The Enduring Legacy of the Sound Devices 552 Field Mixer

The Five-Channel Field King: Why the Sound Devices 552 Still Commands Respect

For over a decade, the Sound Devices 552 has been an indispensable tool in the professional location sound world. Seamlessly blending a powerful field mixer with an integrated digital recorder, the 552 defined a new standard for compact, high-quality audio capture. Whether you're a seasoned production sound mixer or a filmmaker building a first-class audio kit, here's a look at why this five-channel powerhouse remains an industry favorite.

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The Power of Five: Mixer Features That Matter The Sound Devices 552 was a significant upgrade from its venerable predecessor, the 442, primarily by adding a critical fifth input channel. This expansion proved essential for modern production, allowing sound mixers to easily accommodate the standard four wireless lavalier microphones plus a boom mic, all in one compact unit.

Here are the standout mixing features that ensure pristine audio quality:

• Five High-Performance Preamps: The 552 features five transformer-balanced XLR mic inputs, each boasting significant gain and headroom. This legendary preamp quality is a hallmark of Sound Devices gear, providing clean, low-noise audio capture.

• Per-Channel Control: Every input features its own limiter and a sweepable high-pass filter, giving mixers precise control to combat low-end rumble and prevent digital clipping.

• Flexible Routing: Each of the five channels has a pre- or post-fader direct output (on TA3 connectors), allowing sound recordists to send individual isolated tracks (ISOs) to a separate multi-track recorder for post-production flexibility.

More Than Just a Mixer: The Integrated Recorder One of the 552's most revolutionary features was its fully integrated, two-track digital audio recorder.

• Built-in Stereo Recorder: The unit records industry-standard Broadcast WAV or MP3 files to easily available SD/SDHC media. This built-in recorder is perfect for capturing the primary stereo mix, serving as a reliable backup for a camera feed ("wireless hop"), or providing time-coded MP3 transcripts for quick post-production workflow.

High-Resolution Audio: It supports recording at up to 24-bit/96kHz, ensuring broadcast-quality files.

• Intuitive Control: Recording functions are managed via a simple, front-panel joystick controller, making it quick and easy to operate even in fast-paced "run-and-gun" scenarios.

Built for the Field: Design and Durability Location sound work is brutal on gear, and Sound Devices built the 552 to endure.

• Rugged, Lightweight Chassis: Constructed with molded, metalized carbon fiber for the top and bottom panels, the mixer is remarkably strong yet lightweight (around 4 lbs without batteries). The front panel is also gasketed for improved moisture resistance.

• Voice-Enhanced Navigation (SVEN): An innovative feature at the time, the 552 offers a voice-prompted menu system. This "SVEN" system allows mixers to navigate complex setup menus and confirm settings (like phantom power changes) through their headphones without having to look down, a crucial feature when working in bright sunlight or cramped bags.

• Power Options: The mixer can be powered by four standard AA batteries or an external DC power source (10-18 VDC).

Applications: Where the 552 Shines The versatility and compact size of the 552 made it a go-to tool for:

• Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and Documentaries: Its lightweight form factor, internal recorder, and capacity for multiple lavs/a boom are perfect for small-crew, high-mobility shoots.

• Film and Television Production: Providing a high-quality mix and isolated direct outputs, the 552 is often paired with a multi-track recorder (like a Sound Devices 744T or a TASCAM DR-680) to create a robust double-system sound package.

• Complex Multi-Camera Setups: With three sets of balanced master outputs (including an AES/EBU digital output option for up to four channels), the 552 can feed multiple cameras or recorders simultaneously.

The Legacy The Sound Devices 552 remains a testament to superior engineering, combining professional mixing features with a high-quality recorder in a compact, durable package. For sound professionals demanding reliability and pristine audio in any environment, the 552 cemented its place as a classic.

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The brief video below provides an overview and demonstration of the Sound Devices 552 Portable Production Mixer and Recorder. Sound Devices 552 Portable Production Mixer Recorder Demo | Full Compass