Mixer and Recorder Performance with Low Batteries
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. Unlike a product with a linear power supply where the noise level increases as voltage sags, Sound Devices mixers, including the 302, 442, and MixPre, and the 7-Series recorders will stay within spec until batteries are exhausted. When the power LEDs start flashing, that indicates that the voltage on the batteries is low, an indication that the batteries are near the end of their life–typically with 30 minutes of runtime remaining.