SOUND DEVICES MixPre Series Reporter Plugin User Guide

June 4, 2024
SOUND DEVICES

Reporter plugin logo

Reporter Plugin

MixPre-3 II | MixPre-6 II | MixPre-3 | MixPre-6
User Guide

Legal Notices
Product specifications and features are subject to change without prior notification.

Copyright© 2022 Sound Devices, LLC. All rights reserved.
This product is subject to the terms and conditions of a software license agreement provided with the product, and may be used in accordance with the license agreement.
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Trademarks
The “wave” logo is a registered trademark of Sound Devices, LLC.
Bluetooth Smart is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners.

Read and fully understand this manual before operation.

Reporter Plugin User Guide | 05/22
This document is distributed by Sound Devices, LLC in online electronic (PDF) format only. Published in the USA.

This table provides the revision history and cross-reference links to “what’s new” in this guide.

DATE                     DESCRIPTION
05/22                       v8.00 Initial release

Post Office Box 576                        +1 608.524.0625 main
E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33              +1 608.524.0655 fax
Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA     800.505.0625 toll free
www.sounddevices.com support@sounddevices.com

Welcome to the Reporter Plugin

Simplify the settings of your MixPre so your contributors can focus on capturing great content.

With the Reporter plugin for the MixPre-3 II, MixPre-6 II, MixPre-3, and MixPre-6, a sound professional, broadcaster, or organization can fully configure the MixPre to their requirements and then lock the menus with a key combination. Contributors will simply need to connect a microphone and headphones, hit record, and adjust volume – no menu diving required. This plugin is perfect for journalists, reporters, remote interviewees, and other contributors who would excel with a simple interface.

With the MixPre II’s 32-bit float recording, ultra-clean preamplifiers, optional MixAssist and NoiseAssist plugins, and now the Reporter plugin, contributors can deliver an excellent recording with ease.

COMPATIBLE MODELS
The Reporter Plugin is compatible with the following models:

  • MixPre-3
  • MixPre-3 II
  • MixPre-6
  • MixPre-6 II
About this User Guide

This User Guide details installation, configuration, operation, and features specific to the MixPre Reporter Plugin.

For complete details on the MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II features and operation please refer to the MixPre II Series User Guide.

For complete details on the MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 features and operation please refer to the MixPre Series User Guide.

Installing the Plugin

Purchase the Reporter Plugin from the Sound Devices Store. You will need the serial number of your MixPre-3, MixPre-3 II, MixPre-6, or MixPre-6 II. This can be found on the barcode sticker placed on the rear of the unit or in Menu>System>Version.

TO INSTALL THE PLUGIN:

  1. Download the LIC file and copy it to the root of an SD Card.
  2. Insert the SD Card in the MixPre.
  3. Power on the MixPre.
  4. Navigate to Menu>System>Plugins then select Apply Plugins.
    The MixPre reboots after the Reporter plugin has been installed.

Installed Plugins are displayed in the Show Plugins Menu. Navigate to Menu>System>Plugins then select Show Plugins.

Activating Reporter Mode

Once the Reporter Plugin is installed. A hidden Reporter Plugin menu allows access to Reporter or Normal mode. The MixPre powers on in the last mode set until it is changed.

TO ACTIVATE REPORTER MODE:

  1. Power off the MixPre.
  2. Simultaneously press and hold the Play button and Channel 3 knob while powering on the MixPre. The buttons may be released when the Sound Devices logo appears on the screen.
  3. Select Reporter Mode.

The MixPre automatically enters Reporter mode every time the unit is powered on.

TO DEACTIVATE REPORTER MODE:

  1. Power off the MixPre.
  2. Simultaneously press and hold the Play button and Channel 3 knob while powering on the MixPre. The buttons may be released when the Sound Devices logo appears on the screen.
  3. Select Normal Mode.

The MixPre automatically enters Normal mode every time the unit is powered on.

