Analysis Paralysis: Sound Devices, Tascam, audio interfaces, etc.

[Bruce Watson]

The MixPre-D does have a USB port, and it does have AES3 output. So it’s got a ADC on board. I’m thinking it’s probably possible to use it as a USB audio interface to your computer. But I’ve never tried it, so I don’t really know.

[Michael Harrison]

I just took another look at the product page on the Sound Devices website, and the mixpre-d can be used as an audio interface:
https://www.sounddevices.com/products/mixpred/key-features/
Though it seems it cannot be powered via USB.

[Ryan Phillips]

I’ve used the Tascam DR-60D and gotten fantastic results. It’s portable and affordable. But if you are thinking about recording directly to camera, go a quality XLR adapter like the BeachTek DXA-SLR Pro. It mounts right to your camera, it’s rugged, extremely portable, and allows you to record great audio right to the camera from your quality mic via XLR inputs. Phantom power, limiters, AGC disable, the whole nine yards.

[Michael Harrison]

Hey Al,

I have a quick follow-up question. After reading your post, I’ve been learning more about the C100. Do you not need dual sound with this camera?

When shooting on location we use lavs with the Sennheiser G3. If I were to feed the receiver straight into the C100 XLR, would that give production ready audio? If so, then I’m almost ready to ditch the world of DSLRs + dual audio + rigs + sync + viewfinders.

Thanks again!
~Michael

[Al Bergstein]

You do not need dual sound with this camera. So it depends on your style of shooting. For my low budget documentary and corporate interviews, etc. I usually just go directly in to the camera with my feeds. It does suppose that you can run your levels just fine without touching the camera. Often that’s ok, sometimes not. For shooting one of a kind audio like music, or if I have a situation where I need to run the levels, I usually run a second recorder and/or my SD MixpreD and feed the camera along with that. But the sound on the C100 is just fine for most uses.

Al

[Michael Harrison]

Excellent. Thank you for your time and help!

[Al Bergstein]

Michael, the Mixpre can run a long time off two AA batteries. I have used it extensively and the power consumption is wonderfully low. You can also buy the power apdapter and run it from 120 or 220 if you need to. I’ve got no complaints.

Al