New firmware for Sound Devices 552 5-channel mixer with 2-track recorder

Sound Devices 552 Mixer firmware revision 1.20 provides the following new features and and bug fixes:

• addition - Input Mute from Mix. Using the front panel shortcut HP press + Input PFL an input can be removed from the Master Output bus. The input still appears at its direct output and if selected as an option for AES output.
• change - Input PFL now indicated with a flashing yellow input LED. Original indication was solid yellow.
• change - in the absence of a time code signal, timecode & speed related metadata is not written. This is to prevent Final Cut Pro from introducing unintended sound file speed changes. The 552 continues to write the time-of-day value as a start time code stamp in bEXT when when time code is absent.
• view the documentation for firmware revision 1.20 here.

Sound Devices has released the 552 mixer / recorder. Is this what you have been waiting for? A 5 -channel mixer with 2-channel on-board recorder. It's the same size as the 442 mixer but lighter with a carbon fibre top and bottom panel.

Features include:

• Five high-performance microphone inputs with two-stage gain control, limiter, variable high-pass, and solo monitoring
• Pre- or post-fader direct outputs per input
• Multiple, balanced output connections, including XLR, Hirose 10-pin, and TA3
• AES/EBU output option, two connections for four channels of digital output, sampling rates up to 96 kHz
• Integrated digital recorder with simple control records to SD or SDHC media
• Records two tracks of uncompressed Broadcast WAV up to 96 kHz sampling, or compressed MP3 files
• Accepts time code input to time-stamp recorded audio files
• Flexible metering modes, including zoom metering for high precision near 0 dBfs
• Voice-confirmation appear in headphones for critical operational information and when navigating Setup Menu
• Lightweight design uses metalized, molded carbon fiber top and bottom panels for durability and strength
• Front panel is gasketed for protection from weather
• Powered by four-AA batteries or external 10-18 VDC
•  Five high-performance microphone inputs with two-stage gain control, limiter, variable high-pass, and solo monitoring