® MixPre-10T Multichannel Recorder | Mixer | USB Audio Interface User Guide
Legal Notices Revision History Product specifications and features are subject to change without prior notification. This table provides the revision history for this guide. Copyright © 2017 Sound Devices, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is subject to the terms and conditions of a end-user license agreement provided in this guide, and may be used in accordance with the license agreement. Rev# Date Firmware Description Version 1-A v1.
Table of Contents Intro Powering Flexible Powering Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Panels Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Left Side Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Right Side Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Back Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Touch Screen Home Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Main Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Channel Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . .
User Guide Timecode Timecode/Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Timecode Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Free Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Rec Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 BNC In, Aux TC In (External LTC). . . . . . 42 HDMI TC In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Time of Day (TOD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Timecode Display. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intro Hello and thank you for buying the MixPre-10T! At Sound Devices, we are passionate about audio. We’ve unleashed our design and engineering team and asked them to create a groundbreaking device that sets new standards for what’s possible from a super compact and affordable, multi-channel audio recorder. From the ground up, we’ve designed the MixPre-10T to be a versatile production audio workhorse.
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Powering Flexible Powering Options In designing the MixPre-10T, we felt that it was important for it to be able to operate in a wide array of applications and environments. To support that goal, power can be supplied from several possible sources: • • • 12 VDC via 4-pin Hirose from an external battery or AC power supply (an optional accessory called XL-WPH3). Eight AA NiMH rechargeable or Lithium primary batteries installed in the provided 8-AA battery sled, called MX-8AA.
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Panels Front Panel Power light, transport joystick, toggle switch for Star (*/**) shortcuts, Channel knobs, Channel knob ring LEDs, and touch screen Power Light Channel Knob Ring LEDs Channel Knobs 1-4 Channel Knobs 5-8 Star Shortcuts Transport Joystick Touch Screen Left Side Panel BNC output for LTC/Word Clock, BNC input for LTC/Word Clock, USB connections, XLR/¼-inch TRS inputs 1-4, X1/X2 unbalanced, 2-channel 3.
User Guide Right Side Panel 3.5mm headphone output, 3.5mm Aux/Mic input, main L/R balanced TA3 outputs, XLR/¼-inch TRS inputs 5-8, headphone encoder, HDMI TC input 3.5 mm Headphone Output HP Encoder XLR/ ¼-inch TRS Inputs 3.
Touch Screen The MixPre-10T has a sunlight-viewable, high-resolution, touch-screen-based user interface. The touch-screen interface consists of the Home screen, Main Menu screen, Channel screen and File List views. As you will notice, there are several touch zones on the touch screen for controls. As you become familiar with the user interface, changing settings for inputs, outputs, recording and metering will become fast and intuitive.
User Guide • Status bar (cycle status info. by touching) ◦◦ SD card status: card/drive activity, available recording time, file duration, elapsed time, and headphone preset ◦◦ USB drive status: remaining space on drive and when it is actively copying ◦◦ Sample rate and bit depth ◦◦ Date and time Main Menu Screen The Menu screen is where most of the features and functions are selected and set up. To enter the Menu screen: XX Tap on the Home screen. There are three Menu screen views.
TOUCH SCREEN Page Sub-menu Description 1 Presets Lets you save and load user presets to and from SD card and internal memory. Also allows resetting all settings to factory default. 1 Project Lets you create new projects, open or trash existing projects, create sound reports, or enter metadata information for sound reports. 1 Inputs Provides settings for the 3.5 mm Aux/Mic input as well as access to Channel screens for channels 9 and 10.
User Guide Page Sub-menu Description 1 Solo Lets you solo the selected channel in the headphone output. Soloing by default is Individual (exclusive) in that only one input at a time will be soloed. When a channel is soloed, its light ring will flash orange. Soloing can be set to Multiple (non-exclusive) in the HP Preset submenu. 1 Arm* Allows pre-fade recording of the channel to its own isolated (ISO) track on the SD card. 1 Gain* Sets the sensitivity of the input.
TOUCH SCREEN Any of the following functions may be programmed as Star shortcuts: • Ch 9/10 • Solo/Mute screen • Project screen • SD Card screen • Undo • Slate Mic • Tone To activate the * or ** shortcut(s): XX Toggle the switch to the * or ** position.