Reporter Mode Functions

While in Reporter Mode, the contributor is prevented from entering menus and changing settings. They have limited access to MixPre functions. The following MixPre functions continue to be accessible in Reporter Mode:

  • Channel Gain via Channel knobs
  • Headphone Gain via Headphone knob
  • Record, Stop, Play, Pause, Fast Forward, and Rewind
  • Cue Markers
  • Cue List features
  • USB-C File Transfer Mode
  • Select * Button functions (MixPre-6 and MixPre-6 II only)

The MixPre-6 and MixPre-6 II * button provides access to the following functions in Reporter Mode:

  • Undo
  • Tone
  • Q
  • St Out Mode

If Undo, Tone, and St Out Mode are not something you want the contributor to have access to, be sure to set to Q or any of the other locked out functions while in Normal mode.

Reporter Mode Configuration

Configure the MixPre while in Normal Mode according to the application and setup. Set all menus, channel screen items, and headphone monitor presets, format the SD Card (if needed), then create or open the Project folder.

Tip: Set the MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II to 32 Bit Float to avoid digital overload distortion.

Once the MixPre is all setup, activate Reporter mode to lock out menus and simplify the user interface for the contributor.

Most MixPre settings set in Normal mode are applied to Reporter Mode. The following MixPre features are disabled while in Reporter Mode:

  • Bluetooth / Wingman connection
  • Musician Projects (MixPre automatically boots in Audio Projects)

SIMPLIFIED FILE NAMES
In Reporter mode, files are named according to the MixPre Date and a three- digit file number. The date follows the format set in Menu>System>Date/Time>Set Date. For example, the first file recorded to a project folder on May 1, 2022, is named 050122-001.WAV (MMDDYY format), 010522-001.WAV (DDMMYY format), or 220501-001.WAV (YYMMDD format). Setting Date/Time is only allowed in Normal Mode.

Name, Notes, and Track Names set in Normal mode are stored in the metadata of Reporter mode recordings but they are not visible to the contributor.

Reporter Mode Operation
Meter View

SOUND DEVICES MixPre Series Reporter Plugin A 5

  1. Status Bar
  2. Time Counter
  3. File List Icon
  4. Current File Name
  5. Cue Marker Icon
  6. Power Status Icon
  7. Meter View

FILE LIST ICON
Touch to enter the File List. See File List for more details.

CURRENT FILE NAME
Displays the current file name. File name is displayed in red during record, green during playback, and black when stopped.

TIME COUNTER
Displays current timecode value. If timecode is Off, displays time counter of recording file.

CUE MARKER ICON
Touch to lay a cue marker during record or playback. Displays current cue mark point. See Cue Markers for more information.

POWER STATUS ICON
Displays the status of the active power source.

Power Status Icon Description

(Green USB)| USB power source is ideal.

(Orange USB)| USB power source low. Brightness dimmed, HDMI & USB-A ports disabled, 48 V phantom on 2 channels only.

(Green Battery)| Healthy battery. Plan to change batteries when green level drops to about ¼ full.
(Flashing Red Battery)| Battery power is critically low. Change batteries.

METER VIEW
Displays audio activity of the Left and Right mix tracks.

STATUS BAR
Touch to toggle the information displayed:

  1. SD card status: card/drive activity, available recording time, file duration, elapsed time, and headphone preset.
  2. USB drive status: remaining space on drive, sample rate, bit depth.
  3. Sync Source (if external), sample rate, and bit depth.
  4. Date and time.

While auto-copying, copy status is displayed on all status bars. Copy status will alternate with default information.

File List

The File List consists of files recorded in the current Project folder of the SD Card. Files can be viewed and selected for playback. Tap to enter the File List or press the Headphone knob while in the Meters view.

  1. File List
  2. Back Icon
  3. Current Project Name
  4. File Options Menu
  5. Home Icon
  6. Power Status Icon

FILE LIST
Consists of recordings in the current Project folder. Files are listed by name. The orange highlight indicates the selected file. File durations are displayed on the right-hand side. `Recording’ is displayed in place of duration when the file is actively recording. Press Play to playback the selected file.

BACK ICON
Tap to return to the previously displayed view.

CURRENT PROJECT NAME
Displays the current Project (folder) name.

FILE OPTIONS MENU
Highlight a file in the File List using the Headphone knob. Tap Options or press in on the Headphone knob to enter the selected file’s Options menu. The File Options menu provides access to the file’s Cue List and USB File Transfer mode.

