SD 302 vs FP-33 Mixer

Petri Kaipiainen · September 12th, 2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve House

You might be more successful setting the 302 to output mic level and using the mc level settings on the camera inputs.

I was not. I got over 90 dB S/N ratio with line in, pots open, standard level signal in from SD302. About 80 dB with mic level signals.

Have you people actually bothered to test "pots open" method and anlyzed the results?

Robin Lambert · September 17th, 2008, 10:30 AM

It's an "open secret" that the guys at Sound Devices used to work for Shure, realised that they could make a mixer "better" than those in the Shure range and branched out on their own with the 302 and 442.

I am seriously impressed with the Sound Devices mixers and own a 302 which I use with my Canon XH A1. I too am a bit perplexed by the high line level that Canon expects but, with the A1's pots fully open the 302 delivers wonderfully. I do wonder if Canon were just about to ship their camcorder when someone asked "Shouldn't it have sound as well?" at which point the audio side was quickly added by a junior designer.

Rob Neidig · September 17th, 2008, 01:07 PM

Josh Bass wrote: <<Why are they still selling for, at a MINIMUM, of $1200?>>

Josh,

I think the reason the Shure FP-33 still sells for so much is that it is still in such high use and is "known" in the industry. Lots of satellite trucks, tv stations, etc. have them and would rather go with something they know than to switch to something new, even if it is better. I know when I got my FP-33, I would have loved an SD-302, but got the Shure for two reasons: 1) it was cheaper (I bought it used); and 2) everybody knows the Shure. When a producer calls to book me, they hear Shure FP-33 and are comfortable. That all said, when I can afford to spend some money on it, I'll buy an SD-422.

Have fun!

Rob

September 17th, 2008, 10:30 AM	#17
Robin Lambert Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London Posts: 70	It's an "open secret" that the guys at Sound Devices used to work for Shure, realised that they could make a mixer "better" than those in the Shure range and branched out on their own with the 302 and 442. I am seriously impressed with the Sound Devices mixers and own a 302 which I use with my Canon XH A1. I too am a bit perplexed by the high line level that Canon expects but, with the A1's pots fully open the 302 delivers wonderfully. I do wonder if Canon were just about to ship their camcorder when someone asked "Shouldn't it have sound as well?" at which point the audio side was quickly added by a junior designer.

September 17th, 2008, 01:07 PM	#18
Rob Neidig Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 222	Josh Bass wrote: <<Why are they still selling for, at a MINIMUM, of $1200?>> Josh, I think the reason the Shure FP-33 still sells for so much is that it is still in such high use and is "known" in the industry. Lots of satellite trucks, tv stations, etc. have them and would rather go with something they know than to switch to something new, even if it is better. I know when I got my FP-33, I would have loved an SD-302, but got the Shure for two reasons: 1) it was cheaper (I bought it used); and 2) everybody knows the Shure. When a producer calls to book me, they hear Shure FP-33 and are comfortable. That all said, when I can afford to spend some money on it, I'll buy an SD-422. Have fun! Rob