Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Audio Recorder

Overview
The Sound Devices MixPre-3 II is a versatile and high-quality audio recording device perfect for field work, on-set recordings, or use with a computer. It features three ultra-low-noise Kashmir microphone preamps with adjustable limiters, a built-in 3 x 2 portable mixer, and a 5-in, 2-out USB audio interface. Users can choose from a range of bit depths and sampling rates, and the device also includes an internal LTC timecode generator and timecode and record triggering via HDMI. The MixPre-3 II is also lightweight, durable, and small, making it ideal for bag use, mobile recording, or a home studio.

With the ability to customize with plugins from the Plugin Store, the MixPre-3 II offers even more versatility and functionality. Additionally, the latest firmware update allows for support for the Reporter Plugin, which simplifies settings and allows for easy configuration for contributors. Other updates include support for Windows 11, improved file transfer and USB audio capabilities, and fixes for previous issues. The MixPre-3 II is a highly customizable and reliable option for any audio recording needs.

Summary
Recording Formats: exFAT
Outputs: 3.5mm
Battery Mount / Type: AA
Included in box
1x MixPre-3 II Audio Recorder
1x MX-PSU AC wall adapter to USB-C power supply
1x MX-4AA Battery Sled
1x USB-C to USB-C cable (included)

About the Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Audio Recorder
Please note: Records 3 ISO tracks and LR mix

Please Note: Firmware update for Sound Devices MixPre-3 II

New

Support for the Reporter Plugin – an optional paid plugin for MixPre-3, MixPre-3 II, MixPre-6, and MixPre-6 II. Simplify the settings of your MixPre so your contributors can focus on capturing great content. The Reporter plugin allows you to configure your MixPre in advance and then lock the menus. Send it off with a journalist, interviewee, or another contributor in confidence!
Change

File transfer mode and USB audio with both class compliant and ASIO drivers are now approved for use with Windows 11.
Elapsed record time now includes the pre-roll time.
Take number is reset to 001 when a new project is created.
Firmware updating is now prohibited when power is low.
Fixed

Legacy MixPre-3, MixPre-6, and MixPre-10T now always format SD cards that are 32 GB or less. This was not an issue with the MixPre II Series.
Limiters no longer remain disabled when changing from Advanced to Basic mode.

If you record field audio, sound effects, podcasts, voice-overs, music, audio for film, or are just starting your audio journey, the MixPre-3 II is for you! With three crystal-clear, ultra low-noise Kashmir preamps, you can record multiple actors, multiple podcasters, or audio for small productions with superior quality – all the way up to a 32-bit float bit depth and a 192 kHz sample rate. This newest generation of Sound Devices’ award-winning MixPre Series has been redesigned for increased performance and an astounding 142 dB of dynamic range.

Your MixPre-3 II is highly customizable to your needs. Record internally to a compatible SD card on set or stream your podcast over USB to your computer at home. Power with your computer, wall power, or record in the middle of nowhere with AA or Sony L-mount batteries. Adjust limiters, bit depth, sample rates, gain, pan, low-cut, phase inversion and phantom power to your liking. Trigger your camera with the internal timecode generator, or feed timecode in via HDMI or Aux In. The choice is yours!

Professionals love the flexibility of the MixPre Series. Don’t need all those options? Basic mode has you covered.

Your MixPre-3 II is rugged, lightweight, and small, so you can throw it in a bag or mount it to a tripod or camera – or get situated on set with our Wingman App and one of our four supported USB control surfaces. With the superior sound and build quality that you can expect from the industry leader in production audio recording, your MixPre-3 II can capture audio for any application. Our friendly and knowledgeable support team, based in the USA and Germany, is here for all your questions and comments. Our job is to make your job easier.

Customize With Plugins

Are you a songwriter or musician? Buy the Musician Plugin to easily create a song using your MixPre-6 II as a standalone recorder or USB interface. Use onboard features like overdub, bounce, reverb, and tracking to a metronome. Create Music Projects to lay down backing tracks and use them live or at home for writing or practicing. Capturing your song ideas has never been easier! While in Music Mode, the MixPre-6 II is limited to three simultaneous live inputs.

