For independent filmmakers, field recordists, and Ambisonic enthusiasts who need pristine audio capture of up to four microphones, the Sound Devices MixPre-6 II multitrack field recorder is an ideal tool. Record up to six tracks of external sources (four channels via XLR-1/4" combo jacks and two channels via a 3.5mm mini jack)—as well as a stereo mix—at sample rates and resolutions of up to 192 kHz / 32-bit, all while monitoring audio in headphones. If you choose to use the MixPre-6 II as your studio interface, you'll be able to achieve sample rates up to 96 kHz. 

The MixPre-6 II offers many upgrades over its predecessor. Chief among these features is the ability to record at 32-bit floating point to an internal SD card. The unit also functions as an audio interface capable of 32-bit floating point streaming over USB to a Mac computer. This makes it nearly impossible for you to clip (distort) audio on the way in. Whether you're recording hot or making use of the unit's astounding 142 dB dynamic range, you'll only be handicapped by the quality of your microphone.

Other improvements include the ability to auto-copy recorded tracks to USB thumb drives, making file transfers a breeze. Lovers of sync will revel in a handy new feature: a full-fledged, built-in timecode generator, accurate to better than 0.2 ppm (0.5 frames in 24 hours). Even when powered off, the MixPre-6 II maintains accurate timecode for up to four hours.

All of this is available in a six-channel package that can be powered from wall chargers, computers, AA batteries, or Sony L-series batteries. Whether you use the device in an advanced or basic capacity, the MixPre-6 II will suit any intimate, field-based production.

MixPre-6 II Recorder    2 x NP-F770 Lithium-Ion Batteries    MX-LMount Battery Sled    International Battery Charger

Like the original unit, the MixPre-6 II offers class-A Kashmir mic preamps. All inputs are fully RF-filtered to keep interference out.

When connected to a Mac or Windows computer, the MixPre-6 II can serve as an 8-input / 4-output USB audio interface for your favorite audio recording software. The unit will record six tracks in isolation and provide a stereo mix of all six channels to boot. It will operate at sample rates up to 96 kHz.

The unit can send a complete 32-bit float audio signal over USB when connected to a Mac computer running macOS Catalina (version 10.15 or later).

Stream up to four tracks into the unit over USB, using the MixPre-6 II as a recorder from your host device. If you're a musician, you can utilize this feature to record a stereo mix from your host DAW as a backing track for further standalone recording.

For inputs, you'll find four XLR-1/4" combo jacks and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. Audio output connections are handled over 3.5mm jacks. Timecode I/O is made possible via 3.5mm connections, though you also have the option of HDMI for inputting timecode.

Adjust the limiters, change the bit-depth, shift panning, delay, and polarity in the stereo mix, and filter out extraneous bass rumble with low-cut filters. Whether you record to an SD card or to your computer over USB, the MixPre-6 II can be customized to your needs.

Thanks to the device's timecode generator, you can even trigger recording from the camera. With built-in Bluetooth, you can control the unit over the Wingman app, available from Sound Devices. This app displays high-resolution meters, current timecode, transport buttons, and more.

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

The MixPre-6 II is rugged, lightweight, and relatively compact, so you can throw it in a bag or mount it to a tripod or camera.

• Kashmir microphone preamps with 48V phantom power
• Internal timecode generator
• Sample rates up to 192 kHz
• Bit depths up to 32-bit float
• Adjustable limiters
• SD card recording and reading
• Backup to USB drive
• 10 seconds of pre-roll at 48 kHz
• USB control surface support
• Customize with plugins
• Add low cut, high pass, delay, polarity invert, and panning
• Simultaneous recording, mixing, and USB audio streaming
• Trigger record via timecode or HDMI timecode
• Bluetooth for wireless control via Wingman app
• Basic, Advanced, and custom modes
• High-fidelity headphone amplifier
• Firmware 9.0:
  • Allows for both audio and timecode output on the stereo 3.5mm connector
  • Supports two instances of the optional NoiseAssist plug-in (available separately). This useful plug-in instantly suppresses background noise, which can be handy on location.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can set up post fade insulated tracks with Mixpre Series II recorders at 32 Bit (to feed post fade signal directly to ISO tracks?

A: Hi Renzo. Post-fade signals are audio signals that are after or "post" the ISO inputs and tracks. Generally, post-fade signals are not sent to ISO tracks. Please feel free to send an email to support@sounddevices.com with technical questions. Thank you!

Q: 2. Is this recorder capable to solo and mute channels to the headphone out, while recording?

A: Hi Alejandro. Yes, both mute and solo are available while recording. Please note that mute will also mute it from the currently recording tracks.

Q: 3. Do I need to add a mixer to this? If I do add a mixer, what do I gain?

A: No, a separate mixer is not required for use with the Sound Devices MixPre-6 II 6-Channel / 8-Track Multitrack 32-Bit Field Recorder. Whether you might want to use a separate mixer depends on the requirements for a specific application. For example, you could use a separate mixer if you need additional input channels to connect more than four microphones, instruments, or line level audio sources to record simultaneously.

Q: 4. Which port would be used to accept TC in from something like a Tentacle Sync?

A: The Sound Devices MixPre-6 II 6-Channel / 8-Track Multitrack 32-Bit Field Recorder (B&H # SOMIXPRE6II) will accept TC sync from its digital I/O ports: 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm SMPTE Timecode Input 1x Micro-HDMI SMPTE Timecode Input

Q: 5. I'm a little confused. The mixpre 3 ii has a timecode generator, but you have to keep it on the camera? Can't you just jam timecode to the camera then separate them. My whole reason for picking up the zoom f6 or mixpre 3 ii was to get my sound equipment off my shoulder rig

A: The MixPre-3 II has a timecode generator, so it can maintain timecode on its own. As long as the camera that is being jammed from the MixPre-3 II also has a timecode generator, the 2 devices do not need to be continuously connected. However, if the camera only contains a timecode reader, the camera would require a constant connection to a timecode generator.

Q: 6. Specs list D/A @ 115db. Is that on the 3.5mm Stereo Output &/or HeadPhone out or both?

A: This specification is for both stereo-out and headphones.

Q: 7. Howdy. Is the 1/8" aux input strictly mono (rather than stereo)? Thanks.

A: Hi David, The 1/8" AUX input is an unbalanced STEREO input. However, it is only MONO when used as a timecode source.

Q: 8. Can you mount this on a tripod then mount a camera on top? What would be the weight limit?

A: Yes you can.

Q: 9. Can I use this as my Mac's computer mic for talking on Zoom, Discord, etc.?

A: While the Sound Devices MixPre-6 II 6-Channel / 8-Track Multitrack 32-Bit Field Recorder does not include a microphone component, it could be used along with a microphone as a computer interface for use with Zoom, Discord etc.

Q: 10. The MixPre6 II can generate a Sound Report? And what's the utility of recording in 2 tracks using the TRS/AUX input? Thank you

A: thank you for your question. the MIX PRE 6 cannot generate a sound report. The TRS input can be used for a tentacle sync to record time code or to record any external line level signal