Sound Devices 633

The Sound Devices 633 is a compact six-input field mixer with a built-in 10-track recorder, made for location sound on film, TV, documentary and broadcast. It fits in a small sound bag, so one person can boom, mix and record at the same time.

Three XLR inputs have Sound Devices' low-noise mic preamps with phantom power, high-pass filters and input limiters, and three more inputs on TA3 take line-level sources such as wireless receivers. Each channel has its own fader and pan. The recorder can capture all six inputs as isolated tracks plus the left/right mix and two aux buses, so post-production gets clean isos and the camera can get a ready-made mix at the same time.

Recording goes to CompactFlash and SD cards, which can be set independently, for example as a simultaneous backup. Built-in timecode keeps the audio in sync with cameras. The 633 runs on six AA batteries and other power options, and protects recordings if power drops. Rent it in Montréal for a shoot that needs a reliable, portable multitrack recorder.

Technical information

• Inputs: 3 XLR mic/line with phantom, 3 TA3 line
• Tracks: 10 (6 isos, L/R mix, 2 aux)
• Format: Broadcast WAV, 24-bit, up to 192 kHz (fewer tracks above 48 kHz)
• Media: CompactFlash and SD
• Timecode: Built-in generator and reader
• Internal power: 6 AA batteries
• Weight: About 1.1 kg without batteries

SD 633 only, see bundle for full location recording system

Replacement value: $3900