Pro Location Sound LLC

I took deliver of my 633 this morning and have spent about 3 hour playing with it and setting it up below are my initial thoughts and observations:

Bag Choice: I got it to fit into my 302 Petrol bag but it was too small for my needs. If I was doing a simple 2 wire and boom gig straight to camera I may choose this bag but does not offer me enough space for everything I need. I have a large selection of bags and think the Petrol 601 is the best choice. I needed 3 of the bottom pillows in the bag to get it to sit high enough but with a small amount of velcro it is very secure in the bag.  I have 2 SRB comtek IFB and all needed parts on the bag with plenty of space to add a 3rd SRB if needed.

Menu Layout: For those who have used a 664 this machine is a super easy transition. It feels just like a 664 with same menu structure plus a few new menus like the Power Menu and X3-X-4 Routing Menu everything was very logical and only needed to refer to the manual once during set up.

Gain and Fader Knobs: I have large fingers was very concerned about control of 4-6 but based upon my initial set up those concerns are gone. I feel confident I could easily mix 6 channels if needed. Everything was easy to access and even with my large fingers was able to mix Channels 1 and 4 at same time. The small and large knobs have the same tactile feeling as well.

Machine Features: Power Menu is great and the power down feature works as advertised I put the machine into record and killed power and it continued recording right until it powered down 10 seconds later with no file issues. The Limiters sound great as well just like 744T IMHO very impressed.

How I plan on using machine: I did not purchase this machine to replace my 664 or 788 those machine both fill important needs for the clients I work for. What the 633 does is allow me to be more flexible to clients who don’t communicate well ahead of time and also provides me with a easy to travel with back up machine for the 664. This machine for me is for my clients that are usually 2 wires and a boom but may need a 3rd occasionally. Even though I feel I could mix 6 channels on this machine I would prefer my 664 as I feel it is better suited for those jobs but like knowing if needed I can. I also want the safety net of always recording on every job even if client doesn’t want it. I’d rather be the hero and sell them the back up files if needed then not have that option. It is all about being prepared for anything that may pop up on a job and the 633 offers me lots of flexibility to do that.

Overall Observations: I would give the 633 10 out of 10 all features work as advertised and I have not found any bugs it is a solid machine. As usual when calling Sound Devices support with a question I did not wait at all and had my answer in less than 5 minutes. If you need a small machine that can handle simple and complex jobs this machine is for you.

Ktek has always been known for making quality boom poles and providing great service. However there shock mount offerings were a bit lacking till now. The Nautilus is a new way of providing microphone shock absorption and comes with two sets of bands depending upon the weight of your microphone. The shock mount also has a unique rail system that allows you to easily move the bands to wherever you want them. With a price well under $100.00 it is a winner. It worked well with my heavy MKH 416 and with my much lighter CMIT 5U.  I am happy to have it in my kit.

Being a proactive sound mixer also means staying current on not only sound equipment but cameras, computers and editing systems. It is important to know enough so you can communicate with editors, DIT and camera operators correctly. You often need some knowledge in order to know what questions to ask or if there is an issue. Another major issue today is data management and moving files around today. With no real standard for any client I need to carry card readers that are Firewire 400,800 and usb 3.0. Being ready for anything is always important

Many sound mixers count Top Stick wardrobe tape as a valuable part of our kit to secure microphones and control noisy wardrobe. But it is sometimes difficult to quickly apply it to circular surfaces since it is a rectangle.  Stick it Dots solve this issues as it is a sheet of circular dots of Top Stick. It works especially well on Rycote Over and Under Cover rigs when you need to quickly reapply them. Since it is on sheets its easier to transport and carry. So next time you order some expendables consider trying some Stick It Dots.

One of the things I love about Sound Devices is that are always listening to user feedback and continuing to improve there products. The 664 was a great product when first released and is now an outstanding product because of continued firmware improvements. It is the best machine I have ever owned or worked with it. It truly blends the best of a ENG Mixer and a Recorder. The two latest firmwares 1.5/1.6 have added many great features including outdoor screen brightness mode, solid meters and indented left tone. If anyone has 664 questions feel free to email me