MixPre-6 II
4 Preamp, 8 Track, 32-Bit Float Audio Recorder
Gallery
Overview
- Four ultra-low-noise Kashmir microphone preamps with adjustable limiters capture high quality audio in the field, on set, or with a computer.
- Create a mix using the built-in 6 x 2 portable mixer.
- Record up to 8 tracks to an SD card and backup to a USB thumb drive.
- 8-in, 4-out USB audio interface streams to your computer via USB-C at bit depths up to 32-bit float.
- Choose bit depths from 16 to 32-bit float, and sampling rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
- Internal LTC timecode generator. Timecode In/Out via Aux In/Stereo Out.
- Timecode and record triggering via HDMI.
- USB-A for control surfaces, keyboards, and auto-copy to USB drive.
- In-unit ISO mixing, gain, pan, low-cut, phase inversion, and phantom power.
- Sunlight-readable color touch screen and LED metering.
- Lightweight, durable, and small: perfect for bag use, mobile recording, or a home studio.
- Powerful 300 mW+300 mW headphone amp allows clear and accurate reference of audio.
- Includes a MX-4AA Battery Sled (batteries not included), MX-PSU AC Power Supply, and USB-C to USB-C cable.
- Customize with plugins from the Plugin Store.
What’s New in the MixPre-6 II?
- Bit depth up to 32-bit float for increased dynamic range.
- 32-bit float USB audio streaming – the only 32-bit float USB audio interface on the market.
- Same intuitive interface, more powerful hardware.
- Internal LTC timecode generation and output.
- Adjustable limiters.
- Auto-copy to USB drive.
- Pre-roll buffer increased to 10 seconds.
- USB output delay.
- Optional NoiseAssist Plugin.
Anytime, Anywhere Audio
Versatile. Durable. High-Performance.
If you record field audio, sound effects, podcasts, voice-overs, music, audio for film, or are just starting your audio journey, the MixPre-6 II is for you! With four crystal-clear, ultra low-noise Kashmir preamps, you can record multiple actors, multiple podcasters, or audio for film with superior quality – all the way up to a 32-bit float bit depth and a 192 kHz sample rate. This newest generation of Sound Devices’ award-winning MixPre Series has been redesigned for increased performance and an astounding 142 dB of dynamic range.
Your MixPre-6 II is highly customizable to your needs. Record internally to a compatible SD card on set or stream your podcast over USB to your computer at home. Power with your computer, wall power, or record in the middle of nowhere with AA or Sony L-mount batteries. Adjust limiters, bit depth, sample rates, gain, pan, low-cut, phase inversion and phantom power to your liking. Trigger your camera with the internal timecode generator, or feed timecode in via HDMI or Aux In. The choice is yours!
Professionals love the flexibility of the MixPre Series. Don’t need all those options? Basic mode has you covered.
Your MixPre-6 II is rugged, lightweight, and small, so you can throw it in a bag or mount it to a tripod or camera – or get situated on set with our Wingman App and one of our four supported USB control surfaces. With the superior sound and build quality that you can expect from the industry leader in production audio recording, your MixPre-6 II can capture audio for any application. Our friendly and knowledgeable support team, based in the USA and the UK, is here for all your questions and comments. Our job is to make your job easier.
Customize With Plugins
Suppress background noise instantly on-location with the NoiseAssist plugin for MixPre II Series. One instance of NoiseAssist can run on any channel, bus L, or bus R.
Using multiple microphones with your MixPre II? Enable MixAssist to reduce unwanted background noise while recording.
Are you a songwriter or musician? Buy the Musician Plugin to easily create a song using your MixPre-6 II as a standalone recorder or USB interface. Use onboard features like overdub, bounce, reverb, and tracking to a metronome. Create Music Projects to lay down backing tracks and use them live or at home for writing or practicing. Capturing your song ideas has never been easier! While in Music Mode, the MixPre-6 II is limited to six simultaneous live inputs.
Download the Ambisonics Plugin to record in 360° audio and monitor binaurally with an ambisonic microphone like the Sennheiser AMBEO and your MixPre-6 II.
Warranty
Register your MixPre to upgrade your 1 year warranty to a 2 year warranty.