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Modes and Presets Setting the Mode We’ve designed the MixPre-10T to be easy to use for the novice without taking away truly professional-level features for the seasoned pro user. We want both the newcomer and the career professional to enjoy a quick, easy setup and foolproof results. To accommodate this, we’ve incorporated three modes of operation into the MixPre-10T: Basic, Advanced, and Custom. To set the mode: 1. Turn all channel knobs to Off (at full counterclockwise position). 2. Tap 3.
User Guide Screen Sub-menu Description Menu System Provides settings for Basic/Advanced/Custom mode, Custom mode setup, limiters, Date/Time, File Transfer, Bluetooth®, Wingman App password, adjusting LCD/LED brightness, updating firmware, and viewing version and regulatory information. Menu Power Select the type of batteries being used (Alkaline, NiMH, L-Mount) to ensure that the Power Status icon on the Home screen accurately displays remaining battery level.
MODES AND PRESETS Screen Sub-menu Description Channel Pan Lets you position the audio of the channel anywhere between Left and Right in the stereo image of the LR mix and Stereo Out. Channel Linking Lets you link channels 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7 and 8 either as a stereo pair, mid side pair, or turn linking off. Channels 9 and 10 can also be linked as a stereo pair. Also lets you link channels 1-4 and/or 5-8.
User Guide User Presets Flexibility is the MixPre-10T’s M.O. To make it easy for you to use the recorder in a wide variety of situations, we created a slick feature where you can store and recall snapshots of all of the MixPre-10T’s settings. There are four internal Preset slots available. Also, the SD card can store virtually unlimited Presets. Here are three common examples: • One day, you may need the MixPre-10T to serve as the backbone of your production audio rig as mixer and recorder.
Inputs The MixPre-10T’s flexibility is enhanced by its ability to select various input types to its mixer channels. Each of the MixPre-10T’s channels can be sourced from an XLR or TRS mic/line input, 3.5mm Aux line or mic input (with or without plug-in-power) or from USB channels 1-4 from a computer. Channel Inputs BASIC MODE For quick and easy applications, access the channel’s input settings by pushing in the channel’s knob. You will see the Channel screen displayed.
User Guide CUSTOM MODE By setting the Channel Custom Setup to Advanced and the Gain Custom Setup to Basic, you can use all the Advanced Channel Input features whilst retaining single gain stage control using the physical channel knobs. This allows you to use the channel knobs to adjust the level going to the ISO tracks.
INPUTS Gain Staging with Linking You can use linking with single gain stage or two-gain stage (trim/fader) operation. For instance, users wanting to link inputs 1-2 or 1-4, but control all levels from the front-panel Channel 1 knob should set System > Mode to Custom and then in Custom Setup, set Gain to Basic and Channel to Advanced. Users wanting to link those same inputs but use two gain stages should use Advanced Mode or Custom mode with both Gain and Channel set to Advanced.
User Guide Inputs Menu The Inputs menu allows you to access Channel 9 and 10 screens, and the Aux In Mode settings, which lets you configure how the Aux/Mic In 3.5mm connector is used. Selecting Input Sources for Ch. 9 & 10 Similar to Channel screens for 1-8, input sources for channels 9 and 10 may be selected from their screens.
INPUTS audio level. You also get additional camera monitoring options in the HP Presets menu. LL When Aux In Mode is set to Camera, you cannot route Aux In to a channel and thus you cannot record it. • Timecode: Select this option is using an external timecode source connected to the Aux/Mic In port. The 3.5mm TRS connector is wired to receive timecode on its tip. LL Also ensure Menu > Timecode > TC Mode is set to Aux TC In. • Off: Select this option to turn off the Aux/Mic Input.
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Outputs While we were carefully thinking about how to maximize flexibility with the inputs, we were doing the same with the outputs! Routing L/R and X1/X2 Outputs The MixPre-10T includes 2 pairs of outputs, L/R and X1/X2, for a total of 4 output buses. The L/R TA3 outputs are balanced, while the X1/X2 3.5mm are unbalanced. In Basic mode, the LR mix tracks are output from both the L/R and X1/X2 outputs.
User Guide Adjusting Output Level and Delay Adjusting output gains is useful for optimizing the level feeding downstream devices such as transmitters, external mixers, PA, etc. Output delay is particularly useful when sending audio to video operators on a production set to ensure that audio is in sync with their camera video feeds. To adjust output gain and/or delay: 1. Tap . 2. Tap Outputs. 3. Select either of the following: ◦◦ LR Gain. ◦◦ X1X2 Gain.
