MixAssist for Sound Devices MixPre Recorders
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- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
- In today’s episode, we have demonstrate the new MixAssist Plugin for the Sound Devices MixPre series of audio recorders. MixAssist can help produce cleaner audio recordings for multi-person podcasts, interviews, or panel discussions. It also helps manage overall levels when multiple people speak at the same time.
#SoundDevices #MixPre #MixAssist
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at school.learnlightandsound.com including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode:
MixPre Series of audio recorders - B&H, Sweetwater geni.us/O8e0
MixAssist Plugin - store.sounddevices.com/produc...
Schoeps CMC641 Supercardioid Boom Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/2gshfsv
Sennheiser MKH8050 Supercardioid Boom Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/2zozur3
RODE NTG5 Short Shotgun Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/2Nq5yno
DPA 4017b Shotgun Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/2m0N3HA
Aputure 300DII LED Light used as a key light - B&H bhpho.to/2y38ga2 Amazon geni.us/7EKTp54
Aputure Light Dome II soft box on key light - B&H bhpho.to/2Osyx8j Amazon geni.us/LirLfz
Aputure 120DII LED Light used for slash of light on background - B&H bhpho.to/2T7FtcR Amazon geni.us/deg3
Aputure Barn Doors used to create the slash of light - B&H bhpho.to/2FZCvFC Amazon geni.us/clnp
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H bhpho.to/2oeIXA1
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - B&H bhpho.to/2JB7W5V
Tilta Half Cage for BMPCC 4K/6K - B&H bhpho.to/2WPkHli
Olymus 45mm f/1.8 Micro 4/3 Lens - B&H bhpho.to/2wMxVDs Amazon geni.us/6cvOQ
Sigma ART 24-70mm f/2.8 EF Mount Lens - B&H bhpho.to/2kjsI2x Amazon geni.us/bhOWVlW
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2019 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is an outstanding channel and you put a hell of a lot of work into it, very obvious. Nice job... subscribed. I’m thinking of getting the mixassist for my studio as I’m constantly having audio issues in my videos when trying to deal with multiple mics. Your external recorder video was very helpful and I picked up an atomos because of it, thanks!
Thanks pal2tech!
I'm so happy Sound Devices added this. It was the best $99 I spent all year. Thank you for showing how well it works. Looking forward to using it!
I have been asking sound devices for this feature since mix pre 6 came out. I was very pleased to se 26 november update gave the option to purchase the mixAssist plugin. 99 to kill off most mic bleeds is no brainer.
Yes, really nice to have the option!
👍
This exactly what I need! Didn't even know this was an option. Thank you Chris!
You’re welcome!
FYI. The improvement that MixAssist offers will be more pronounced with more microphones in use. You can definitely hear the improvement with two mics, but add more mics and you'll really hear a stark difference.
Thanks Paul - that'll be the next test! Thanks for the new features. They add even more value to the MixPre line!
Yes! This is a godsend for 4+ omni lavs cranking out ENG interview style video.
@@davidmumbert4255 👍
How does this work for a Skype or Zoom participant?
Thanks Curtis, you're awesome! You always respond clearly to my wishes. Keep on going.
Thanks Thibaut!
Wow the difference is so clear! You've sold me Curtis
👍 Happy recording!
That’s awesome. Tools that make certain jobs possible for a solo operator are awesome and invaluable.
👍 agreed!
Thank you, Curtis. Didn't even realize the Mic Pre's had plug-ins. Very neat Cheers!
👍 Yes - the MixPres aren't cheap, but they're super powerful and even more so with the plugins.
Very helpful! Thank you Curtis.
Thanks Richard.
I didn't know that they had something like this. Thank you for showing this.
You are welcome 😀
That conversation 🔥
👍
Your lighting game is really on point
Thanks!
Well, here's a product that I don't need to consider buying, as it isn't compatible with my MixPre 3M. Besides I own the Zoom F8. But I think it's awesome that Sound Devices and Zoom keep pouring out extra features for the products that they've already sold us. My hat's off to them both!
👍
Excuse my French but thus MixPre series us getting better and better it's just about a perfect device btw keep up the good work and great content.
Thanks Carter!
I'm considering the purchase. I listened using my quality FOCAL headphones and clearly could hear the difference with the MixPre.
Definitely a useful tool. Best wishes!
Thanks for another great video. I guess live or long multi-person recording, it could be really helpful. But I wonder how it is going to be in multi-person wearing lav mic situation. Thanks again.
Good question. Should be similar. Will test it when I get a chance.
Thanks for the review, Curtis! I do podcast recording with my 10II more than anything. It would be really helpful to hear multiple speak at the same time. (Or at the beginning when she said yes while you were speaking)
I have tried AMM (by A&H) and it was NOT fast enough for when someone cut someone off. It is really noticeable. While it effectively cut down on room noise the resulting mixdown was un-usable because of the missing first part of the words. Since then I have switched to Dugan on the waves multi track. Every once in a while I can hear the a voice being drowned out (turned down) usually during two people speaking but when there are four people laughing/talking it was able to mix them all together nicely. But over all it is much more transparent. From what I read mixassist does things differently so I have been holding out on it.
