User Manual
27
Recording and Playback
The MixPre-3 can record up to ve audio tracks at 96kHz, 24-bit to SD cards
(SD, SDHC, or SDXC) using the industry standard .WAV le format. The
recorded .WAV les 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.
You can mix and record to the SD card even when using the MixPre-3 as a USB
audio interface. This opens up cool opportunities for recording the computer’s
USB audio output and mixing it with other mic and line sources plugged into
the MixPre, making it ideal for podcasting and recording interviews via Skype or
any other VoIP application.
This simultaneous recording/USB audio streaming capability also makes the
MixPre ideal as a backup to a computer—highly desirable in mission critical
applications where relying only on a computer might be a risk.
The recording functionality is dependant on the current operating mode, Basic
or Advanced.
In Basic mode, the MixPre-3 functions as a two-track 48 kHz recorder. The two
record tracks are fed by the LR mix which is driven directly by the channel knob
gains.
In Advanced Mode, the MixPre-3 is congured as a ve-channel recorder with
user-selectable 44.1, 48, and 96kHz sample rate and 16 and 24bit depth.
The LR mix tracks may be recorded as well as each of the three channels as
individual isolated (ISO) tracks. Audio for the ISO tracks is recorded “prefade”
meaning before the channel knob gain, so any changes that are made there
will only aect the LR mix and have no aect on the recorded ISO track levels.
This is particularly useful for post-production audio processing where it may be
desirable to remix of the tracks at a later stage.
Formatting SD Cards
SD cards must be formatted by the MixPre-3 to ensure reliable recording and
playback. Be sure to backup any wanted audio recordings or data on the SD
card before formatting since the formatting process erases all data on the SD
card.
We highly recommend using Sound Devices branded SD cards as these have
been optimized to provide the best performance. If these are not available,
most reputable manufacturers’ cards (such as SanDisk or Delkin) that meet or
exceed class 10 speeds are acceptable.