Sound Devices 552 Manual

552
Five-Channel Portable Production Mixer
with Integrated Recorder
User Guide and Technical Information
Sound Devices, LLC
300 Wengel Drive • Reedsburg, WI • USA
[phone] • fax: [phone]
Toll-Free: [phone]
www.sounddevices.com
[e-mail]

552 User Guide and Technical Information
1
Quick Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Front Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Rear Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Left Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . . .13
Right Panel Connectors and Controls . . . . .14
Top and Bottom Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Input Setup and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mic/Line Selection
Phantom Power
Gain - Trim and Fader Relationship
Input Trims
Input Faders
High-Pass Filters
Pan Control
Input Limiters
Input Polarity
Stereo Linking
Stereo Pair Linking
MS Pair Linking
Output Setup and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Direct Outputs
Master Gain Control
Master Outputs
XLR
Hirose 10-Pin
TA3
Tape Outputs
Mono Mic Outputs
AES Digital Outputs
Output Limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
LIM vs LINK
Digital Audio Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Recording Media
Recorder Controller
Record Mode
REC LED
File Format
WAV
MP3
Bit Depth
Bit Depth and Dynamic Range
Sampling Rate
Sampling Frequency and Audio Bandwidth
Time Code
Playback
Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Meter Ballistics
VU
Peak
Peak/VU -
Zoom Metering
Input Activity LED
Headphone Peak LED
Headphone Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Headphone Gain
Headphone Source Selection
Voice Navigation
Headphone Tones
Record Start and Stop Tones
Playback Navigation Tones
PFL (Channel Solo Monitor)
RTN A and B
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Internal Battery Powering
External Powering
Voltage Metering
Power Consumption
Tone Oscillator / Slate Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Tone Oscillator
Slate Microphone
Talk Back Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Time of Day/Date Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Mixer Linking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Linking 552 Mixers
Linking to Other Mixers
Linking to a 302 or 442
Linking to a MixPre
Accessing the Setup Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
User and Factory Settings
Setup Menu Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Front Panel Button Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Wave Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Warranty and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . .47
Table of Contents

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.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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Quickstart
Quick Start Guide
This Quick Start Guide provides a brief overview for first use of the 552.
1) Connect power.
For internal powering from AA batteries, unscrew the battery cap (counter-clock-
wise), insert four AA batteries (not included) positive (+) side first into the battery
tube. Thread the battery cap back on (clockwise). For external powering, connect a
DC powering source (not included) to the DC connector on the Right Panel.
External Power Supply (not included)
AA
+-AA +-AA +-AA +-
2) Connect analog microphone or line sources to the XLR inputs.
552 Left Panel
3) Connect headphones to either the 1/4-inch or the 3.5 mm headphone outputs.
552 Right Panel
4) Power On the mixer.
Slide the power switch to the INT position to power the mixer from AA batteries.
Slide the power switch to the EXT position to power the mixer from external DC.
Slide left for Internal AA Battery
Slide right for External DC Power

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.
Quickstart
5) Set Input Type – Mic or Line Level.
To select Mic or Line level input, hold an input’s PFL switch, then slide the SLATE
MIC/TONE switch to the left. The input’s LINE LED illuminates blue when set to
line level.
1) Hold the Input’s PFL. 2) Slide the SLATE MIC/TONE switch left.
6) Apply Phantom Power to an input requiring Phantom Power.
The 552 supplies 48 V to inputs set to receive phantom power (PH). Phantom Pow-
er can be set to 12 V in the Setup Menu. To apply phantom power, hold an input’s
PFL switch, then slide the SLATE MIC/TONE switch to the right. The input’s PH
LED illuminates blue when phantom power is applied.
1) Hold the Input’s PFL. 2) Slide the SLATE MIC/TONE switch right.
7) Select a headphone monitor mode using the Headphone Selector.