A panel of people speaking over each other would be the best test on these auto mixers because that is really when automixers going to save time in terms of editing. Otherwise simple gating would suffice. The hardest thing to do is to preserve audible short overlapping speech such as "right" "I agree" or "humm." The automixer would need to allow enough source audio in so that it does NOT sound like there's just one mic open (so that mic of the main speaker at the moment is not just picking up reflections). Many times with AAM I had to grab the audio clips from ISOs just to make the conversations whole.
I have $250 to my name otherwise i'd buy it and test it out so I am relying on you Mr. Judd. Once again, thank you for all you do.
I will endeavor to post such a test as time allows. Thanks!
Thanks for this video, Curtis. Does MixAssist on MixPre's not have a threshold control? Just on/off? I think I remember my old 6-Series' MixAssist having more parameters. I can't seem to find anything in the MixPre manual on this add-on.
Hi Jim, no parameters as far as I know, just on/off per channel. Still seems to work nicely.
Paul...Thanks for the response. I will go into my registration and either fix it it or redo it.
Good news.
Very timely video for me, as I was reading about MixAssist only yesterday. I have recently moved from Zoom F8 to F6 to SD MP6Mk2. I have used Automix on my F8, when recording a panel discussion and was sad that the MP6 didn't have this - until now. I have just purchased the plugin.
In your demo, did you have the 2 people panned Left and Right, or both to middle? What does MixAssist do if more than 1 person is speaking at the same time? E.g. 2 out of 4 .
Hi, both were panned center. When two speak at the same time, it attenuates both using a formula (outlined in the user guide) to define how much they’re attenuated. This helps ensure the overall mix level doesn’t increase too much.
Thanks so much for this video! I am using the MixPre with the DJI wireless mics and am wondering if there's a way I can use MixAssist for that. I guess the issue is that I currently use input 9 on the MixPre (3.5mm) to connect to the receiver. That ends up mixing the DJI mics into 1 mono signal. Is there a way to get the stereo feed from the DJI receiver into the MixPre? I appreciate your reply and all of the work you do to help us!
Should work if you use a 3.5mm TRS to dual XLR adapter to feed audio from the DJI to the MixPre.
Excellent video and demo. I just bought a MixPre-6 II so would like to hear a four mics demo. The most I've done was 6 wired actors around a dinner table using MixAssist on a 788T.
Thanks RallenMan. We’ll see what we can do!
ur vid helps alot! thank u master!
Thanks Alexander!
A lot of questions here are asking about something like ENG or podcasts etc. but how useful would this feature be if you are mixing and booming a film production? It would get used for stereo mix to the director? And dailies?
Hello Curtis
Mixer cyst seems like a real nice tool.
All the audio I heard on this video sounded really great.
Clean
Crystal clear and Sharp.
Keith Kuhn
Thanks and good to hear from you Keith.
Lmao “mixer cyst”
halo mr curtis, would mix assist work while i use the remix feature ?
thank you again for this video sir ...
I don't believe so, no.
Hi from France
Thx for all your videos it helps me a lot for my production.
I would like to know if your demonstration will work with two lavalier mic ?Or because they are omnidirectional MixAssist doesn't work.
Have a good day
Hi Alexis, yes, it will most definitely work with Omni lavaliers as well. Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd Thx
Hi Curtis, thanks for another great video (btw, watching you always.. ).
I have a question for you, regards this video. How the MixAssist will work with Rode SVMX (Stereo) and NTG3 (Shotgun), is it going to work together or just it good for dialog? thanks.
Hi S Michael, it is really made for dialogue where you have isolation between the people speaking and you want to prevent microphone bleed. So it will work better with the NTG3.
@@curtisjudd thanks.
Great job Curtis! How does MixAssist compare to Dugan Automix?
MixAssist seems a bit more aggressive so you can get cleaner recordings whereas Dugan sounds more natural.
Very helpful! We’ve been looking for a solution for our 1-hour podcast jobs and haven’t been happy with noise gates and expanders in Audition. This might be worth checking out with our MixPre 3ii!
Thanks! I find it super helpful for podcasts and panel discussions and livestreams. Much better than when I was using an expander on my dbx 286s.
@@curtisjudd That's very handy to know! I was looking at the DBZ 286s units. Will give this plug-in a go when podcast recordings start up again!
where did you found the earpads for your sony headphones? :) thank you
Those are called called softies. They are available at B&H: bhpho.to/3dGK6Ve
Full disclosure - this is an affiliate link. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Curtis...Nicely done as usual...great app! One thing that wasn't mentioned was the off axis pickup differences between the two mics. It seemed like (from what I could see), that the Schoeps rejected your voice more than the 8050 rejected her voice. Did that show a difference in the mics or just a difference in the two speaking voices.
Stu
Hi Stu, some of each. They're both super-cardioids but were slightly different distances and our voices are very different.
@@curtisjudd - Thanks for the reply.. even with that...your wife is farther away from your mic..so if anything, her voice should be picked up less on your 8050 then your's on her Schoeps. but it's the opposite. To me... this is important if true.. This off axis rejection deal is huge for indoor dialogue...What I deal with primarily is shooting narrative scenes with a couple of booms because of multiple actors and distances along with shot types. I was all over those 8050's on my B&H cart until I saw that. Now It makes me question my thoughts on a few 8050's. I like the Sennheiser because of the RF--they seem like they can take some use and hold up...more than the Schoeps....but maybe I'm wrong! Any steering would help. We are ordering this week along with a bunch of other gear. Thank you!!! (There is nowhere for me to test these mics...so this is all I have to go on - and some good luck!)