OUTPUTS Creating a Custom HP Preset To create a custom HP Preset: 1. In the HP Preset menu, select Edit HP Preset (Advanced Mode Only) to edit and name any of the User HP Presets. 2. Additionally, set HP Solo mode to Individual (exclusive solo) or Multiple (non-exclusive solo) for single or multi-channel solo monitoring. Since the headphone amplifier is capable of very high output levels, please use caution when wearing headphones as hearing damage could result with inappropriate volume levels.
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Recording and Playback The MixPre-10T can record up to twelve audio tracks at 192 kHz, 24-bit to SD cards (SD, SDHC, or SDXC) using the industry standard .WAV file format. The recorded .WAV files written to SD card can be imported or played back using any MAC, Windows, or Linux computer installed with a compatible audio application, such as Pro Tools, Reaper, Cubase, Garageband, Audacity, and many, many more.
User Guide Formatting SD Cards & USB Thumbdrives SD cards must be formatted by the MixPre-10T for reliable recording and playback. If a USB thumbdrive is inserted into the USB A port, the MixPre-10T automatically copies the current project’s recorded files to it. The thumbdrive must also be formatted before use. For more information about this Auto Copy feature, see Copying to a USB Drive.
RECORDING AND PLAYBACK Transport Controls A joystick (with its illuminated LED ring) on the front panel is used to perform various transport control functions. Function Control Record Action Push up the Transport control to begin recording a new file. The LED ring illuminates red while recording is underway. Press in the Transport control to stop recording or playback. Stop While in standby, press and hold to display next take name.
User Guide To arm the L,R mix tracks: 1. Tap . 2. Tap Record > Rec L,R. 3. Select from: ◦◦ L&R Linked ◦◦ L&R ◦◦ L ◦◦ R ◦◦ Off ◦◦ Off & Linked - both armed, linked gain both armed, individual gain for L and R only L armed only R armed neither armed neither armed, linked gain Record Menu In Basic mode, the Rec Trigger function can be used to automatically start and stop recording from a compatible HDMI or timecode source.
Metering LEDs and Meter Views There are five basic methods for observing input and output levels on the MixPre-10T. • Channel knob ring LEDs - Each LED ring is capable of displaying green, orange and red colors. The brightness of the light ring tracks the level of the input. Green = signal present, red = signal peaking, orange = signal limiting. In addition, a channel’s ring LED will flash orange when soloed or flash red when sync reference is unlocked.
User Guide • LR, 1-10 multi-track meter view • LR, Camera Returns (via Aux In) and USB 1,2 meter view Switching between the three main meter views is easy—just touch the meters and cycle through the different views. The meters will show not only signal levels, but also the current arm status of each track for the recorder and limiting activity for L,R and each channel.
USB USB Audio Interface The MixPre-10T has an integrated 12-in, 4-out core audio-compatible interface for use with a Mac or PC computer. For PC users, the MixPre-10T will appear as a 2x2 audio interface unless a specific ASIO driver is installed. The latest ASIO driver can be downloaded at www.sounddevices.com/support/downloads. See the MixPre Series Downloads page. To work with the USB audio from a host computer, it is necessary to route the USB 1 - 4 sources appropriately.
User Guide In situations where the throughput latency is higher than desired, the input to the MixPre-10T can be directly monitored in the headphone output. To monitor with zero-latency through the MixPre-10T: 1. Connect MixPre-10T to computer. 2. Confirm that the LR Stereo HP Preset is selected. 3. Select USB1 for Channel 9 source and Pan L. 4. Select USB2 for Channel 10 source and Pan R. 5. Connect microphone or other inputs to Channels 1-8. 6. Select the appropriate inputs for Channels 1-8.
USB compatible. Additionally, some keyboards must be connected only after the recorder is turned on. Copying to a USB Drive The MixPre-10T supports automatic copying of active projects from its SD card to a USB thumbdrive inserted into its USB-A port. This handy feature is great for fast hand-off copies to a client as well as for backup purposes. All you need to do is insert a USB thumbdrive, and MixPre-10T will handle the rest.
User Guide To copy previously recorded project folders: 1. Tap . 2. Tap Project > Copy. 3. Select the project you want to copy from the list. Copy progress is displayed as the project is copied.
