Sound Devices MixPre-10T Field Recorder

Use the default Basic mode for hassle-free, plug-and-play use. New users will appreciate basic functionality minus the distraction of superfluous settings. In Basic mode, the MixPre-10T records the stereo mix at 48 kHz, and the only levels you adjust are the channel knobs. 

Select Advanced mode for access to every customizable setting on the MixPre-10T. Veterans can take advantage of complete personalization according to their unique needs. In Advanced mode, the MixPre-10T can record 10 input channels plus the stereo mix at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, and gain-staging involves using the menu for preamp gain while the channel knobs determine the mix balance.

Switch to Custom mode to turn different sections of Advanced mode on or off in the user interface for an operating experience that never slows you down.

To simplify reconfiguration for a variety of situations, the MixPre-10T supports presets, which store and recall all MixPre-10T settings. Save four presets to the MixPre-10T’s internal memory, and store virtually unlimited presets on an SD card. Once you set up and save some presets, you’ll be able to switch from podcasting to location mixing to concert recording in a flash.

Record all 10 input channels and your stereo mix at the same time in 44.1, 48, 96, or 192 kHz resolution. The MixPre-10T utilizes BWF (Broadcast WAV) files that support embedded timecode and extensive metadata such as track names, file names, and notes. You can even hook up a USB keyboard for quick entry of metadata text. Built with precision 32-bit A/D converters, the MixPre-10T ensures audio recordings surpass those of off-the-shelf, IC-based mic preamps.

When connected to a Mac or Windows computer, the MixPre-10T can serve as a 12-input / 4-output USB audio interface at up to 96 kHz for your favorite audio recording software. Whether you use 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz, this can also be done while recording to an SD card in the MixPre-10T for safe, redundant recording. Need to make a backup of your SD card files? The MixPre-10T allows you to efficiently transfer files via a USB 2.0 connection to your computer or flash drive.

The MixPre-10T’s Kashmir preamps deliver premium amplification with a massive 76 dB of maximum gain and an ultra-low noise level of -128 dBu. Eight locking Neutrik XLR-1/4″ combo inputs, with per-channel 48V phantom power, support mic level and +4 dBu line level to accommodate external microphones or balanced outputs from high-end wireless receivers. Independently switchable polarity, analog limiting, and low-cut filtering allow you to tailor each channel for the best tone. Plus, eight dedicated channel knobs with LED rings ensure fast mixing on the fly.

A single 3.5mm mini jack serves several input functions. Through the menu system, it can be assigned to Mic, Line, Camera, or Timecode mode. Use Mic mode if you need to hook up a lavalier mic that requires plug-in power. Line mode is ideal for recording the output of a smartphone or stereo line-level source. Switch to Camera mode to monitor the audio return from a camera or DSLR, or select Timecode mode to accept SMPTE LTC (linear timecode) at the 3.5mm input.

With two balanced 3-pin mini-XLR outputs and two unbalanced 3.5mm outputs, the MixPre-10T offers simultaneous hookup to your camera/camcorder, a secondary recorder, and headphones. The balanced and unbalanced line outputs can be independently fed by any channel (pre- or post-fade), the aux input, a USB source, or the main mix. Whether your camera has a mic- or line-level input, the MixPre-10T’s adjustable -40 to +20 dB output gain range lets you set a proper level. The 3.5mm headphone output is driven by a high-power, audiophile-grade headphone amplifier, and offers its own adjustable volume and a selectable source—choose from the main mix in stereo or mono, USB channels 1-2 or 3-4, or user presets 1-4.

For extended recording time in standard or high resolution, the MixPre-10T supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (up to 512GB capacity). With a 32GB card, the MixPre-10T can record 12 tracks for over 2.5 hours at 24-bit / 96 kHz using the uncompressed, BWF-compliant WAV format.

When it comes to power options, the MixPre-10T has plenty. Use eight rechargeable NiMH or Lithium AA batteries in the provided 8-AA sled, or opt for one or two Sony-type L-mount batteries in an L-mount sled (all batteries and L-mount sled available separately).

Alternatively, power the MixPre-10T via 12 VDC from an external battery or AC power supply connected to the 4-pin Hirose socket. The MixPre-10T will automatically switch to battery power if the 4-pin power source is interrupted.

Timecode from a camera or master TC clock can be patched into the MixPre-10T’s HDMI Type-D jack, 3.5mm aux input, or BNC timecode input. In either case, the MixPre-10T automatically detects the incoming timecode frame rate and stamps the recorded files accordingly. The low-drift internal timecode generator can be set to pause when recording stops, jam-sync to a temporary timecode source, or continue in “free run” mode for up four hours after powering down.

Another option is TOD (Time of Day) mode, which stamps recordings with the time of day derived from the MixPre-10T’s built-in date/time clock. TOD mode is used to log the time of each recording, not to synchronize files or devices.

The rugged, compact, and lightweight MixPre-10T is compatible with common setups. With all audio connections on the side panels, it fits handily in sound bags. Male and female 1/4″-20 threads on the top and bottom panels support tripod- or camera-mounted arrangements.

Thanks to its built-in Bluetooth capabilities, the MixPre-10T supports wireless remote control via the Wingman iOS/Android app, which displays high-resolution meters, current timecode, transport buttons, and more.

For tactile mixing and transport control, connect a compatible USB MIDI controller such as Korg’s nanoKONTROL Studio or nanoKONTROL 2, the Novation Launch Control XL, or the Akai MIDImix.

Upon installation of the free Ambisonics plug-in (from the Sound Devices Plug-In Store), field recordists, game developers, and VR content creators will appreciate the support for simultaneous multi-format recording (AmbiX, FuMa, LR Stereo, and LR Binaural), real-time binaural/stereo monitoring, and A- to B-Format conversion.

Buy the Musician Plug-In from the Sound Devices online store to add in-unit music recording to your MixPre-10T. The Musician Plug-In adds built-in features and effects like overdub, reverb, and vocal air. Create Music Projects to lay down backing tracks and use them live or at home for writing or practicing.

• Easy configuration—press a channel knob for immediate access to that channel’s settings via the color touchscreen
• Transport joystick with illuminated LED ring for record, stop, play, rewind, fast forward, and more
• User-programmable toggle switch for instant execution of frequently used functions without having to navigate the menus
• All inputs fully RF-filtered and overload protected
• Digital output limiters
• Prerecord buffer captures up to five seconds of audio before the record button is pressed
• Up to 30 ms of delay per input for manual phase alignment or lip synchronization for video
• Up to 400 ms of output delay to ensure that audio sent to video operators is in sync with their camera video feeds
• Linkable channels for easy control of gain, fader, limiters, track arming, low-cut filters, and input delay across multiple channels
• Press-and-hold on headphone encoder for fast-speed scrubbing forward or backward
• Supports automatic record start/stop triggering via timecode
• BNC input/output jacks can be configured for timecode or word clock
• Test tone for synchronizing files in post-production
• Customize names and notes per track
• Dedicated Q icon in home screen for easy creation of up to 99 cue marks per file
• MS decoding function allows proper stereo monitoring of a mid-side mic configuration
• Switchable bell sound in headphones for record and stop operations
• Compatible with USB keyboards and flash drives