Sound Devices 552

he Sound Devices 552 Production Mixer combines professional-quality analog and digital technologies in a robust metal housing to provide a compact and lightweight mixing and recording solution for a variety of applications. The unit features 5 transformer-balanced XLR mic inputs, each with its own limiter and sweepable high-pass filter. Each of the inputs also has its own pre-or-post-fader direct output. It also features 3 sets of master outputs and several unbalanced outputs, allowing you to connect to a variety of recorders, cameras, and more. The master XLR outputs can be set for analog or digital operation, and are capable of sending 4 channels of 24-bit AES/EBU signals.

The 552 also features an internal stereo recorder, which can capture WAV or MP3 files at either 16-bit or 24-bit; with sample rates from 44.1kHz all the way up to 96kHz. The unit accepts SD and SDHC flash memory cards, which are widely-available and feature no moving parts for exceptional reliability. A simple joystick control on the 552’s front panel lets you take command of recording functions.

All of this technology is packed into a compact unit that weighs less than 5 pounds. The top and bottom chassis panels are constructed from molded, metalized carbon fiber for exceptional durability. The front panel is gasketed for excellent moisture resistance. The unit can operate on a set of 4 AA batteries, or an external 10-18VDC power supply.