Timecode Timecode/Sync In the sound for picture category, Sound Devices has a very solid track record with timecode. It’s no surprise that many Oscar winning movies have had their sound recorded using Sound Devices gear. The MixPre-10T incorporates a highly accurate, ultra-low drift SMPTE LTC timecode generator and reader that supports all common frame rates and modes making it well-suited to any sound for picture application.
User Guide BNC In, Aux TC In (External LTC) Timecode can be derived from external timecode connected to the TC In BNC or to the 3.5 mm Aux/Mic In connector. To set an external LTC source: 1. Tap . 2. Select Timecode > TC Mode and choose either BNC In or Aux TC In. HDMI TC In The MixPre-10T syncs to HDMI when using HDMI TC In, which ensures zero drift between camera and recorder. Use a camera that outputs timecode over its HDMI output connection.
TIMECODE Setting the Frame Rate When using external TC modes (BNC In, Aux TC In, HDMI TC In), it is not necessary to set the frame rate because the MixPre-10T auto-detects the frame rate of the incoming timecode and sets frame rate accordingly. However, when using the internal TC modes (Rec Run, Free Run, TOD), it is important to set the frame rate of the internal timecode generator. To set the frame rate: 1. Tap . 2. Select Timecode>Frame Rate and choose a frame rate. Options include: 23.
User Guide Jamming Timecode In addition to being able to set the generator’s timecode manually, it is possible to jam external LTC timecode into the generator when in Free Run mode. Jamming enables the MixPre-10T to maintain the same timecode count as other devices on set—such as cameras, digi-slates, etc.—without physically or wirelessly being linked.
TIMECODE BNC Out - Timecode or Word Clock By default, the TC Out BNC outputs timecode; however, it may be configured to output word clock for when you want to use the MixPre-10T as an accurate master clock. To configure the TC Out BNC: XX Set Menu>Timecode>BNC Out to either Timecode or Word Clock. BNC In - Timecode or Word Clock By default, the TC In BNC is set to receive timecode; however, it can be configured to receive an external word clock.
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Projects and Files Each time record is pressed, the MixPre-10T creates a Broadcast WAV audio file which can subsequently be played back on the MixPre-10T or in almost any computer audio application. The MixPre-10T is able to record up to 12 tracks (the stereo mix LR tracks plus 10 isolated tracks) into a single polyphonic WAV file. Polyphonic simply refers to the fact that the file contains multiple tracks.
User Guide Managing Projects The File List is a chronological list of all files that have been recorded in the active project. To access the File List: XX Tap the filename region at the top of the Home screen. The very top item in the list is the NEXT file to be recorded. Directly below that is the last recorded file or file currently being recorded, followed by all previously recorded files.
PROJECTS AND FILES project folder’s name when viewed on a computer. To access files or record new files in a previously created project: 1. Tap . 2. Tap Project > Open. 3. Select the required project. This will load the File List with the selected Project’s files. LL Tapping the filename at top of any meter view will display the File List of the currently opened project. To trash a Project: 1. Tap . 2. Tap Project > Trash. 3. Select which project to trash.
User Guide Naming a Recording To name a recording: 1. Go to the File List by tapping the top left region of the Home screen. 2. Select a file from the list by using the headphone encoder on the right panel. Rotate to highlight a file then press the encoder (or touch Edit) to select it for naming or press the Play button to play it. LL The File List is in chronological order with most recent recordings at the top of the list. The row at the very top of the list represents the next file to be recorded.
PROJECTS AND FILES 3. Enter a name for Ch1 and tap OK. The edited name will appear at the top of the channel screen and will also be embedded in the metadata of the file currently being recorded as well as subsequent recordings. Undo, Trash File In Advanced mode, you can undo the last file recorded. Undo moves the last recorded file to the SD card’s UNDO folder. Files in this folder are accessible using a computer. LL The USB thumbdrive does not contain an UNDO folder.
User Guide If you choose, you can leave all these items blank. They simply won’t appear in the .csv report. To create the sound report: 1. Tap . 2. Tap Project > Create Report. The .csv sound report file is stored in the active project’s folder alongside it’s audio files and is named as follows: ActiveProjectName_Report.csv To open and view the .csv file: 52 1. Transfer the file to a computer via SD card, USB thumbdrive, or using the File Transfer feature. 2.
