Beachtek DXA-4 User Guide

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Specifications

Input Level MIC setting: -35 dBu ideal

-6 dBu max
LINE setting: 0 dBu ideal
+36 dBu max

Output Level nominal MIC levels

Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 KHz (+/- 3 dB)

Case Powder coated aluminum

Dimensions 5.25" L x 2.75" W x 1.25" H

Weight 12 oz

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Warranty

Product is warranted for one full year from date of purchase for parts and labor.

In the event of a problem please contact us first before returning the unit for
repair or replacement.

BeachTek Inc.

2120 Queen Street East, Suite 300

Toronto, Ontario M4E 1E2

tel [phone] • fax [phone]

email [e-mail]

web www.beachtek.com

BeachTek

Operating Instructions for the DXA-4 and DXA-4P Adapters

• Before using this high quality device, please read this operating manual thoroughly to
obtain the highest performance.

• Please contact us if you have any problems or questions.

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Description

The BeachTek DXA-4 is a two channel, transformer balanced XLR adapter for the Sony VX2100
and FX1 camcorders. The DXA-4P is identical in features but designed for a perfect fit on the
Canon GL1 or GL2. These adapters are designed to easily attach balanced or unbalanced type
microphones to your camcorder. The DXA-4 and DXA-4P gives you all the benefits of using
balanced audio devices for clean audio as well as control over the signal levels to ensure the best
possible sound recording.

The adapters are very easy to set up and use. Their rugged construction ensures years of use
and the compact size fits neatly under the camcorder - can also be mounted to any standard
tripod. Since the adapters are passive devices, they are completely silent and the premium
transformers ensure superb audio.

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Features

Inputs

• Two transformer balanced XLR connectors

• One unbalanced mini-jack – ideal for wireless microphones

Output

• Unbalanced stereo cable, terminating in a right angled, gold-plated mini-plug

• Selectable MONO or STEREO

Trim Controls

• Adjusts signal level on each channel from unity to no output

MIC / LINE Switches

• Switchable input between MIC or LINE levels for versatility

Balancing Transformers

• Premium wide-bandwidth transformers for superb audio

• Shielded in a custom deep drawn mu-metal cover for very quiet operation

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Product Description

The DXA-4 (DXA-4P) Dual XLR Adapter allows you to attach two balanced XLR audio
devices to your camcorder. Each input signal is sent to a MIC/LINE switch to allow
you to set the proper level, then to an audio control to adjust attenuation. The balanced
input signal is then converted to an unbalanced output through an impedance
matching transformer. Finally, the output signal is sent through an attached shielded
cable terminating in a stereo mini-plug that connects to your camcorder’s microphone
jack.

The auxiliary input allows you to attach wireless microphones that use standard mini­plug connectors. This signal is sent to the right channel.

A switch lets you select between stereo or mono operation. For stereo operation, the
adapter sends the left input signal to the left channel and the right input to the right
channel. The two channels are never mixed allowing you to access both channels
during editing for maximum versatility. For mono operation, both channels are mixed
together - ideal when using only one audio source to give you two channel recording.

We recommend the use of sensitive condenser type microphones for the best results.
Dynamic microphones usually do not have sufficient output levels and may result in an
excessive amount of hiss from the high level of amplification necessary by the
camera’s audio preamps. Microphones with a sensitivity rating of greater than -40 dBV
are ideal.

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Operation

Mounting and Connection

Mount the DXA-4 securely to the tripod bushing on the under side of your camcorder.
Connect the cable from the DXA-4 to the camcorder’s microphone jack. Be sure to set
the input of the camera to “MIC”. The camcorder’s onboard microphone should now be
disabled. You are now ready to attach external audio devices to the adapter.

AUX Input

To attach audio devices with mini-jack connectors, use the AUX input on the adapter.
This sends the signal to the right input and you should therefore disconnect any cables
from the right XLR connector to avoid interference.

MONO / STEREO Switch

Normally you would use the STEREO position when recording from two audio sources
and MONO when using a single sound source. When in MONO mode, be sure to keep
the volume control for the unused channel fully clockwise to reduce the loading effect
on the working channel.

MIC / LINE Switches

To connect a microphone to either channel of the DXA-4, set the corresponding
MIC/LINE switch to MIC. To connect a line level output from a mixer to the DXA-4, set
the MIC/LINE switch to LINE to activate a 40 dB pad. This attenuates the signal to the
proper level so that it will not overdrive the input of your camcorder.

Trim Controls

Camcorders use automatic gain control (AGC) to adjust the optimum audio level for
recording. If your camcorder has no way of disabling this feature, the adapter can still
be used to adjust the input levels but will not override the AGC circuitry. The DXA-4
trim controls should normally be set as high as possible to achieve the maximum
signal to noise ratio. If necessary, adjust either the left or right trim control to balance
both inputs so they are of equal amplitude. Try to avoid adjusting the trim controls on
the adapter while recording as this may introduce contact noise from turning the
potentiometers - instead, set the levels prior to recording.

If your camcorder allows you to switch the AGC off, you can use this option for manual
control over the audio levels. For the best signal to noise performance, the trim
controls on the DXA-4 should normally be set as high as possible. If necessary, adjust
either the left or right volume control to balance both inputs so they are of equal
amplitude. Then set the desired recording level with the manual level control on the
camcorder. Use this same control (not the adapter controls) to ride the levels during
recording.

As a guide, the recording levels should be no higher than -12 dBFS (-12 dBV below
maximum). Please refer to your camcorder’s user manual for more information on
setting the proper recording levels.

Record
You are now ready to record your audio. With the use of a quality professional
microphone, you should be able to get very clean audio for superb sound. Happy
recording!

©2005 BeachTek Inc.