Sound Mixer Help

The 552 is a nice option as it's a mixer and a recorder; you can add a really good recorder at a later date (as you can with the other mixers) and use the H4n as a back-up or an additional two (2) tracks. The others are all nice mixers. I don't know anything about the TW-LP4S, so I can't comment there. The Shure FP32 is really old school, and "noisy" compared to the other mixers, although 99% of the folks out there would never hear the difference.

If you are going to be working as a contractor (work for hire) you need to think versatility/flexibility. You should consider adding a nice hypercardioid condenser mic (like the Audio Technica AT4053b) and a pair of wireless lavs (Sennheiser G3 paired with Countryman B-6 or Sanken COS-10 lavs). For working production sound mixers that is the minimum. Also, you may want to consider the Roland/Edirol R-44, a popular mid-budget mixer/recorder ($1,000) which will allow you to record four (4) discrete channels.

Don't forget that you will need additional accessories like a extras cables, a bag, battery packs and headphones.

You should start with your budget and your goals, that is what will determine your equipment purposes.

Well i also have Beyer dynamic DT250 headphones aleady and 3 3m Van Damme xlr cables. I was planning on renting the lavs when needed or do you think it would be better to just get a set now. I also have a Yoga shotgun mic as a back up which is switchable between cardioid and super cardioid but to be honest im sceptical of it quality.

Anyway, as you have basically narrowed it down to 3 different mixers, I suppose my main question is 'are there any benefits in getting the sound devices or wendt 3 channel mixers over the much cheaper promix 3?'

I ask as they are the most comparable all being 3ch. The 5ch SD would be great but i'm not sure i would often use the 5ch to make the rise in price worthwhile. However there is still quite a big drop off in price from the SD & Wendt mixers down to the PSC Promix 3, is there a drop in quality?

Thanks Alcove!

As I said, you have to look at your goals. If your goal is to be a production sound mixer then you want more channels, both on the mixer and the recorder - you have to look to your possible future needs.

My personal take on equipment purchases is always with an eye towards upwards compatibility. If I was going to gear up to be a production sound mixer my equipment list - at this time, since there are always new and less expensive but quality things coming out - would be something like this:

Roland/Edirol R-44

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...4_R_44_Solid_State_Four_Channel_Portable.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/476176-REG/Porta_Brace_AR_R4_AR_R4_Case.html

Rode NTG-3 with all the trimmings

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573977-REG/Rode_NTG_3_Basic_Shotgun_Microphone.html

(I might get a different boom-pole)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/325558-REG/Rycote_086005_Windshield_Kit_5.html

Audio-Technica AT4053b

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...4053b_Hypercardioid_Condenser_Microphone.html

(Since I do audio post I would probably get the additional capsules.)

Sennheiser G3 Wireless

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/643147-REG/Sennheiser_EW_100_G3_Series.html

Countryman B6 Lavs (x2)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...R_B6_Omnidirectional_Lavalier_Microphone.html

And a whole bunch of accessories like transport cases, cables, lav accessories, headphones w/distribution, etc. It would come to about $8k all together, and I would, of course, get insurance.


Anyway, this is just to give you an idea of my thinking about a mid-priced production sound kit. My next purchase would be a great mixer, and from there I would start building the cart and upgrading everything.