Stereo (Left and Right) Program
Right Program
Left Program
Stereo MS (mid-side)
Recording Source
Mono (summed left and right)
L
R
M
ST
MS ST
REC Source
MS Monitor Modes are useful to listen to left/right stereo when M and S signals are routed. When
inputs are linked as an MS pair in the Setup Menu use the ST (Stereo program) monitor mode; this will
already contain the decoded MS Stereo signal.
8) Set the headphone level.
Turn the Headphone Controller to set headphone levels. The set headphone level is
briefly indicated on the right output meter.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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Quickstart
9) Set Input Faders in use to unity gain (0 dB or 12 o’clock).
Faders not used should be set to off (full counter-clockwise position).
10) Set Input Trim Levels.
Push to release the recessed Trim (gain) Control. Turn the Trim Control clockwise to
raise the level of the input. Once the gain has been set, push the Trim Control again
to recess the control and remove it from the mixing surface. Use the Input Fader to
make fine level adjustments.
11) Route each input to either Left or Right Outputs using the Input Pan Control.
12) Set High-Pass Filters and Limiters.
Set the High-Pass Filter using the control adjacent to the Trim Control (full coun-
ter clockwise position is off). Activate the Limiters using the switch adjacent to the
Master Output Gain Control (Lim (dual Mono) Link (Stereo) applies to all inputs
and outputs).
13) Adjust LED Meter brightness.
Press and hold the Battery Check button while turning the Headphone Controller.

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.
Quickstart
14) Check Internal and External power levels.
Press the Battery Check button to display the internal and external power levels
on the Output Meter LEDs. The internal AA battery level is displayed on the left
meter and external DC voltage level is displayed on the right meter.
15) Connect the 552 outputs to the next device in the signal chain (audio recorder,
wireless transmitter, or camera).
Output levels are set (Line, -10, Mic) using the respective output’s attenuation
switch.
552 Right Panel
16) Set the next device in the signal chain’s input to receive the appropriate input
level.
17) Activate the 552’s Tone Generator.
Slide the SLATE MIC/TONE switch to the TONE position. Tone remains on if the
switch is held for two seconds; slide right again to turn off. A 1 kHz tone is gener-
ated and is sent out at 0 dB (level and frequency are menu-adjustable).
Slide left for Slate Mic
Slide right for Tone.
18) Adjust the input gain on the next device accordingly.
19) Connect return audio.
Connect the next device in the signal chain’s output to either the RTN A or RTN B
input of the 552. This will allow signal from that device to be monitored in the 552.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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Quickstart
552 Right Panel
20) Monitor return audio.
Slide the RTN A/RTN B switch left or right to hear return audio in the 552 head-
phones. For momentary action, hold the RTN A/RTN B for one second or longer.
Adjust the return level by turning the Headphone Controller while return monitor-
ing is active.
Slide left for Return A
Slide right for Return B
21) Insert an SD memory card into the back panel SD Slot.
Remove the protective rubber cover to access the SD memory card slot. Insert the
SD card into the slot until it sits securely in the slot. The card should glide smoothly
into the slot. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE. Push to eject.

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.
Quickstart
22)Controlling the Integrated Digital Recorder.
The Recorder Controller is used to Record, Stop, Playback, Rewind, Fast Forward,
and navigate through recorded files.
Press in to Stop
Push left to load the previous file.
Push left to Rewind during playback.
Push right to load the next file.
Push right to Fast Forward during playback.
Push down to playback the last recorded file or loaded file.
Push up to begin recording.
23) Setting the Time and Date Clock.
Press and hold the Battery Check button to announce the current time and date.
If an SD card is inserted the remaining record time available will precede the time
and date. The time and date may need to be reset. To enter the Time Date Set menu,
hold Input 5’s PFL then press the Battery Check button and the Headphone Con-
troller. Time Date Set is announced upon entry of the menu.
Turn the Headphone Controller to scroll through values. Values are announced as
you step through the menu. Values are also indicated by the number of LEDs lit.
The left meter indicates tens and the right meter indicates units. Press the Head-
phone Controller to save the selection and advance to the next unit of time. Units of
time are edited in the following order Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Month, Date, Year.
