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

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.

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

cool, Thanks!

302

Ty Ford

Second the motion for 302

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.

You'll want (and eventually need) the 302.

Ok, i guess the plan is wait for the money, then go 302. Thanks!

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.

I made a mixer mistake before (see above ..) but my new 302 is all I wanted in the first place. Just do it.

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

Cool, good to know!

If price is a factor and you want a mixer now, the MixPre resells very well.

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

I also like my tascam hd-p2, which I see oade bros also sells, although I have the unmodded version which has been great ($815 from B&H).. I can't compare that to the marantz for features since I don't know the marantz unit (that one looks nice too) but may be worth considering or comparing

I have a mixpre and while i dont *regret* the purchase, I do have a lustful eye out for more channels (but perhaps more than 3?) Although I think the mixpre will be relegated to a boom mixer/unit to rent out to noobs.

The most obvious issue is that once i got more than 2 mics, I couldn't mix them.

A more everyday issue is that the mixpre ONLY outputs line level +4 audio over the xlrs. If you have a camera/recorder that only takes mic level inputs, then you gotta buy pads and put them in line and its just clumsy and not ideal.

A pro in favor of the mixpre is the size/weight. Its significantly smaller and lighter than the 302. In its petrol bag, two sennheiser g2 receivers basically take up the full width of the bag.

The limiters in the mixpre/302 are magic compared to most camera inputs. When running 1-man-army mode, i often get a rough level on the mixpre then forget about it unless something major changes. It handles the random shout like a champ.

All that said, if you buy a 302... chances are extremely slim that you'll regret it.

FYI - you can change the 302's ouput to mic level via the menu.