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Old August 4th, 2008, 05:25 PM   #1
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Sound Devices 302 vs. Mixpre

If im gonna be working with only 2 microphones at a givin time, is there any reason why i should go Sound devices 302 over the mixpre? what are the differences?

Also, is it worth the mixer if i only have two tracks? Or should i plug the mics directly into a recorder?

Third, whats a solid recorder that can record 2 tracks of 24bit audio from xlr sources? around 1000?

Thanks,

--Corwin
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Old August 4th, 2008, 05:49 PM   #2
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The 302 has better/bigger meters, a number of additional features, up to five channels, etc.

But the quality of the sound (pre amps) should be the same.

For a specific job or special requirements (size?), the mixpre is fine.

For long term ownership, I would suggest the 302. It's more than worth the difference in price in this case.

That's my opinion. I have the 302 and it has been put to more uses than I anticipated when I bought it.
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Old August 4th, 2008, 06:17 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Corwin Garber View Post
If im gonna be working with only 2 microphones at a givin time, is there any reason why i should go Sound devices 302 over the mixpre? what are the differences?

Also, is it worth the mixer if i only have two tracks? Or should i plug the mics directly into a recorder?

Third, whats a solid recorder that can record 2 tracks of 24bit audio from xlr sources? around 1000?

Thanks,

--Corwin
From what I've heard, mixpre is fine if:

1. Price is paramount
2. You are not using low-output dynamic mics
3. You don't need extra features (headphone matrix, input/output limiters, stero/ms matrix linking, etc)
4. Battery life isn't a problem when running phantom power, LEDs, etc
5. The user interface is okay (smaller potentiometers, etc)

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/302master.htm

But I can't justify buying either, so who am I to say? Still, I'll probably wait until I can cough up enough to justify the SD302 someday... (simply for item #2 above).

Regards, Michael
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Old August 4th, 2008, 06:41 PM   #4
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cool, Thanks!
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Old August 4th, 2008, 07:15 PM   #5
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302

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Old August 4th, 2008, 09:15 PM   #6
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Second the motion for 302
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Old August 5th, 2008, 06:51 PM   #7
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I had exactly the same question Mix-pre or 302. Finally decided with the Mix-pre I couldn't go bigger/forward/further/faster or cooler. Well maybe cooler.

So third for the 302.
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Old August 5th, 2008, 09:06 PM   #8
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You'll want (and eventually need) the 302.
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Old August 5th, 2008, 10:12 PM   #9
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Ok, i guess the plan is wait for the money, then go 302. Thanks!
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Old August 5th, 2008, 10:22 PM   #10
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As a lower cost alternative, I am trying Sign Video's Eng44. I will see how the sound guy likes it after a shoot next week.
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Old August 7th, 2008, 03:20 PM   #11
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I made a mixer mistake before (see above ..) but my new 302 is all I wanted in the first place. Just do it.
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Old August 7th, 2008, 04:26 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Chris Barcellos View Post
As a lower cost alternative, I am trying Sign Video's Eng44. I will see how the sound guy likes it after a shoot next week.
Been there, done that. There's a big difference between a 302 and an eng44. If you want to sound pro, go for the 302. Don't look back.

Regards,

Ty Ford
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Old August 8th, 2008, 01:29 AM   #13
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Cool, good to know!
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Old October 22nd, 2009, 01:56 AM   #14
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If price is a factor and you want a mixer now, the MixPre resells very well.
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Old October 22nd, 2009, 09:46 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Corwin Garber View Post
If im gonna be working with only 2 microphones at a givin time, is there any reason why i should go Sound devices 302 over the mixpre? what are the differences?

Also, is it worth the mixer if i only have two tracks? Or should i plug the mics directly into a recorder?

Third, whats a solid recorder that can record 2 tracks of 24bit audio from xlr sources? around 1000?

Thanks,

--Corwin
302 for sure. For a recorder look at the Marantz 661. I just got one modified from
OADE BROTHERS AUDIO Field Recording Experts, Sony, Tascam, Marantz, Fostex, Compact Flash recorders
Works very well.
Bernie
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