Specifications
Audio Inputs
Frequency Response
- 10 Hz to 80 kHz +/- 0.5 dB re 1 kHz @ 192 kHz sample rate
THD + Noise
- 0.005% max (@1 kHz, 22-22 kHz BW, gain=20 dB, -10 dBu in)
ADC
- 32 bit precision; 142 dB dynamic range min (A-weighted, gain=10 dB, fader=0 dB)
Equivalent Input Noise
- -130 dBV (-128 dBu) max (A-weighting, gain=76 dB, 150 ohm source impedance)
Inputs
- Mic: XLR active-balanced; 4k input
- Line: XLR active-balanced; 4k input
- Aux/Mic in: 3.5 mm TRS, 2-channel unbalanced; 2.2k
- Line: ¼-inch TRS active-balanced; 4k input
- USB Audio: 4 channels
- 6 Total analog inputs: 4 mic-line inputs, 2 on Aux In
- All inputs fully RF-filtered and overload protected.
Gain
- Mic input: +6 dB to +76 dB
- Line input: -20 dB to +30 dB
- Fader: -inf to +20 dB
- Headphone: -inf to +20 dB
- Total, Mic-to-recording (max): +96 dB
- Aux In (Mic): Gain = +10dB to +40 dB
- Aux In (Line): Gain = -10dB to +20 dB
- Total Aux Gain including Fader (Mic-to-recording): +60 dB
Maximum Input Level
- Mic XLR: +14 dBu (limiters on or off)
- Line XLR: +28 dBu (limiters on or off)
- Aux In (Mic): -10 dBu
- Aux In (Line): +10 dBu
Low Cut Filters
- 40 Hz to 160 Hz (adjustable), 18 dB/oct. First stage analog, subsequent stages digital.
Microphone Powering
- Mic XLRs: 48 V via 6.8k resistors, 10 mA each
- Mic 3.5 mm: 3 V @ 3k source
Limiters
- Limiter at all gain stages, range > 40 dB. First stage analog, subsequent stages digital. Adjustable Threshold, Ratio, and Release.
Audio Outputs
- DAC feeding Stereo Out, Headphone Out
- 32 bit precision; 115 dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
Stereo Out
- 3.5 mm TRS stereo unbalanced, 500 ohm output, +7.8 dBu max output level
Headphones Out
- 3.5 mm TRS stereo unbalanced, 300 mW + 300 mW, for use with any impedance headphones
USB
- Audio Interface (USB-C): 8-in/4-out; 44.1 to 96 kHz; 16/24/32-bit integer, 32-bit float; Class-compliant USB 2.0 high speed or ASIO® (supplied via download)
- Mass Storage (USB-C): USB 2.0 high speed
- Keyboard (USB-A): Text entry and control
- Thumbdrive (USB-A): Manual or auto-copy to drive
- Midi Control Surface (USB-A)
Recording
Maximum Record Tracks
- 8 Tracks: Stereo mix + 6 ISOs
Sampling Frequency
- 44.1 kHz
- 47.952 kHz
- 48 kHz
- 48.048 kHz
- 96 kHz
- 192 kHz
Bit Depth
- 16
- 24
- 32 Float
Recording Storage
- Type: SD, SDXC, SDHC Card (USB thumbdrive, copy only)
- Max Storage Size: 512 GB (SDXC)
- Card format: exFAT
File Type
- Polyphonic WAV
Timecode
Timecode Modes
- Free Run
- Time of Day (file stamped w/current ToD)
- Rec Run
- Ext LTC (file stamped w/incoming LTC on 3.5mm Aux In)
- Camera TC (file stamped w/incoming TC from cameras that output TC)
Timecode Frame Rates
- Auto-detects (fps):
- 23.98 (same as 23.976)
- 24
- 25
- 29.97DF
- 29.97ND
- 30
- 30DF
3.5 mm Aux In
- Timecode Input
- Timecode: 20k ohm impedance, 0.3 V – 3.0 V p-p (–17 dBu – +3 dBu)
3.5 mm Stereo Out
- Timecode Output
- Timecode: 1k ohm impedance, 3.0 V p-p (+12 dBu)
HDMI
- TC Reader via HDMI
Sample/Timecode Accuracy
- 0.2 ppm (0.5 frames per 24 hours)
Remote Control
- Bluetooth LE: Wireless control using Wingman app
- HDMI (micro): Auto-record start/stop trigger from cameras that output record flag over HDMI
- Timecode: Auto-record start/stop trigger via Aux In timecode
File Delivery to Cloud
- Compatible with Viviana Cloud
Touch Screen
- 320×256; 1.6-inch, color, sunlight-viewable IPS LCD
Power
- AA Batteries: 4x AA sled (included); 8x AA sled (optional accessory). NiMH recommended
- From computer: Bus-powered via USB-C port; optional MX-USBY cable, connects one USB-C to two USB-A ports
- AC Adapter: MX-PSU (included) Power supply wall adapter w/ USB-C connector; 15W; has 4 adapter plugs for US, UK, AU & Europe