HOME ICON
Tap Home to return to the Meters view.

POWER STATUS ICON
Displays the status of the active power source. See Meters View for more details.

File Options Menu

CUE LIST
Displays a list of the file’s cue marks added during record or playback. See Cue Marks for details.

FILE TRANSFER MODE
Tap to enter File Transfer mode. While in File Transfer mode, connect the MixPre to a computer using a USB-C cable to transfer files from the SD Card. After transferring files to the computer, safely eject the SD Card from the computer operating system. To exit File Transfer mode, tap Exit..

Cue Marks

Cue marks make it easy to quickly locate points of interest within a file. A maximum of 99 cues are allowed per file. Cues appear in numerical order in the Cue List.

ADD A CUE MARK

  1. During recording, playback, or pause, tap to add a cue mark. The Q icon is found at the top right-hand side of the Meter view.
  2. A cue mark number (starting from 01 and incrementing each time a new cue mark is added) is displayed next to the Q icon.

The MixPre automatically renumbers cue marks when inserted between existing cue marks. This maintains the cue markers ascending numerical order from start to finish–01, 02, 03, etc.

ACCESS THE CUE LIST

  1. Tap .
  2. Use the Headphone knob to select a file (or highlight a file and tap Options).
  3. Tap Cue List from the Options menu.
  4. Cues may be played, named, moved, or deleted.

PLAYBACK FROM A CUE MARK

  1. From the Cue List, use the Headphone knob to highlight a cue.
  2. Press Play.

NAME A CUE MARK

  1. From the Cue List, use the Headphone knob to select a cue mark.
  2. Tap Name.
  3. Enter a new name then tap Ok.

MOVE A CUE MARK
You can finely tune the position of cue marks in 0.1 second increments.

  1. From the Cue List, use the Headphone knob to select a cue mark.
  2. Tap Move
  3. Turn the Headphone knob to adjust the selection in 0.1 second increments.
  4. Press the Headphone knob to save the new cue position.

DELETE A CUE MARK

  1. From the Cue List, use the Headphone knob to select a cue mark.
  2. Tap Delete.
Software License

End-user license agreement for Sound Devices MixPre Series Software / Embedded Firmware

Important Read carefully:
This Sound Devices, LLC end-user license agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Sound Devices, LLC for the Sound Devices, LLC software product identified above, which includes computer software, embedded firmware, and may include associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (“SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By using, installing, or copying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not use or install the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

Software Product License
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
Grant of license. This EULA grants you the following limited, non-exclusive rights: In consideration of payment of the licensee fee, Sound Devices, LLC, as licensor, grants to you, the licensee, a non-exclusive right to use this copy of a Sound Devices, LLC software program (hereinafter the “SOFTWARE”) on a single product and/or computer. All rights not expressly granted to licensee are reserved to Sound Devices, LLC. Software ownership. As the licensee, you own the hardware on which the SOFTWARE is recorded or fixed. Sound Devices, LLC shall retain full and complete title to the SOFTWARE and all subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the media or form on or in which the original copies may exist. The license is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE.

Two Level Segregated Fit memory allocator, version 3.1. Written by Matthew Conte http://tlsf.baisoku.org
Based on the original documentation by Miguel Masmano: http://www.gii.upv.es/tlsf/main/docs
This implementation was written to the specification of the document, therefore no GPL restrictions apply.
Copyright (c) 2006-2016, Matthew Conte
All rights reserved.
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(INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES;
LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND
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(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
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Without prejudice to any other rights, Sound Devices, LLC may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and all of its component parts.

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No warranties. Sound Devices, LLC expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any related documentation is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The entire risk arising out of use or performance of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT remains with you.
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Governing Law

This agreement and limited warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Wisconsin.
FCC & ISED Compliance Statements

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCC Part 15.19 (a) (3)

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

–Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
–Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
–Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC & ISED User Statement

This device complies with FCC and ISED RF Exposure SAR limits exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled exposure.

This Device complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Post Office Box 576
E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33
Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA

support@sounddevices.com

+1 608.524.0625 main
800.505.0625 toll free

www. sounddevices.com

References

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