 mixer can be interconnected to combine inputs. An interconnected MixPre and FP33 combination results in the following: (more…)

“Phantom powering” is a method of providing power to microphones by applying a voltage to the same wires that carry the audio signals. Phantom power can be generated from mixing consoles, mic preamplifiers, or in-line phantom power supplies. All of Sound Devices microphone inputs supply phantom power. (more…)

Condition:

Early models of Earthworks microphones (see Models Affected) and Earthworks model M30 microphone will become unstable and oscillate with transformer-balanced microphone inputs such as Sound Devices MP-1, MP-2 and MixPre. (more…)

Rechargeable AA batteries for internal powering of pro audio gear have historically been poor performers. Alkaline primary cells, and more recently Li-ion cells, are usually the preferred cell chemistry. Fortunately, battery chemistries have evolved — in some applications there is actually a runtime advantage when using the newer NiMH rechargeable batteries with portable gear versus alkaline cells. (more…)

The line-level inputs on the 302 and 442 are attenuated by 40 dB from mic-level and go through the mic transformer. We chose this topology to maintain transformer isolation of line inputs. For our portable field mixers we chose to keep their size small and not have transformers large enough to handle line inputs. The alternative, electronically balancing line inputs along side transformer balanced mic ins, was not practical. The noise penalty is extremely small, since the noise figure of the unit overall is quite low.

Q: I experience a loud output noise when the mixer is powered up. It blasts the camera audio levels to maximum. The sound is a low thump combined with a much higher “beep” sound. Why? (more…)

The input channel peak LEDs indicate both pre- and post- fade peak levels on the 302. In early production mixers (before 2005) there are two resistors which make channel 2 and channel 3 not indicate post-fade peak levels. This minor condition is fixed on later units. Note that if the channel fader is below unity gain the pre-fade input will always clip first (and be indicated), and if the fader is above unity, the output (as displayed on the meter) will always clip first.

Q: I have a Sennheiser MKH418s stereo mic to complement my kit and upon plugging it up to my 442 I have found the level to be very low. (more…)

Lectrosonics wireless systems are popular companions to Sound Devices field mixers. Their construction and audio performance make a “kit” built with Sound Devices mixers and “Lectro” wireless very flexible, compact, and capable.
(more…)