Remote Control Wingman Application Sound Devices Wingman is a free app that allows wireless remote control of the Bluetooth Smart-enabled MixPre Series from iOS or Android devices. To enable Bluetooth on the MixPre recorder: 1. Tap . 2. Tap System > Bluetooth. This toggles Bluetooth On and Off. LL If a remote password is configured on the recorder in the System>Wingman Password menu, Wingman will prompt for that password to be entered prior to making the connection.
User Guide Wingman’s touch-screen user interface offers easy navigation and monitoring with three main areas of interest: • Status - Shows device-specific status information. • Viewing area - Displays different screen views, such as the Transport view with its transport control buttons, metadata fields, and meters. Swiping vertically in this area can toggle to other meters. Swiping horizontally, toggles between Transport and Track views, handy when using Wingman app on devices with smaller screens.
REMOTE CONTROL When running Wingman, the Connection icon, which bears the Sound Devices logo, displays different colors.
User Guide Keyboard A connected USB keyboard may be used as a wired remote control for certain functions of the MixPre-10T. See the table below for available USB keyboard shortcuts. USB Keyboard Shortcuts When a USB keyboard is attached, the following key-combinations or shortcuts are available. Keystrokes Action Escape Back.
Appendix A Basic/Advanced Mode Differences Screen Sub-Menu Basic Mode Advanced Mode Channel Solo - Channel Arm - Channel Gain - Channel Pan L, C, R Continuously Variable Channel Input Channel Phantom Channel Low Cut Fixed 80 Hz 40, 80, 120, 160 Hz Channel Phase - Normal/Invert Channel Delay - 0 - 30 ms Channel Linking - Stereo, MidSide, 4-Channel Menu Presets Menu Project Menu Inputs (Aux In) Mic, Line, Timecode, Off Mic, Line, Cam
User Guide System Settings Page 58 Sub-Menu Description 1 Mode Lets you switch the operating mode between Basic, Advanced and Custom. 1 File Transfer Lets you transfer files between the MixPre and a host computer. 1 Limiters Lets you turn limiters on/off (available only in Advanced or Custom modes). 2 Bluetooth Switches Bluetooth Smart on/off. 2 Wingman Password Lets you set a password that would be required when connecting to the MixPre-10T with the Wingman app.
Specifications Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information available on all Sound Devices products, visit our website at: www.sounddevices.com. Audio Inputs Name Frequency Response Description 10 Hz to 80 kHz +/- 0.5dB re 1 kHz @ 192 kHz sample rate Total Harmonic Distortion 0.
User Guide Audio Outputs Name Description L/R Out TA3 2-channel balanced, 1.1 K max output impedance, +7.8 dBu max output level X1/X2 Out 3.5 mm TRS stereo unbalanced, 500 ohm output impedance, +7.8 dBu max output level DAC feeding Stereo Out, 32 bit precision; 115 dB dynamic range (A-weighted) Headphone Out Headphone Out 3.
SPECIFICATIONS Timecode Name Description Modes • • • • • Accuracy 0.1 ppm (0.25 frame in 24 hr) Frame Rates Auto detects (fps): • 23.98 (same as 23.976) • 24 • 25 Sync Reference Internal, Word Clock, Ext LTC BNC In (TC In) Switchable between Timecode (default) or Word Clock Input. • Timecode: 20k ohm impedance, 0.3 V - 3.0 V p-p (–17 dBu - +3 dBu) • Word Clock: 5k ohm impedance, 0.5 V p-p BNC Out (TC Out) Switchable between Timecode (default) or Word Clock Output.
User Guide Environmental Name Operation and Storage Description • Operating: -20° C to 60° C • Storage: -40° C to 85° C • 0 to 90% relative humidity (non-condensing) Dimensions and Weight Name 62 Description Size (H x W x D) • 1.40 x 8.15 x 6.88 inches • 3.5 cm x 20.6 cm x 17.
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 PRO
User Guide Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In any case, Sound Devices, LLC’s entire liability under any provision of this evaluation license shall be limited to the greater of the amount actually paid by you for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or U.S. $5.00. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
® Sound Devices, LLC E7556 Road 23 and 33 Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA Phone: +1 (608) 524-0625 Fax: +1 (608) 524-0655 Customer Support Toll Free: (800) 505-0625 Email: support@sounddevices.com http://www.sounddevices.com/support http://forum.sounddevices.com Product Information For more information about products and accessories, visit us on the web at www.sounddevices.com. Report Documentation Error Email: techpubs@sounddevices.
