Rolls MX422 Field Mixer 4-channel with Meters and Tones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've looked high and low for a decent review on the Rolls MX422 field mixer. They're not there, so here's my take on the product. Many comments I've read on the WEB are by non Rolls users, some have never seen nor used the unit in person so it was difficult for me to find them credible. I own a Rolls MX422. It's here in front of me now as I write.
Housing: The Rolls is simple & well built in a steel case, but it's not 100% waterproof sealed, then again I don't believe most mixers are. Cosmetically it looks better in person than in the pictures.
Meters: The meters are easy to see and read unless you're blind. They light up with a soft blue glow and orange needles instantly tell you where you're at. They're calibrated at the factory & their accuracy is ok, certainly good enough to set levels to camera and recorder and provide confidence. I prefer these std. VU meters to other styles and find them appropiate for analog mixing. But I've been recording for 30 + years so I'm comfortable with them.
Volume knobs: Smooth & easy to access and feels solid.
Pan: Each channel has a varible pan knob on the front panel.
Sound quality: The sound is decent & clean. There are better mixers (Sound devices, Wendt, ...) but you pay more for them. It works well with an video cameras such as, DVX, HVX, Canon, JVC, Sony, etc...
Power: It has two 9V batteries, but only one is used at a time. You push a button in between the middle of the two meters and it instantly tells you your battery level. When one gets low, on back is a switch for changing to the other battery without shutting down the mixer. Simply & reliable.
Limiter: It affects all inputs and is varible. It's ok, once again not the best but it does the job. The more expensive mixers have a limiter on each channel. This one is nice because it's variable so you can tweak it and find the right spot.
Gain: I wish it was a little hotter. The output should be a little better, but it still works well enough. You'll get a good recording. On back there is a gain control for each channel for setting input levels.
Back Panel Access: The 4 xlr inputs and two xlr outpus go here. It would be better if they put them on the side for access. Also there is a 100Hz cut button for each of the 4 channels and a phantom power button also. These can be a challenge to access and remember for some people, but it's something that is often set and left alone.
Slate: Located next to the left meter, just push & talk into the built in mic, it adds a 20hz tone also.
1kHz tone: Also near the left meter, just button push to send tone.
Head Phones: Two jacks are provided, 1/4 & 1/8 stereo on the front panel along with a volume control and a main monitor switch for switching to a second input feed.
Professionalism: The Rolls is a decent basic mixer. Some say it's not pro gear, I'll go with that, but it doesn't cost & arm and a leg, so if you want an inexpensive solidly built field mixer that delivers decent clean audio, then it's good enough.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rolls MX422 Field Mixer 4-channel with Meters and Tones

Get 30% OFF