At anytime press the Battery Check button to exit the Time Date Set Menu. The new
time and date are announced upon exiting the Time Date Set Menu.
24) Making Changes in the Setup Menu.
Press and hold the Battery Check button then press the Headphone Controller. Turn
the Headphone Controller to scroll through the Setup Menu. Press the Headphone
Controller to enter a Function and to select options. Press any key to exit the Setup
Menu.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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Quickstart
1. Press and hold the Battery Check Button.
2. Press in on the Headphone Controller. 1.
2.
Turn to navigate through the Setup
Menu functions and options.
Press to enter Setup Menu functions, press again to
select and option and exit Setup Menu Function.
Right Meter LEDs indicates the
active option for the select Function.
Left Meter LEDs indicate Setup
Menu Functions.
Flashing LEDs indicate the selected
Setup Menu Function or option.
Solid LEDs indicate the active
Setup Menu Function or option.
The voice synthesizer announces Setup Menu Functions and options while scrolling through the menu.
25) Power Down the Mixer.
Slide the power switch to the center position to power down.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
10
Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Front Panel Descriptions
All 552 settings are accessed and controlled from the Front Panel. This allows the unit to be placed in
a production bag along while having complete control of the unit.
1
2 3 24 25 2726 28 29 30
12 20 21 22 23
19
13 14 15 16
46 7 8 119 10 17 18 5
1) Input Fader
Primary control for adjusting the level
of each input during operation. Ranges
from Off to +15 dB. Nominal setting is in
the middle (0 dB).
2) Gain (Trim)
Coarse input gain control. Sets the initial
input sensitivity level so that the Input
Fader can be used for fine gain adjust-
ments. Range is from +22 dB to +72 dB.
See Input Setup and Control.
3) High-Pass Filter Control
Adjusts corner (-3 dB) frequency of
high-pass filter. Full counter-clockwise
position (detented) deactivates the
High-Pass Filter. Range is 80-240 Hz,
12dB/oct to 6 dB/oct. See Input Setup
and Control.
4) PFL/Input Solo Switch
Pre-Fade Listen. Sends the input’s
pre-fade signal to headphones for solo
monitoring, troubleshooting, and gain
setting. Does not affect Master Output
signal. Slide the switch left to activate,
and again to deactivate. For momentary
action, hold the switch left for one sec-
ond or longer. An input’s Status LEDs
flash when the input’s is actively soled
in the headphone monitor. The Input
PFL Switch is also used to make changes
to several input settings. See Input Setup
and Control.
5) Input Signal LED
Indicates input signal activity. LEDs illu-
minate in various colors and intensities
to show signal level and activity. Green
= signal presence (pre-fader), yellow =
limiter activity (pre- and post-fade), red
= signal overload / clipping (pre- and
post-fade). See Metering.
6) Mic/Line LED
When lit indicates the input type is set
to Line level. To toggle between Mic and
Line settings, hold the input PFL then
slide the Slate Mic/Tone Switch to the
Slate position.
7) PH/Phantom LED
Illuminates when Phantom Power is
being applied to the select input. To
toggle Phantom Power on and off, hold
the select input’s PFL then slide the Slate
Mic/Tone switch to the Tone position.
Phantom Power voltage is selectable in
the Setup Menu between 12 and 48 V (48
V is Factory Default). The select voltage
is applied across all inputs with the PH
LED illuminated.
8) MS LED
Illuminates blue when Inputs are linked
as an MS pair. Stereo linking configu-
rations are set in the Setup Menu. See
Stereo Linking.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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9) Link LED
Illuminates blue when Inputs are linked
as a stereo pair. Stereo linking configu-
rations are set in the Setup Menu. See
Stereo Linking.
10) Channel Pan
Controls the Left/Right balance of the
input signal to the outputs.
11) Input Polarity
Illuminates blue when the Input’s polar-
ity is reversed. To toggle the state of the
input polarity, hold the select input’s
PFL then press the Battery Check button.
