Sound Devices MixPre-3 USB Audio Interface QUICK START GUIDE
- June 13, 2024
- SOUND DEVICES
Table of Contents
Sound Devices MixPre-3 USB Audio Interface
Versatile. Durable. High-Performance.
If you record field audio, sound effects, audio for film, podcasts, voice- overs, music, or are just starting your audio journey, the MixPre II Series is for you. Lightweight, durable, and small, this powerhouse audio recorder and USB interface will help you capture audio for any application. This Quick Start Guide will help you quickly set up your new MixPre II. For further details and instructions, please download the full user guide. We are honored to be part of your kit.
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Getting to Know Your MixPre II
MIXPRE-3 II
MIXPRE-6 II
MIXPRE-10 II
Transport Controls
MIXPRE-3 II AND MIXPRE-6 II
The three Transport controls (illuminated buttons) on the front panel are used to perform recording and playback functions.
| FUNCTION | CONTROL | ACTION |
|---|
Record
| | Press to begin recording a new file. The button illuminates red while recording is in underway. In Stop mode the record button flashes red while auto-copying to a USB thumbdrive.
Stop
| | While recording, press once to stop recording. While in playback, press once to stop playback. While in standby, press and hold to display next name. While in Standby and auto-copying is in progress, press Stop to optionally suspend auto-copying.
Play / Pause
| | Press to begin playback of the last file recorded or file currently loaded. The button illuminates green during playback. While in playback, press once to pause, and press again to resume playback. Whenever playback is paused, the button and the current file name will flash green.
Scrub
| | While playing or paused, press and hold the headphone encoder to enter Scrub mode. Then rotate clockwise for fast forward or counter-clockwise for rewind at speeds of 0x, 1/8x, 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x and 16x. The audio is heard in Scrub mode up to 2x speed.
MIXPRE-10 II
A joystick (with its illuminated LED ring) on the front panel is used to perform various transport control functions.
| FUNCTION | CONTROL | ACTION |
|---|
Record
| | Push up the Transport control to begin recording a new file. The LED ring illuminates red while recording is underway.
Stop
| | Press in the Transport control to stop recording or playback.While in standby, press and hold to display next take name. The LED flashes red while auto-copying to a USB thumbdrive.While in Standby and auto-copying is in progress, press Stop to bring up a dialogue box which gives the option to suspend auto-copying.
Play
|
| Push down the Transport control to begin playback of the last file recorded or file currently loaded. While in playback, push down again to pause playback. The LED ring as well as the active file in the display will flash to indicate that Pause is active. Push down again to continue playback.
Rewind / Load previous take
|
| While in standby, push left to load the previous take. While in playback, push and hold left to rewind.
When the MixPre is playing back or paused, moving the joystick to the left (<<) rewinds at 2x speed, then after holding for 5 seconds, it increases to 16x speed.
Fast forward / Load next take
|
| While in standby, push right to load the next take. While in playback, push and hold right to fast forward.
When the MixPre is playing back or paused, moving the joystick to the right (>>) fast- forwards at 2x speed, then after holding for 5 seconds, it increases to 16x speed.
Scrub
| | While playing or paused, press and hold the headphone encoder to enter Scrub mode. Then rotate clockwise for fast forward or counter-clockwise for rewind at speeds of 0x, 1/8x, 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x and 16x. The audio may be heard in Scrub mode up to 2x speed.
Quick Setup in Basic Mode
(MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II)
INSERT SD CARD
Find the SD card slot on the back of the MixPre II and insert an SD Card. Sound Devices highly recommends using an SD card currently listed in the MixPre II approved media list.
CONNECT YOUR PREFERRED POWER SOURCE
To power the MixPre II, you may use:
- AA Batteries, using the MX4AA four AA battery sled or the MX-8AA eight AA battery sled. Sound Devices recommends using NiMH or Energizer Ultimate Lithium rechargeable AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are not suitable and short run times are expected.
- L-Mount batteries, using the optional MX-LMount.
- USB-C: The MixPre-3 II and MixPre-6 II can be powered with a USB-C cable connecting to a computer, USB-C power brick, or a wall outlet with the included MX-PSU.
Use the power switch on the left panel to turn on the MixPre II. The power status icon on the top right corner of the screen should be green. If it is orange or red, find an alternative power source.
FORMAT THE SD CARD
Formatting deletes all files on the SD Card and prepares it for use with the MixPre II.
- Tap the menu icon .
- Navigate to the second page by tapping the page icon
- Tap SD Card > Edit > Format.
The status bar indicates remaining record time of the inserted SD card. Your total recording time will depend on card size, sample rate, bit depth, and track count.
HOME SCREEN LAYOUT
CONNECT HEADPHONES
- Plug headphones into the headphone output located on the right panel. Use the headphone encoder on the right side of the MixPre II to adjust headphone volume.
- The MixPre II can drive headphones to potentially dangerous levels. Do not listen at high volume levels for long periods of time.
SET UP YOUR MICROPHONE
- Plug one end of the XLR cable into your microphone and the other into input 1 of your MixPre II.
- Press in the channel 1 knob on the front panel to enter the Channel Screen.
- If your microphone requires phantom power, tap Phantom.
- Adjust your levels using the front panel knob. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the amount of signal sent to the LR mix. Turn the knob counter-clockwise to decrease the amount of signal sent to the LR mix.
The MixPre II User Guide covers other possible channel sources and their setup.
UNDERSTANDING MIX LEVELS
The ring LED around each channel knob and the LR meter on the home screen display the status of your signal.