Stu
Hi Curtis, thanks for the videos. My question is, is MixAssist useful for field recording for film? Is this something that you might want to use or you would never use this feature? Once again, thanks for your informative videos!
Possibly, yes. I’d still record isolated channels to be certain we got everything needed.
Hi Judd, thanks for the video. I always wondered if MixAssist works at input stage or at fader stage... I mean, will it change my ISOs levels? Or just each channel's contribution to the L-R tracks or outputs? Also, what happens when using one stage gain (gain in "basic" mode) ? So, same question for one stage gain.
Hi Fernando, no, it is just the mix which it effects. No effect on the ISO channels.
@@curtisjudd Excellent, thank you.
Just to understand, this only applies for post fade in the L/R tracks right?
Correct, does not affect the isolated channels, only the L&R mix tracks.
Our pod is gain-staged in post with expanders, limiters etc the same way all the time, and sounds good enough. However, this feature would save maybe 15+ minutes per episode for me. And enable the less sound engineering abled podcasters in our team to edit/release an episode, remove dependency of a good audio editor. So definitely a very useful tool.
Time saver for sure.
Hi Curtis, do you still mix your videos to around -18 LUFS integrated loudness? Thanks,
Most are normalized to -17 to -16 LUFS integrated loudness. But for microphone and recorder reviews, I often normalize to -23 LUFS so that people can hear the audio samples without any processing (compression, etc.)
Hey Curtis super helpful video. I just purchased a plug-in and him trying it out for myself. Quick question if you get a chance. The output file that gets saved is it a multi track recording? Or does it combine all tracks into one stereo mix track?
Hi Drew, which plugin did you buy? The MixPre in its default without plugins records just a stereo mix when in basic mode. In advanced or custom modes, you can record any combination of isolated inputs to their own tracks plus a stereo mix of all of the armed channels. These are all save to a poly wave file. It gives you all the flexibility you should need. Hope that helps!
Curtis Judd thanks for the reply. I purchased the mix assist plugin. Just wondering if I’m expecting multi-tracks to still appear in the .wav file or if it’s a stereo mix/one track
@@DrewPolanycia Ok, now I follow, sorry about that. The Automix feature only affects the mix track. Isolated channels remain unchanged. If you're in advanced mode, yes, the isolated tracks will still appear in the file. If you don't want them, you can go to basic mode or to custom mode and turn off the iso tracks.
Curtis Judd thanks man you’re awesome!
For the higher end models, SoundDevices has been using the Dan Dugan AutoMix Software. Is MixAssist based on the Dugan design or is it its own thing? Also, would it be fair to compare the two?
Hi Patrick, the two operate with different principles/algorithms. MixAssist is a bit more aggressive in mulit-person recorded conversations/panels/interviews. Some might argue that Dugan is a bit more natural sounding as its main operating principle is to keep an equal mix gain by sharing amongst the microphones. Definitely worth a comparison.
Not only was the MixAssist demo effective.. Audio from the 641 sounds really much more transparent on the Kashmir pres that I might have to fork out more than €99! Thanks badly Curtis. :D
😀👍
Curtis if I buy a license for this software to be used with my Mix-Pre 6 (first gen) can I also use the license on another compatible Sound Devices recorder or would I have to purchase a 2nd license for the other recorder?
I believe it only works on one MixPre - but I'd send a note to SD support and they can confirm. In the purchase process, you enter the serial number of your MixPre so I believe that ties the license to that specific recorder.
One thing I've been curious about: is it possible to use this in conjunction with the remix function? Seems like you could use it in a pinch to automix stuff from other recorders.
I’m not sure, I’ll look into it.
@@curtisjudd From the release notes for firmware version 6.00, released January 14: "MixAssist can now be enabled during Playback with ReMix on."
@@vitejose Sound Devices answered! That's good news. I'll need to try that out.
Hey @vitejose can you conform that mix assist can be you in remix mode? Thanks. Thanks @courtisjudd for your great video 🙌
Hi Curtis, thanks for this helpful video. One question: I use the knobs on the front as channel knobs for the Isos (in advance mode) and not as Faders. Is this still possible or even useful with Mixassist installed?
Hi Marcus, do you mean you use custom mode to record ISOs but you have the knobs set to basic mode so you can use them to control gain? Advanced mode automatically changes the knobs to faders (though they are still used to access the channel menus when pushed like a button).
You can manually adjust the faders with MixAssist engaged.
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis, you are totally right (it was a little late when I asked the question, sorry for that). I always get confused on this, that was easier on the F4 I owned before. So that‘s my question. Is it usefull/even possible to use custom mode to record ISOs and set the knobs to basic mode to control the gain while using Mixassist? Using the knobs as gain control is what I want.
@@Labortagebuch No worries at all, and yes, it certainly is possible. It is entirely up to you as to whether that is easier or better for your workflow. I usually stick with the defaults of advanced mode. But if you aren't making a mix and only recording isos, then custom mode with the knobs set to basic should work nicely.
@@curtisjudd Thanks, Curtis. Always pleasure.
Hey Curtis, do you foresee any issues using MixAssist for a wedding ceremony? Considering purchase a MixPre and this plugin just for that. I typically have a lav on the priest, groom, and one taped to the podium mic for any readings. I depend on either the priest/groom lav to pick up the bride when she speaks (usually all are quite close). Based on your video & my research I think it'll work well, but my one worry is that mixassist might disable both the groom & priest lav while the bride says her vows without leaving one on. Her levels are significantly less than the respective wearers (i.e. Bride might be -24db on one and -30db compared to the -12db for the priest/groom). Do you think this will throw MixAssist off?