Channels 2 and 4 only.
12) Zoom LED
Illuminates blue when the Output Meter
is in Zoom Mode. Zoom Mode allows
the user to view higher resolution in the
0 to 20 dBu range on the Output Meter.
To toggle Zoom on and off, press in on
the Headphone Controller. The Zoom
Function is defeated in the Setup Menu
Function Meter Ballistics. See Metering.
13) Time Code LED
The LED flashes blue when Time Code
has been enabled in the Setup Menu.
The LED Illuminates solid blue when
a valid time code signal is detected on
the RTN B TA3 connector. Time code is
stamped to files generated by the 552.
See Time Code.
14) AES Out LED
Illuminates blue when one or more
of the XLR outputs is set in the Setup
Menu to send out an AES digital signal.
See Digital Outputs.
15) Output Meter
42 segment output meter. Resolution is
normally -30 to +20 dB. In Zoom Mode
resolution ranges from 0 to 20 dB. For
Peak setting, the markings indicate out-
put level (at line-level) in dBu. For VU
setting, markings indicate Volume Units.
To engage Zoom mode, press in on the
Headphone Controller. See Metering.
16) Recorder Controller
Controls the Integrated Digital Re-
corder. Record Mode is enabled in the
Setup Menu. When enabled, push up to
Record, press in to Stop, push down to
Play, push left to Rewind, push right to
Fast Forward. See Recorder.
17) Record LED
Indicates state of the SD media when
Recorder is enabled. Flashes yellow
when no media is inserted. Illuminates
solid yellow when media is actively
reading or writing. Illuminates solid red
while recording, flashes red when record
is pending. Illuminates solid green while
in playback mode. Flashes green while
playback is paused.
18) Slate/Tone LED
Illuminates yellow when either the slate
mic or tone is latched on.
19) Slate Mic/Tone Switch
Slide left to activate the Slate Micro-
phone, slide again to deactivate. For
momentary action hold for one second
or longer. Hold an input’s PFL and
slide the Slate Mic/Tone switch to the
Slate Mic position to toggle the selected
input’s Mic/Line setting.
Slide Slate Mic/Tone switch right to acti-
vate the Tone Oscillator. Tone will latch
if held for 2 seconds or longer, slide
again to deactivate. Hold an input’s PFL
and slide the Slate Mic/Tone switch to
the Tone position to toggle the selected
input’s Phantom Power on and off. See
Tone Oscillator/Slate Mic. See also Talk Back
for additional features.
20) Limiter LED
Illuminates yellow when the Output
Limiter is active. See Output Limiter.
21) Power LED
Illuminates green when the 552 is on.
The LED turns yellow when low volt-
age point is reached, flashes red when
voltage drops below the set threshold.
External DC reference is set in the Setup
Menu. See Powering.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
12
Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Front Panel Descriptions cont.
1
2 3 24 25 2726 28 29 30
12 20 21 22 23
19
13 14 15 16
46 7 8 119 10 17 18 5
22) Power Switch
Three-position switch, selects between
internal battery power or external DC
sources, middle position is Off.
23) Battery Check Button
Press to display INT and EXT battery
levels on the Output Meter. Secondary
function acts as shift key for various
front panel features. Press and hold for
three seconds to hear remaining record
time and current time of day. Continue
to hold to enter Time and Date Setup
Menu. Announcements are disabled in
Record Mode.
24) Master Output Level Control
Controls the overall signal level of the
Master Stereo Outputs. Adjustable from
off to +6 dB. See Outputs.
25) Limiter Switch
Activates both Input and Output Limit-
ers. When LIM is selected, the Output
Limiters act independently on each
Left and Right Outputs. When LINK is
selected, the Output Limiters are linked
and limiting is applied evenly across the
Stereo Outputs. See Limiter.
26) RTN A/B LED
Indicates the input activity for each
RTN, respectively. The LEDs illuminate
in various colors and intensities to repre-
sent the state of each RTN input. Green
= RTN signal activity, Red = signal over-
load / clipping, Flashing Yellow = RTN
is active. See RTN.
