The Sound Devices 833 is a portable 8-channel, 12-track field mixer and recorder for professional audio production in film, television, and documentary. It is a smaller, more portable version of the flagship Scorpio mixer, offering high-end processing and routing in a compact, durable frame.
Key features
- High-quality preamps and processing: The 833 features six ultra-low-noise microphone preamplifiers with 76 dB of maximum gain. It shares the same FPGA-based processing architecture as the Scorpio, providing 64-bit audio processing precision.
- Recording capabilities:
- Tracks: Records 8 isolated channels plus four buses for a total of 12 tracks simultaneously.
- Media: Records to an internal 256 GB SSD and two SD card slots for redundant recording. Files are saved in Broadcast WAV format.
- File format: The 833 can record files at a bit depth of 16, 24, or 32-bit float.
- Control and routing:
- Flexible routing: Any physical input can be routed to any track, and custom mixes can be sent to different outputs.
- User interface: Features a sunlight-readable color touchscreen for easy access to settings, complemented by tactile controls like faders, trim knobs, and PFL switches.
- Remote control: Supports remote operation via the SD-Remote app on Android and iOS devices, as well as with compatible USB MIDI controllers.
- Automixing and noise suppression:
- Dugan and MixAssist: Includes built-in Dugan Automixing for up to 8 channels, along with MixAssist, to automatically attenuate unused microphones in multi-mic setups.
- Optional plugins: Supports optional paid plugins for advanced noise suppression, such as NoiseAssist and CEDAR sdnx.
- Power and timecode:
- Dual power options: Can be powered by external DC input or dual L-Series batteries. It can also charge the L-Series batteries.
- Accurate timecode: Features a highly accurate timecode generator with multiple frame rate options and a LEMO jack for input and output.
Key accessories and add-ons
- +4 Plugin: An optional software plugin that adds four more fully-featured ISO channels and record tracks, increasing the 833's capabilities to 12 channels and 16 tracks.
- SL-2 Dual SuperSlot Wireless Module: Mounts to the top of the 833 to provide a cable-free solution for wireless audio, power, and timecode with compatible receivers.
- A20-QuickDock: A mounting plate that allows for quick and cable-free docking of the A20-Nexus receiver to the recorder.
- XL-AES: An 8-channel AES3 input expander for the 8-Series recorders.
- Sound bags: Bags like the Orca OR-330 are available to accommodate the 833 and other accessories.
Comparison with the Sound Devices 633
The Sound Devices 833 was introduced as an update to the older 633 field mixer. The 833 provides several significant upgrades:
- More inputs: The 833 has six mic preamps, compared to the 633's three mic and three line inputs.
- Internal storage: The 833 includes a built-in 256 GB SSD, a feature the 633 lacked.
- Redundant power: The 833 offers a redundant power system with dual L-mount battery slots and a built-in battery charger, an improvement over the 633's power options.
- Expanded features: The 833 provides enhanced features from the higher-end Scorpio line, such as more flexible routing and more powerful processing
