552 User Guide and Technical Information
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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the 552 Mixer. It is the next evolutionary step in professional, portable
audio mixers. With a core design based on the legendary 442, it contains countless improvements
and added flexibility.
Developed with insight from the industry’s top audio engineers, the 552 Field Mixer encompasses
the audio performance, feature set, and mechanical construction demanded by those who rely on
audio gear for their livelihood. The 552 contains five high-performance microphone preamplifiers,
multiple outputs including AES outputs, comprehensive monitoring, and a high-quality built-in
audio recorder. Its input and output flexibility, including pre- or post- fade direct outputs on each
channel, make the 552 at home in small “run-and-gun” applications as well as large, multiple input
productions.
The 552 incorporates a complete feature-set into a compact, functional design. 552 features are ac-
cessible from the three main surfaces. The Setup Menu can be accessed at anytime to make changes
to various parameters. The highly efficient circuitry allows the mixer to be powered by either four
internal AA batteries or external 10-18 VDC.
With a two-track recorder on-board, sound mixers can rest assured that audio is being recorded
locally. The 552 records polyphonic Broadcast Wave or MP3 files to removable, Secure Digital (SD)
cards.
The 552, like all Sound Devices professional audio products, is designed to withstand the physical
and environmental extremes inherent to field production. Its compact construction strikes the perfect
balance between performance, accessible controls, and durability.
Copyright Notice and Release
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the expressed written permission of SOUND DEVICES,
LLC. SOUND DEVICES is not responsible for any use of this information.
SOUND DEVICES, LLC shall not be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses
incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or
alterations to this product, or failure to strictly comply with SOUND DEVICES, LLC’s operating and installation instructions.
Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer. Other
product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The sound waves logo is a registered trademark of Sound Devices, LLC.