27) RTN A/B Switch
Two-position momentary switch. Slide
left for RTN A, slide right for RTN B.
Slide again to deactivate. For momen-
tary action, hold for one second or
longer. Return program is sent to the
headphone monitor. While holding the
return switch, turn the Headphone Con-
troller to adjust RTN A and RTN B levels
respectively. See RTN A and B..
See RTN Loopback Mode and Time Code for
additional features.
28) Monitor Selection Switch
Selects program sent to the headphone
monitor. ST = Stereo program, M =
Mono summed mix of Left and Right
program, L = mono mix of Left program,
R = mono mix of Right program, MS
ST = decoded MS Stereo, REC Source =
program routed to the recording circuit.
See Headphones.
29) Headphone Peak LED
Illuminates red when the headphone
monitor is approaching clip levels.
30) Headphone Controller
Controls headphone gain. Secondary
functions include Setup Menu control,
Zoom Mode, LED Brightness adjust-
ment, and Return levels control.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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Rear Panel Descriptions
1
1) SD Slot
Remove the protective rubber cover to
access the SD (Secure Digital) memory
card slot. Insert the SD/SDHC card into
the slot until it sits securely in the slot.
The card should glide smoothly into the
slot. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE.
To remove the card, push to eject. MMC
and SDXC cards are not supported.
Left Panel Connectors and Controls
1
2
1) XLR Analog Inputs Channels 1-5
Active-balanced analog microphone- or
line-level inputs 1-5 on XLR connectors.
Pin-1 ground, pin-2 (+), pin-3 (−). For
unbalanced inputs, pin 1 and pin 3 tied
together = ground, pin 2 = positive. See
Input Setup and Control.
2) TA3M-type Direct Outputs
Balanced direct outputs. Output pro-
gram is Pre- or Post-Fade audio (Setup
Menu selectable), Slate Mic, and Tone.
Output level is selected in the Setup
Menu between Mic, -10, and Line levels.
Pin-1 = Ground; pin-2 = ‘Hot’(+); pin-3 =
‘Cold’ (-) float pin-3 to unbalance.

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.
Right Panel Connectors and Controls
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14
1) Mono Mic Out
Unbalanced mono mic-level output on
3.5 mm female connector, designed to
connect to wireless IFB transmitters
or transcription recorders. Tip = Hot,
Sleeve = Ground.
2) Tape Out
Unbalanced stereo outputs on 3.5 mm
female connector. Sleeve = Ground, Tip
= Left, Ring = Right.
3) RTN B In
Unbalanced stereo 3.5 mm female con-
nector for Return B audio input. Sleeve
= Ground, Tip = Left, Ring = Right. See
RTN B and RTN Loopback Mode.
4) 10-Pin Output Level Switch
Selects output level for the Hirose 10-Pin
Output between Mic, -10, or Line levels.
5) Hirose 10-Pin Output (Return A)
10-pin connector includes second master
output (transformer-isolated from the
XLR outputs) and unbalanced stereo
Return A. Mates with Sound Devices
XL-10. See Accessories.
6) RTN B / TC In TA3
Unbalanced stereo TA3-type input
connector for Return B audio. Pin-1 =
Ground, pin-2 = Left, pin-3 = Right. Also
used as a Time Code Input. Time Code
pin 1 = ground, pin-2 = signal, pin-3 =
not connected. See Time Code.
7) TA3M-type Master Outputs
Mic, -10, or Line-level selected in the
Setup Menu. Pin-1 = Ground, pin-2 =
Hot (+), pin-3 = Cold (-) float pin-3 to
unbalance.
8) Tape Output TA3
Unbalanced tape-level stereo output on
TA3-type connector. Pin-1 = Ground,
pin-2 = Left, pin-3 = Right.
9) Link I/O
Used to link MixPre, 302, 442, and 552
mixers. See Mixer Linking.
