News

MixPre II: Mix Harder

08/29/2019

Update,9/3: The initial production batch has been sold through. We are anticipating the next units to start arriving at the end of September and will distribute them on a first-come, first-served basis to customers with pre-orders.

The Sound Devices MixPre II series is here with improved hardware and a whole passel of great new features, including 32-bit float recording. They also have all the capabilities of the original MixPre recorder series at the same or lower price!

New features available in all models of the MixPre II include:

Bit depth up to 32-bit float for increased 142 dB dynamic range
(more info and samples)
Internal LTC time code generation and output
192 kHz recording
Adjustable limiters
Auto-copy to USB drive
10 second pre-roll buffer

The combination of the bit depth and low noise Kashmir mic preamps give you the flexibility to fix signal in post-production. Tracks recorded either too low (down to -50dBFS) or high can be normalized without adding any additional noise or digital clipping distortion. The limiting factor to great recordings is primarily the input source, not the preamps or A to D converters in the recorder.

They're starting to ship, so get your orders in now for earliest possible delivery:

Comparison chart under the jump.

600 MHz Spectrum Update - August 2019

08/15/2019

We're inching ever closer to the July 13th, 2020 deadline when the transition to the new USA spectrum regulations will be complete and production wireless systems will have to stop using most of the 616 - 698 MHz (block 24-26) frequencies. However, changes are already afoot:

TV station repacking is ongoing, so watch for sudden changes in local frequency use. Here's some guides to what's moving and when:
Many of New York's TV stations were moved at the beginning of August. Here's a snapshot courtesy of RFcoordinationNYC of the situation on August 1st.
T-Mobile has been testing and bringing transmitters online in the 616- 698 MHz frequencies, so you are likely to experience increasing interference, especially in major media markets. They may also issue a vacate notice in specific areas, at which point you'll have to discontinue use of those frequencies. Here's a guide to their deployment plan by country (xlsx file).

Before July 13th, 2020

Barring a notice from T-Mobile, you may continue to legally use wireless in 616 to 698 MHz; however, we strongly recommend changing frequencies as soon as possible.
Wireless equipment in 616 to 698 which is currently in production can still be reblocked. Discontinued / legacy gear cannot be reblocked, though it may be able to be serviced.

After July 13th, 2020

Use of 616 to 698 MHz (with the exception of the 653-663 MHz duplex gap) becomes illegal for production wireless.
You may continue to legally use discontinued / legacy equipment in 470 to 616 and 653 to 663 MHz, as long as the operator complies with transmitter output power regulations and has a license where applicable.
Reserved channels for wireless mics will be discontinued.
Wireless equipment in 616 to 698 MHz which is currently in production can still be reblocked. Discontinued / legacy gear cannot be reblocked, though it may be able to be serviced.

Check out our 2017 gude for a more detailed look at alternate frequencies and other steps you can take, including getting a Part 74 license, which we highly encourage and will allow you more frequency options and higher power output.

If you have any questions about your wireless situation, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at (212) 629-9430.

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Relevant to the whole wireless kerfuffle, we've just given our RF frequency scan repository a facelift with updated TV channels, new overlays from more manufacturers, and fresh scans for most studios in the NY area with 900 MHz data.

However, a lot of our data is pretty stale and doesn't reflect all the recent changes, so if you've got scans to share, send them our way!

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Kaufman Astoria Studios

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Silvercup Studios

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Times Square

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Steiner Studios

Doing the Indepen-Dance

07/03/2019

Both Gotham Sound locations will be closed Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th for the Independence Day holiday. Have a safe and happy 4th, everyone!

Infinite Zaxcombinations

07/02/2019

Buy a new Zaxcom Deva 24 Recorder and a Mix-16 together and we'll slash a cool two grand off the price! It's a huge feature set in a compact form for only $14,970!

Or if you're just looking for a Deva 24 on its own, we'll throw in a free URX100 UHF Receiver with purchase!

Hurry, offers end July 31st!

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More into wireless these days? Zaxcom is also offering four package deals on wireless systems from today to July 31st! We've put together some suggested transmitter combinations, but contact us if you want a different set!

QRX200 Bundle