WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIC AND LINE LEVEL?
Level refers to the relative strength of the signal and is measured in decibels. LINE level sources are much-amplified signals over MIC (microphone) level signals. LINE level is normally -10 dBV for consumer gear and +4 dBu for pro gear while MIC levels are normally -60 dBu for dynamic microphones and -35 dBu for condenser microphones.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PASSIVE AND ACTIVE?
Passive simply means that no external power is required to operate the device. Our passive adapters use shielded transformers to convert the balanced input signals from XLR connected mics to an unbalanced output for connection to the camera. The beauty about passive circuitry is that it is completely noise free for pure, clean sound. However, it does not provide any amplification so it requires that the source signal be sufficiently strong enough to drive the recording device adequately. Active means there is powered circuitry to provide amplification or other processing to the source signal. This of course requires power to operate. The advantage of using active circuitry is the clean amplification it can provide to replace the noisy amplification in the camera for an improved signal to noise ratio.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BALANCED AND UNBALANCED?
Most professional audio devices are connected via balanced cables to minimize pickup of stray electrical noise. Consumer audio devices use unbalanced cables and are very prone to picking up noise, especially at low signal levels from devices such as microphones. Balanced circuits have an inherent ability to only pass audio signals and reject unwanted noise. Balanced refers to the fact that there are two symmetrical signal lines and one ground, while unbalanced uses just one signal line in reference to ground. Normally, XLR connectors are used in most balanced devices while unbalanced consumer gear normally use mini-plug connectors.
WHAT IS MEANT BY LOW IMPEDANCE?
Impedance is an electrical term that refers to how much a device impedes the flow of current and is measured in ohms. While there is no set standard, low impedance usually refers to a range of between 150 and 600 ohms. Most professional audio microphones are low impedance. Our adapters are designed to work with any low impedance source.
WHAT DEVICES CAN I CONNECT TO THE ADAPTERS?
For our passive devices, we recommend sensitive condenser type microphones or wireless receivers for the best results. Any line level source from audio mixers or sound boards can also be connected, simply activate the built-in attenuator switch. Our active devices allow you to connect virtually any microphone.
WHAT ABOUT THE SOUND QUALITY?
The performance of all of our adapters meets broadcast quality and far exceeds that of any camcorder of DSLR camera in terms of frequency response, noise and distortion. This means that your sound quality is determined solely by the quality of microphones and cameras that you have and knowing how to use them properly.
HOW DO I REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF HISS I HEAR IN MY DSLR CAMERA?
Hiss is a common problem with most of today’s DSLR cameras. The front ends tend to be noisy which can lead to excessive hiss if the levels are not set right. The simple fact is that the higher the gain of the camera preamplifiers, the higher the hiss. The solution obviously is to reduce the noisy gain in the camera and replace it with the very clean gain of our active adapters that have built-in low noise preamplifiers. When no amplification is required, as when using wireless mics or taking a feed from a mixing board, our passive DXA-SLR PURE can be used.
HOW DO I GET MY BEACHTEK PRODUCT REPAIRED?
Should you require service on any BeachTek product, please complete the Return Authorization Request. Shortly thereafter, you will be sent an RMA form with a unique RMA number to be included with your returned device. Products covered under the two year warranty will be replaced or repaired free of charge. For non warranty items a flat rate will apply depending upon the product.
CAN I BUY PRODUCTS DIRECTLY FROM YOU?
Yes! In addition to our world wide dealer network, you can contact us directly where you can purchase any of our products. We also occasionally have reconditioned products that you can purchase from us at very attractive prices. These items are fully refurbished and come with the same two year warranty as our new products. Please contact us if you are interested in any of these items.
CAN I ATTACH THE ADAPTER TO THE CAMERA AND A TRIPOD?
Yes, all of our bottom mounted adapters mount securely to the underside of the camera and also have a threaded insert on the bottom to mount to any standard tripod.
Downloads – Manuals
- Battery Manual
- DXA-SLR ULTRA Operating Manual
- DXA-SLR MINI Operating Manual
- DXA-SLR PURE Operating Manual
- DXA-POCKET Manual
- DXA-CONNECT Operating Manual
- DXA-BMD Operating Manual
- MCC-2 Instructions
- DXA-SLR PRO Manual
- DXA-2T Manual V02
- DXA-SLR Manual V07
- DXA-HDV Manual V06