Audio Inputs
Frequency Response 10 Hz to 80 kHz +/- 0.5 dB re 1 kHz @ 192 kHz sample rate
THD + Noise 0.005% max (@1 kHz, 22-22 kHz BW, gain= 20 dB, -10 dBu in)
ADC 32 bit precision; 142 dB dynamic range min (A weighted, gain = 10 dB, fader = 0 dB)
Equivalent Input Noise -130 dBV (-128 dBu) max (A-weighting, gain = 76 dB, 150 ohm source impedance)
Inputs Mic: XLR active-balanced; 4k input
Line: XLR active-balanced; 4k input
Aux/Mic in: 3.5 mm TRS, 2-channel unbalanced; 100k input
USB Audio: 2 channels
All inputs fully RF-filtered and overload protected.
Gain Mic input: +6 dB to +76 dB
Line input: -20 dB to +30 dB
Fader: -inf to +20 dB
Headphone: -inf to +20 dB
Total, Mic-to-recording (max): +96 dB
Aux In (Mic): Gain = +10 dB to +40 dB
Aux In (Line): Gain = -10 dB to +20 dB
Total Aux Gain including Fader (Mic-to-recording): +60 dB
Maximum Input Level Mic XLR: +14 dBu (limiters on or off)
Line XLR/¼-inch: +28 dBu (limiters on or off)
Aux In (Mic): -10 dBu
Aux In (Line): +10 dBu
Low Cut Filters 40 Hz to 160 Hz (adjustable), 18 dB/oct. First stage analog, subsequent stages digital.
Microphone Powering Mic XLRs: 48 V via 6.8k resistors, 10 mA each
Mic 3.5 mm: 3 V @ 3k source
Limiters Limiter at all gain stages, range > 40dB. First stage analog, subsequent stages digital. Adjustable
Threshold, Ratio, and Release.
Audio Outputs
DAC feeding Stereo Out, Headphone Out 32 bit precision; 115 dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
L/R Out 3.5 mm TRS stereo unbalanced, 500 ohm output impedance, +7.8 dBu max output level
Headphones Out 3.5 mm TRS stereo unbalanced, 300 mW + 300 mW, for use with any impedance headphones
USB
Audio Interface (USB-C): 5-in/2-out (from computer); 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/96 kHz;
16/24-bit; Class-compliant USB 2.0 high speed driver
Mass Storage (USB-C): USB 2.0 high speed
Keyboard (USB-A): Text entry and control
Thumbdrive (USB-A): Manual or auto-copy to drive
Midi Control Surface (USB-A)
Recording
Maximum Record Tracks 5 Tracks Stereo mix + 3 ISO’s
Sampling Frequency 44.1 kHz
47.952 kHz
48 kHz
48.048 kHz
96 kHz
192 kHz
Bit Depth 16
24
32 Float
Recording Storage Type: SD, SDXC, SDHC Card, & USB thumbdrive (copy only)
Max Storage Size: 512 GB (SDXC)
Card format: exFAT
File Type Polyphonic WAV
Timecode
Timecode Modes Free Run
Time of Day (file stamped w/current ToD)
Rec Run
Ext LTC (file stamped w/incoming LTC on 3.5mm Aux In)
Camera TC (file stamped w/incoming TC from cameras that output TC)
Timecode Frame Rates Auto-detects (fps): 23.98 (same as 23.976)
24
25
29.97DF
29.97ND
30
30DF
Camera Timecode in via HDMI
LTC Timecode via 3.5mm
HDMI TC Reader via HDMI
Remote Control Bluetooth LE: Wireless control using Wingman app
HDMI (micro): Auto-record start/stop trigger from cameras that output record flag over HDMI
Timecode: Auto-record start/stop trigger via Aux In timecode
Touch Screen 320×256; 1.6-inch, color, sunlight-viewable IPS LCD
Power AA Batteries: 4x AA sled (included); 8x AA sled (optional accessory).
NiMH recommended
L-Mount: Optional sled for 2x (hot-swappable) Li-ion batteries
From computer: Bus-powered via USB-C port
AC Adapter: MX-PSU (included) Power supply wall adapter w/ USB-C connector; 15 W; has 4 adapter plugs for US, UK, AU & Europe
Environmental Operating: -20°C to 60°C, 0 to 90% relative humidity; (non-condensing)
Storage: -40°C to 85°C
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions 36 mm x 144 mm x 110 mm (H x W x D); 1.40” x 5.68” x 4.35”
Weight .48 kg; 16.8 oz. (unpackaged, without batteries)

Three ultra-low-noise Kashmir microphone preamps with adjustable limiters capture high quality audio in the field, on set, or with a computer.
Create a mix using the built-in 3 x 2 portable mixer.
5-in, 2-out USB audio interface streams to your computer via USB-C.
Choose bit depths from 16 to 32-bit float, and sampling rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
Internal LTC timecode generator. Timecode In/Out via Aux In/Stereo Out.
Timecode and record triggering via HDMI.
USB-A for control surfaces, keyboards, and auto-copy to USB drive.
In-unit ISO mixing, gain, pan, low-cut, phase inversion, and phantom power.
Sunlight-readable color touch screen and LED metering.
Lightweight, durable, and small: perfect for bag use, mobile recording, or a home studio.
Powerful 300 mW+300 mW headphone amp allows clear and accurate reference of audio.
Includes a MX-4AA Battery Sled (batteries not included), MX-PSU AC Power Supply, and USB-C to USB-C cable.
Customize with plugins from the Plugin Store.