It might work but as long as you also record isolated channels, you’ll have a backup plan. MixAssist only affects the mix track.
@@curtisjudd I appreciate the reply! Perhaps I should've stipulated this would be for live streaming the ceremony. I'm going to get my hands on one and see how it does. Thanks for all your videos!
Two questions:
1) Will MixAssist work with 32 bit floating point?
2) Does the MixAssist adjust the trim if necessary when recording a loud or quiet source or does it just ride the level?
1) Yes. 2) MixAssist only affects the Mix tracks, not the ISOs.
@@paulisaacs5980 You beat me to the answer again! Thanks Paul.
@@paulisaacs5980 If the ISOs are 32 bit, can the mix track be 24?
@@SoundSpeeds Nope
Dear Curtis, thanks for your video about the Mixassist!! I just burgs the plugin and installed it to my MixPre 6. I tried to turn it on in Advanced mode, but I can't. Do you have a hint for me what to do to get it work? I was also looking for a tutorial from sound devices, but I did not find one. All the best ans thanks again for all your helpful videos and courses you offer! Helmut (Vienna, Austria)
Dear Curtis....I found the way to turn MixAssist on....;-)...using the nob on the right....I tried to use the touch screen.
You got it! Happy (auto) mixing! 👍
@@curtisjudd Thanks!!!
Hi Curtis, thx for the super informative video, as usual! Two quick questions regarding this plugin: the MixAssist plugin only affects the stereo mix, correct? In other words, the separate mono tracks will not be affected, right? As for the mono tracks, I assume that on their own, the sound quality will be similar to the MixAssist stereo track -as in less reverberation - but one will still have to spend time muting those parts where one of the interviewed people doesn't talk? Correct? A simple "YES" and "YES" response will do if you agree with what I want to be confirmed :) Again, thank you!!!
Hi Frederik, Yes, and no. The isolated tracks for each input are not at all affected by MixAssist so that you can decide in the post mix how you want to process them.
@@curtisjudd Perfect, thanks so much!!
hey curtis I have the mixassist but the noiseassist i peeped game but atm I dont have multiple mics just 1 MKH 416 is it worth it getting the noiseassist for 300 or the mixassist is just as good with one mic?
Hi Pwetty Gleesh, MixAssist won't do much if you record with just one microphone. In fact, it'll do nothing at all and isn't really necessary in that case. I would do everything you can to reduce the noise in your recording space before buying NoiseAssist. That sound better than NoiseAssist trying to cut through a bunch of noise.
hello, can you use the assist mix in custom mode with the control knobs in Trim and no fader?
Thanks, Lawrence.
Hi Curtis. Nice reverse key lighting in the interview.
I’m capturing clean 2 person interview audio on the Zoom F8n you sold me on and thanks so much for your excellent F8n course because I was lost until I did it. Your Aputure Spotlight & 300d ii reviews were also instrumental in informing my buying decisions so thank you.
Do you (or any Curtis followers) have any thoughts on the best ways to get our delicious audio transcribed for Premiere and for delivery as LinkedIn documents? I’m tired of manually entering captions in Premiere. 95%+ accuracy is important. I’m also considering moving to Resolve in the future.
Also, I was trying to find any of your reviews/opinions on Podcast mics but was unsuccessful. If you could paste a link I’d appreciate it. I’ll need 2 so if I can get away cheaper than Shure SM7B I’d like to. Many thanks.
Hi Richard, thanks! I tried a transcription service some time ago and I *think* it was this service: gotranscript.com/video-transcription-services
If you're looking for budget dynamic microphones for podcasts, which I would recommend, I still find the Audio Technical's AT2005 to be a good option: czcams.com/video/EHgSC3C0pTw/video.html
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis, I'm buying 2 of the Audio Technica AT2005 and with the money you saved me I'm going to get a Rode NTG5 because based on your recent review it should be a good 2 person interview counterpart for the AT4053b I bought a year ago based on your review.
I noticed in this review you boomed your mics with boom poles. When you do location interviews now, do you still take normal mic stands like you discussed in a 2016 video czcams.com/video/TUEmQBZKoBs/video.html Or do you use proper boom poles? Many thanks.
What are you thoughts with mixassist used with live musicians?
Not really useful for music. Definitely made for recording spoken word.
@@curtisjudd thought so.... thank you!
Does this plugin works when using the SD as an audio interface (thus not really recording anything)? For instance doing a live streaming?
Yes
Great video as always.
With mix assist do we still have full control of the separated channels in post?
Does mix assist work with the 32 float recording?
Is the answer to this questions the same for the zoom F6?
Thank you
Yes, you still record isolated channels for each microphone. Yes, it works with 32-bit float. On the Zoom F6, also yes and yes. However, I found the MixAssist on the MixPre to be more effective than the AutoMix on the F6 - cleaner overall mix because MixAssist attenuates non-active mics more aggressively.
Please a MixPre II series vs Zoom F6 for people who are on the fence of which to buy.
I covered this at the end of my F6 and MixPre II Series reviews. My personal preference is for the MixPre series but one can make great recordings with either.
