davidp158

I recently purchased a MixPre-6, and also own a 552/680 combo. The MixPre-6 audio quality sounds great, but the ergonomics are obviously cramped compared to the 552. The interface on the MixPre series is well thought out, but once my 552 is set up, I don't find the interface difficult to navigate at all. So, it really comes down to the additional features of the 552 suit your work flow. I have gotten great results working the 552/680 combo, but as a shooter the MixPre's portability suits me better. BTW, if anyone is looking for a 552 in great condition, I will be putting mine up for sale.

Someone on another forum recommended a small messenger bag from Wowelife: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07211MM6G/?coliid=IPS1KIVZL6PND&colid=3NCCW0ZQSXDER&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it It looks a bit small if you want to add more kit to it. You might also consider the Think Tank Retrospective 5 (or other size) bag: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1226527-REG/think_tank_photo_712_retrospective_5_shoulder_bag.html

+1 for the $66 Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C, although you'll have to find a way to mount it. That rechargeable battery is long and a bit heavy, but you could tether it to a tripod leg with Velcro. I just used my new MixPre-6 on three 13+ hour days (1 phantom powered mic + 3 lavs), and the Anker battery used about 50-60% of its capacity. At most, the battery/recorder was off for no more than 1 hour during each day. For a mere $66, its a pretty good power solution. The only thing I don't like about this battery is the USB-C connection, but that's a requirement dictated by the MixPre. The L mount battery option would consume more space in my audio bag and require more frequent battery changes. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014ZO46LK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

+1 for details on building this.

Thanks again for the help, guys. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get either the Hawk-Woods regulated cup or a Juicer from RA (Stephen says he can wire one up for 12VDC). I'll have to eat more AA's until I can afford this, but a proper BDS is the right way to go. thanks again y'all!

Thanks to all who have replied to this thread. Lots of great info here, and I appreciate your help. Regarding the 12VDC limitation of the DR680: I recently noticed a 12V NiMH 4000mAh "NP-25" (?) battery on Amazon, made by PowerSmart: http://www.amazon.com/PowerSmart-Replacement-Camcorder-Battery-NP-1SB/dp/B003CWIUCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418326994&sr=8-2&keywords=PowerSmart+12V+NP-1 Here's a 12V NP-1 1.7Ah battery at B&H made by Bescor: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/208321-REG/Bescor_BPNP1_BP_NP1_NP_1_Style_NiCd.html Are NiMH and NiCd batteries practical for audio bag use? They are probably heavier, of less capacity and slower charging than the LiOn batteries, but they are (1) available in 12VDC and (2) less expensive than LiOn.

This is a timely topic for me, as I am looking to get my first BDS for a Tascam DR-680 (that also needs 12VDC) and a Sound Devices 552. I have read conflicting views about the safety of powering the DR-680 with a 14V battery, so the Hawk-Woods solution looks promising. As the 552 has a battery level check option, will this properly read the battery level with the Hawk-Woods "regulated voltage" cup? The 552 manual says it will operate between 10 - 18VDC. Will performance suffer it the Hawk-Woods cup limits voltage to 12VDC? Sorry for the neophyte questions, but I don't want to damage my gear.