- L-Mount: Optional sled for 2x (hot-swappable) Sony L-type Li-ion batteries
Environmental
- Operating: -20°C to 60°C, 0 to 90% relative humidity; (non-condensing)
- Storage: -40°C to 85°C
Dimensions (H x W x D)
- 3.6 cm x 16.6 cm x 11.8 cm
- 1.40” x 6.53” x 4.65”
Weight
- 0.56 kg (unpackaged, without batteries)
- 19.9 oz. (unpackaged, without batteries)
FAQ
What is different about the MixPre II compared to the previous MixPre models?
All MixPre II Series recorders feature 32-bit float recording, timecode generators, 192 kHz recording, adjustable limiters, auto-copy to USB drives, extended Pre-roll, output delay, and access to the optional NoiseAssist plugin. The MixPre-10 II TA3 balanced outputs are now +18 dBu.
I recently purchased a new MixPre and the screen looks different from other models I’ve seen. Why is that?
The global parts shortage gave us the opportunity to switch from an LCD display to a higher-contrast, richer-color OLEDdisplay for the MixPre II Series. Your MixPre features the updated display.
Will the above features be backwards compatible with previous models?
The updated hardware on the MixPre II allows for the new features and functionality.
Will you continue to support the original MixPre series?
The MixPre Series will continue to receive updates that the hardware will support.
What benefits does 32-bit float recording offer?
Read our article on the benefits of 32-bit float recording.
What applications support 32-bit float files?
View the list of compatible applications here.
I have no DAW handy, and I recorded my tracks in 32-bit float mode too hot. Can I adjust the file’s gain after recording?
Yes. The MixPre II has a very powerful feature called Remix/Rerecord which allows you to simultaneously play back a file and record a new L/R mix while adjusting the gains with the fader knobs.
What do I need to stream in 32-bit float?
32-bit float USB audio streaming requires Mac OS Catalina or higher (10.15+) or Windows 10/11 with the ASIO driver and an application that supports 32-bit float.
How does the MixPre II achieve such high dynamic range in 32-bit float mode?
The MixPre II recorders feature Sound Devices’ own patented topology of multiple analog-to-digital converters. These converters appear in the circuitry after the Kashmir microphone preamplifier stage. They enable the recording of very-low distortion, ultra-high dynamic range audio. The MixPre II’s A-to-D’s can resolve more than 142 dB of dynamic range. Together with their Kashmir microphone preamplifiers and 32-bit float files, the MixPre II captures audio that is limited only by the capabilities of the microphone.
How do the MixPre II mic preamps compare to the original MixPre series?
The new MixPre II models, like the original MixPre-3, MixPre-6, and MixPre-10T recorders, offer the same discrete class-A Kashmir microphone preamplifiers with an exceptionally low noise-floor regardless of the gain setting. The recorder’s input gain, whether set high or very low, produce excellent results.
Any improvements to the headphone knob compared to the original MixPre models?
The MixPre II comes with a handy headphone knob “tire”. This allows for easy fingertip operation. Conveniently, this tire is removable in case large connectors or cables get in the way.
Will the MixPre II support my control surface? Wingman?
Yes. The MixPre II supports the same control surfaces and Wingman functionality as the previous MixPre models.
Korg NanoKontrol Studio
Korg NanoKontrol 2
Novation LaunchControl XL
Akai MidiMix
P.I. Engineering’s X-keys® Programmable Keypads, Sticks & Keyboards
Is Ambisonics supported?