Zoom F6: czcams.com/video/byMZkEvYRKw/video.html
MixPre II Series: czcams.com/video/8lRVnMO14k8/video.html
Does the MixAssist get saved to the iso/multitrack files or only the joint file?
Just the mix.
I'm making a short film and I'm going to have 2 actors with lavs and 1 actor with a shotgun. MixAssist should be a must since I'm a 1 man show doing both video and audio?
I don't know about a must. But if you need justification, I can support the idea of adding MixAssist to your MixPre!
As these devices do this automatically, is there any option to do this automatically in post rather than manual? if so, what software can do that?
Auphonic does something similar.
Wow, there's an amazing variety of selection for earpad replacments for the Sony MDR-7506 (which I'm only guessing is what you have). Which ones do you have, and do you like them?
And thank you for this video on the MixAssist.
huyked If you’re looking for headphones for field recording, also check out Sennheiser HD-25. I replaced my MDR7506 headphones with them and won’t be going back. Outside the U.S., the Sennheisers are the standard. They are less bulky, lighter and much more robust. The HD-25 is completely modular and replacement parts are readily available from Sennheiser. As I discovered when my MDR7506s died, parts for the Sonys, apart from third party ear pads, range from unobtainable to crazy expensive. It is not cost-effective to repair them. Also check out Audio-Technica ATH-M40x/M50x, which a lot of recordists seem to be buying.
Until recently, the Sennheisers were expensive in the U.S. and Canada, but Sennheiser is now pricing them much more competitively.
Hi husked, those are Garfield Softies - they're just covers over the stock ear pads for the 7506: bhpho.to/2IqbgFo (affiliate link)
Thanks for the info, Rory. I'd like to try those out some time.
@@curtisjudd
Thank you for the link, Curtis.
@@roryonabike5863
Thanks for the recommendation.
Have you noticed if Sound Devices ever discount the software? Thanks. Great video.
I've never seen a discount, no.
If I’m doing a live stream with podium, q&a mic and 4 panelists, would it be pointless to get like a Novation controller to also mute like the q&a or podium mic ?
Or just turn the faders on the MixPre for the Q&A mic down until there’s a question. Either way works.
This sounds exactly the solution to my podcast problem! Question though - why is this a manual process in post. In other words, do DAWs have a auto-mix feature that you can apply in post? It would seem that if recorder manufacturers can do this during the recording, I feel like a similar process could be achieved in post, no? Awesome video regardless!
Fine question, Casey. I haven’t found a good software plugin or standalone option yet. Seems like a market opportunity!
Good point, though a gate does not work quite as well as MixAssist when it comes to attenuating the active mics during passages where people are speaking over one another.
Hey@@curtisjudd, check out the multi-track version of Auphonic. It offers post-recording multi-track auto-mixing (automatic ducking, noise gate and cross talk/spill removal). For me it's a much better option for my multi-person (multi-mic) podcasts, because I still get to record ISO's and have much more flexibility in multi-track editing, then throw all the ISO's at Auphonic to auto-mix and level.
@@jason_goldberg Thanks Jason, will check it out. I'm always a little nervous about gating as those fixed thresholds can be pretty brutal. Will be interested to see how Auphonic handles that.
Hello Curtis ! I planned to record a podcast with 3 speakers. If I use MIXASSIST, will I then be able to get 3 separate tracks on my DAW for post production adjustments? The signal of each track will therefore be recorded with the decreases and increases of volume? Or will I be able to access the RAW file? Thank you. David
Hi David, if you set the MixPre to advanced mode and turn on MixAssist for all three channels, you will get a poly wav file with five channels: The first two will be a L+R mix which has been MixAssisted, then channels 3 through 5 will be the un-processed isolated recordings of the three microphones.
@@curtisjudd Thank you very much Curtis !
Is this a new feature for the Mix Pres or is this a feature that is in high-end Sound Devices?
This has been in the high end SD mixers and recorders for a few years and is now available in the MixPre series of recorders.
Curtis, it is an impressive-sounding plugin, particularly for recording a live podcast. I am currently thinking of starting a business podcast where I interview people via Skype. If I am using my MixPre-6 to record the interviews, where Ch1 Mic is me and Ch2 is audio coming from Skype via the Headphone out on the computer, would it still work? I like the idea of automatically generating the cleanest recording possible.
Hi Gary, since the MixPre can attach to your computer via USB as an audio interface, you wouldn’t need to use the headphone jack, just plug a mic and headphones into the MixPre and configure Skype to use the mic and headphones on your MixPre.
Thanks Curtis, I’ll need to fiddle with it some more. Only way I could get good sound was running line out of headphone to a channel.
@@curtisjudd I tried it once more connecting the USB cable, but was unable to see a MixPre-6 as an output, only input. I connected a 3.5 Headphone out to XLR to Ch2 and could hear Skype Call clearly. There's a lot of hiss on the recordings though, I am probably doing something wrong. If I record microphone direct connected to MixPre-6 it sounds good. Connecting USB as a audio interface gets complicated. I was trying to use this at the office instead of hauling my Rodecaster Pro everywhere.
Gary, you might contact SD support to work through the issue of not seeing the output. Running audio from the computer’s headphone jack to input on the MixPre will be messy at best. And with a USB connection and a setting or two on your computer it should work flawlessly.
Curtis Judd yes, I will contact their support.
