The Sound Devices MixPre-6M is a 2-in-1 device that gives musicians a studio-grade multitrack recorder and high-performance USB audio interface to help capture each moment of inspiration. Combining the ease of dedicated hardware recording with the essence of computer-based music production software, the MixPre-6M is setting a new standard for what’s possible from an audio recorder—igniting musical creativity anytime and anywhere.

Portable DAWLESS Studio

The MixPre-6M’s musician-focused features simplify typical computer-based music creation by removing barriers to capture ideas and songs. The MixPre allows you to simultaneously record, playback, mix, monitor, layer, and overdub up to 12 tracks—all without a DAW! And if you need more, the bounce feature helps free up tracks.

The MixPre-6M features a built-in metronome to help keep your performance in time, while premium-quality, silky-smooth reverb and vocal air effects add depth to your recordings, and can also inspire a great performance. The vocal air effect is an easily dialed-in combination of EQ and compression that results in a breathy intimacy to vocals, popular today with singer/songwriters.

When you record music you will also appreciate the convenience of features such as punch in and out, and ability to locate to cue points.

Exceptional Audio Quality

The MixPre-6M features four, high-performance, ultra-low-noise Sound Devices' Kashmir™ microphone preamps. These custom-engineered preamps feature discrete, Class-A front-ends with analog limiters offering the highest quality, distortion-free audio recordings that far surpass those of other recorders using simple off-the-shelf, IC-based mic preamps. Even the finest details of your recordings will be captured, revealing the feel and emotion in your performance. Combined with our super low-noise preamps, you are free to focus on your performance rather than your levels.

Turn your amps up to 11 as these preamps are virtually unclippable!

Premium USB Audio Interface

As adept in the studio as on the road, the versatile MixPre-6M operates as a 8-in/4-out USB audio interface with quality that rivals a stand alone converter paired with boutique preamps.

The MixPre-6M features the unique ability to simultaneously record to its SD card while streaming audio via USB, ideal for recording computer-based software instruments, or backing up your takes while you’re tracking to a computer. As a DAW interface, the MixPre-6M truly streamlines a musician’s typical track-to-edit workflow.

Live Performance Companion

Not only is the MixPre-6M great for creating songs, it’s also an aide for live performances. Whether being used as a mixer to feed a PA for smaller ensemble performances, or for playing back pre-prepared multi-channel backing tracks for your solo performances, the MixPre-6M is perfect for live gigging.

Versatile I/O Routing

The MixPre-6M offers four balanced XLR/TRS combo Mic/Line level inputs (each with 96dB of gain, 48v phantom power, low cut filters and limiters), a 3.5mm 2-channel Aux/Mic input, and four USB inputs from a MAC or PC. You can route any of these physical inputs to any channel knob, so you don’t have to have to re-plug inputs when you want to record an input to a different track. Metronome can also be selected as an input, so you can record its click to a discrete track.

The MixPre-6M’s unbalanced output and stereo headphone output can be individually configured, providing multiple options for monitoring.

Musician-Inspired User Experience

The MixPre-6M’s musician-friendly, touch-screen interface, and dedicated mixer knobs provide easy access to the tools you need to quickly get those vocal melodies, instrumental hooks, and rhythms down. At any time, share your multitrack song with other musicians, so that they can collaborate using their MixPre-6M or the DAW of their choice.

Once you’ve completed laying down and overdubbing tracks, get that final mix in the bag using the front panel knobs to control mix levels, pans, solos, mutes, reverb, air, and more.

When you’re happy with the mix, it’s time to share with fans and friends. Export the mix to SD card or computer as a stereo WAV or AAC file, ideal for emailing or uploading to a website, social media, or music sharing service.

Made-for-the-Road Design

Like all Sound Devices products, the MixPre-6M is extremely durable. Constructed with a die-cast aluminum chassis, it is both lightweight and incredibly robust.

While most audio capturing devices are meant to sit in a studio, its ultra-compact size makes it the perfect musician companion – on the road or in the studio.

Anytime, Anywhere Powering

When on tour or at a gig, you need a recorder that’s portable and convenient to power, which is why the MixPre-6M has multiple powering options. It can be powered from AA batteries in a convenient detachable sled of eight cells, or an optional sled that offers powering from up to two hot-swappable Sony L-Mount Li-Ion batteries.

Additionally, the entire recorder can also be powered from a laptop’s USB-C or USB-A connectors offering convenient connection and powering with just one cable. For applications where AC is available, Sound Devices offers an AC wall adapter as well.

MixPre-6M Spotlight: Dead Horses
"The MixPre is great recording device on the road. It's small and light, easy to use, and provides quality sound. As a touring musician, I find it incredible that I can use this device just about anywhere- in a hotel room, in the back room of a venue, or up in the mountains, away from any source of electricity."

– Sarah Vos
Dead Horses