10) Headphone Outputs
1/4-inch and 3.5 mm stereo connectors,
drive headphones from 8-2000 ohm
impedances. 3.5 mm connection can be
used as a boom operator send, set in
the Setup Menu. See Talk Back Mode for
details.
11) XLR Output Level
Sets the nominal output level for the
Left and Right XLR Master Output to
Mic, -10, or Line levels.
12) XLR Master Outputs
Transformer-balanced outputs. Pin-1 =
Ground; pin-2 = Hot (+); pin 3 = Cold
(-). Unbalance by grounding pin-3 to
pin-1 of the XLR connector. Can be set to
send out AES digital signals in the Setup
Menu. See AES Digit Outputs.
13) Battery Compartment
Holds four AA batteries required for
internal powering. Accepts alkaline,
lithium, or NiHM rechargeable cells.
14) DC Input
Accepts DC voltages from 10–18 V for
mixer powering. 4-pin Hirose connector
is wired pin-1 negative (–), pin-4 = posi-
tive (+). Ext DC is completely isolated
(floating) from the rest of the circuitry.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
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Top and Bottom Panels
1 2
1) Top and Bottom Panels
Made of molded carbon fiber, this highly
specialized composite has nearly identi-
cal strength-to-weight properties as
die-cast magnesium. Additionally, the
material also has natural RF shielding
abilities similar to aluminum.
2) Product Badge
The product badge on the bottom panel
can be covered with a customized iden-
tity tag. The label place holder on the
bottom panel conforms to the 4” x 1.33”
Avery label #5162 standard. Third party
software for Avery label #5162 templates
are available online.

552 User Guide and Technical Information
16
Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Input Setup and Control
The 552’s inputs consist of five, full-featured microphone preamplifiers. Each input has a wide gain
range to accommodate nearly all signal types. The 552 easily accepts signals from low-sensitivity
ribbon and dynamic microphones, medium-level wireless and condenser mic outputs, and “hot”
line-level signals.
The XLR inputs of the 552 are transformer-balanced. The isolation characteristics of transformers are
superior to other balancing techniques and are ideal for the hostile and uncontrolled environments
of field production. Transformers provide galvanic isolation from the driving source, meaning there
is no direct electrical connection. Signals are “transformed” magnetically. The input transformers in
the 552 use premium magnetic core material to achieve high signal handling capability (especially at
low frequencies) while keeping distortion to a minimum. Because of their inherently high common
mode impedance, transformers are unrivaled by any other type of input for common-mode noise
rejection.
The inputs of the 552 can be used as balanced or unbalanced. When unbalancing, ground pin-3 to
pin-1 of the XLR connector. There is no change in gain between unbalanced and balanced connec-
tions into the 552.
Mic/Line Selection
Mic or Line indicates the general input level for each input channel. Taking into account all gain
stages, the 552 has 93 dB of available gain from Mic input to Line output. When inputs are set to the
LINE position, the input sensitivity is reduced by 40 dB.
The selected channel is set to receive a line level input when the Line LED adjacent to the input’s PFL
is illuminated. To toggle between Mic/Line levels, hold the respective input’s PFL and then slide the
Slate Mic/Line switch to the Slate position.
1) Hold the Input’s PFL. 2) Slide the SLATE MIC/TONE switch left.
Phantom Power
Phantom powering is a fixed DC voltage of either 12 or 48 Volts. This voltage is resistively applied
to pin-2 and pin-3 of an XLR connector relative to pin-1. There is no voltage difference between the
signal pins-2 and -3.

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The amount of voltage applied is selectable between 12 and 48 Volts in the Setup Menu. The select
voltage level is applied across all inputs where phantom power is enabled. Phantom power voltage
is 48V at factory default. See Setup Menu.
Phantom power can be activated individually, for each input. To enable or disable Phan-
tom Power, press and hold the respective input’s PFL then slide the Slate Mic/Tone switch to
the Tone position. The respective input’s PH LED will illuminate when Phantom is enabled.