How does it compare to automix on the 633 is it the same thing?
It is the same as MixAssist on 633, but different than Dugan Automix on 633.
I don’t do podcasts, but I do a lot of shortfilms alone, when I have two+ lavs and one boom
So I can’t mix real-time cos I hold a boom, will it work for me? As far as I can see it should
Like put it to mix lavs while I’m booming
Yes, that's often what I do in my corporate and narrative work.
Maybe worth noting that the 5.01 firmware update also extends the ability to write and e-mail sound reports via Wingman to MixPre-3 and -6 recorders, both original and series ii.
Thanks, yes, and several other small additions like more responsive faders and several small, but meaningful UI improvements going directly to gain setting when you enter the channel menu and menu selections not timing out.
Hello Curtis I was winding with MixAssist if I have four mic on two people like two booms and two lavs. would it be helpful to have the function on and why or why not
Hi Lawn Justice, it could work for that, but I would only include the lavalier mics in the auto mix or just the boom mics, not both.
Curtis Judd thank you that was very helpful I’m thinking that maybe I should put it on the lavs because they are omni directional and they would pick up more of the room then the two hyper cardioid boom mics I’m using
@@lawnjustice5742 Yes, that makes sense. Let us know that goes. Best wishes!
Can last mic be configured to turn off when not in use making this a more traditional expander even in a single mic situation?
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Good question, but no, one of the operating principles is that when there’s no input on any of the mics, leave the last active mic open. I think the idea is to prevent the effect you would normally get with a gate where even the room tone disappears. For film and video, you usually don’t want that. Hopefully that makes sense.
Makes perfect sense but I know a lot of streamers who run DBX286S or other dynamics outboard gear. It would be nice to get that functionality into a single box via plugins. A pseudo expander would be on the top of that wish list but oh well. Thanks.
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What the the term "Last Mic" refer to?
@@danniv13 It is the mic which was last "active" meaning that it was picking up an audio signal.
I was just taking @Curtis Judd's course on his website on the PreMix and his course showed how to use the MixAssist. I was like, "I want to know more about the MixAssist" so I went to CZcams and guess who popped up in the search....!
Hi Michael, thanks so stopping by here as well!
Curtis you're the Bob Ross of audio for film hahaha! You should do a collaboration with allen from Sound Speeds, in a video where you both are yelling the whole time. He thought it was a cool idea, hahaha. I volunteer to do audio post for this video, just to make it easier on you guys ;-) big fan!
Thanks Reg! Allen and I are friends and we have done a couple of pieces together over on my Curtis Judd Audio channel. But I must confess, it did not involve yelling. :)
Curtis Judd well it should! The public has got to see it 😂
@@GL-uy3fd Hahaha! 😂
Does MixAssist apply to individual tracks or just the stereo track?
I've got a two person podcast. I thought this was going to be awesome. Installed the Plugin, recorded the show, started my editing process. During the recording we were amazed at how quite it was. MixAssist is like magic.
The editing process was a different story. I use the individual tracks. The stereo mix is just a backup. I don't think MixAssist is applied to the individual tracks. You can clearly here and see that there is microphone bleed. If this is the case, that's too bad.
Hi Damien, correct, MixAssist applies only to the mix, not the isolated channels. The idea is that you can use the stereo mix straight out of the recorder.
@@curtisjudd I was trained to use the separate tracks for podcasting. You have more control that way. But as you said in your review, editing can take hours. I'll have to work this new stereo mix into my editing process.
Thanks for the review and response. Your reviews of the MixPre's is one of the reasons I got the MixPre 3 II.
Obviously very useful e.g. for recordings of multi-miced panel discussions. But considering the hefty pricepoint of the MixPres I would expect this to be included and not come at extra costs, especially with the MixPre 10 II.
I don’t know what the cost basis looks like for SD on the MixPre but if I’m recording panel discussions regularly, MixAssist is worth the $99 for me without question! That is a TON of time saved.
Great information and well done video!! I cannot figure out why Sound Devices does not email their customers with this info since they have our info when we register our products...so we have to hear about it accidentally...over the fence. Since you occasionally have their ear...maybe you could mention to them, to tell their customers about new changes and add-ons.
Stu Schnurman
Thanks Stu. Hmm, I received an email from SD the day they announced the new firmware and plugin, I assumed because I had registered my MixPre with them. I'll need to ask next I speak with them. Thanks!
Curtis Judd I’ve been an SD customer for many years and have never received e-mail notice of a firmware update. Does seem like a missed opportunity.
When you download firmware or register a product you're being opted in for content relevant to that product. You can always check your settings here and opt back in in case you have ever unsubscribed from our informational emails! www.sounddevices.com/privacy-preferences-email/
If you have registered your product with a current valid email address, you should definitely get firmware notifications for that product. You could try re-registering just in case the email is not correct or up to date.
Paul Isaacs Thanks, just reregistered.
I've just purchased MixAssist, but am now not sure why :).
I'm doing interviews, and I typically record ISO tracks as well. To date, I've been taking the ISO tracks into Audition, doing the edit there, dipping the other mic by hand, and so on. I like to take out even things like the other person saying "uhuh" or lip smacking or even chuckling... MixAssist won't help there, right? It'll just pick those up and pull the mic back up, right?
And since MixAssist only effects the combined tracks (the LR tracks) and not the ISOs, it isn't really going to help me, is it? I guess I could now take the combined tracks and just edit that, but since I've done it all by hand anyway, does MixAssist really help?
