The Sound Devices MixPre-3 MixPre-6 could be the ultimate device for podcasting to replace your mixer, recorder, and audio interface. Here’s my review.

In 2017, Sound Devices launched two amazing products: the MixPre-3 and its bigger brother the MixPre-6. I think they are almost perfect, but I do have a few disappointments, which I’ll share below!

Before I get too deep into my review, thanks to Sound Devices for loaning me this MixPre-6! I didn’t pay for this, but I also don’t get to keep it. However, I like the MixPre-6 so much that if my disappointments were resolved—which is a real possibility—I would immediately buy my own MixPre-6.

The MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 are very similar with their core features. They both contain high-quality preamps, both record to multiple isolated tracks, both interface with computers and mobile devices as a multitrack input and output, and both the MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 have great mixing capabilities.

For the rest of my review, I’ll focus on the MixPre-6, but most of the information applies to the MixPre-3 as well, with the main difference being fewer inputs and outputs on the MixPre-3.

The MixPre-6 offers 4 combo locking XLR/TRS inputs, two on each side. The Kashmir preamps offer up to 96 dB of clean gain. That’s enough to support a directly connected dynamic studio microphones and record with little to no hiss.

On the right side, there’s also a 3.5 mm stereo (TRS) auxiliary input that makes it easy to bring in sound effects or a podcast guest or cohost from a consumer-level device, such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet.

For outputs, the MixPre-6 offers a stereo headphone out with its own volume control, and on the left side, a 3.5 mm stereo (TRS) line out with a really cool feature I’ll tell you about in a bit.

MixPre-3/6 is more versatile than  Zoom H6 and others

Thus far, the MixPre-6 may not seem all that different from devices like the Zoom H6. But here are the amazing features that raise the MixPre-6 above other recorders, and mean it could replace several pieces of audio gear in your podcast studio.

Noticeably first is the higher build quality of the MixPre-6. It has a durable metal shell and corner grips that would protect the MixPre-6 from an impact.

The MixPre-6 can connect with computers and mobile devices as a multitrack audio interface via USB. While other devices may offer similar functionality, the MixPre-6 can interface while also functioning as a standalone recorder. Compare that to the Zoom