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…)
“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…)
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.
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