Sound Devices
MixPre-3 II
Best portable recorder for professional field audio and broadcast production.
Capture pristine audio with the Sound Devices MixPre-3 II, a professional 3-XLR input recorder and USB audio interface. It excels in demanding environments, offering 32-bit float recording and high-fidelity Kashmir™ preamps for superior dynamic range and clarity. This versatile device supports sample rates up to 192kHz and features Bluetooth for wireless control via the Wingman app. Ideal for simultaneous recording, mixing, and USB audio streaming, it includes essential accessories for immediate professional use, making it a top choice for field recording and broadcast applications.
$99.00
More MixPre Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 62
#3 in Multitrack Recorders
Price vs Category Average
-78%
Below average
Form Factor
Field Recorder
/ Field Recorder
Who it's for
- Run-and-gun filmmakers needing worry-free audio capture
- Audio professionals demanding pristine, low-noise sound quality
- Field recordists requiring rugged gear and precise timecode sync
Who should skip it
- Hobbyists or budget-conscious creators on a limited spend
- Production crews needing more than three simultaneous microphone inputs
- Field recordists who prefer lightweight, battery-powered portability
Performance breakdown
Preamplifier Fidelity
Kashmir preamps deliver ultra-clean gain with virtually no audible noise floor.
Dynamic Range
32-bit float recording virtually eliminates the risk of clipping during capture.
Field Portability
Compact, rugged chassis design excels in demanding on-location production environments.
Connectivity Versatility
Seamlessly bridges professional XLR inputs with modern USB-C computer workflows.
Sync Precision
Internal timecode generator ensures rock-solid synchronization for multi-camera broadcast setups.
Remote Control
Wingman app integration provides intuitive wireless monitoring and transport control.
Key Specs
Form Factor
Field Recorder
Inputs
3x XLR (Mic/Line), 1x 3.5 mm TRS (Aux/Mic in), USB Audio (2 channels)
Maximum Record Tracks
5 Tracks (Stereo mix + 3 ISO’s)
Sampling Frequency
Up to 192 kHz
Bit Depth
16, 24, 32 Float
ADC Dynamic Range
Minimum 142 dB (A weighted)
DAC Dynamic Range
115 dB (A-weighted)
Recording Storage
SD/SDXC/SDHC Card (up to 512 GB exFAT), USB thumbdrive (copy only)
Features
- 3 XLR inputs for versatile microphone connectivity
- 32-bit float recording for superior dynamic range
- Kashmir™ Preamps for pristine audio capture
- Functions as a USB Audio Interface
- Wireless control via Bluetooth and Wingman app
- Internal timecode generator for accurate sync
- High-fidelity headphone amplifier output
- Records to SD card or USB thumbdrive
What customers say
Users consistently praise the MixPre-3 II for its exceptional audio fidelity, driven by Kashmir preamps offering pristine clarity and low noise, even at high gain. The 32-bit float recording is a revolutionary feature, virtually eliminating gain setting worries and preventing clipping, which significantly enhances field workflows. Reviewers value the robust, professional build quality, confirming its reliability in demanding settings. Its compact design ensures high portability without sacrificing performance. The device excels as both a standalone recorder and a versatile USB interface. Despite a higher initial cost, customers view the MixPre-3 II as an excellent investment due to its unparalleled audio quality and long-term dependability, solidifying its status as a powerful tool for serious audio work.
Know before you buy
32-bit float recording provides an incredibly wide dynamic range, which virtually eliminates the risk of digital clipping. This allows you to recover audio that was recorded too quietly or too loudly during post-production without introducing unwanted noise or distortion.
Yes, it functions as a 5-in/2-out USB audio interface. It is compatible with Mac and Windows systems, allowing you to use the high-quality Kashmir preamps for streaming, podcasting, or recording directly into your DAW.
The internal timecode generator ensures that your audio tracks remain perfectly synced with your video files. It supports multiple modes, including Free Run and Time of Day, making it easy to align footage from multiple cameras and audio sources during the editing process.
The MixPre-3 II is highly versatile, offering power via the included 4-AA battery sled, USB-C bus power, or the included AC adapter. For longer shoots, you can also purchase an optional L-Mount battery sled for extended runtime.
Yes, the device features built-in Bluetooth LE, which allows you to control transport, levels, and metadata remotely using the Sound Devices Wingman app on your smartphone or tablet.
Absolutely. The Kashmir preamps offer a gain range of +6 dB to +76 dB, providing plenty of clean headroom for low-output dynamic microphones or ribbon mics without needing an external inline preamp.
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