My question really is, if I'm interested in a really fine grained edit, then I should probably just stick with the ISOs anyway, right?
Correct - if you're going to do a surgical mix anyway, no need for MixAssist. If you're doing live or fast turnaround or just don't want to bother with a surgical mix, then MixAssist is a fine tool.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the super fast reply! That's what I thought. I'm doing a podcast, and the audio is _everything_, so I really control the mix carefully. I think I might still use it, as I often listen to the combined mix as a first pass to the edit. And I guess it does no harm...
Thanks for everything you do. Just donated to help, your work has been super helpful to me.
@@chriswilliams8989 Thanks so much for the support, Chris. Happy recording!
非常cool~~~
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mix assist seems great, interview assist was sadly lacking, it appears you are not using interview assist, I can send you a package: one clipboard, blank or lined paper, one pen for optional twisting & tricking. Many tricks can be performed with a interview assist pen. Great show, sold me on this useful tool, just in time too as it happens, as I'm planning some street interviews, this will make it easier.
Happy interviewing!
Scusate ma funzione solo in ascolto oppure registra iso con attenuazione grazie
It record to the mix track but does not affect the iso tracks.
Do you think you could make a video on how to pair a recorder/mixer to a Sound Device mixer?
Hi LaRana Nation, explain a bit more, please?
Curtis Judd I may be wrong, but I came across reddit someone is able to pair/connect his sound device to a dr70d. Let me know if this makes sense at all. Thank you!
@@nolashtheartist You could feed the outputs of the 70D to the input on the MixPre to give yourself more inputs, essentially create a pre-mix from the Tascam and then send that mix to the MixPre. You just need a 3.5mm TRS cable - often called stereo minijack - to feed from the Tascam's high output to the MixPre's 3.5mm input.
Curtis Judd is there a video or article that shows this step by step? Would help lots :)
@@nolashtheartist I'd have to get hold of a Sound Devices mixer like maybe the old 302. I'll see what I can do.
It looks to me as though your mic (the 8050) is fairly steeply angled, such that Dani is at about 90 deg where the polar pattern still has significant response. I wonder if that could why MixAssist seems to be having more trouble attenuating your mic when she speaks than vice versa? I use MixAssist on an MP10 II, and find that it needs a bit of signal difference between mics to "bite" on for each source, and that makes sense if you read Sound Devices' overview of the algorithm, particularly the use of maxbus and the per-mic envelopes (www.sounddevices.com/automatic-mixing-101/).
I think you're right - that's been my experience as well.
@@curtisjudd FWIW I've gotten in the habit of aiming my hypercardioid boom mics as much as 30 deg above their subject (though ideally less) in situations like that, if doing so allows me to place competing noise sources closer to their 120/240 deg nulls.
Using your 8050 as an example, the frequency response is still flat and uncolored at 30 deg off axis (it's down a few dB at 32 kHz at 30 deg, but I'm assuming your audience isn't canine). Tilting it "up" a bit to move Dani into the null in your example setup would probably not harm your voice and might help hers by allowing AutoMix to more effectively exclude the 8050 when she speaks.
For that matter I use a hypercardioid boom mic for videoconferencing (An Octava MC012) and I aim it about 20 deg above my mouth, because doing so moves my monitors into its null and puts my keyboard >90 deg off-axis where it's reasonably attenuated. I've tested it both ways, and while its frequency response isn't as uniform over the frontal 30 deg arc as an 8050 or CMC641, it's close enough that any small sacrifice in high-frequency response is worth the reduction in captured key/speaker noise. I can EQ a little to fix coloration much more easily than I can fix spill.
Anyway, the point of all this rambling is (as you've already said) that the algorithm isn't magic, and to get best results you have to "help" it where you can with mic placement etc.
@@patrickchase5614 👍
I'm getting a lot of white noise in my recordings. I'm using a Azden SGM-1X. What would be causing this issue? Sorry, I'm not sound savvy
The SGM-1X needs a LOT of gain. My guess is that you have it attached to a preamp which is pushed to its very limits to produce enough gain for the mic, producing self-noise (white noise) in the process. I don't usually recommend the SGM1-X for that reason.
@@curtisjudd since I'm recording in 32 bit can I record at a low level where there's no white noise and raise the levels in post?
@@Rizzlesworld I would encourage you to give it a try and see whether that helps. My hypothesis is that it will be the same or worse. But we might be surprised.
@@curtisjudd this sound life is all strange to me. I upgraded my mic to the sennheiser 416 and I'm still hearing noise. I also have a Lectrosonics L series lav and hear noise too.
@@Rizzlesworld Do you have any samples online? I'm not clear on whether you're hearing self-noise or ambient noise.
I've recorded several podcasts with 5 or 6 participants and I've had to clean it up in post. I'd get angry every time one of my friends would mutter "yeah..." or "Mmm hmm..." and it just made more work for me. $99 is definitely worth it... and I get to keep my friends.
Hahaha! $99 to keep on good terms with your friends! Hopefully this helps.
@@curtisjudd Last night I got together with my friends and just did a little "test podcast" with 4 people, 4 live condensers, the MixPre-10ii and MixAssist turned on. Even in a super reverberant room it REALLY cleans up the mix. And even when all the participants started laughing MixAssist knew to turn their mics back on. So I'd say the algorithm is pretty smart. And no major post-processing required for what we're doing... Just clip the beginning, clip the end, normalize the levels and publish it. I'm very pleased with Sound Devices right now, to say the least.