Yes. An optional Ambisonics Plugin is available for the MixPre-6 II and MixPre-10 II on the Sound Devices plugin store. 16- and 24-bit operation is supported.
Is binaural monitoring available when using Ambisonics?
Yes. Binaural monitoring is available (up to 48 kHz) for record and monitoring.
Is there a multitracking feature on the MixPre II for musicians?
All MixPre II models support the Musician Plugin, so you can easily create a song using your MixPre II as a standalone recorder featuring over-dub, reverb, metronome, and more. Visit the Sound Devices plugin store for more information.
What are my limiter options?
In 16- or 24-bit operation, the MixPre II offers analog/digital limiters similar to the original MixPre recorders. These limiters have been improved to give control over ratio, release, and threshold. In 32-bit float mode, the multi-stage A-to-D converters are active to capture the full dynamic range of the incoming signal; no limiters are needed.
Is timecode accuracy maintained while powered down?
All of the MixPre II Series now include a full-featured internal timecode generator and are accurate to better than 0.2 ppm (0.5 frames per 24 hours). When the unit is off, the MixPre II Series maintains accurate timecode for up to four hours, even without batteries or external power.
What’s in the box?
AC wall adapter
USB-C to USB-C cable
MX-4AA Battery Sled (MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II)
MX-8AA Battery Sled (MixPre-10 II)
Anti rotation pin
Allen wrench
Headphone tire.
What are my media options?
We recommend our SAM-64SD or SAM-128SD card. Additionally, a full list of third-party compatible cards is available.
Can I upgrade my original series MixPre?
Due to the hardware differences, an original MixPre cannot be updated to the MixPre II.
Does Sound Devices offer a trade-in program?
The MixPre II Series is available for sale only through our resellers. We do not offer trade-ins for the original MixPre Series.
What is MixAssist?
MixAssist reduces ambient noise and reverberation when mixing and recording with multiple microphones by attenuating unused microphones. The advanced automixer incorporates multiple proprietary algorithms for reducing noise and phase artifacts, including Noise Adaptive Threshold, MaxBus, Last Mic Lock-on, Off-Attenuation, and NOMA (Number of Open Mic Attenuator). This is ideal for podcasts, scripted or unscripted dialogue, panel discussions, house of worship applications and more.
MixAssist is available as a plugin from the Sound Devices Store. MixAssist works with both the MixPre and MixPre-II Series. MixAssist is incompatible with the MixPre-M models or while in Musician, Ambisonics, or Remix Modes.
What is NoiseAssist?
NoiseAssist is an advanced signal processing algorithm that reduces background noises such as traffic, generators, HVAC noise, and more. It features a simple user interface with only one adjustment, the amount of background noise to suppress. The plugin is available now for MixPre-3 II, MixPre-6 II, and MixPre-10 II at store.sounddevices.com for an introductory price of $600.
Can I use a USB hub?
Starting with firmware v5.00, all MixPre models support the use of USB hubs. USB hubs allow simultaneous use of a USB keyboard, USB Controller, and a USB Thumb-drive.
Note: USB Drives are supported by the MixPre-3 II, MixPre-6 II, MixPre-10 II, MixPre-10M, and MixPre-10T.
We recommend powered USB hubs for optimal performance. Read more about recommended USB hub practices here.
What are my USB routing options?
The new USB Output routing matrix added in v5.00 allows control of what signals are sent to the computer and in which order they get sent. The matrix allows for mix-minus and selection between pre-fade vs. post-fade isolated channels (M models and music projects allow post-fade only).
In Music projects (or MixPre-M models), do I need to route USB returns from my computer to a channel just to monitor it in my headphones?
USB headphone source can now be routed directly to headphones without using a channel while in Music Mode or on the MixPre-M models. You can create a custom USB headphone preset to monitor audio from a DAW while tracking a live instrument on the MixPre with no latency.
Will Dugan Automixing come to the MixPre Series?
There are no plans to implement Dugan Automixing on the MixPre. MixAssist is a phenomenal automixer which works extremely well.
Which modes work with 32-bit float recording?
The MixPre II records 32-bit float files in Advanced and Custom mode when Record is set to “Advanced.” While in Music Mode, Remix, or Ambisonics Modes, 32-bit float recording is unavailable. The MixAssist plugin can be used while recording 32-bit files.