1) Hold the Input’s PFL. 2) Slide the SLATE MIC/TONE switch right.
Phantom power is only applied to Mic level inputs at factory default. Phantom Power can be applied
to both Mic- and Line-Level inputs in the Setup Menu. This is useful when using microphones in
high SPL environments.
Make certain to disable phantom power with Line-level output devices susceptible to damage from DC.
The 552 can provide up to 10 mA to each input at 48 V, sufficient for the most power-hungry con-
denser microphones. Many phantom powered microphones do not require 48 V and can be properly
powered with 12 V. When acceptable, use 12 V phantom to extend the 552’s battery life.
If Phantom Power is not required, for instance with dynamic microphones, it is best practice to dis-
able it. Phantom power can capacitively couple noise into the mic inputs with poor mic cables. When
disabled, no voltage is applied to the microphone input. Do not apply power to ribbon microphones,
improperly wired cables can permanently damage the microphone.
Gain - Trim and Fader Relationship
The gain of an input is adjusted by two controls, its Input Trim and its Input Fader. This two-stage
control is identical the to topology of mixing consoles and provides a great deal of flexibility. Input
Trim is often thought of as a course gain control and the Input Fader as the fine gain control.
Input Trims
The 552’s input sensitivity is set with the Trim control. With the Input Fader set to unity gain (0 dB
or 12 o’clock), make the appropriate adjustments using the Trim control. Once the gain is set to the
desired level, recess the Trim control to hide it from the 552’s mixing surface. Trim level is adjustable
from 22 to 72 dB of gain.

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Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Input Faders
The Input Fader is the primary control used during mixing operation. Use the Input Fader to make
fine gain adjustments during operation. The fader can be attenuated from off (full counter-clockwise
position) to +15 dB above the set Trim level (full clockwise position). To optimize gain structure for
the best noise performance operate input faders at or near the 0, or unity gain position.
High-Pass Filters
Each input channel has an adjustable high-pass filter. High-pass (or low-cut/low roll-off) filters
are useful for removing excess low frequency energy from audio signals. Wind noise is a common
unwanted low frequency signal that can be reduced with the use of a high-pass filter. For most audio
applications engaging the high-pass filter is beneficial, because audio information below 100 Hz is
rarely used, especially for speech reproduction.
The 552’s high-pass filter circuit features an adjustable corner (-3 dB) frequency over a range from 80
to 240 Hz. Below 80 Hz, the filter’s slope is 12 dB/octave. At higher corner frequency settings, the
slope is 6 dB/octave. See Specifications. The purpose for this compound slope is to give additional
roll-off at the 80 Hz setting to reduce wind noise and low frequency rumble. The higher settings can
be used to counteract the proximity effect of directional microphones where a more gentle slope is
desired.
When engaged or disengaged, the high-pass filter gradually fades into the selected state. This pre-
vents sudden obvious pops in the audio.
The 552’s high-pass filter circuit is unique because of its placement before any electronic amplifica-
tion. Most mixer’s high-pass filter circuits are placed after the microphone preamplifier, where all of
the high-energy low-frequency signals get amplified. By virtue of the 552’s circuit cutting the low-
frequency signals before amplifying, higher headroom is achieved in presence of signals with a lot of
low-frequency energy.
When possible, attempt to equalize at the sound source with microphone selection, placement,
windscreens, and onboard microphone filtering. Many microphones have on-board high pass filters.
Use the high-pass filters on the 552 in conjunction with the microphone’s filter to increase the filter’s
slope.
The filter can be removed from the circuit completely by moving the high-pass filter control to the
full counter-clockwise (detented) position. The high-pass filter potentiometer can be adjusted easily
and then recessed to hide it from the mixing surface.
Pan Control
The Pan control routes inputs to the left and right outputs. For most applications, the channel will be
panned either hard-left, hard-right, or center. The pan pot has a detent in the center position. After
setting the pan, the pan control can be recessed to hide it from the mixing surface during normal
operation.