What will I gain by going through MixPre-D?

[philper]

Originally Posted by jujufactory

I own a Tascam DR-100 and a Sony EX1 camera. I usually record audio directly into these tools with and external 416 microphone.

What would I gain in terms of sound quality if I went through a Sound Devices MixPre-D compact field mixer instead of going straight into camera and Tascam?

Thank you.

Way better mic pres in all ways, a nice limiter, far better monitoring.

philp

[Raines]

I definitely agree with Philp on these points.
-If you're recording quiet ambs or sounds you can push a bit the mixpre without too much noise.
-With the knobs the control or the input is easier, especially when volumes are going up and down
-You can monitor either what you send to the camera or what is recorded or the cam with the tape return button.

[ThisIsSka]

Can the Mix-Pre D can deliver audio both to a camera (through the unbalanced stereo) and the Tascam (via the XLR outs) at the same time?

In fact, could I have a ridiculously multi-redundant system where I can record into PT via USB on a laptop, plus in camera, plus an external recorder (or even 2 using the AES outputs)? We have a Beachtek here which I have always been disappointed with, I'm considering a MixPre-D for a Cannon 5D & Tascam DR-100 setup.

EDIT: How does using the MixPre-D compare to say, using a Fostex DC-R302? http://www.fostexinternational.com/d.../DC-R302.shtml except for the extra input, of course.

[d1rtynyc]

Originally Posted by ThisIsSka

Can the Mix-Pre D can deliver audio both to a camera (through the unbalanced stereo) and the Tascam (via the XLR outs) at the same time?

In fact, could I have a ridiculously multi-redundant system where I can record into PT via USB on a laptop, plus in camera, plus an external recorder (or even 2 using the AES outputs)? We have a Beachtek here which I have always been disappointed with, I'm considering a MixPre-D for a Cannon 5D & Tascam DR-100 setup.

EDIT: How does using the MixPre-D compare to say, using a Fostex DC-R302? DC-R302 | DSLR Mixer/Recorder | Fostex except for the extra input, of course.

Go out of the mini tape out of the MixPre to the DR100 line in and XLR to the camera when using the Sony EX1. That way you can have a stereo mix and be able to hard pan if needed.

Yes, you can also go USB to your laptop.

When using a 5D get this: Sound Devices XL3 Mini Male to TA3-F Connector Cable XL-3 B&H
to go to the the 5d's mic in and XLR to the DR100

This will blow your Beachtek out of the water sound wise.

Don't forget this for camera mounting: SOXLCAM | B&H Photo Video

[Pedantic Sound]

I've heard very mixed things about the fostex (never had one in hand tho), but I doubt you'll find much if anything negative about the mix preD. And yes, you can go XLR outs to Tascam and tape out to camera. The fostex on the other hand has only unbalanced stereo mini and RCA outs.

You could also pick up a Mixpre used for probably half the price of the Fostex.

[dix]

Things are tight and I need a field recording rig and two more mic pres for my home studio. I'm wondering if both birds can be killed with the MixPre-D. Any reason why it wouldn't be good as auxiliary studio pres? Right now my Apogee Ensemble's pres are doing the job, but if this bettered those it'd go a long way to help justifying the expense.

Thx!

[Pedantic Sound]

They have top quality pres.

[signoaudiodesign]

essential

[dix]

Thanks. Care to quantify those descriptions a bit? Is anyone using these in a studio setting? I'm considering a RNP or a Twinfinity among others. Shall I assume that the Sound Devices pres are flatter than those? Am I crazy to think I'll get anything "musical" out of them?