- Solid Green – the louder the signal, the brighter the LED
- Red – when peaking
- Orange – when limiting, also appears as orange bars to the right of the meters.
- Blinking Orange – when soloed
We recommend setting your level so the meters on the LCD show a healthy green signal that only occasionally reaches the yellow. If a signal is too loud, the limiter will engage. If the limiters are engaging frequently, turn down the channel gain.
Quick Setup in Advanced Mode (MixPre-10 II)
INSERT SD CARD
Find the SD card slot on the back of the MixPre II and insert an SD Card. Sound Devices highly recommends using an SD card currently listed in the MixPre II approved media list.
CONNECT YOUR PREFERRED POWER SOURCE
To power the MixPre-10 II, you may use:
- AA Batteries, using the MX-8AA eight AA battery sled. Sound Devices recommends using NiMH or Energizer Ultimate Lithium rechargeable AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are not suitable and short run times are expected.
- L-Mount batteries, using the optional MX-LMount or MX-LM1.
- Hirose, using the included XL-WPH3 from a wall outlet to the Hirose input.
Use the power switch on the left panel to turn on the MixPre-10 II. The power status icon on the top right corner of the screen should be green. If it is orange or red, find an alternative power source.
FORMAT THE SD CARD
Formatting deletes all files on the SD Card and prepares it for use with the MixPre-10 II.
- Tap the menu icon .
- Navigate to the second page by tapping the page icon
- Tap SD Card > Edit > Format.
The status bar indicates remaining record time of the inserted SD card. Your total recording time will depend on card size, sample rate, bit depth, and track count.
HOME SCREEN LAYOUT
CONNECT HEADPHONES
- Plug headphones into the headphone output located on the right panel. Use the headphone encoder on the right side of the Mix-Pre-10 II to adjust headphone volume.
- The MixPre II can drive headphones to potentially dangerous levels. Do not listen at high volume levels for long periods of time.
SET UP YOUR MICROPHONE
- Plug one end of the XLR cable into your microphone and the other into input 1 of your MixPre-10 II.
- Press in the channel 1 knob on the front panel to enter the Channel Screen.
- If your microphone requires phantom power, tap the page icon , then tap Phantom.
- Return to the first screen by tapping the page icon
- Tap gain and use the up and down arrows or the headphone encoder to change the amount of gain applied to the micro-phone.
- Adjust the level of channel 1 being sent to the LR mix using the front panel knob. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the amount of signal sent to the mix. Turn the knob counter-clock-wise to decrease the amount of signal sent to the mix.
The MixPre II User Guide covers other possible channel sources and their setup.
UNDERSTANDING MIX LEVELS
The ring LED around each channel knob and the LR meter on the home screen display the status of your signal.
- Solid Green – the louder the signal, the brighter the LED
- Red – when peaking
- Orange – when limiting, also appears as orange bars to the right of the meters.
- Blinking Orange – when soloed
We recommend setting your level so the meters on the LCD show a healthy green signal that only occasionally reaches the yellow. If a signal is too loud, the limiter will engage. If the limiters are engaging frequently, turn down the channel gain.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Sound Devices MixPre-3 USB Audio Interface?
The Sound Devices MixPre-3 is a high-quality USB audio interface and portable recorder designed for professional audio recording, podcasting, and field applications. It offers exceptional audio quality and versatility.
How many channels does the MixPre-3 USB Audio Interface support?
The MixPre-3 features three microphone/line inputs, allowing you to record up to three audio channels simultaneously.
What is the maximum audio resolution supported by the MixPre-3?
The MixPre-3 supports audio resolutions of up to 24-bit/96kHz, ensuring high- fidelity audio recordings.
Is the MixPre-3 suitable for recording music and instruments?
Absolutely. The MixPre-3 is versatile and can capture musical performances and instruments with great detail and clarity.
Can I use this audio interface for podcasting and voiceovers?
Yes, the MixPre-3 is excellent for podcasting and voiceover work, providing professional-grade audio quality for clear and engaging content creation.
Does the MixPre-3 require external power?
The MixPre-3 can be powered via USB when connected to a computer, or you can use AA batteries, Li-Ion batteries, or an optional AC adapter for power.
Is there a headphone output for real-time monitoring?
Yes, the MixPre-3 includes a headphone output with its own volume control for precise monitoring while recording or mixing.
Can I use the MixPre-3 as a standalone recorder?
Yes, the MixPre-3 can function as a standalone recorder, allowing you to capture audio directly to an SD card without the need for a computer.
What type of inputs does the MixPre-3 have?
The MixPre-3 features XLR/TRS combo jacks on its inputs, providing compatibility with a wide range of microphones and instruments.
Does it have built-in effects or signal processing?
The MixPre-3 includes essential signal processing features like high-pass filters, limiters, and adjustable input gain, but it does not have extensive built-in effects.
Can I connect the MixPre-3 to a computer for recording and playback?
Yes, the MixPre-3 can connect to a computer via USB, allowing you to use it as an audio interface for recording and playback with your preferred recording software.
Is the MixPre-3 compatible with both Windows and Mac computers?
Yes, the MixPre-3 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it versatile for various users.
What is the maximum number of microphones I can connect to the MixPre-3?
You can connect up to three microphones or line-level sources to the MixPre-3, one per input channel.
Does it have a timecode feature for synchronization?
Yes, some models of the MixPre-3 offer timecode synchronization, which is useful for multi-camera shoots and post-production workflows.
Is there a warranty included with the MixPre-3 USB Audio Interface?
The MixPre-3 typically comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for specific warranty details and duration.
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