@@LivingSpiritism That is a beautiful workflow! So glad to hear it worked out!
Did you achieve this in basic mode? Or custom/advanced? And were any on a Skype or Zoom call?
@@proimos I've never used the basic mode, I think I've always used advanced mode. I think to use Mix-Assist you have to turn on advanced mode. Not 100% but I'm pretty sure.
Very clear and useful content, as usual. Thank you.
I hope this MixAssist is not going to make some people believe that such a recorder can completely replace the intervention of a Sound Eng.
Crossing the MKH8050, I thought of his "cousin" the MKH8060. If you will have the possibility to try it, kindly do not hesitate to share with us your tests.
Thanks Adam, will definitely share anything I learn in regards to the MKH 8060. I agree that this does not replace a production mixer.
Hi Curtis , I have a Mixpre 10 T and installed a Mix assist, I never used before ,and when the chance arrive, I turned on, it was a 7 persons scene sitting around an a Kitchen Island enjoying the food , and joking around, but oh surprise, works very bad because some mics gets stuck on, and doesn't activate the others or some other mics, gets the voice of other actor and don't let activate his own mic , i think that this doesn't work as intended at least is a scripted scene where one person talks a the time, I test it lowering the mics gain and still the same,
Which types of microphones did you use and where were each of them placed? If the people are RIGHT next to each other and some have louder voices than others and you're using boom mics for each person or the lavaliers are placed in different places on the talent, funny things can happen. Also, still need to gain stage for each talent so that everyone is leveled at the start.
Also, for 7 people that close, it may make sense to use fewer mics. I don't know if you're working on a narrative film or more of a lifestyle piece, but one omni-directional boom or two boom mics might be other options.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for your response Curtis, I been using Sanken COS 11D in each actor , the show was kind of Reality with no script , so every one talks when they want, they were close each other, the scene was almost an entire afternoon so no Boom , no A1. and only lavs. using Lectros TX and RX, but Is as I said the Mix Assist use is very Narrowed. only interviews, scripted scenes, and normal talk volume levels
Yes, fair point when the people are super close together with omni microphones. I've found it most useful for things like podcasts and panel discussions where I have a bit more control and more directional microphones that I can use to create a bit more isolation.
Question: When I put it to "advanced" mode, the buttons no longer light up green when a mic pics up audio. Why is that?
That doesn't seem right. I run in advanced mode all the time and the ring LEDs show levels (green, yellow, red, orange) depending on the input levels. You might want to contact SD support. Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd Okay, I’ll probably have to do that then. Thank you!
I have another question, I noticed that when I’m in Advanced mode, I have to crank the gain up a ton to even hear anything. Is this normal?
@@rayterry7 Do you have the faders set to 0 or Unity? Headphone volume?
@@curtisjudd Not really sure where the faders are lol
@@rayterry7 The knobs on the front are faders when the MixPre is in advanced mode. You might enjoy my MixPre course. 😀
what happens if 2 or 3 people talk simultaneously
The level of each of the active microphones is attenuated. Details can be found on the Sound Devices site from the link in the description.
I'd like to see how it does with a panel discussion between 4 politicians having a heated debate interrupting each other constantly.
Hahaha! It shouldn’t be too hard to find a situation like that these days.
The results are much more dramatic when using omni-directional lavalier mics (compared to directional mics). When using 2 or more lav mics recording dialogue, there is nothing subtle about the reduction of noise and ambience this plugin is capable of!
Thanks Patrick - good to know!
I must be a control freak. For live streaming, maybe; not convinced otherwise. In the example, I’d use a single omnidirectional mike or two lavalieres. If I had to use two supercardiods, as in the example, I’d probably just frame the shot so that I could use the MixPre’s marker function to identify, for editing, when there’s a change in who’s speaking. Setting marks is not exactly mentally taxing, and would make editing pretty painless.
Also useful for jobs where they’re not paying for post.
Curtis Judd Good point :)
For those who are interested, Sound Devices’s Paul Isaacs covers MixAssist and the other new MixPre v.5.01 features in this video: czcams.com/video/dnVAm1FJJk4/video.html
Thanks Rory.
The version from Zoom could be a bit more aggressive. I like sounddevices' better.
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Anybody else get immersed in the country dance podcast and forget they were watching a gear review?
Country dance podcast?
I was referring to the demonstration recording with Dani ;)
It certainly sounded better with MixAssist.
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Pricing for this plugin is quite brutal (300 dollars)
Thanks for the feedback. I'd guess that SD will see it here.
Use the Metric System ONLY!
Ok.
I sense You sound a little bossy Noway Müller 😘 While I would apreciate "subtitles" too ... please don't treat this as a matter of right and wrong. (it is not)
@@floriankupper5300 for Blind People Subtitles dont bring anything. 97% off all Country in the World use the Metric System.
@@nowaymuller6643 Will You stop hiding behind blind , metric fanatic , "on-location-sound engineers"?
99% of countries have no umlauts like we carry in our names (..My dear).
Now be tolerant or we will come back and take Your "ü" right out of Your nickname.
"got-your-nose" - emoji
@@floriankupper5300 You can use "ue" and many Country have a Ü